Russian authorities on Monday backed away from threats to block Twitter, saying that the social media platform deleted most of the banned content identified by Moscow and expressed readiness and interest in building a constructive dialogue.

Russia's state communications watchdog Roskomnadzor said it decided not to block Twitter in light of these developments, an announcement that seemingly ends the most recent standoff between the Russian government and the platform that has played a role in amplifying dissent in Russia.

Also read: <a href="Russia seeks to outlaw Navalny movement ">Russia seeks to outlaw Navalny movement&nbsp;</a>

Two months ago, Roskomnadzor accused Twitter of failing to remove content encouraging suicide among children, as well as information about drugs and child pornography.

The agency announced on March 10 it was slowing down the speed of uploading photos and videos to the platform, both on desktops and mobile devices, and less then a week later threatened to block it if it continues to not comply with the demands.

In response to the accusations, Twitter has emphasised its policy of zero tolerance for child sexual exploitation, the promotion of suicide and drug sales.

Roskomnadzor said in an online statement Monday that Twitter has taken down 91 per cent of prohibited content, with only 563 posts containing child pornography, information about drugs and suicide, calls for minors to take part in protests and extremist materials out of roughly 5,900 remaining available.

Since the platform confirmed that it fully shares the agency's endeavors to combat socially dangerous content and will take all necessary measures to remove it," and "expressed its readiness and interest in building a constructive dialogue,&nbsp;Roskomnadzor said it decided not to block it.

But it will continue to slow Twitter down on mobile devices until all of the banned content is removed and the platform starts taking down prohibited content within 24 hours of being notified in accordance with the Russian laws.

The agency appreciates the efforts of Twitter to comply with the requirements of Russian laws, Roskomnadzor said. 
Russian authorities criticised social media platforms earlier this year for bringing tens of thousands of people into the streets across the country in January to demand the release of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who is

President Vladimir Putin's most well-known critic. The wave of demonstrations was the largest in years and posed a major challenge to the Kremlin.

The authorities alleged that social media platforms failed to remove calls for children to join the protests. Putin has urged police to act more to monitor social media platforms and to track down those who draw children into illegal and unsanctioned street actions.

The Russian government's efforts to tighten control of the internet and social media date back to 2012, when a law allowing authorities to blacklist and block certain online content was adopted. Since then, a growing number of restrictions targeting messaging apps, websites and social media platforms have been introduced in Russia.

The government has repeatedly aired threats to block Facebook and Twitter, but stopped short of outright bans probably fearing the move would elicit too much public outrage.

Only the social network LinkedIn, which wasn't very popular in Russia, has been banned by authorities for the failure to store its user data in Russia.

Russian authorities on Monday backed away from threats to block Twitter, saying that the social media platform deleted most of the banned content identified by Moscow and expressed readiness and interest in building a constructive dialogue.

Russian authorities on Monday backed away from threats to block Twitter, saying that the social media platform deleted most of the banned content identified by Moscow and expressed readiness and interest in building a constructive dialogue. Russia's state communications watchdog Roskomnadzor said it decided not to block Twitter in light of these developments, an announcement that seemingly ends the most recent standoff between the Russian government and the platform that has played a role in amplifying dissent in Russia. Also read: Russia seeks to outlaw Navalny movement Two months ago, Roskomnadzor accused Twitter of failing to remove content encouraging suicide among children, as well as information about drugs and child pornography. The agency announced on March 10 it was slowing down the speed of uploading photos and videos to the platform, both on desktops and mobile devices, and less then a week later threatened to block it if it continues to not comply with the demands. In response to the accusations, Twitter has emphasised its policy of zero tolerance for child sexual exploitation, the promotion of suicide and drug sales. Roskomnadzor said in an online statement Monday that Twitter has taken down 91 per cent of prohibited content, with only 563 posts containing child pornography, information about drugs and suicide, calls for minors to take part in protests and extremist materials out of roughly 5,900 remaining available. Since the platform confirmed that it fully shares the agency's endeavors to combat socially dangerous content and will take all necessary measures to remove it," and "expressed its readiness and interest in building a constructive dialogue, Roskomnadzor said it decided not to block it. But it will continue to slow Twitter down on mobile devices until all of the banned content is removed and the platform starts taking down prohibited content within 24 hours of being notified in accordance with the Russian laws. The agency appreciates the efforts of Twitter to comply with the requirements of Russian laws, Roskomnadzor said. Russian authorities criticised social media platforms earlier this year for bringing tens of thousands of people into the streets across the country in January to demand the release of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who is President Vladimir Putin's most well-known critic. The wave of demonstrations was the largest in years and posed a major challenge to the Kremlin. The authorities alleged that social media platforms failed to remove calls for children to join the protests. Putin has urged police to act more to monitor social media platforms and to track down those who draw children into illegal and unsanctioned street actions. The Russian government's efforts to tighten control of the internet and social media date back to 2012, when a law allowing authorities to blacklist and block certain online content was adopted. Since then, a growing number of restrictions targeting messaging apps, websites and social media platforms have been introduced in Russia. The government has repeatedly aired threats to block Facebook and Twitter, but stopped short of outright bans probably fearing the move would elicit too much public outrage. Only the social network LinkedIn, which wasn't very popular in Russia, has been banned by authorities for the failure to store its user data in Russia.

