Days after designating a chief compliance officer, Twitter Inc's India unit appointed a resident grievance officer&nbsp;to meet new IT rules in the country. 
 
On Sunday, the US&nbsp;social media firm's website showed Vinay Prakash as the new grievance officer. It also&nbsp;gave his contact details and procedures for users to report potential violations of its terms. 
 
Twitter had told an Indian court on Thursday, it would appoint an interim grievance officer to comply with the new rules. It had also said it planned to make a final appointment for the job in eight weeks. 
 
The new IT rules, which became effective end-May, are aimed at regulating content on social media. It also looks to&nbsp;make firms act more swiftly on legal requests to remove posts and sharing details on the originators of messages. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Days after designating a chief compliance officer, Twitter Inc's India unit appointed a resident grievance officer to meet new IT rules in the country. On Sunday, the US social media firm's website showed Vinay Prakash as the new grievance officer.

Days after designating a chief compliance officer, Twitter Inc's India unit appointed a resident grievance officer to meet new IT rules in the country. On Sunday, the US social media firm's website showed Vinay Prakash as the new grievance officer. It also gave his contact details and procedures for users to report potential violations of its terms. Twitter had told an Indian court on Thursday, it would appoint an interim grievance officer to comply with the new rules. It had also said it planned to make a final appointment for the job in eight weeks. The new IT rules, which became effective end-May, are aimed at regulating content on social media. It also looks to make firms act more swiftly on legal requests to remove posts and sharing details on the originators of messages. (With inputs from agencies)

To comply with new rules, Twitter appoints grievance officer in India

Afghan Air Force Major Dastagir Zamaray had grown so fearful of Taliban assassinations of off-duty forces in Kabul that he decided to sell his home to move to a safer pocket of Afghanistan's sprawling capital.

Instead of being greeted by a prospective buyer at his realtor's office earlier this year, the 41-year-old pilot was confronted by a gunman, who walked inside and, without a word, fatally shot the real estate agent in the mouth.

Zamaray reached for his sidearm but the gunman shot him in the head. The father of seven collapsed dead on his 14-year-old son, who had tagged along. The boy was spared, but barely speaks anymore, his family says.

Zamaray “only went there because he personally knew the realtor and thought it was safe," Samiullah Darman, his brother-in-law, told Reuters. "We didn’t know that he would never come back."

At least seven Afghan pilots, including Zamaray, have been assassinated off base in recent months, according to two senior Afghan government officials. This series of targeted killings, which haven't been previously reported, illustrate what US&nbsp;and Afghan officials believe is a deliberate Taliban effort to destroy one of Afghanistan's most valuable military assets: its corps of US- and NATO-trained military pilots.

In so doing, the Taliban, who have no air force, are looking to level the playing field as they press major ground offensives. The militants are quickly seizing territory once controlled by the US-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani, raising fears they could eventually try to topple Kabul.

Reuters confirmed the identities of two of the slain pilots through family members. It could not independently verify the names of the other five who were allegedly targeted.

In response to questions from Reuters, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the group had killed Zamaray, and that it had started a programme that will see Afghan Air Force pilots 'targeted and eliminated because all of them do bombardment against their people'.

Afghanistan's government has not publicly disclosed the number of pilots assassinated in targeted killings. The nation's Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment. The Pentagon said it was aware of the deaths of several Afghan pilots in killings claimed by the Taliban, but declined comment on US&nbsp;intelligence and investigations.

Afghan military pilots are particularly attractive assassination targets, current and former US&nbsp;and Afghan officials say. They can strike Taliban forces massing for major attacks, shuttle commandos to missions and provide life-saving air cover for Afghan ground troops. Pilots take years to train and are hard to replace, representing an outsized blow to the country's defences with every loss.

Shoot-downs and accidents are ever-present risks. Yet these pilots often are most vulnerable in the streets of their own neighborhoods, where attackers can come from anywhere, said retired US&nbsp;Brigadier General David Hicks, who commanded the training effort for the Afghan Air Force from 2016 to 2017.

"Their lives were at much greater risk during that time (off base) than they were while they were flying combat missions," Hicks said.

Afghan Air Force Major Dastagir Zamaray had grown so fearful of Taliban assassinations of off-duty forces in Kabul that he decided to sell his home to move to a safer pocket of Afghanistan's sprawling capital.

