German police said on Monday they had shut down 'one of the biggest darknet child pornography platforms in the world' and arrested four of its members in a series of raids in mid-April.

The platform, named as 'Boystown', had existed since 2019, counted over 400,000 members and was "set up for the worldwide exchange of child pornography", federal police said in a statement.&nbsp;

The darknet forum allowed users to communicate with others and share graphic image and video content which included "serious sexual abuse of toddlers", the statement said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Berlin police condemn violence during May Day protests which injured 93 officers">Berlin police condemn violence during May Day protests which injured 93 officers</a>

Three men between the ages of 40 and 64 were arrested in seven raids in Germany, while a further suspect was detained in Paraguay on the request of German authorities.

The suspect in Paraguay's Concepcion region, also a German citizen, is to be extradited back to Germany on the basis of an international arrest warrant issued by a court in Frankfurt.&nbsp;

Three of the men are accused of having managed the platform as administrators, providing technical support and advice to members on how to avoid being discovered by the authorities, while another was "one of the platform's most active users", police said.

Investigators added that the months-long, German-instigated operation had been coordinated by Europol and supported by law enforcement in the Netherlands, Sweden, the United States and Canada.&nbsp;

German police said on Monday they had shut down 'one of the biggest darknet child pornography platforms in the world' and arrested four of its members in a series of raids in mid-April.

German police said on Monday they had shut down 'one of the biggest darknet child pornography platforms in the world' and arrested four of its members in a series of raids in mid-April. The platform, named as 'Boystown', had existed since 2019, counted over 400,000 members and was "set up for the worldwide exchange of child pornography", federal police said in a statement. The darknet forum allowed users to communicate with others and share graphic image and video content which included "serious sexual abuse of toddlers", the statement said. Also read: Berlin police condemn violence during May Day protests which injured 93 officers Three men between the ages of 40 and 64 were arrested in seven raids in Germany, while a further suspect was detained in Paraguay on the request of German authorities. The suspect in Paraguay's Concepcion region, also a German citizen, is to be extradited back to Germany on the basis of an international arrest warrant issued by a court in Frankfurt. Three of the men are accused of having managed the platform as administrators, providing technical support and advice to members on how to avoid being discovered by the authorities, while another was "one of the platform's most active users", police said. Investigators added that the months-long, German-instigated operation had been coordinated by Europol and supported by law enforcement in the Netherlands, Sweden, the United States and Canada.

German police smash darknet child porn network with 400,000 members

The Indian rupee slumped 24 paise to 74.33 against the US dollar in opening trade on Monday tracking weak domestic equities and strong American currency.&nbsp;

Forex traders said concerns over rising COVID-19 cases and foreign fund outflows also weighed on investors' sentiment.&nbsp;

At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit opened lower at 74.25 against the dollar, and lost further ground and touched 74.33, registering a fall of 24 paise over its previous close.&nbsp;

On Friday, rupee had closed at 74.09 against the US dollar.&nbsp;

Rupee opened on a week note on global dollar strength and weaker-than-expected performance of BJP in state elections, particularly Bengal, said Abhishek Goenka, Founder and CEO, IFA Global.&nbsp;

Goenka further said that "it is likely to trade a 74.15-74.45 range intraday with an upside bias".&nbsp;

The major trigger point for the markets could be the CPI and IIP numbers this week, Reliance Securities said in a research note adding that volumes could be low this week as Chinese investors and traders will be away from the markets on account of Labour Day break from May 3 to 5 this week.&nbsp;

The 30-share BSE Sensex was trading 363.46 points or 0.75 per cent lower at 48,418.90. Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty slipped 85.15 points or 0.58 per cent to 14,545.95.&nbsp;

The daily COVID-19 cases in India showed a slight dip with 3,68,147 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, taking the total tally of cases to 1,99,25,604, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.&nbsp;

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) remained net sellers in the capital markets, as they pulled out Rs 3,465.07 crore on Friday, as per provisional data.&nbsp;

The dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading higher by 0.06 per cent at 91.33.&nbsp;

Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, was down by 0.45 per cent to USD 66.46 per barrel. &nbsp;

The Indian rupee slumped 24 paise to 74.33 against the US dollar in opening trade on Monday tracking weak domestic equities and strong American currency. Forex traders said concerns over rising COVID-19 cases and foreign fund outflows also weighed on investors' sentiment.

The Indian rupee slumped 24 paise to 74.33 against the US dollar in opening trade on Monday tracking weak domestic equities and strong American currency. Forex traders said concerns over rising COVID-19 cases and foreign fund outflows also weighed on investors' sentiment. At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit opened lower at 74.25 against the dollar, and lost further ground and touched 74.33, registering a fall of 24 paise over its previous close. On Friday, rupee had closed at 74.09 against the US dollar. Rupee opened on a week note on global dollar strength and weaker-than-expected performance of BJP in state elections, particularly Bengal, said Abhishek Goenka, Founder and CEO, IFA Global. Goenka further said that "it is likely to trade a 74.15-74.45 range intraday with an upside bias". The major trigger point for the markets could be the CPI and IIP numbers this week, Reliance Securities said in a research note adding that volumes could be low this week as Chinese investors and traders will be away from the markets on account of Labour Day break from May 3 to 5 this week. The 30-share BSE Sensex was trading 363.46 points or 0.75 per cent lower at 48,418.90. Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty slipped 85.15 points or 0.58 per cent to 14,545.95. The daily COVID-19 cases in India showed a slight dip with 3,68,147 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, taking the total tally of cases to 1,99,25,604, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) remained net sellers in the capital markets, as they pulled out Rs 3,465.07 crore on Friday, as per provisional data. The dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading higher by 0.06 per cent at 91.33. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, was down by 0.45 per cent to USD 66.46 per barrel.