Russia won't block Twitter, but partial slowdown to continue

Russia has advanced unlawful maritime claims in the Arctic region, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday, as he reiterated calls to avoid militarisation of the region.&nbsp;

The US has previously accused Russia of demanding foreign vessels to request permissions to pass and requiring Russian maritime pilots to board the ships, while threatening to use force against vessels failing to comply.&nbsp;

"We've seen Russia advance unlawful maritime claims, particularly its regulation of foreign vessels transiting the Northern Sea route, which are inconsistent with international law," Blinken said at a joint briefing with Iceland's foreign minister in Reykjavik. &nbsp;

Russia has ambitious plans to build ports along the so-called Northern Sea Route, which would shorten the distance between China and Europe, and has beefed up its military presence along its Arctic coastline. &nbsp;

"We have concerns about some of the increased military activities in the Arctic," Blinked said. This increases the risk of 'accidents and miscalculations', he said, while it 'undermined the shared goal of a peaceful and sustainable future for the region'. &nbsp;

In attempts to defend freedom of access and navigation on the Northern Sea Route, the US navy twice last year conducted exercises with European allies in the Barents Sea close to Russia for the first time since the mid-1980s.&nbsp;

The US has urged Russia to submit its regulatory scheme to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for consideration, but Russia had yet to do so, Blinken said. &nbsp;

"The regulatory scheme that Russia has put forward does not give due regard, as required by international law, to navigation rights and freedom to the territorial seas and exclusive economic zone," he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Russia has advanced unlawful maritime claims in the Arctic region, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday, as he reiterated calls to avoid militarisation of the region.

Russia has advanced unlawful maritime claims in the Arctic region, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday, as he reiterated calls to avoid militarisation of the region. The US has previously accused Russia of demanding foreign vessels to request permissions to pass and requiring Russian maritime pilots to board the ships, while threatening to use force against vessels failing to comply. "We've seen Russia advance unlawful maritime claims, particularly its regulation of foreign vessels transiting the Northern Sea route, which are inconsistent with international law," Blinken said at a joint briefing with Iceland's foreign minister in Reykjavik. Russia has ambitious plans to build ports along the so-called Northern Sea Route, which would shorten the distance between China and Europe, and has beefed up its military presence along its Arctic coastline. "We have concerns about some of the increased military activities in the Arctic," Blinked said. This increases the risk of 'accidents and miscalculations', he said, while it 'undermined the shared goal of a peaceful and sustainable future for the region'. In attempts to defend freedom of access and navigation on the Northern Sea Route, the US navy twice last year conducted exercises with European allies in the Barents Sea close to Russia for the first time since the mid-1980s. The US has urged Russia to submit its regulatory scheme to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for consideration, but Russia had yet to do so, Blinken said. "The regulatory scheme that Russia has put forward does not give due regard, as required by international law, to navigation rights and freedom to the territorial seas and exclusive economic zone," he said.

Russia has advanced unlawful maritime claims in the Arctic, says Blinken 

China has banned financial institutions and payment companies from providing services related to cryptocurrency transactions, and warned investors against speculative crypto trading.&nbsp;

Under the ban, such institutions, including banks and online payments channels, must not offer clients any service involving cryptocurrency, such as registration, trading, clearing and settlement, three industry bodies said in a joint statement on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"Recently, crypto currency prices have skyrocketed and plummeted, and speculative trading of cryptocurrency has rebounded, seriously infringing on the safety of people's property and disrupting the normal economic and financial order," they said in the statement.&nbsp;

China has banned crypto exchanges and initial coin offerings but has not barred individuals from holding cryptocurrencies.&nbsp;

The institutions must not provide saving, trust or pledging services of cryptocurrency, nor issue financial product related to cryptocurrency, the statement also said.&nbsp;

The statement also highlighted the risks of cryptocurrency trading, saying vitural currencies 'are not supported by real value’, their prices are easily manipulated, and trading contracts are not protected by Chinese law. &nbsp;

The three industry bodies are the National Internet Finance Association of China, the China Banking Association and the Payment and Clearing Association of China. &nbsp;

China has banned financial institutions and payment companies from providing services related to cryptocurrency transactions, and warned investors against speculative crypto trading.

