In the wake of uncontrolled increase of Covid cases across the country, the Election Commission (EC) has banned all kinds of victory processions after the poll results are declared on May 2. The commission has also put a cap on the number of persons assisting the candidates at the counting halls. 
 
In view of the surge in Covid cases throughout the country, the Commission has decided to make more stringent provision to be followed during the process of counting, in addition to existing broad guidelines dated August 21, 2020 and has directed, "No victory procession after the counting on 2.5.2021 shall be permissible". 
 
The EC also said, "Not more than two persons shall be allowed to accompany the winning candidate or his/her authorised representative will receive the certificate of election from the Returning Officer concerned".

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In addition to this, the commission has made an extensive arrangement for counting that will be conducted in 705 halls in Bengal with a maximum of seven tables in each of the hall to maintain physical distancing and other health protocols related with management of Covid. Mask, sanitisers and face shields will be made compulsory for all at the counting venues. 
 
"During the last assembly elections counting was held in 385 halls. We have almost doubled the counting venues that have gone up to 705. In the majority of the counting halls there will be seven tables and in some where the space is large there may be 14 tables.

The blueprint is expected to be finalised by Tuesday after holding a video conference with the district election officers (DEOs)," Aariz Aftab, state Chief Electoral Officer said. "There will be temperature check at the entry point in all the venues," he added. 
 
Meanwhile, the EC on Monday announced that voting at booth no 126 at Amtali Madhyamik Siksha Kendra at Sitalkuchi in Cooch Behar will be held on April 29 with the last phase of the ongoing election. During the fourth phase of polls held in April 10, four persons were killed in firing by central forces near the polling booth at Sitalkuchi and the Commission had declared voting at that polling station to be void.

In the wake of uncontrolled increase of Covid cases across the country, the Election Commission (EC) has banned all kinds of victory processions after the poll results are declared on May 2.

In the wake of uncontrolled increase of Covid cases across the country, the Election Commission (EC) has banned all kinds of victory processions after the poll results are declared on May 2. The commission has also put a cap on the number of persons assisting the candidates at the counting halls. In view of the surge in Covid cases throughout the country, the Commission has decided to make more stringent provision to be followed during the process of counting, in addition to existing broad guidelines dated August 21, 2020 and has directed, "No victory procession after the counting on 2.5.2021 shall be permissible". The EC also said, "Not more than two persons shall be allowed to accompany the winning candidate or his/her authorised representative will receive the certificate of election from the Returning Officer concerned". Also read: Madras High Court raps election body for political rallies during Covid second wave In addition to this, the commission has made an extensive arrangement for counting that will be conducted in 705 halls in Bengal with a maximum of seven tables in each of the hall to maintain physical distancing and other health protocols related with management of Covid. Mask, sanitisers and face shields will be made compulsory for all at the counting venues. "During the last assembly elections counting was held in 385 halls. We have almost doubled the counting venues that have gone up to 705. In the majority of the counting halls there will be seven tables and in some where the space is large there may be 14 tables. The blueprint is expected to be finalised by Tuesday after holding a video conference with the district election officers (DEOs)," Aariz Aftab, state Chief Electoral Officer said. "There will be temperature check at the entry point in all the venues," he added. Meanwhile, the EC on Monday announced that voting at booth no 126 at Amtali Madhyamik Siksha Kendra at Sitalkuchi in Cooch Behar will be held on April 29 with the last phase of the ongoing election. During the fourth phase of polls held in April 10, four persons were killed in firing by central forces near the polling booth at Sitalkuchi and the Commission had declared voting at that polling station to be void.

COVID-19: Indian election body bans all victory processions after poll results

A tanker carrying around one million barrels of oil products was involved in a collision near the Chinese port city of Qingdao, spilling oil into the Yellow Sea, China's Shandong Maritime Safety Administration and tanker representatives said on Tuesday.

The collision involving anchored Liberia-flagged tanker A Symphony and the Sea Justice took place at 0850 local time (0050 GMT), A Symphony's manager Goodwood Ship Management said in an e-mail.

"The force of the impact on the forward port side caused a breach in cargo tanks and ballast tanks, with a quantity of oil lost into the ocean," Goodwood said, adding all of the crew had been accounted for and there were no injuries.

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It was not immediately possible to contact the owner of the Sea Justice.

"The oil spill came after a clash between two vessels," an official at the maritime safety authority told Reuters on condition of anonymity, confirming that no one was injured.