Rupee falls 24 paise to 74.33 against US dollar in early trade 

Russia is turning to multiple Chinese firms to manufacture the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine in an effort to speed up production as demand soars for its shot.&nbsp;

Russia has announced three deals totaling 260,000,000 doses with Chinese vaccine companies in recent weeks. &nbsp;

It's a decision that could mean quicker access to a shot for countries in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa that have ordered Russia's vaccine, as the US and the European Union focus mainly on domestic vaccination needs. &nbsp;

Earlier, criticism about Russia's vaccine have been largely quieted by data published in the British medical journal The Lancet that said large-scale testing showed it to be safe, with an efficacy rate of 91 per cent. &nbsp;

Yet, experts have questioned whether Russia can fulfill its pledge to countries across the world. While pledging hundreds of millions of doses, it has only delivered a fraction. &nbsp;

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said demand for Sputnik V significantly exceeds Russia's domestic production capacity.&nbsp;

To boost production, the Russian Direct Investment Fund, which bankrolled Sputnik V, has signed agreements with multiple drug makers in other countries, such as India, South Korea, Brazil, Serbia, Turkey, Italy and others. There are few indications, however, that manufacturers abroad, except for those in Belarus and Kazakhstan, have made any large amounts of the vaccine so far. &nbsp;

Airfinity, a London-based science analytics company, estimates Russia agreed to supply some 630,000,000 doses of Sputnik V to over 100 countries, with only 11,500,000&nbsp;doses exported so far. &nbsp;

RDIF declined to disclose how many doses are going to other countries. Through April 27, less than 27 million two-dose sets of Sputnik V have been reportedly produced in Russia. &nbsp;

The Russian Direct Investment Fund, which has been in charge of international cooperation for Sputnik V, said in April it would produce 100,000,000 doses in collaboration with Hualan Biological Bacterin Inc., in addition to an earlier deal announced in March for 60,000,000 doses with Shenzhen Yuanxin Gene tech Co.&nbsp;

The two deals are in addition to a deal announced last November with Tibet Rhodiola Pharmaceutical Holding Co, which had paid USD 9,000,000 to manufacture and sell the Sputnik V vaccine in China. &nbsp;

RDIF said in April the terms of the deal were for 100,000,000 doses with a subsidiary company belonging to Tibet Rhodiola.&nbsp;

“Russia is very ambitious and unlikely to meet their full targets,” said Rasmus Bech Hansen, founder and CEO of Airfinity. Working with China to produce Sputnik V could be a win-win situation for both Russia and China, he added.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia is turning to multiple Chinese firms to manufacture the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine in an effort to speed up production as demand soars for its shot. Russia has announced three deals totaling 260,000,000 doses with Chinese vaccine companies in recent weeks.

Russia is turning to multiple Chinese firms to manufacture the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine in an effort to speed up production as demand soars for its shot. Russia has announced three deals totaling 260,000,000 doses with Chinese vaccine companies in recent weeks. It's a decision that could mean quicker access to a shot for countries in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa that have ordered Russia's vaccine, as the US and the European Union focus mainly on domestic vaccination needs. Earlier, criticism about Russia's vaccine have been largely quieted by data published in the British medical journal The Lancet that said large-scale testing showed it to be safe, with an efficacy rate of 91 per cent. Yet, experts have questioned whether Russia can fulfill its pledge to countries across the world. While pledging hundreds of millions of doses, it has only delivered a fraction. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said demand for Sputnik V significantly exceeds Russia's domestic production capacity. To boost production, the Russian Direct Investment Fund, which bankrolled Sputnik V, has signed agreements with multiple drug makers in other countries, such as India, South Korea, Brazil, Serbia, Turkey, Italy and others. There are few indications, however, that manufacturers abroad, except for those in Belarus and Kazakhstan, have made any large amounts of the vaccine so far. Airfinity, a London-based science analytics company, estimates Russia agreed to supply some 630,000,000 doses of Sputnik V to over 100 countries, with only 11,500,000 doses exported so far. RDIF declined to disclose how many doses are going to other countries. Through April 27, less than 27 million two-dose sets of Sputnik V have been reportedly produced in Russia. The Russian Direct Investment Fund, which has been in charge of international cooperation for Sputnik V, said in April it would produce 100,000,000 doses in collaboration with Hualan Biological Bacterin Inc., in addition to an earlier deal announced in March for 60,000,000 doses with Shenzhen Yuanxin Gene tech Co. The two deals are in addition to a deal announced last November with Tibet Rhodiola Pharmaceutical Holding Co, which had paid USD 9,000,000 to manufacture and sell the Sputnik V vaccine in China. RDIF said in April the terms of the deal were for 100,000,000 doses with a subsidiary company belonging to Tibet Rhodiola. “Russia is very ambitious and unlikely to meet their full targets,” said Rasmus Bech Hansen, founder and CEO of Airfinity. Working with China to produce Sputnik V could be a win-win situation for both Russia and China, he added. (With input from agencies)

COVID-19: Russia, facing lags, turns to China to produce Sputnik shots 

Differences between New Zealand and its top trading partner China are becoming harder to reconcile as Beijing's role in the world grows and changes, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday.&nbsp;

The comments come as New Zealand faces pressure from some elements among Western allies over its reluctance to use the Five Eyes intelligence and security alliance to criticise Beijing. &nbsp;

In a speech at the China Business Summit in Auckland, Ardern said there are things on which China and New Zealand "do not, cannot, and will not agree", but added these differences need not define their relationship.&nbsp;

"It will not have escaped the attention of anyone here that as China's role in the world grows and changes, the differences between our systems – and the interests and values that shape those systems – are becoming harder to reconcile," Ardern said.&nbsp;

"This is a challenge that we, and many other countries across the Indo-Pacific region, but also in Europe and other regions, are also grappling with," she added.&nbsp;

In comments that sparked some reaction among Western allies, Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said last month, she was uncomfortable expanding the role of Five Eyes, which includes Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States.&nbsp;

"This speech appears to be crafted to deflect surprisingly sharp and severe criticism from commentators after Mahuta's remarks last month," said Geoffrey Miller, international analyst at the political website Democracy Project.&nbsp;

However, the comments do not change New Zealand's overall shift to a more China-friendly, or at least more neutral position, he said.&nbsp;

"Ardern and Mahuta are selling the new stance as New Zealand advancing an ‘independent foreign policy’ that is not loyal to any major bloc," he added.&nbsp;

China, which takes almost one-third of New Zealand's exports, has accused the Five Eyes of ganging up on it by issuing statements on Hong Kong and the treatment of ethnic Muslim Uyhgurs in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

New Zealand's parliament on Tuesday is set to look at a motion put forward by a smaller party to declare the situation in Xinjiang as a genocide. &nbsp;

Ardern said New Zealand would continue to speak about these issues individually as well as through its partners, noting that managing the relationship with China is not always going to be easy.&nbsp;