China has banned financial institutions and payment companies from providing services related to cryptocurrency transactions, and warned investors against speculative crypto trading. Under the ban, such institutions, including banks and online payments channels, must not offer clients any service involving cryptocurrency, such as registration, trading, clearing and settlement, three industry bodies said in a joint statement on Tuesday. "Recently, crypto currency prices have skyrocketed and plummeted, and speculative trading of cryptocurrency has rebounded, seriously infringing on the safety of people's property and disrupting the normal economic and financial order," they said in the statement. China has banned crypto exchanges and initial coin offerings but has not barred individuals from holding cryptocurrencies. The institutions must not provide saving, trust or pledging services of cryptocurrency, nor issue financial product related to cryptocurrency, the statement also said. The statement also highlighted the risks of cryptocurrency trading, saying vitural currencies 'are not supported by real value’, their prices are easily manipulated, and trading contracts are not protected by Chinese law. The three industry bodies are the National Internet Finance Association of China, the China Banking Association and the Payment and Clearing Association of China.

China bans financial, payment institutions from cryptocurrency business 

India's reproduction value (R) for COVID-19, which shows how fast the infection is spreading, is below one now, which means that the pandemic is shrinking, the government said on Tuesday even as it cautioned that 98 per cent of the population is still vulnerable.&nbsp;

Addressing media, NITI Aayog member (Health) VK Paul said in many states, the pandemic curve is stabilising.&nbsp;

"Comprehensive efforts at containment and testing are resulting in stabilisation. We still have a few states which continue to be cause of concern... There is a mixed picture but overall there is stabilisation and what we know from scientific analysis is the reproduction number is below 1 now which means the pandemic is shrinking," Paul said.&nbsp;

He said this has happened because there is a huge containment effort in addition to managing the cases in home settings and hospitals. &nbsp;

"We are hoping and keeping the case fatality rate reasonably under control. We have to be very mindful that when we are achieving declining positivity rate it is because of the results of what we are doing and that doing cannot be slackened. We cannot again let this go out of hand," he said. &nbsp;

Lav Agarwal, the joint secretary at the Health Ministry, said 1.8 per cent of the total population in India has been affected by Covid so far which means 98 per cent of the population is still susceptible or vulnerable to the infection.&nbsp;

"Despite the high number of cases reported so far, we have been able to contain the spread to under 2 per cent of the population due to continued efforts by the medical fraternity, states and districts," he said.&nbsp;

"This should also make us wary of protecting the still vulnerable/susceptible 98 per cent population. We cannot let our guards down, hence continued focus on containment is critical," Agarwal said.&nbsp;

Giving figures from around the world, he said 10.1 per cent of the population in the US has been infected so far, 7.3 per cent in Brazil, 9 per cent in France and 7.4 per cent in Italy.&nbsp;

About black fungus, Paul said till now the number is not that high but it cannot be taken for granted.&nbsp;

"We have held discussions with all states on black fungus and there is a push on availability of Amphotericin B and till now, the number is not that high but we cannot take it for granted. There are a large number of cases through which we have learnt that when a combination of diabetes, an uncontrolled one, particularly in Covid and steroid use comes up then likelihood of this disease becomes a possibility. So, whoever has diabetes should try to keep it in control," he said. &nbsp;

He stressed on rational use of medication. "We reiterate that proper use of steroids has to be done and we must not take it lightly," he said.&nbsp;

India's reproduction value (R) for COVID-19, which shows how fast the infection is spreading, is below one now, which means that the pandemic is shrinking, the government said on Tuesday even as it cautioned that 98 per cent of the population is still vulnerable.

India's reproduction value (R) for COVID-19, which shows how fast the infection is spreading, is below one now, which means that the pandemic is shrinking, the government said on Tuesday even as it cautioned that 98 per cent of the population is still vulnerable. Addressing media, NITI Aayog member (Health) VK Paul said in many states, the pandemic curve is stabilising. "Comprehensive efforts at containment and testing are resulting in stabilisation. We still have a few states which continue to be cause of concern... There is a mixed picture but overall there is stabilisation and what we know from scientific analysis is the reproduction number is below 1 now which means the pandemic is shrinking," Paul said. He said this has happened because there is a huge containment effort in addition to managing the cases in home settings and hospitals. "We are hoping and keeping the case fatality rate reasonably under control. We have to be very mindful that when we are achieving declining positivity rate it is because of the results of what we are doing and that doing cannot be slackened. We cannot again let this go out of hand," he said. Lav Agarwal, the joint secretary at the Health Ministry, said 1.8 per cent of the total population in India has been affected by Covid so far which means 98 per cent of the population is still susceptible or vulnerable to the infection. "Despite the high number of cases reported so far, we have been able to contain the spread to under 2 per cent of the population due to continued efforts by the medical fraternity, states and districts," he said. "This should also make us wary of protecting the still vulnerable/susceptible 98 per cent population. We cannot let our guards down, hence continued focus on containment is critical," Agarwal said. Giving figures from around the world, he said 10.1 per cent of the population in the US has been infected so far, 7.3 per cent in Brazil, 9 per cent in France and 7.4 per cent in Italy. About black fungus, Paul said till now the number is not that high but it cannot be taken for granted. "We have held discussions with all states on black fungus and there is a push on availability of Amphotericin B and till now, the number is not that high but we cannot take it for granted. There are a large number of cases through which we have learnt that when a combination of diabetes, an uncontrolled one, particularly in Covid and steroid use comes up then likelihood of this disease becomes a possibility. So, whoever has diabetes should try to keep it in control," he said. He stressed on rational use of medication. "We reiterate that proper use of steroids has to be done and we must not take it lightly," he said.