Afghan Air Force Major Dastagir Zamaray had grown so fearful of Taliban assassinations of off-duty forces in Kabul that he decided to sell his home to move to a safer pocket of Afghanistan's sprawling capital. Instead of being greeted by a prospective buyer at his realtor's office earlier this year, the 41-year-old pilot was confronted by a gunman, who walked inside and, without a word, fatally shot the real estate agent in the mouth. Zamaray reached for his sidearm but the gunman shot him in the head. The father of seven collapsed dead on his 14-year-old son, who had tagged along. The boy was spared, but barely speaks anymore, his family says. Zamaray “only went there because he personally knew the realtor and thought it was safe," Samiullah Darman, his brother-in-law, told Reuters. "We didn’t know that he would never come back." At least seven Afghan pilots, including Zamaray, have been assassinated off base in recent months, according to two senior Afghan government officials. This series of targeted killings, which haven't been previously reported, illustrate what US and Afghan officials believe is a deliberate Taliban effort to destroy one of Afghanistan's most valuable military assets: its corps of US- and NATO-trained military pilots. In so doing, the Taliban, who have no air force, are looking to level the playing field as they press major ground offensives. The militants are quickly seizing territory once controlled by the US-backed government of President Ashraf Ghani, raising fears they could eventually try to topple Kabul. Reuters confirmed the identities of two of the slain pilots through family members. It could not independently verify the names of the other five who were allegedly targeted. In response to questions from Reuters, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the group had killed Zamaray, and that it had started a programme that will see Afghan Air Force pilots 'targeted and eliminated because all of them do bombardment against their people'. Afghanistan's government has not publicly disclosed the number of pilots assassinated in targeted killings. The nation's Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment. The Pentagon said it was aware of the deaths of several Afghan pilots in killings claimed by the Taliban, but declined comment on US intelligence and investigations. Afghan military pilots are particularly attractive assassination targets, current and former US and Afghan officials say. They can strike Taliban forces massing for major attacks, shuttle commandos to missions and provide life-saving air cover for Afghan ground troops. Pilots take years to train and are hard to replace, representing an outsized blow to the country's defences with every loss. Shoot-downs and accidents are ever-present risks. Yet these pilots often are most vulnerable in the streets of their own neighborhoods, where attackers can come from anywhere, said retired US Brigadier General David Hicks, who commanded the training effort for the Afghan Air Force from 2016 to 2017. "Their lives were at much greater risk during that time (off base) than they were while they were flying combat missions," Hicks said.

Afghan pilots assassinated by Taliban as US withdraws

As part of a drawn out and highly politicised process for Taiwan to access the shot,&nbsp;Taiwan chipmaker TSMC said on Sunday, it was in the middle of the contract signing process to buy COVID-19 vaccines from Germany's BioNTech SE. 
 
For months, Taiwan's government has tried to buy the coronavirus vaccine directly from BioNTech and has blamed China for nixing a deal the two sides were due to sign earlier this year. China, which claims the self-ruled island as its own territory, has denied the accusations. 
 
After facing public pressure over the slow pace of inoculation programme last month, the Taiwan&nbsp;government agreed to allow Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of Foxconn, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) to negotiate on its behalf for the vaccines, which would finally be donated to the country's government for distribution.

In a brief emailed statement, without elaborating,&nbsp;TSMC said,&nbsp;"There are multiple parties.&nbsp;We are in the middle of the contract signing process. We will make announcements once the process is completed." 
 
Gou's spokesperson, BioNTech and Fosun did not respond to requests for comment. 
 
While speaking to reporters later on Sunday, Premier Su Tseng-chang said that talks for the vaccine were ongoing. "Once there is an definite outcome, we'll naturally report it to everyone." 
 
A source briefed on the matter told Reuters that contract talks were 'not yet 100% complete', while another source said an announcement was expected this week.

(With inputs from agencies)

As part of a drawn out and highly politicised process for Taiwan to access the shot, Taiwan chipmaker TSMC said on Sunday, it was in the middle of the contract signing process to buy COVID-19 vaccines from Germany's BioNTech SE.

As part of a drawn out and highly politicised process for Taiwan to access the shot, Taiwan chipmaker TSMC said on Sunday, it was in the middle of the contract signing process to buy COVID-19 vaccines from Germany's BioNTech SE. For months, Taiwan's government has tried to buy the coronavirus vaccine directly from BioNTech and has blamed China for nixing a deal the two sides were due to sign earlier this year. China, which claims the self-ruled island as its own territory, has denied the accusations. After facing public pressure over the slow pace of inoculation programme last month, the Taiwan government agreed to allow Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of Foxconn, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) to negotiate on its behalf for the vaccines, which would finally be donated to the country's government for distribution. In a brief emailed statement, without elaborating, TSMC said, "There are multiple parties. We are in the middle of the contract signing process. We will make announcements once the process is completed." Gou's spokesperson, BioNTech and Fosun did not respond to requests for comment. While speaking to reporters later on Sunday, Premier Su Tseng-chang said that talks for the vaccine were ongoing. "Once there is an definite outcome, we'll naturally report it to everyone." A source briefed on the matter told Reuters that contract talks were 'not yet 100% complete', while another source said an announcement was expected this week. (With inputs from agencies)

TSMC is in the process of signing deal to buy COVID-19 vaccines from BioNTech

To fulfill his promise to 'level up' the country's economy,&nbsp;British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out next week plans to regenerate the country's high streets by expanding outdoor dining and investing more in sports facilities.