China's Ambassador to New Zealand, Wu Xi, who also spoke at the event warned that Hong Kong and Xinjiang related issues were China's internal affairs. &nbsp;

"We hope that the New Zealand side could hold an objective and a just a position, abide by international law and not interfere in China's internal affairs so as to maintain the sound development of our bilateral relations," she said in her speech.&nbsp;

Beijing is engaged in a diplomatic row with Australia and has imposed trade restrictions after Canberra lobbied for an international inquiry into the source of the coronavirus. China denies the curbs are reprisals, saying reduced imports of Australian products are the result of buyers' own decisions.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said China had recently acted "more aggressively abroad" and was behaving "increasingly in adversarial ways."&nbsp;

When asked if New Zealand would risk trade punishment with China, as did Australia, to uphold values, Ardern said, "It would be a concern to anyone in New Zealand if the consideration was 'Do we speak on this or are we too worried of economic impacts?'"&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Differences between New Zealand and its top trading partner China are becoming harder to reconcile as Beijing's role in the world grows and changes, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday.

Differences between New Zealand and its top trading partner China are becoming harder to reconcile as Beijing's role in the world grows and changes, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday. The comments come as New Zealand faces pressure from some elements among Western allies over its reluctance to use the Five Eyes intelligence and security alliance to criticise Beijing. In a speech at the China Business Summit in Auckland, Ardern said there are things on which China and New Zealand "do not, cannot, and will not agree", but added these differences need not define their relationship. "It will not have escaped the attention of anyone here that as China's role in the world grows and changes, the differences between our systems – and the interests and values that shape those systems – are becoming harder to reconcile," Ardern said. "This is a challenge that we, and many other countries across the Indo-Pacific region, but also in Europe and other regions, are also grappling with," she added. In comments that sparked some reaction among Western allies, Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said last month, she was uncomfortable expanding the role of Five Eyes, which includes Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States. "This speech appears to be crafted to deflect surprisingly sharp and severe criticism from commentators after Mahuta's remarks last month," said Geoffrey Miller, international analyst at the political website Democracy Project. However, the comments do not change New Zealand's overall shift to a more China-friendly, or at least more neutral position, he said. "Ardern and Mahuta are selling the new stance as New Zealand advancing an ‘independent foreign policy’ that is not loyal to any major bloc," he added. China, which takes almost one-third of New Zealand's exports, has accused the Five Eyes of ganging up on it by issuing statements on Hong Kong and the treatment of ethnic Muslim Uyhgurs in Xinjiang. New Zealand's parliament on Tuesday is set to look at a motion put forward by a smaller party to declare the situation in Xinjiang as a genocide. Ardern said New Zealand would continue to speak about these issues individually as well as through its partners, noting that managing the relationship with China is not always going to be easy. China's Ambassador to New Zealand, Wu Xi, who also spoke at the event warned that Hong Kong and Xinjiang related issues were China's internal affairs. "We hope that the New Zealand side could hold an objective and a just a position, abide by international law and not interfere in China's internal affairs so as to maintain the sound development of our bilateral relations," she said in her speech. Beijing is engaged in a diplomatic row with Australia and has imposed trade restrictions after Canberra lobbied for an international inquiry into the source of the coronavirus. China denies the curbs are reprisals, saying reduced imports of Australian products are the result of buyers' own decisions. Over the weekend, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said China had recently acted "more aggressively abroad" and was behaving "increasingly in adversarial ways." When asked if New Zealand would risk trade punishment with China, as did Australia, to uphold values, Ardern said, "It would be a concern to anyone in New Zealand if the consideration was 'Do we speak on this or are we too worried of economic impacts?'" (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand's Ardern says differences with China becoming harder to reconcile 

Three Afghan security forces lost their lives and nine Taliban terrorists were killed in a clash that erupted between them in southern Zabul province on Sunday.&nbsp;

Head of Provincial Council, Ata Jan Haqbayan said the clash erupted when the Taliban attacked a security checkpoint in Qalat, the capital city for Zabul. &nbsp;

According to him, two security forces were injured, reported Afghanistan Times.&nbsp;

After US President Joe Biden's announcement of withdrawing all American service members from Afghanistan, a significant number of security forces as well as civilians suffer casualties on a daily basis.&nbsp;

According to some findings, 226 people including 157 security forces and 69 civilians were killed in 24 of 34 provinces since Biden announced the exit of troops, reported Afghanistan Times. &nbsp;

The Taliban have intensified violence across the country by carrying out targeted killings against journalists, civil activists and massive car bomb blasts, inflicting heavy casualties on civilians and the security forces. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Three Afghan security forces lost their lives and nine Taliban terrorists were killed in a clash that erupted between them in southern Zabul province on Sunday. Head of Provincial Council, Ata Jan Haqbayan said the clash erupted when the Taliban attacked a security checkpoint in Qalat, the capital city for Zabul.

Three Afghan security forces lost their lives and nine Taliban terrorists were killed in a clash that erupted between them in southern Zabul province on Sunday. Head of Provincial Council, Ata Jan Haqbayan said the clash erupted when the Taliban attacked a security checkpoint in Qalat, the capital city for Zabul. According to him, two security forces were injured, reported Afghanistan Times. After US President Joe Biden's announcement of withdrawing all American service members from Afghanistan, a significant number of security forces as well as civilians suffer casualties on a daily basis. According to some findings, 226 people including 157 security forces and 69 civilians were killed in 24 of 34 provinces since Biden announced the exit of troops, reported Afghanistan Times. The Taliban have intensified violence across the country by carrying out targeted killings against journalists, civil activists and massive car bomb blasts, inflicting heavy casualties on civilians and the security forces. (With inputs from agencies)

3 cops, 9 Taliban terrorists killed in clash in Afghanistan's Zabul 

Daily lateral flow tests could be used as a way to prevent home-isolation in the UK for those who have been in contact with someone tested positive for coronavirus, British media reported. 
 
Currently, these people are required to quarantine at home for 10 days but the measure could be scrapped if a trial in England, which gives daily lateral flow tests to as many as 40,000 people, is successful, Xinhua news agency quoted a Sky News report as saying on Sunday. 
 
"This new pilot could help shift the dial in our favour by offering a viable alternative to self-isolation for people who are contacts of positive Covid&nbsp;cases, and one that would allow people to carry on going to work and living their lives," said Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="UK locals urge government to let them 'hug' as Covid lockdown eases">UK locals urge government to let them 'hug' as Covid lockdown eases</a> 
 
The trial will begin on May 9 and close contacts of people with coronavirus will be contacted by phone and sent seven days of the tests if they decide to participate in the study. 
 