Indian Govt says COVID-19 pandemic is shrinking, warns 98 per cent population still vulnerable 

A consortium of Indian banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) on Tuesday moved a step closer in their attempt to recover debt from loans paid out to Vijay Mallya's now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines after the High Court in London upheld an application to amend their bankruptcy petition, in favour of waiving their security over the businessman's assets in India.&nbsp;

Chief Insolvencies and Companies Court (ICC) Judge Michael Briggs handed down his judgment in favour of the banks to declare there is no public policy that prevents a waiver of security rights, as argued by Mallya's lawyers.&nbsp;

At a virtual hearing, July 26 was set as the date for final arguments for and against granting a bankruptcy order against Mallya after the banks accused him of trying to kick matters into the long grass and called on the bankruptcy petition to be brought to its inevitable end.&nbsp;

“I order that permission be given to amend the petition to read as follows: The Petitioners (banks) having the right to enforce any security held are willing, in the event of a bankruptcy order being made, to give up any such security for the benefit of all the bankrupt's creditors,” Justice Briggs' judgment reads.&nbsp;

"There is nothing in the statutory provisions that prevent the Petitioners from giving up security," he notes.&nbsp;

Mallya's barrister, Philip Marshall, had referenced witness statements of retired Indian judges in previous hearings to reiterate that there is public interest under Indian law by virtue of the banks being nationalised.&nbsp;

However, Justice Briggs found no impediment to the creditors relinquishing their security under Indian law because of the engagement of a principle concerning public interest and favoured the submissions made by retired Indian Supreme Court judge Gopala Gowda at a hearing in December 2020 in this regard.&nbsp;

“In my judgment the simple stance taken by Justice Gowda that Section 47 PIA 1920 is evidence of the ability of a secured creditor to relinquish the creditor's security is to be preferred," the ruling notes.&nbsp;

The Indian banks, represented by the law firm TLT LLP and barrister Marcia Shekerdemian, were also granted costs in totality for the petition hearings, as the ‘overall successful' party in the case.&nbsp;

"Dr Mallya should have been extradited by now. He was refused permission to go to the Supreme Court in May last year," Shekerdemian pointed out, in reference to one of Mallya's defence planks that the cases against him are 'politically motivated'.&nbsp;

The 65-year-old businessman remains on bail in the UK while a 'confidential' legal matter, believed to be related to an asylum application, is resolved in connection with the unrelated extradition proceedings. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A consortium of Indian banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) on Tuesday moved a step closer in their attempt to recover debt from loans paid out to Vijay Mallya's now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines after the High Court in London upheld an application to amend their bankruptcy petition, in favour of waiving their security over the businessman's assets in India.

A consortium of Indian banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) on Tuesday moved a step closer in their attempt to recover debt from loans paid out to Vijay Mallya's now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines after the High Court in London upheld an application to amend their bankruptcy petition, in favour of waiving their security over the businessman's assets in India. Chief Insolvencies and Companies Court (ICC) Judge Michael Briggs handed down his judgment in favour of the banks to declare there is no public policy that prevents a waiver of security rights, as argued by Mallya's lawyers. At a virtual hearing, July 26 was set as the date for final arguments for and against granting a bankruptcy order against Mallya after the banks accused him of trying to kick matters into the long grass and called on the bankruptcy petition to be brought to its inevitable end. “I order that permission be given to amend the petition to read as follows: The Petitioners (banks) having the right to enforce any security held are willing, in the event of a bankruptcy order being made, to give up any such security for the benefit of all the bankrupt's creditors,” Justice Briggs' judgment reads. "There is nothing in the statutory provisions that prevent the Petitioners from giving up security," he notes. Mallya's barrister, Philip Marshall, had referenced witness statements of retired Indian judges in previous hearings to reiterate that there is public interest under Indian law by virtue of the banks being nationalised. However, Justice Briggs found no impediment to the creditors relinquishing their security under Indian law because of the engagement of a principle concerning public interest and favoured the submissions made by retired Indian Supreme Court judge Gopala Gowda at a hearing in December 2020 in this regard. “In my judgment the simple stance taken by Justice Gowda that Section 47 PIA 1920 is evidence of the ability of a secured creditor to relinquish the creditor's security is to be preferred," the ruling notes. The Indian banks, represented by the law firm TLT LLP and barrister Marcia Shekerdemian, were also granted costs in totality for the petition hearings, as the ‘overall successful' party in the case. "Dr Mallya should have been extradited by now. He was refused permission to go to the Supreme Court in May last year," Shekerdemian pointed out, in reference to one of Mallya's defence planks that the cases against him are 'politically motivated'. The 65-year-old businessman remains on bail in the UK while a 'confidential' legal matter, believed to be related to an asylum application, is resolved in connection with the unrelated extradition proceedings. (With inputs from agencies)