The prime minister has said he wants to tackle regional inequalities and make sure areas outside of the economic powerhouse, London, have more opportunities.&nbsp;Johnson had&nbsp;won 2019 elections, all thanks to voters in struggling regions of England.

In a speech next week, PM&nbsp;will explain how a new High Streets strategy will help local communities thrive&nbsp;by allowing dining on pavements, helping eateries to serve more customers. Under the plans, local sports facilities will receive a 25 million pound ($35 million) boost. 
 
A statement by his office said on Saturday, temporary permissions given to pubs during the pandemic, allowing them to serve 'takeaway pints' will also be extended for another year. 
 
"The Prime Minister is determined to level up the UK and deliver a fairer, stronger society,&nbsp;one where whatever your background and wherever you live, everyone can access the opportunities they need to succeed," a government spokesperson said in the statement. 
 
As part of his plan, Johnson has announced a series of urban renewal projects worth 830 million pounds in towns and cities away from London, as well as establishing of eight Freeports in England. He also&nbsp;backs green technology jobs. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

To fulfill his promise to 'level up' the country's economy, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out next week plans to regenerate the country's high streets by expanding outdoor dining and investing more in sports facilities.

To fulfill his promise to 'level up' the country's economy, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out next week plans to regenerate the country's high streets by expanding outdoor dining and investing more in sports facilities. The prime minister has said he wants to tackle regional inequalities and make sure areas outside of the economic powerhouse, London, have more opportunities. Johnson had won 2019 elections, all thanks to voters in struggling regions of England. In a speech next week, PM will explain how a new High Streets strategy will help local communities thrive by allowing dining on pavements, helping eateries to serve more customers. Under the plans, local sports facilities will receive a 25 million pound ($35 million) boost. A statement by his office said on Saturday, temporary permissions given to pubs during the pandemic, allowing them to serve 'takeaway pints' will also be extended for another year. "The Prime Minister is determined to level up the UK and deliver a fairer, stronger society, one where whatever your background and wherever you live, everyone can access the opportunities they need to succeed," a government spokesperson said in the statement. As part of his plan, Johnson has announced a series of urban renewal projects worth 830 million pounds in towns and cities away from London, as well as establishing of eight Freeports in England. He also backs green technology jobs. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM to announce high street regeneration plans next week

According to a report of North Korea's KCNA news agency on Sunday,&nbsp;the leaders of North Korea and China have traded messages vowing to strengthen cooperation on the anniversary of their treaty of friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance between the two countries.

While giving a&nbsp;message to China's President Xi Jinping,&nbsp;North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said their relationship is vital in the face of hostile foreign forces, while Jinping promised to bring cooperation 'to a new stage', KCNA said.

In the message,&nbsp;Kim said,&nbsp;"Despite the unprecedentedly complicated international situation in recent years, the comradely trust and militant friendship between the DPRK and China gets stronger day by day."

China has been North Korea's only major ally since the two signed the treaty in 1961, and international sanctions imposed over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes have made it more dependent than ever on Beijing for trade and other support. 
 
The treaty is defending socialism and peace in Asia 'now that the hostile forces become more desperate in their challenge and obstructive moves," Kim said. 
 
Xi said he plans to provide greater happiness to the two countries and their people by strengthening communication with Kim and 'by steadily leading the relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries to a new stage,' KCNA said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

According to a report of North Korea's KCNA news agency on Sunday, the leaders of North Korea and China have traded messages vowing to strengthen cooperation on the anniversary of their treaty of friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance between the two countries.