They will have to test themselves every morning for seven days and will be exempt from the home isolation rule every day they test negative, as long as they do not show any symptoms of coronavirus. 
 
Lateral flow tests give results in about 30 minutes but are considered less sensitive than PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests, whose results usually return in 24 hours or so, according to the BBC. 
 
More than 34.3 million people have been given the first jab of the coronavirus vaccine, according to the latest official figures. 
 
Experts have warned that despite progress in vaccine rollout, the UK is "still not out of the woods" amid concerns over new variants, particularly those first emerged in South Africa, Brazil and India, and the third wave of pandemic on the European continent.

Daily lateral flow tests could be used as a way to prevent home-isolation in the UK for those who have been in contact with someone tested positive for coronavirus, British media reported.

Daily lateral flow tests could be used as a way to prevent home-isolation in the UK for those who have been in contact with someone tested positive for coronavirus, British media reported. Currently, these people are required to quarantine at home for 10 days but the measure could be scrapped if a trial in England, which gives daily lateral flow tests to as many as 40,000 people, is successful, Xinhua news agency quoted a Sky News report as saying on Sunday. "This new pilot could help shift the dial in our favour by offering a viable alternative to self-isolation for people who are contacts of positive Covid cases, and one that would allow people to carry on going to work and living their lives," said Health Secretary Matt Hancock. Also read: UK locals urge government to let them 'hug' as Covid lockdown eases The trial will begin on May 9 and close contacts of people with coronavirus will be contacted by phone and sent seven days of the tests if they decide to participate in the study. They will have to test themselves every morning for seven days and will be exempt from the home isolation rule every day they test negative, as long as they do not show any symptoms of coronavirus. Lateral flow tests give results in about 30 minutes but are considered less sensitive than PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests, whose results usually return in 24 hours or so, according to the BBC. More than 34.3 million people have been given the first jab of the coronavirus vaccine, according to the latest official figures. Experts have warned that despite progress in vaccine rollout, the UK is "still not out of the woods" amid concerns over new variants, particularly those first emerged in South Africa, Brazil and India, and the third wave of pandemic on the European continent.

UK mulls scrapping quarantine for Covid contacts

Colombian President Ivan Duque said on Sunday, he would withdraw a proposed tax reform after deadly protests and widespread lawmaker opposition, though he insisted a reform is still necessary to ensure fiscal stability.&nbsp;

Protests, have led to multiple deaths around the country since they began on Wednesday, continued on Sunday in some cities, despite the announcement.&nbsp;

Duque said on Friday, the law would be revised to remove some of its most controversial points, including the leveling of sales tax on utilities and some food, but the government had previously insisted it could not be withdrawn.&nbsp;

"I am asking Congress to withdraw the law proposed by the finance ministry and urgently process a new law that is the fruit of consensus, in order to avoid financial uncertainty," Duque said in a video.&nbsp;

The reform, which the government has insisted is vital to stabilising Colombia's finances, maintaining its credit rating and funding social programmes, remains necessary, Duque said.&nbsp;

Political parties, local officials, business leaders and civil society have contributed valuable ideas over the last several days, he said.&nbsp;

There is consensus on the need for temporary taxes on businesses and dividends, an increase in income tax for the wealthiest and deepened state austerity measures, Duque said.&nbsp;

"It is a moment for all of us to work together without malice," he said.&nbsp;

The central bank warned on Friday, failure to approve the reform could have a negative impact on the economy, while a loss of the country's investment-grade credit rating has already been priced in by many investors.&nbsp;

Lawmakers, unions and other groups hailed the announcement as a victory. Celebratory cacerolazos, a traditional protest where people beat pots and pans, could be heard in some neighborhoods.&nbsp;

"It is the youth, social organisations and mobilised citizens, who have seen deaths and defeated the government," leftist Senator Ivan Cepeda said on Twitter. "May the government not present the same reform with make-up. The citizens won't accept tricks."&nbsp;

There is not yet a definite national count of deaths connected to protests, amid incidents of looting, destruction of public transport and road blockades in several cities.&nbsp;

Local officials in Cali, the country's third-largest city and where demonstrations have been the most violent, have confirmed three. One death each occurred in the city of Neiva and the municipality of Madrid and a police officer was killed in Soacha.&nbsp;

The procurator's office said in an afternoon statement, it was investigating 14 deaths nationally, while human rights groups have alleged police abuses, especially in Cali, and said deaths number more than 20.&nbsp;

The national police director said the force would contribute all necessary information to the procurator's investigations.&nbsp;

Duque said late on Saturday, cities at high risk for disturbances would get military assistance, an offer rejected by Bogota Mayor Claudia Lopez.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies) &nbsp;

Colombian President Ivan Duque said on Sunday, he would withdraw a proposed tax reform after deadly protests and widespread lawmaker opposition, though he insisted a reform is still necessary to ensure fiscal stability.

Colombian President Ivan Duque said on Sunday, he would withdraw a proposed tax reform after deadly protests and widespread lawmaker opposition, though he insisted a reform is still necessary to ensure fiscal stability. Protests, have led to multiple deaths around the country since they began on Wednesday, continued on Sunday in some cities, despite the announcement. Duque said on Friday, the law would be revised to remove some of its most controversial points, including the leveling of sales tax on utilities and some food, but the government had previously insisted it could not be withdrawn. "I am asking Congress to withdraw the law proposed by the finance ministry and urgently process a new law that is the fruit of consensus, in order to avoid financial uncertainty," Duque said in a video. The reform, which the government has insisted is vital to stabilising Colombia's finances, maintaining its credit rating and funding social programmes, remains necessary, Duque said. Political parties, local officials, business leaders and civil society have contributed valuable ideas over the last several days, he said. There is consensus on the need for temporary taxes on businesses and dividends, an increase in income tax for the wealthiest and deepened state austerity measures, Duque said. "It is a moment for all of us to work together without malice," he said. The central bank warned on Friday, failure to approve the reform could have a negative impact on the economy, while a loss of the country's investment-grade credit rating has already been priced in by many investors. Lawmakers, unions and other groups hailed the announcement as a victory. Celebratory cacerolazos, a traditional protest where people beat pots and pans, could be heard in some neighborhoods. "It is the youth, social organisations and mobilised citizens, who have seen deaths and defeated the government," leftist Senator Ivan Cepeda said on Twitter. "May the government not present the same reform with make-up. The citizens won't accept tricks." There is not yet a definite national count of deaths connected to protests, amid incidents of looting, destruction of public transport and road blockades in several cities. Local officials in Cali, the country's third-largest city and where demonstrations have been the most violent, have confirmed three. One death each occurred in the city of Neiva and the municipality of Madrid and a police officer was killed in Soacha. The procurator's office said in an afternoon statement, it was investigating 14 deaths nationally, while human rights groups have alleged police abuses, especially in Cali, and said deaths number more than 20. The national police director said the force would contribute all necessary information to the procurator's investigations. Duque said late on Saturday, cities at high risk for disturbances would get military assistance, an offer rejected by Bogota Mayor Claudia Lopez. (With input from agencies)