Vijay Mallya loses bankruptcy petition amendment High Court battle in UK 

Malaysian police said on Tuesday five suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf militant group were killed in a shootout in the state of Sabah on the Malaysian portion of Borneo, state news agency Bernama reported.&nbsp;

The Abu Sayyaf group, whose members pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in 2014, is based in the southern Philippines and is notorious for bombings, beheadings, extortions and kidnap-for-ransom activities.&nbsp;

Authorities in Malaysia have stepped up efforts to crack down on militant activity in recent years after an attack linked to Islamic State in the capital Kuala Lumpur in 2016 and others in neighbouring countries.&nbsp;

The five men killed in a Monday night shootout in a squatter area included Mabar Binda, an Abu Sayyaf sub-commander on the Philippine government's wanted list, the Sabah state police commissioner Hazani Ghazali said.&nbsp;

Hazani said police responded with gunfire after one of the suspects opened fire during the raid. Officers found two pistols, 20 rounds of ammunition and three machetes.&nbsp;

"With the fall of these five, the police are confident we have crippled one Abu Sayyaf cell hiding out in Sabah," Hazani was quoted as saying in the report.&nbsp;

The police had detained 83 people in Sabah between 2014 and 2020 for suspected links to Islamic State, Hazani said.&nbsp;

Sabah has long grappled with the threat of armed kidnappers taking advantage of the proximity and porous maritime borders between the southern Philippines and the Malaysian state.&nbsp;

The Philippines military said in March troops killed an Abu Sayyaf leader and rescued four Indonesian hostages held for a year since they were kidnapped from Sabah.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Malaysian police said on Tuesday five suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf militant group were killed in a shootout in the state of Sabah on the Malaysian portion of Borneo, state news agency Bernama reported.

Malaysian police said on Tuesday five suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf militant group were killed in a shootout in the state of Sabah on the Malaysian portion of Borneo, state news agency Bernama reported. The Abu Sayyaf group, whose members pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in 2014, is based in the southern Philippines and is notorious for bombings, beheadings, extortions and kidnap-for-ransom activities. Authorities in Malaysia have stepped up efforts to crack down on militant activity in recent years after an attack linked to Islamic State in the capital Kuala Lumpur in 2016 and others in neighbouring countries. The five men killed in a Monday night shootout in a squatter area included Mabar Binda, an Abu Sayyaf sub-commander on the Philippine government's wanted list, the Sabah state police commissioner Hazani Ghazali said. Hazani said police responded with gunfire after one of the suspects opened fire during the raid. Officers found two pistols, 20 rounds of ammunition and three machetes. "With the fall of these five, the police are confident we have crippled one Abu Sayyaf cell hiding out in Sabah," Hazani was quoted as saying in the report. The police had detained 83 people in Sabah between 2014 and 2020 for suspected links to Islamic State, Hazani said. Sabah has long grappled with the threat of armed kidnappers taking advantage of the proximity and porous maritime borders between the southern Philippines and the Malaysian state. The Philippines military said in March troops killed an Abu Sayyaf leader and rescued four Indonesian hostages held for a year since they were kidnapped from Sabah. (With inputs from agencies)

Five suspected Abu Sayyaf militants killed in raid: Malaysian police  

Spain has deployed troops to Ceuta to patrol the border with Morocco after thousands of migrants swam into the northern African enclave amid heightened diplomatic tensions, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Footage from local Faro TV channel showed soldiers in armoured vehicles guarding the enclave's beach as dozens of migrants emerged from the water while hundreds of potential migrants stood on the Moroccan side of the fence between the enclave and Morocco.&nbsp;

Soldiers started patrolling the border along with Spanish police, Grande-Marlaska told state broadcaster TVE. As many as 6,000 Moroccans, including about 1,500 minors, swam into Ceuta on Monday and Tuesday, he said. &nbsp;

A spokesman for Ceuta's government delegation said soldiers will also work with police in sensitive locations within the enclave to maintain order on the streets. &nbsp;

One person died in Monday's crossing, the spokesman said. &nbsp;

The adult arrivals are being transferred to a local football stadium to be deported back to Morocco. About 1,500 have already been handed back, Grande-Marlaska said. &nbsp;

Minors are being sent to an industrial building.&nbsp;

Ceuta, with a population of 80,000, is an enclave located on the northern tip of Morocco across from Gibraltar. &nbsp;

The Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and nearby Melilla on Morocco's northern coast have long been a magnet for African migrants trying to reach Europe in search of a better life. &nbsp;

TV channel 24h reported on Tuesday morning that as many as 85 migrants climbed the border fence to break into Melilla, which is located about 300km east of Ceuta.&nbsp;

The arrival of the migrants took place at a time of increased tension between Spain and Morocco over the fate of Brahim Ghali, the leader of the Western Sahara's Polisario Front, who is in hospital in Spain.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Spain has deployed troops to Ceuta to patrol the border with Morocco after thousands of migrants swam into the northern African enclave amid heightened diplomatic tensions, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said on Tuesday.