According to a report of North Korea's KCNA news agency on Sunday, the leaders of North Korea and China have traded messages vowing to strengthen cooperation on the anniversary of their treaty of friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance between the two countries. While giving a message to China's President Xi Jinping, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said their relationship is vital in the face of hostile foreign forces, while Jinping promised to bring cooperation 'to a new stage', KCNA said. In the message, Kim said, "Despite the unprecedentedly complicated international situation in recent years, the comradely trust and militant friendship between the DPRK and China gets stronger day by day." China has been North Korea's only major ally since the two signed the treaty in 1961, and international sanctions imposed over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes have made it more dependent than ever on Beijing for trade and other support. The treaty is defending socialism and peace in Asia 'now that the hostile forces become more desperate in their challenge and obstructive moves," Kim said. Xi said he plans to provide greater happiness to the two countries and their people by strengthening communication with Kim and 'by steadily leading the relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries to a new stage,' KCNA said. (With inputs from agencies)

N Korean, Chinese leaders vow greater cooperation in face of foreign hostility: Report

In this week's clashes between police and a gang in northwestern Caracas,&nbsp;at least 26 people have died and 38 are injured, Venezuelan Interior Minister Carmen Melendez&nbsp;said&nbsp;on Saturday. The victims include&nbsp;four officers.

This count has come up as the area has been witnessing&nbsp;heavy gunfire, which has forced&nbsp;some capital residents to flee homes along with traffic snarls in several neighbourhoods.

In the crime-stricken city,&nbsp;the authorities try to push back on what analysts describe as a gang's effort to expand its territory beyond the Cota 905 barrio.

Minister&nbsp;said 10 officers were injured in the clashes and&nbsp;22 'criminals' died. Around&nbsp;28 'civilians', a reference to residents not suspected to be gang members, were injured and that some civilians died, though she did not specify how many and did not provide further details. 
 
Human rights activists said this week that four people were killed by stray bullets during the clashes. Activists and the political opposition have for years accused President Nicolas Maduro's government of disregarding and covering up civilian casualties in anti-crime raids. 
 
They have also criticised pacts the socialist government signed with some gangs to create no-go areas for police in certain neighborhoods in a bid to lower violence, arguing the so-called 'peace zones' allowed gangs to consolidate power and resources. 
 
"While civilians and police were murdered, western Caracas lived in fear for two days, and Venezuelans are fleeing the conflict, the dictatorship put on a show,"&nbsp;said opposition leader Juan Guaido. 
 
Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, speaking alongside Melendez on state television, alleged the gang that controls Cota 905 was linked to some opposition politicians, without providing evidence. She added that three alleged members of 'Colombian paramilitary' groups were detained in connection to the raids. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

In this week's clashes between police and a gang in northwestern Caracas, at least 26 people have died and 38 are injured, Venezuelan Interior Minister Carmen Melendez said on Saturday.

In this week's clashes between police and a gang in northwestern Caracas, at least 26 people have died and 38 are injured, Venezuelan Interior Minister Carmen Melendez said on Saturday. The victims include four officers. This count has come up as the area has been witnessing heavy gunfire, which has forced some capital residents to flee homes along with traffic snarls in several neighbourhoods. In the crime-stricken city, the authorities try to push back on what analysts describe as a gang's effort to expand its territory beyond the Cota 905 barrio. Minister said 10 officers were injured in the clashes and 22 'criminals' died. Around 28 'civilians', a reference to residents not suspected to be gang members, were injured and that some civilians died, though she did not specify how many and did not provide further details. Human rights activists said this week that four people were killed by stray bullets during the clashes. Activists and the political opposition have for years accused President Nicolas Maduro's government of disregarding and covering up civilian casualties in anti-crime raids. They have also criticised pacts the socialist government signed with some gangs to create no-go areas for police in certain neighborhoods in a bid to lower violence, arguing the so-called 'peace zones' allowed gangs to consolidate power and resources. "While civilians and police were murdered, western Caracas lived in fear for two days, and Venezuelans are fleeing the conflict, the dictatorship put on a show," said opposition leader Juan Guaido. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, speaking alongside Melendez on state television, alleged the gang that controls Cota 905 was linked to some opposition politicians, without providing evidence. She added that three alleged members of 'Colombian paramilitary' groups were detained in connection to the raids. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela says clashes between police, gang leave 26 dead

Although&nbsp;initial reports did not indicate any casualties or damage,&nbsp;US&nbsp;forces in eastern Syria took indirect fire on Saturday, a US&nbsp;defence official said.

It was the latest incident in a series of attacks on US&nbsp;personnel in Iraq and Syria in recent days.&nbsp;On the condition of anonymity, the official&nbsp;told Reuters, the attack occurred in Conoco, Syria. 
 
US&nbsp;diplomats and troops in Iraq and Syria were targeted in three rocket and drone attacks on Wednesday alone, including at least 14 rockets hitting an Iraqi air base hosting US&nbsp;forces, wounding two American service members.

As there haven't been immediate claims of responsibility for these attacks, analysts believe&nbsp;they were carried out by Iranian-backed militias. 
 