Colombia's president withdraws tax reform after protests 

Several thousand Brazilians marched on Saturday in support of far-right president Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro, ignoring a surging pandemic even as government opponents took their own protests online.

There were rallies in Brasilia, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, with many demonstrators wearing the yellow, blue and green of the country's flag.&nbsp;

Brazil, with more than 403,000 Covid-19 deaths, is second only to the United States in that grim category, and&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;faces widespread criticism for not taking the pandemic more seriously.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Brazil hits 82,000 Covid deaths in April, new monthly record">Brazil hits 82,000 Covid deaths in April, new monthly record</a>

Two weeks ago, the president said he was waiting for 'a sign from the people'&nbsp;before 'taking measures'&nbsp;to revoke restrictions imposed by mayors or governors to contain the spread of the virus.

More recently, he told a television interviewer that the army "could take to the street one day, to ensure respect for the Constitution (and for) freedom to come and go."

In Rio on Saturday, several hundred protesters seemed to respond to his call. Rallying along celebrated Copacabana beach, they waved banners demanding a 'military intervention' to bolster&nbsp;Bolsonaro's powers.

A slogan widely seen at the various rallies was 'Autoriso&nbsp;Bolsonaro' ('I authorise&nbsp;Bolsonaro') to send in the army.

In Brasilia, several thousand people assembled on the Esplanade of Ministries as&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;briefly passed overhead in a helicopter.&nbsp;

One of his sons, the deputy Eduardo&nbsp;Bolsonaro, waded into the crowd, his mask worn down around his chin, taking selfies with supporters, their faces also uncovered.

"It's a critical moment and&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;needs the people's support," Edvaldo de Paulo, a demonstrator, told AFP in Brasilia.

"We have to clean house in Brasilia to let the president govern," said Elenir Ritonni, a 63-year-old retiree, who joined several hundred demonstrators in Sao Paulo.

Bolsonaro&nbsp;spoke via videoconference during a farm event.

"It used to be that on May Day, red flags would wave, as if we were a socialist country. I am happy to see green and yellow flags all over the country, with people who are truly working," he said.

Few anti-Bolsonaro&nbsp;protests were planned for Saturday, but key opposition leaders, on the right and the left, were taking part in a trade union-sponsored event on social media critical of&nbsp;Bolsonaro.

Among them were former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2003-2010), who is expected to challenge Bolsonaro in next year's elections, and his center-right predecessor, Fernando Henrique Cardoso (1995-2002).&nbsp;

"This is a sad May Day for the workers of our country, a day of mourning for the 400,000 lives lost to Covid-19, many of them because the government of&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;refused to buy the vaccines that were being offered," Lula said.

On Tuesday, a Senate commission of inquiry was established to examine the government's handling of the health crisis, with many experts saying it has been incompetent and irresponsible.

Several thousand Brazilians marched on Saturday in support of far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, ignoring a surging pandemic even as government opponents took their own protests online.

Several thousand Brazilians marched on Saturday in support of far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, ignoring a surging pandemic even as government opponents took their own protests online. There were rallies in Brasilia, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, with many demonstrators wearing the yellow, blue and green of the country's flag. Brazil, with more than 403,000 Covid-19 deaths, is second only to the United States in that grim category, and Bolsonaro faces widespread criticism for not taking the pandemic more seriously. Also read: Brazil hits 82,000 Covid deaths in April, new monthly record Two weeks ago, the president said he was waiting for 'a sign from the people' before 'taking measures' to revoke restrictions imposed by mayors or governors to contain the spread of the virus. More recently, he told a television interviewer that the army "could take to the street one day, to ensure respect for the Constitution (and for) freedom to come and go." In Rio on Saturday, several hundred protesters seemed to respond to his call. Rallying along celebrated Copacabana beach, they waved banners demanding a 'military intervention' to bolster Bolsonaro's powers. A slogan widely seen at the various rallies was 'Autoriso Bolsonaro' ('I authorise Bolsonaro') to send in the army. In Brasilia, several thousand people assembled on the Esplanade of Ministries as Bolsonaro briefly passed overhead in a helicopter. One of his sons, the deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro, waded into the crowd, his mask worn down around his chin, taking selfies with supporters, their faces also uncovered. "It's a critical moment and Bolsonaro needs the people's support," Edvaldo de Paulo, a demonstrator, told AFP in Brasilia. "We have to clean house in Brasilia to let the president govern," said Elenir Ritonni, a 63-year-old retiree, who joined several hundred demonstrators in Sao Paulo. Bolsonaro spoke via videoconference during a farm event. "It used to be that on May Day, red flags would wave, as if we were a socialist country. I am happy to see green and yellow flags all over the country, with people who are truly working," he said. Few anti-Bolsonaro protests were planned for Saturday, but key opposition leaders, on the right and the left, were taking part in a trade union-sponsored event on social media critical of Bolsonaro. Among them were former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2003-2010), who is expected to challenge Bolsonaro in next year's elections, and his center-right predecessor, Fernando Henrique Cardoso (1995-2002). "This is a sad May Day for the workers of our country, a day of mourning for the 400,000 lives lost to Covid-19, many of them because the government of Bolsonaro refused to buy the vaccines that were being offered," Lula said. On Tuesday, a Senate commission of inquiry was established to examine the government's handling of the health crisis, with many experts saying it has been incompetent and irresponsible.

Thousands march in support of Brazil's Bolsonaro defying virus

Police arrested nine people, who took part in protests in London on Saturday, demanding that the government reverse planned legislation that would increase police powers.