Spain has deployed troops to Ceuta to patrol the border with Morocco after thousands of migrants swam into the northern African enclave amid heightened diplomatic tensions, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said on Tuesday. Footage from local Faro TV channel showed soldiers in armoured vehicles guarding the enclave's beach as dozens of migrants emerged from the water while hundreds of potential migrants stood on the Moroccan side of the fence between the enclave and Morocco. Soldiers started patrolling the border along with Spanish police, Grande-Marlaska told state broadcaster TVE. As many as 6,000 Moroccans, including about 1,500 minors, swam into Ceuta on Monday and Tuesday, he said. A spokesman for Ceuta's government delegation said soldiers will also work with police in sensitive locations within the enclave to maintain order on the streets. One person died in Monday's crossing, the spokesman said. The adult arrivals are being transferred to a local football stadium to be deported back to Morocco. About 1,500 have already been handed back, Grande-Marlaska said. Minors are being sent to an industrial building. Ceuta, with a population of 80,000, is an enclave located on the northern tip of Morocco across from Gibraltar. The Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and nearby Melilla on Morocco's northern coast have long been a magnet for African migrants trying to reach Europe in search of a better life. TV channel 24h reported on Tuesday morning that as many as 85 migrants climbed the border fence to break into Melilla, which is located about 300km east of Ceuta. The arrival of the migrants took place at a time of increased tension between Spain and Morocco over the fate of Brahim Ghali, the leader of the Western Sahara's Polisario Front, who is in hospital in Spain. (With inputs from agencies)

Spain deploys army in Ceuta to patrol border with Morocco after thousands break in 

One of China's tallest skyscrapers was evacuated on Tuesday after it began to shake, sending panicked shoppers scampering to safety in the southern city of Shenzhen.&nbsp;

The near 300-metre (980 ft) high SEG Plaza inexplicably began to shake at around 1 pm, prompting an evacuation of people inside while pedestrians looked on open-mouthed from the streets outside.&nbsp;

The building was sealed shut as of 2:40 pm, according to local media reports. &nbsp;

Completed in 2000, the tower is home to a major electronics market as well as various offices in the downtown of one of China's fastest-growing cities. &nbsp;

Emergency management officials are investigating what caused the tower in Shenzhen's Futian district to wobble, according to a post on the Twitter-like Weibo platform.&nbsp;

"After checking and analysing the data of various earthquake monitoring stations across the city, there was no earthquake in Shenzhen today," the statement said.&nbsp;

"The cause of the shaking is being verified by various departments."&nbsp;

It was not immediately clear how authorities will handle a dangerous building of its scale in the heart of a city of over 12 million people.&nbsp;

Bystander videos published by local media on Weibo showed the skyscraper shaking on its foundations as hundreds of terrified pedestrians ran away outside.&nbsp;

"SEG has been completely evacuated," wrote one Weibo user in a caption to a video of hundreds of people milling about on a wide shopping street near the tower.&nbsp;

The tower is named after the semiconductor and electronics manufacturer Shenzhen Electronics Group, whose offices are based in the building. &nbsp;

It is the 18th tallest tower in Shenzhen, according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat skyscraper database.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

One of China's tallest skyscrapers was evacuated on Tuesday after it began to shake, sending panicked shoppers scampering to safety in the southern city of Shenzhen.

One of China's tallest skyscrapers was evacuated on Tuesday after it began to shake, sending panicked shoppers scampering to safety in the southern city of Shenzhen. The near 300-metre (980 ft) high SEG Plaza inexplicably began to shake at around 1 pm, prompting an evacuation of people inside while pedestrians looked on open-mouthed from the streets outside. The building was sealed shut as of 2:40 pm, according to local media reports. Completed in 2000, the tower is home to a major electronics market as well as various offices in the downtown of one of China's fastest-growing cities. Emergency management officials are investigating what caused the tower in Shenzhen's Futian district to wobble, according to a post on the Twitter-like Weibo platform. "After checking and analysing the data of various earthquake monitoring stations across the city, there was no earthquake in Shenzhen today," the statement said. "The cause of the shaking is being verified by various departments." It was not immediately clear how authorities will handle a dangerous building of its scale in the heart of a city of over 12 million people. Bystander videos published by local media on Weibo showed the skyscraper shaking on its foundations as hundreds of terrified pedestrians ran away outside. "SEG has been completely evacuated," wrote one Weibo user in a caption to a video of hundreds of people milling about on a wide shopping street near the tower. The tower is named after the semiconductor and electronics manufacturer Shenzhen Electronics Group, whose offices are based in the building. It is the 18th tallest tower in Shenzhen, according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat skyscraper database. (With inputs from agencies)