Iraqi militia groups aligned with Iran had vowed to retaliate after US&nbsp;strikes on the Iraqi-Syrian border killed four of their members last month. 
 
Iran has denied supporting attacks on US&nbsp;forces in Iraq and Syria, and condemned US&nbsp;air strikes on Iranian-backed groups. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Although initial reports did not indicate any casualties or damage, US forces in eastern Syria took indirect fire on Saturday, a US defence official said. It was the latest incident in a series of attacks on US personnel in Iraq and Syria in recent days.

Although initial reports did not indicate any casualties or damage, US forces in eastern Syria took indirect fire on Saturday, a US defence official said. It was the latest incident in a series of attacks on US personnel in Iraq and Syria in recent days. On the condition of anonymity, the official told Reuters, the attack occurred in Conoco, Syria. US diplomats and troops in Iraq and Syria were targeted in three rocket and drone attacks on Wednesday alone, including at least 14 rockets hitting an Iraqi air base hosting US forces, wounding two American service members. As there haven't been immediate claims of responsibility for these attacks, analysts believe they were carried out by Iranian-backed militias. Iraqi militia groups aligned with Iran had vowed to retaliate after US strikes on the Iraqi-Syrian border killed four of their members last month. Iran has denied supporting attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria, and condemned US air strikes on Iranian-backed groups. (With inputs from agencies)

No casualties, damage in attack against US forces in Syria: Official

China on Sunday said it will take 'necessary measures' to respond to the US blacklisting of Chinese companies over their alleged role in abuses of Uyghur people and other Muslim ethnic minorities.

The Commerce Ministry said the US move constituted an 'unreasonable suppression of Chinese enterprises and a serious breach of international economic and trade rules'.

"China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard Chinese companies' legitimate rights and interests,"&nbsp;the ministry's statement said.

No details were given, but China has denied allegations of arbitrary detention and forced labour in the far western region of Xinjiang and increasingly responded to sanctions against companies and officials with its own bans on visas and financial links.

The US&nbsp;Commerce Department said in a statement on Friday that the electronics and technology firms and other businesses helped enable 'Beijing's campaign of repression, mass detention and high-technology surveillance' against Muslim minorities in Xinjiang.

The penalties prohibit Americans from selling equipment or other goods to the firms. The United States has stepped up financial and trade penalties over China's treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities, along with its crackdown on democracy in the semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong.

The Chinese government since 2017 has detained a million or more people in Xinjiang. Critics accuse China of operating forced labor camps and carrying out torture and coerced sterilisation as it allegedly seeks to assimilate Muslim ethnic minority groups.

The US Commerce Department said 14 companies were added to its Entity List over their dealings in Xinjiang, and another five for aiding China's armed forces.

"The Department of Commerce remains firmly committed to taking strong, decisive action to target entities that are enabling human rights abuses in Xinjiang or that use US&nbsp;Technology to fuel China's destabilising military modernisation efforts," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement posted on the department's website.

(With inputs from agencies)

China on Sunday said it will take 'necessary measures' to respond to the US blacklisting of Chinese companies over their alleged role in abuses of Uyghur people and other Muslim ethnic minorities.

China on Sunday said it will take 'necessary measures' to respond to the US blacklisting of Chinese companies over their alleged role in abuses of Uyghur people and other Muslim ethnic minorities. The Commerce Ministry said the US move constituted an 'unreasonable suppression of Chinese enterprises and a serious breach of international economic and trade rules'. "China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard Chinese companies' legitimate rights and interests," the ministry's statement said. No details were given, but China has denied allegations of arbitrary detention and forced labour in the far western region of Xinjiang and increasingly responded to sanctions against companies and officials with its own bans on visas and financial links. The US Commerce Department said in a statement on Friday that the electronics and technology firms and other businesses helped enable 'Beijing's campaign of repression, mass detention and high-technology surveillance' against Muslim minorities in Xinjiang. The penalties prohibit Americans from selling equipment or other goods to the firms. The United States has stepped up financial and trade penalties over China's treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities, along with its crackdown on democracy in the semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong. The Chinese government since 2017 has detained a million or more people in Xinjiang. Critics accuse China of operating forced labor camps and carrying out torture and coerced sterilisation as it allegedly seeks to assimilate Muslim ethnic minority groups. The US Commerce Department said 14 companies were added to its Entity List over their dealings in Xinjiang, and another five for aiding China's armed forces. "The Department of Commerce remains firmly committed to taking strong, decisive action to target entities that are enabling human rights abuses in Xinjiang or that use US Technology to fuel China's destabilising military modernisation efforts," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement posted on the department's website. (With inputs from agencies)

China vows retaliation after US blacklists companies

Threatening to pitch the impoverished Caribbean country deeper into chaos,&nbsp;one of Haiti's most powerful gang leaders said on Saturday, his men would take to the streets to protest the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.&nbsp; 
 
Former cop Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue&nbsp;railed against police and opposition politicians, whom he accused of colluding with the 'stinking bourgeoisie' to 'sacrifice' Moise this week. He heads the so-called G9 federation of nine gangs.