More than 1,000 people marched through central London and chanted 'Kill the Bill' outside government buildings, as well as dancing to music played from a bus.

A police statement said nine people had been arrested and officers were 'continuing to engage' with protesters, who had gathered in a park in south London after the march.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Thousands join May Day protests across France, police arrest 34">Thousands join May Day protests across France, police arrest 34</a>

Similar protests took place in other cities across England and Wales, including Bristol, which saw several days of clashes between protesters and police in March.

Under the new legislation, the British government wants to increase police powers to block non-violent protests, which have a 'significant disruptive effect' on the public or parliament.

The legislation would target action by groups, such as environmental campaigners Extinction Rebellion, which has organised mass protests to block bridges in recent years and whose members have glued themselves to commuter trains.

London's Tower Bridge was closed to traffic in one direction for around an hour on Saturday after an Extinction Rebellion protester glued himself to the road.

Many protesters on Saturday said they did not trust police to protect them and that the new laws would give authorities too much power to shut down politically awkward protests, such as&nbsp;those by Black Lives Matter and Extinction Rebellion.

"I am really scared by the fact that they want to make protesting an arrestable offence," 30-year-old therapist Jade Rea said.

"I don't think there's any justification for it because the idea of a protest is to disrupt and really bring to people's attention that something urgent is going on," she added.

London police faced criticism from across the political spectrum in March for their handling of a vigil in memory of a murdered woman, Sarah Everard, whose suspected killer was a serving police officer.

Police arrested nine people, who took part in protests in London on Saturday, demanding that the government reverse planned legislation that would increase police powers.

Police arrested nine people, who took part in protests in London on Saturday, demanding that the government reverse planned legislation that would increase police powers. More than 1,000 people marched through central London and chanted 'Kill the Bill' outside government buildings, as well as dancing to music played from a bus. A police statement said nine people had been arrested and officers were 'continuing to engage' with protesters, who had gathered in a park in south London after the march. Also read: Thousands join May Day protests across France, police arrest 34 Similar protests took place in other cities across England and Wales, including Bristol, which saw several days of clashes between protesters and police in March. Under the new legislation, the British government wants to increase police powers to block non-violent protests, which have a 'significant disruptive effect' on the public or parliament. The legislation would target action by groups, such as environmental campaigners Extinction Rebellion, which has organised mass protests to block bridges in recent years and whose members have glued themselves to commuter trains. London's Tower Bridge was closed to traffic in one direction for around an hour on Saturday after an Extinction Rebellion protester glued himself to the road. Many protesters on Saturday said they did not trust police to protect them and that the new laws would give authorities too much power to shut down politically awkward protests, such as those by Black Lives Matter and Extinction Rebellion. "I am really scared by the fact that they want to make protesting an arrestable offence," 30-year-old therapist Jade Rea said. "I don't think there's any justification for it because the idea of a protest is to disrupt and really bring to people's attention that something urgent is going on," she added. London police faced criticism from across the political spectrum in March for their handling of a vigil in memory of a murdered woman, Sarah Everard, whose suspected killer was a serving police officer.

Nine arrested in London protests against greater police powers

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, India on Sunday received several essential medical supplies and equipment from France to help fight the second wave of the coronavirus.

According to sources, the medical supply from France was received on Sunday includes eight oxygen generators, 28 ventilators, 200 electric syringe pumps, 28 AFNOR/BS Flexible tubes, 500 anti-bacterial filters, 500 machine filters and 500 related patient circuits.

The total weight of these materials is more than 28 tonnes.These eight generators are Novair Premium RX 400 Hospital Level Oxygen Generators, with each unit capable of providing year-long oxygen for 250 beds.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="COVID-19: First lot of Russian vaccine Sputnik V arrives in Hyderabad">COVID-19: First lot of Russian vaccine Sputnik V arrives in Hyderabad</a>

These world-class generators would make 8 hospitals oxygen autonomous for over 10 years, informed sources.

"A testament to India-France strategic partnership &amp; friendship! 28 tonnes of medical equipment including 8 hospital-level oxygen generators and other medical supplies arrives from France. Deeply appreciate the support from France. Will bolster our oxygen capacities," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. According to a press release, this airfreight is the first phase of France's solidarity mission.

Furthermore, a second delivery of oxygen generators and medical equipment is underway due to the numerous contributions made by French companies in India with the active involvement of the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI).

Moreover, in the following days, French company Air Liquide will begin shipments of several hundred tonnes of oxygen through a dedicated logistical bridge organised by both governments and implemented with the Indian armed forces.

According to the release, the oxygen plants will be delivered to eight Indian hospitals, including six in Delhi, one in Haryana and one in Telangana, based on needs as identified by the Indian authorities.

The 28 ventilators and 200 electric syringe pumps will be distributed to several hospitals based on needs to enhance their ICU capacities.

This special cargo flight has been chartered free of charge by the French shipping and logistics group CMA CGM through its air cargo division.

Alongside CMA CGM, many other French companies present in India have stepped up to pool their contributions and resources with the French government to carry out this exceptional solidarity mission.

This support also falls within the framework of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). "We stand by India in these difficult times, just as India has always stood by France. In Spring 2020, when French hospitals were facing acute shortages, India provided lifesaving help through the export of critical medical drugs. The French people have not forgotten. India has, in fact, been at the forefront of international cooperation against the pandemic, including through sharing its massive vaccine production capacity with the countries most in need," said the Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain, on this occasion.

Quoting French President Emmanuel Macron, Lenain said that solidarity is at the heart of the strategic partnership between France and India and that a partnership between sovereign countries that have built an exceptional mutual trust and work together to enhance each other's strategic autonomy.

"We know now that healthcare is also a pillar of sovereignty. And that is the meaning of our contribution: each of these oxygen generator plants will make an Indian hospital fully oxygen aatmanirbhar for more than 10 years.&nbsp;I believe healthcare can be a new field to develop our strategic partnership, building on our respective strengths. Together, we will prevail," he added. On April 27, Macron had conveyed the message of solidarity in Hindi via a social media post.

"No one is untouched by the epidemic we are going through. We know that India is going through a difficult period. France and India have always been united: we are ready to provide our support," he had said.

Meanwhile, the MEA also announced that India has received a shipment of 9,000 vials of Remdesivir from Belgium. Earlier on Saturday night, India received several medical supplies from countries including Germany, the United States and Uzbekistan.