China skyscraper wobbles, spreads panic in downtown Shenzhen 

Hong Kong government on Tuesday&nbsp;suspended operations at its representative office in Taiwan in a sign of escalating diplomatic tensions between the global financial hub and the democratically ruled island that Beijing claims.&nbsp;

Tension between Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government and Taiwan have risen since pro-democracy protests erupted in Hong Kong in 2019 and China responded by imposing a sweeping national security law in the city that prompted many activists to leave, some for Taiwan.&nbsp;

A Hong Kong government representative did not provide an explanation for the decision to halt operations at the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office, adding only that the decision was not related to the recent rise in coronavirus cases in Taiwan.&nbsp;

"The suspension is not related to the pandemic situation in Taiwan. We do not have anything further to add," the representative said in a statement.&nbsp;

Taiwan's government said that while it respected the decision, it also regretted it.&nbsp;

"We express deep regret at today's unilateral decision by the Hong Kong government," Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement.&nbsp;

Taiwan has criticised the security law that Beijing imposed in Hong Kong and opened an office in Taipei to help people who may want to leave.&nbsp;

In August last year, China intercepted a boat carrying 12 people from Hong Kong, who had all faced charges related to the anti-government protests, and were apparently looking to escape to Taiwan.&nbsp;

Last year, Taiwan officials in Hong Kong were told their visas would not be renewed unless they signed a document supporting Beijing's claim to Taiwan under its 'one China' policy, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said.&nbsp;

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said this month, there were only eight Taiwanese staff members left at its de facto consulate in Hong Kong, and that all their visas were due to expire this year.&nbsp;

Hong Kong's Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau said the suspension in operations meant requests for assistance from Hong Kong people in Taiwan would be handled through hotlines and via a Hong Kong government website.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Hong Kong government on Tuesday suspended operations at its representative office in Taiwan in a sign of escalating diplomatic tensions between the global financial hub and the democratically ruled island that Beijing claims.

Hong Kong government on Tuesday suspended operations at its representative office in Taiwan in a sign of escalating diplomatic tensions between the global financial hub and the democratically ruled island that Beijing claims. Tension between Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government and Taiwan have risen since pro-democracy protests erupted in Hong Kong in 2019 and China responded by imposing a sweeping national security law in the city that prompted many activists to leave, some for Taiwan. A Hong Kong government representative did not provide an explanation for the decision to halt operations at the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office, adding only that the decision was not related to the recent rise in coronavirus cases in Taiwan. "The suspension is not related to the pandemic situation in Taiwan. We do not have anything further to add," the representative said in a statement. Taiwan's government said that while it respected the decision, it also regretted it. "We express deep regret at today's unilateral decision by the Hong Kong government," Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement. Taiwan has criticised the security law that Beijing imposed in Hong Kong and opened an office in Taipei to help people who may want to leave. In August last year, China intercepted a boat carrying 12 people from Hong Kong, who had all faced charges related to the anti-government protests, and were apparently looking to escape to Taiwan. Last year, Taiwan officials in Hong Kong were told their visas would not be renewed unless they signed a document supporting Beijing's claim to Taiwan under its 'one China' policy, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said this month, there were only eight Taiwanese staff members left at its de facto consulate in Hong Kong, and that all their visas were due to expire this year. Hong Kong's Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau said the suspension in operations meant requests for assistance from Hong Kong people in Taiwan would be handled through hotlines and via a Hong Kong government website. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong suspends operations at representative office in Taiwan as tensions rise 

A surfer has died after being bitten by a shark at a beach north of Sydney, Australian authorities said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Paramedics were called to Tuncurry Beach, about three hours' drive from Australia's most populous city following reports of the attack on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

"Despite the best efforts of paramedics and bystanders at the scene, the man could not be resuscitated," New South Wales Ambulance tweeted.&nbsp;

The man, believed to be in his 50s, went into cardiac arrest after being bitten on his thigh, a spokesman said. Police said he was surfing when the attack occurred.&nbsp;

The New South Wales state government's SharkSmart organisation said beaches in the area had been closed until further notice following the incident.&nbsp;

It was the first fatal shark attack recorded in Australian waters this year, according to the Taronga Conservation Society Australia.&nbsp;

There were 26 maulings in 2020, eight of them fatal, data from the government agency shows.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A surfer has died after being bitten by a shark at a beach north of Sydney, Australian authorities said on Tuesday. Paramedics were called to Tuncurry Beach, about three hours' drive from Australia's most populous city following reports of the attack on Tuesday morning.