In a video address, Cherizier while being dressed in khaki military fatigues and sitting in front of a Haitian flag, said, "It was a national and international conspiracy against the Haitian people." 
 
"We tell all bases to mobilise and take to the streets for light to be shed on the president's assassination." 
 
At his Port-au-Prince home, Moise was gunned down before dawn on Wednesday by what Haitian authorities said was a unit of trained assassins comprising 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans. 
 
The murder and the still murky plot behind it has caused further political instability in the long-troubled country, prompting the government to call for US&nbsp;and UN assistance. 
 
Cherizier said his followers would practice 'legitimate violence' and that it was time for 'the masters of the system' - business magnates of Syrian and Lebanese descent, who dominate parts of the economy - to 'give back' the country. 
 
"It's time for Black people with kinky hair like us to own supermarkets, to have car dealerships and own banks," he said. 
 
Some of the magnates had been at loggerheads with Moise.

(With inputs from agencies)

Threatening to pitch the impoverished Caribbean country deeper into chaos, one of Haiti's most powerful gang leaders said on Saturday, his men would take to the streets to protest the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.

Threatening to pitch the impoverished Caribbean country deeper into chaos, one of Haiti's most powerful gang leaders said on Saturday, his men would take to the streets to protest the assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Former cop Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue railed against police and opposition politicians, whom he accused of colluding with the 'stinking bourgeoisie' to 'sacrifice' Moise this week. He heads the so-called G9 federation of nine gangs. In a video address, Cherizier while being dressed in khaki military fatigues and sitting in front of a Haitian flag, said, "It was a national and international conspiracy against the Haitian people." "We tell all bases to mobilise and take to the streets for light to be shed on the president's assassination." At his Port-au-Prince home, Moise was gunned down before dawn on Wednesday by what Haitian authorities said was a unit of trained assassins comprising 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans. The murder and the still murky plot behind it has caused further political instability in the long-troubled country, prompting the government to call for US and UN assistance. Cherizier said his followers would practice 'legitimate violence' and that it was time for 'the masters of the system' - business magnates of Syrian and Lebanese descent, who dominate parts of the economy - to 'give back' the country. "It's time for Black people with kinky hair like us to own supermarkets, to have car dealerships and own banks," he said. Some of the magnates had been at loggerheads with Moise. (With inputs from agencies)

Gang boss wades into Haiti turmoil, sees conspiracy behind president's killing

Nodding to growing political calls for additional stimulus to prop up growth,&nbsp;the top government spokesman said on Sunday,&nbsp;Japan stands ready to pump more money into the economy to ease the pain of a prolonged pandemic.

Tokyo is going into its fourth COVID-19 state of emergency from Monday till&nbsp;August&nbsp;22, just&nbsp;less than two weeks before hosting the Olympics. It has fuelled&nbsp;fears of extended pain for restaurants hit by shorter hours and a ban on alcohol consumption.

In a debate programme on public broadcaster NHK,&nbsp;Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said, "First of all, we must proceed with anti-infection measures and vaccination in cooperation with the citizens, and provide support for businesses and people in need."&nbsp; 
 
"Then, we want to flexibly take economic measures without hesitation," Kato said, without mentioning the size or timing of further stimulus measures. 
 
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers have escalated calls for a new relief package, with party heavyweight Toshihiro Nikai saying an extra budget of around 30 trillion yen ($270 billion) is needed. 
 
Suga, who must call a general election later this year, said on Thursday, the government wants to focus on areas, such as corporate financing, employment and restaurants, and wants to deliver as early as possible. 
 
He said the government would respond flexibly as he was tackling the coronavirus hit to the economy with an economic package always in mind.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nodding to growing political calls for additional stimulus to prop up growth, the top government spokesman said on Sunday, Japan stands ready to pump more money into the economy to ease the pain of a prolonged pandemic.