As India battles a devastating second wave of coronavirus, several countries around the globe including the United Kingdom and Russia have extended support as the country continues to struggle with the increase in its health infrastructure needs caused by the rising infections.

India for the first time reported more than four lakh new COVID-19 cases on Saturday. A total of 4,01,993 fresh COVID-19 cases were recorded on Saturday, taking the cumulative count of the cases to 1,91,64,969, the Union Health Ministry reported.

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, India on Sunday received several essential medical supplies and equipment from France to help fight the second wave of the coronavirus.

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, India on Sunday received several essential medical supplies and equipment from France to help fight the second wave of the coronavirus. According to sources, the medical supply from France was received on Sunday includes eight oxygen generators, 28 ventilators, 200 electric syringe pumps, 28 AFNOR/BS Flexible tubes, 500 anti-bacterial filters, 500 machine filters and 500 related patient circuits. The total weight of these materials is more than 28 tonnes.These eight generators are Novair Premium RX 400 Hospital Level Oxygen Generators, with each unit capable of providing year-long oxygen for 250 beds. Also read: COVID-19: First lot of Russian vaccine Sputnik V arrives in Hyderabad These world-class generators would make 8 hospitals oxygen autonomous for over 10 years, informed sources. "A testament to India-France strategic partnership & friendship! 28 tonnes of medical equipment including 8 hospital-level oxygen generators and other medical supplies arrives from France. Deeply appreciate the support from France. Will bolster our oxygen capacities," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. According to a press release, this airfreight is the first phase of France's solidarity mission. Furthermore, a second delivery of oxygen generators and medical equipment is underway due to the numerous contributions made by French companies in India with the active involvement of the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI). Moreover, in the following days, French company Air Liquide will begin shipments of several hundred tonnes of oxygen through a dedicated logistical bridge organised by both governments and implemented with the Indian armed forces. According to the release, the oxygen plants will be delivered to eight Indian hospitals, including six in Delhi, one in Haryana and one in Telangana, based on needs as identified by the Indian authorities. The 28 ventilators and 200 electric syringe pumps will be distributed to several hospitals based on needs to enhance their ICU capacities. This special cargo flight has been chartered free of charge by the French shipping and logistics group CMA CGM through its air cargo division. Alongside CMA CGM, many other French companies present in India have stepped up to pool their contributions and resources with the French government to carry out this exceptional solidarity mission. This support also falls within the framework of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). "We stand by India in these difficult times, just as India has always stood by France. In Spring 2020, when French hospitals were facing acute shortages, India provided lifesaving help through the export of critical medical drugs. The French people have not forgotten. India has, in fact, been at the forefront of international cooperation against the pandemic, including through sharing its massive vaccine production capacity with the countries most in need," said the Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain, on this occasion. Quoting French President Emmanuel Macron, Lenain said that solidarity is at the heart of the strategic partnership between France and India and that a partnership between sovereign countries that have built an exceptional mutual trust and work together to enhance each other's strategic autonomy. "We know now that healthcare is also a pillar of sovereignty. And that is the meaning of our contribution: each of these oxygen generator plants will make an Indian hospital fully oxygen aatmanirbhar for more than 10 years. I believe healthcare can be a new field to develop our strategic partnership, building on our respective strengths. Together, we will prevail," he added. On April 27, Macron had conveyed the message of solidarity in Hindi via a social media post. "No one is untouched by the epidemic we are going through. We know that India is going through a difficult period. France and India have always been united: we are ready to provide our support," he had said. Meanwhile, the MEA also announced that India has received a shipment of 9,000 vials of Remdesivir from Belgium. Earlier on Saturday night, India received several medical supplies from countries including Germany, the United States and Uzbekistan. As India battles a devastating second wave of coronavirus, several countries around the globe including the United Kingdom and Russia have extended support as the country continues to struggle with the increase in its health infrastructure needs caused by the rising infections. India for the first time reported more than four lakh new COVID-19 cases on Saturday. A total of 4,01,993 fresh COVID-19 cases were recorded on Saturday, taking the cumulative count of the cases to 1,91,64,969, the Union Health Ministry reported.

India receives essential medical supplies from France to combat COVID-19 surge

China has passed a new legislation to strengthen the power of its maritime safety authorities sparking fears that tensions between Beijing and other Asian countries, including Japan, may escalate in the Indo-Pacific region.

The latest revision was passed at the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislative body on April 29. It is scheduled to be put into force on September 1, citing Xinhua, the Japan Times reported.

The legislation will enable China's maritime safety agency, which belongs to the transportation ministry, to order foreign vessels to leave what Beijing claims as its territorial waters if it thinks that they could threaten security.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Chinese President Xi offers condolences to Indian PM Modi over Covid situation">Chinese President Xi offers condolences to Indian PM Modi over Covid situation</a>

The agency can also block overseas ships from intruding into the territorial waters if they do not fall under innocent passage under international law, reported the Japan Times.

China has conflicting territorial claims with four of the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations,&nbsp;Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, as well as Taiwan in the South China Sea and Japan in the East China Sea.

Beijing claims that the Senkaku Islands, administered by Tokyo, in the East China Sea are part of its territory, the amendment of the Maritime Traffic Safety Law could target Japanese vessels navigating around the uninhabited islets, called Diaoyu in China.

In February, China also enforced a controversial law allowing its coast guard to use weapons when foreign ships involved in illegal activities in waters it claims do not obey orders, making Sino-Japanese relations fragile over maritime security.

Recently, the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping has adopted a hard-line posture in the South and East China seas as part of its goal of making the Communist-led country a 'maritime power', reported the Japan Times.

China has frequently sent official vessels to waters around the Senkakus in an attempt to lay claim to them, while Washington and Tokyo have agreed that the islets fall under the scope of a Japan-US security treaty.

In April, US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga at their summit in Washington affirmed the significance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, irritating the Chinese government.

Immediately after the summit, the Chinese Foreign Ministry summoned a senior official of the Japanese Embassy in Beijing to lodge a protest against the agreement between Washington and Tokyo, a diplomatic source familiar with bilateral relations said.

"China has started to take a tougher attitude toward Japan," the source said, with Beijing announcing that the country is conducting military drills in the East China Sea for two days through Friday, reported the Japan Times.