A surfer has died after being bitten by a shark at a beach north of Sydney, Australian authorities said on Tuesday. Paramedics were called to Tuncurry Beach, about three hours' drive from Australia's most populous city following reports of the attack on Tuesday morning. "Despite the best efforts of paramedics and bystanders at the scene, the man could not be resuscitated," New South Wales Ambulance tweeted. The man, believed to be in his 50s, went into cardiac arrest after being bitten on his thigh, a spokesman said. Police said he was surfing when the attack occurred. The New South Wales state government's SharkSmart organisation said beaches in the area had been closed until further notice following the incident. It was the first fatal shark attack recorded in Australian waters this year, according to the Taronga Conservation Society Australia. There were 26 maulings in 2020, eight of them fatal, data from the government agency shows. (With inputs from agencies)

Surfer dies after shark attack in Australia 

President Joe Biden and aides worked behind the scenes on Monday pressing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas amid what one source said was frustration over Israel's bombing of a Gaza building that housed some news organisations.&nbsp;

Biden is facing growing pressure from lawmakers in his own Democratic Party to play a more vocal role, but US officials say he and his team have opted for a quieter effort, talking with Israeli officials and US allies in the Arab world.&nbsp; 
 
Watch: US asks Israel for 'justification' for strike on media building

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-asks-israel-for-justification-for-strike-on-media-building-385736/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Our calculation at this point is that having those conversations behind the scenes ... is the most constructive approach we can take,” White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters.&nbsp;

Biden spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, their third conversation since the violence erupted.&nbsp;

The White House said Biden 'encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians' and that the two leaders 'discussed progress in Israel’s military operations against Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza’.&nbsp;

"The president expressed his support for a ceasefire and discussed US engagement with Egypt and other partners towards that end," a White House statement said.&nbsp;

Supporters of the Biden administration demanded quicker action.&nbsp;

“We’re really frustrated that the administration is not moving with more urgency,” said Logan Bayroff, spokesman for J Street, a liberal pro-Israel lobbying group.&nbsp;

Twenty-eight senators, more than half of the Democratic caucus, issued a statement on Sunday calling for an immediate ceasefire 'to prevent any further loss of civilian life and to prevent further escalation of conflict.'&nbsp;

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Monday, he also wanted to see a ceasefire reached quickly.&nbsp;

The Biden administration has increasingly relied on Egypt because of its influence with Hamas, whose rocket barrages into Israeli cities have prompted a fierce response from Israel and led to the biggest outbreak in hostilities since 2014. &nbsp;

The administration would like to get on a glide path to de-escalation in coming days, leading to what a source familiar with the situation called a humanitarian pause in the violence to let relief assistance be delivered to Gaza and build a sustainable calm.&nbsp;

The United States was believed to be preparing significant initiatives on Gaza humanitarian reconstruction, the source said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

President Joe Biden and aides worked behind the scenes on Monday pressing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas amid what one source said was frustration over Israel's bombing of a Gaza building that housed some news organisations.

President Joe Biden and aides worked behind the scenes on Monday pressing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas amid what one source said was frustration over Israel's bombing of a Gaza building that housed some news organisations. Biden is facing growing pressure from lawmakers in his own Democratic Party to play a more vocal role, but US officials say he and his team have opted for a quieter effort, talking with Israeli officials and US allies in the Arab world. Watch: US asks Israel for 'justification' for strike on media building "Our calculation at this point is that having those conversations behind the scenes ... is the most constructive approach we can take,” White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters. Biden spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, their third conversation since the violence erupted. The White House said Biden 'encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians' and that the two leaders 'discussed progress in Israel’s military operations against Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza’. "The president expressed his support for a ceasefire and discussed US engagement with Egypt and other partners towards that end," a White House statement said. Supporters of the Biden administration demanded quicker action. “We’re really frustrated that the administration is not moving with more urgency,” said Logan Bayroff, spokesman for J Street, a liberal pro-Israel lobbying group. Twenty-eight senators, more than half of the Democratic caucus, issued a statement on Sunday calling for an immediate ceasefire 'to prevent any further loss of civilian life and to prevent further escalation of conflict.' Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Monday, he also wanted to see a ceasefire reached quickly. The Biden administration has increasingly relied on Egypt because of its influence with Hamas, whose rocket barrages into Israeli cities have prompted a fierce response from Israel and led to the biggest outbreak in hostilities since 2014. The administration would like to get on a glide path to de-escalation in coming days, leading to what a source familiar with the situation called a humanitarian pause in the violence to let relief assistance be delivered to Gaza and build a sustainable calm. The United States was believed to be preparing significant initiatives on Gaza humanitarian reconstruction, the source said. (With inputs from agencies)

Under pressure, Biden works for ceasefire in Israel-Gaza violence 

May 17 in history: Germany occupies Brussels, Korean trains cross the 38th Parallel after 54 years and more

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