Nodding to growing political calls for additional stimulus to prop up growth, the top government spokesman said on Sunday, Japan stands ready to pump more money into the economy to ease the pain of a prolonged pandemic. Tokyo is going into its fourth COVID-19 state of emergency from Monday till August 22, just less than two weeks before hosting the Olympics. It has fuelled fears of extended pain for restaurants hit by shorter hours and a ban on alcohol consumption. In a debate programme on public broadcaster NHK, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said, "First of all, we must proceed with anti-infection measures and vaccination in cooperation with the citizens, and provide support for businesses and people in need." "Then, we want to flexibly take economic measures without hesitation," Kato said, without mentioning the size or timing of further stimulus measures. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers have escalated calls for a new relief package, with party heavyweight Toshihiro Nikai saying an extra budget of around 30 trillion yen ($270 billion) is needed. Suga, who must call a general election later this year, said on Thursday, the government wants to focus on areas, such as corporate financing, employment and restaurants, and wants to deliver as early as possible. He said the government would respond flexibly as he was tackling the coronavirus hit to the economy with an economic package always in mind. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan government ready to deploy economic stimulus flexibly: Spokesman

Fiji on Wednesday began distributing groceries to some households as it urges people to stay at home amid rising infections of the highly transmissible Delta variant of the novel coronavirus. 
 
Authorities posted pictures on social media of bags of supermarket supplies, including packaged food and toilet paper, being delivered to homes around the capital, Suva, as they reinforced calls for people to obey social distancing rules and get vaccinated. 
 
Police and a supermarket 'delivered household packs to Fijians in targeted lockdown areas and home isolation', the government said on Twitter as part of a publicity blitz on COVID-19 safety. 
 
The deliveries were mostly being made in poorer neighbourhoods. "We are here to ensure that Fijians get assistance," the government said. 
 
Since the pandemic began, the country of less than a million people has reported 39 deaths, but most have come since the emergence of the Delta variant in April and case numbers have risen to more than 500 a day, according to the latest figures on Tuesday. 
 
The government has said some patients are seeking treatment too late and the main hospital's mortuary was full. Some victims were also dying at home, it said. 
 
But the government has resisted calls for a lockdown and instead urged people to take precautions.

Fiji on Wednesday began distributing groceries to some households as it urges people to stay at home amid rising infections of the highly transmissible Delta variant of the novel coronavirus.

Fiji on Wednesday began distributing groceries to some households as it urges people to stay at home amid rising infections of the highly transmissible Delta variant of the novel coronavirus. Authorities posted pictures on social media of bags of supermarket supplies, including packaged food and toilet paper, being delivered to homes around the capital, Suva, as they reinforced calls for people to obey social distancing rules and get vaccinated. Police and a supermarket 'delivered household packs to Fijians in targeted lockdown areas and home isolation', the government said on Twitter as part of a publicity blitz on COVID-19 safety. The deliveries were mostly being made in poorer neighbourhoods. "We are here to ensure that Fijians get assistance," the government said. Since the pandemic began, the country of less than a million people has reported 39 deaths, but most have come since the emergence of the Delta variant in April and case numbers have risen to more than 500 a day, according to the latest figures on Tuesday. The government has said some patients are seeking treatment too late and the main hospital's mortuary was full. Some victims were also dying at home, it said. But the government has resisted calls for a lockdown and instead urged people to take precautions.

Fiji police deliver groceries, toilet paper amid COVID-19 spike

President Joe Biden said on Tuesday the ransomware attack centered on the Florida information technology firm Kaseya seems to have inflicted only 'minimal damage' on American businesses. 
 
"It appears to have caused minimal damage to US&nbsp;businesses, but we're still gathering information," Biden told reporters following a briefing from advisers. 
 
"I feel good about our ability to be able to respond." 
 
Friday's ransomware attack scrambled the data of hundreds of small businesses worldwide, including many in the United States. REvil, a prolific, Russia-linked cybercrime syndicate, took credit for the breach. 
 
The president's comments follow a statement from Kaseya that the attack never posed a threat to critical US&nbsp;infrastructure, which Biden declared off-limits during a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin last month. 
 
But the attack was another illustration of how cybercriminals believed to be operating from Russia are running amok in the United States. Biden has sought to push Putin to bring Russian cybercriminals to heel, so far to little visible effect. 
 
Attacks have escalated recently. 
 
Last month REvil extorted an $11 million ransom out of meatpacker JBS after snarling its supply chain. In May, an intrusion by another Russia-linked group at major US&nbsp;fuel transporter Colonial Pipeline led to panic buying, price spikes, and gasoline shortages up and down the East Coast. 
 
The Republican National Committee said on Tuesday, it learned over the weekend that third-party provider Synnex Corp had been breached, but an investigation by Microsoft Corp determined that no RNC data had been accessed. 
 
White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said earlier on Tuesday that senior US&nbsp;officials would meet their Russian counterparts next week to discuss the ransomware menace. 
 