Beijing, meanwhile, has rapidly built artificial islands with military infrastructure in the South China Sea, claiming sovereignty over almost the entire maritime area.

US warships have carried out 'freedom of navigation' operations there in an apparent bid to counter Chinese claims and actions in the sea, a strategic waterway through which more than one-third of global trade passes.

Foreign affairs experts say that the move is a warning against the United States and other Western democratic countries that have been stepping up their involvement in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, reported the Japan Times.

China has passed a new legislation to strengthen the power of its maritime safety authorities sparking fears that tensions between Beijing and other Asian countries, including Japan, may escalate in the Indo-Pacific region.

China has passed a new legislation to strengthen the power of its maritime safety authorities sparking fears that tensions between Beijing and other Asian countries, including Japan, may escalate in the Indo-Pacific region. The latest revision was passed at the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislative body on April 29. It is scheduled to be put into force on September 1, citing Xinhua, the Japan Times reported. The legislation will enable China's maritime safety agency, which belongs to the transportation ministry, to order foreign vessels to leave what Beijing claims as its territorial waters if it thinks that they could threaten security. Also read: Chinese President Xi offers condolences to Indian PM Modi over Covid situation The agency can also block overseas ships from intruding into the territorial waters if they do not fall under innocent passage under international law, reported the Japan Times. China has conflicting territorial claims with four of the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, as well as Taiwan in the South China Sea and Japan in the East China Sea. Beijing claims that the Senkaku Islands, administered by Tokyo, in the East China Sea are part of its territory, the amendment of the Maritime Traffic Safety Law could target Japanese vessels navigating around the uninhabited islets, called Diaoyu in China. In February, China also enforced a controversial law allowing its coast guard to use weapons when foreign ships involved in illegal activities in waters it claims do not obey orders, making Sino-Japanese relations fragile over maritime security. Recently, the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping has adopted a hard-line posture in the South and East China seas as part of its goal of making the Communist-led country a 'maritime power', reported the Japan Times. China has frequently sent official vessels to waters around the Senkakus in an attempt to lay claim to them, while Washington and Tokyo have agreed that the islets fall under the scope of a Japan-US security treaty. In April, US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga at their summit in Washington affirmed the significance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, irritating the Chinese government. Immediately after the summit, the Chinese Foreign Ministry summoned a senior official of the Japanese Embassy in Beijing to lodge a protest against the agreement between Washington and Tokyo, a diplomatic source familiar with bilateral relations said. "China has started to take a tougher attitude toward Japan," the source said, with Beijing announcing that the country is conducting military drills in the East China Sea for two days through Friday, reported the Japan Times. Beijing, meanwhile, has rapidly built artificial islands with military infrastructure in the South China Sea, claiming sovereignty over almost the entire maritime area. US warships have carried out 'freedom of navigation' operations there in an apparent bid to counter Chinese claims and actions in the sea, a strategic waterway through which more than one-third of global trade passes. Foreign affairs experts say that the move is a warning against the United States and other Western democratic countries that have been stepping up their involvement in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, reported the Japan Times.

New Chinese law strengthening power of its maritime authorities may escalate tensions in Indo-Pacific region

Thousands of Colombians took to the streets on Saturday for International Workers' Day marches and protests against a government&nbsp;tax&nbsp;reform proposal, in a fourth day of demonstrations that have resulted in at least six deaths.

Unions and other groups kicked off marches on Wednesday to demand the government of President Ivan Duque withdraw the proposal, which originally leveled sales&nbsp;tax&nbsp;on public services and some food.

Cali, the country's third-largest city, has seen the most vociferous marches, some looting and the burning of multiple city buses.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Colombia ups deployment of security forces to Cali amid violence">Colombia ups deployment of security forces to Cali amid violence</a>

Death counts were inconsistent. National human rights ombudsman Carlos Camargo said that three protesters died in Cali and another three deaths there were being investigated.

One death each occurred in&nbsp;Bogota&nbsp;and the city of Neiva, Camargo said. A police officer in the city of Soacha died of injuries sustained on Wednesday. A further 179 civilians and 216 police officers have been injured nationally.

Rights organisation Human Rights Watch said it had received reports of possible police abuse in Cali, and local human rights groups alleged up to 14 deaths occurred.

Cities at high risk for violence will continue to get military assistance, with accompanying human rights guarantees, Duque said in a Saturday evening video.

Isolated vandalism, clashes between police and protesters and road blockades occurred in several cities on Saturday, and riot police were deployed in the capital.

Saturday's protests took place despite an announcement by Duque late on Friday that the reform will now not include sales&nbsp;tax&nbsp;on food or utilities or an expansion of income&nbsp;tax.

The government insists the reform is vital to stabilising Colombia's finances, maintaining its credit rating and funding social programmes.

Thousands of Colombians took to the streets on Saturday for International Workers' Day marches and protests against a government tax reform proposal, in a fourth day of demonstrations that have resulted in at least six deaths.

Thousands of Colombians took to the streets on Saturday for International Workers' Day marches and protests against a government tax reform proposal, in a fourth day of demonstrations that have resulted in at least six deaths. Unions and other groups kicked off marches on Wednesday to demand the government of President Ivan Duque withdraw the proposal, which originally leveled sales tax on public services and some food. Cali, the country's third-largest city, has seen the most vociferous marches, some looting and the burning of multiple city buses. Also read: Colombia ups deployment of security forces to Cali amid violence Death counts were inconsistent. National human rights ombudsman Carlos Camargo said that three protesters died in Cali and another three deaths there were being investigated. One death each occurred in Bogota and the city of Neiva, Camargo said. A police officer in the city of Soacha died of injuries sustained on Wednesday. A further 179 civilians and 216 police officers have been injured nationally. Rights organisation Human Rights Watch said it had received reports of possible police abuse in Cali, and local human rights groups alleged up to 14 deaths occurred. Cities at high risk for violence will continue to get military assistance, with accompanying human rights guarantees, Duque said in a Saturday evening video. Isolated vandalism, clashes between police and protesters and road blockades occurred in several cities on Saturday, and riot police were deployed in the capital. Saturday's protests took place despite an announcement by Duque late on Friday that the reform will now not include sales tax on food or utilities or an expansion of income tax. The government insists the reform is vital to stabilising Colombia's finances, maintaining its credit rating and funding social programmes.

Thousands march in Colombia in fourth day of protests against tax plan

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