"If the Russian government cannot or will not take action against criminal actors residing in Russia, we will take action, or reserve the right to take action, on our own," she said. 
 
The Russian Embassy in Washington and the US&nbsp;National Security Council did not return messages seeking further details about the meeting. 
 
On Wednesday, Biden will meet with officials from the Justice Department, State Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the intelligence community to discuss ransomware and US&nbsp;efforts to counter it, Psaki said. 
 
The hack that struck Kaseya's clients, many of whom are back office IT shops commonly referred to as managed service providers, did not have the same kind of impact in the United States as the ransoming of Colonial Pipeline. 
 
Disruption elsewhere was more severe. 
 
In Sweden, many of the 800 grocery stores run by the Coop chain are still in the process of recovering from the attack, which knocked out most of its supermarkets, though a spokesman said, "we have more open stores than closed ones now." 
 
In New Zealand, 11 schools and several kindergartens were affected. 
 
Germany's cybersecurity watchdog, BSI, said on Tuesday that it was aware of three IT service providers in Germany that were affected, with a spokesperson estimating that several hundred companies were touched overall. 
 
"In Germany, there are no cases as prominent as the one in Sweden," the spokesperson added. 
 
The hackers, who claimed responsibility for the breach, have demanded $70 million to restore all the affected businesses' data, although they have indicated a willingness to temper their demands in private conversations with a cybersecurity expert. 
 
Kaseya's CEO said he would not reveal whether his company planned to pay the ransom or not, or even whether it was negotiating with REvil. 
 
Psaki said that while the administration discouraged such payments, questions about whether the data would be ransomed should be directed to Kaseya. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

President Joe Biden said on Tuesday the ransomware attack centered on the Florida information technology firm Kaseya seems to have inflicted only 'minimal damage' on American businesses.

President Joe Biden said on Tuesday the ransomware attack centered on the Florida information technology firm Kaseya seems to have inflicted only 'minimal damage' on American businesses. "It appears to have caused minimal damage to US businesses, but we're still gathering information," Biden told reporters following a briefing from advisers. "I feel good about our ability to be able to respond." Friday's ransomware attack scrambled the data of hundreds of small businesses worldwide, including many in the United States. REvil, a prolific, Russia-linked cybercrime syndicate, took credit for the breach. The president's comments follow a statement from Kaseya that the attack never posed a threat to critical US infrastructure, which Biden declared off-limits during a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin last month. But the attack was another illustration of how cybercriminals believed to be operating from Russia are running amok in the United States. Biden has sought to push Putin to bring Russian cybercriminals to heel, so far to little visible effect. Attacks have escalated recently. Last month REvil extorted an $11 million ransom out of meatpacker JBS after snarling its supply chain. In May, an intrusion by another Russia-linked group at major US fuel transporter Colonial Pipeline led to panic buying, price spikes, and gasoline shortages up and down the East Coast. The Republican National Committee said on Tuesday, it learned over the weekend that third-party provider Synnex Corp had been breached, but an investigation by Microsoft Corp determined that no RNC data had been accessed. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said earlier on Tuesday that senior US officials would meet their Russian counterparts next week to discuss the ransomware menace. "If the Russian government cannot or will not take action against criminal actors residing in Russia, we will take action, or reserve the right to take action, on our own," she said. The Russian Embassy in Washington and the US National Security Council did not return messages seeking further details about the meeting. On Wednesday, Biden will meet with officials from the Justice Department, State Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the intelligence community to discuss ransomware and US efforts to counter it, Psaki said. The hack that struck Kaseya's clients, many of whom are back office IT shops commonly referred to as managed service providers, did not have the same kind of impact in the United States as the ransoming of Colonial Pipeline. Disruption elsewhere was more severe. In Sweden, many of the 800 grocery stores run by the Coop chain are still in the process of recovering from the attack, which knocked out most of its supermarkets, though a spokesman said, "we have more open stores than closed ones now." In New Zealand, 11 schools and several kindergartens were affected. Germany's cybersecurity watchdog, BSI, said on Tuesday that it was aware of three IT service providers in Germany that were affected, with a spokesperson estimating that several hundred companies were touched overall. "In Germany, there are no cases as prominent as the one in Sweden," the spokesperson added. The hackers, who claimed responsibility for the breach, have demanded $70 million to restore all the affected businesses' data, although they have indicated a willingness to temper their demands in private conversations with a cybersecurity expert. Kaseya's CEO said he would not reveal whether his company planned to pay the ransom or not, or even whether it was negotiating with REvil. Psaki said that while the administration discouraged such payments, questions about whether the data would be ransomed should be directed to Kaseya. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden says ransomware attack caused 'minimal damage' to US companies

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