The A Symphony, a Suezmax tanker was last seen near the Qingdao port, live shipping data on Refinitiv Eikon showed.

The tanker called at Linggi International Transhipment Hub, near Malacca in peninsular Malaysia, earlier this month, where it fully loaded oil and set sail for China, the data showed.

When contacted by Reuters, an executive at Run Cheng International Resource (HK) Co said the company owned the 150,000-tonne cargo of bitumen on board A Symphony.

Bitumen, a mixture of hydrocarbons from residue in refining, is used for road surfacing and roofing. However, shipping sources said bitumen is typically moved in smaller vessels with specialised heating rather than suezmaxes.

The 272-metre-long and 46-metre-wide oil tanker was sold in May 2019 to its new owners Symphony Shipholding SA and NGM Energy, Equasis data showed.

Symphony Shipholding SA and NGM Energy could not be immediately reached for comment.

A tanker carrying around one million barrels of oil products was involved in a collision near the Chinese port city of Qingdao, spilling oil into the Yellow Sea, China's Shandong Maritime Safety Administration and tanker representatives said on Tuesday.

A tanker carrying around one million barrels of oil products was involved in a collision near the Chinese port city of Qingdao, spilling oil into the Yellow Sea, China's Shandong Maritime Safety Administration and tanker representatives said on Tuesday. The collision involving anchored Liberia-flagged tanker A Symphony and the Sea Justice took place at 0850 local time (0050 GMT), A Symphony's manager Goodwood Ship Management said in an e-mail. "The force of the impact on the forward port side caused a breach in cargo tanks and ballast tanks, with a quantity of oil lost into the ocean," Goodwood said, adding all of the crew had been accounted for and there were no injuries. Also read: China's airline suspends cargo flights bringing medical supplies to India It was not immediately possible to contact the owner of the Sea Justice. "The oil spill came after a clash between two vessels," an official at the maritime safety authority told Reuters on condition of anonymity, confirming that no one was injured. The A Symphony, a Suezmax tanker was last seen near the Qingdao port, live shipping data on Refinitiv Eikon showed. The tanker called at Linggi International Transhipment Hub, near Malacca in peninsular Malaysia, earlier this month, where it fully loaded oil and set sail for China, the data showed. When contacted by Reuters, an executive at Run Cheng International Resource (HK) Co said the company owned the 150,000-tonne cargo of bitumen on board A Symphony. Bitumen, a mixture of hydrocarbons from residue in refining, is used for road surfacing and roofing. However, shipping sources said bitumen is typically moved in smaller vessels with specialised heating rather than suezmaxes. The 272-metre-long and 46-metre-wide oil tanker was sold in May 2019 to its new owners Symphony Shipholding SA and NGM Energy, Equasis data showed. Symphony Shipholding SA and NGM Energy could not be immediately reached for comment.

Oil spills off China's Qingdao port after ship collision

The Washington DC&nbsp;police department's server has been hacked, US&nbsp;media quoted it as saying, in an attack that news agency AP reported&nbsp;had been claimed by a Russian-speaking ransomware group.

The department said it was still assessing the extent of the unauthorised access.

"While we determine the full impact and continue to review activity, we have engaged the FBI to fully investigate this matter," the district`s Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement cited late on Monday by outlets including AP and NBC News.

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The statement did not identify suspects for the attack, according to the reports. The department did not immediately respond to Reuters'&nbsp;request for comment.

AP said there was no indication of any police operations being affected, though it added that ransomware group Babuk had claimed responsibility, and to have stolen sensitive data, including on informants, that it had threatened to share with criminal gangs.

Ransomware groups hold files and networks hostage unless a payment is made.

The Department of Homeland Security's Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said last month that dealing with such groups had become his department's top priority.

The Washington DC police department's server has been hacked, US media quoted it as saying, in an attack that news agency AP reported had been claimed by a Russian-speaking ransomware group.

The Washington DC police department's server has been hacked, US media quoted it as saying, in an attack that news agency AP reported had been claimed by a Russian-speaking ransomware group. The department said it was still assessing the extent of the unauthorised access. "While we determine the full impact and continue to review activity, we have engaged the FBI to fully investigate this matter," the district`s Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement cited late on Monday by outlets including AP and NBC News. Also read: US will 'immediately' send vaccine components, medical supplies to India, says Biden The statement did not identify suspects for the attack, according to the reports. The department did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. AP said there was no indication of any police operations being affected, though it added that ransomware group Babuk had claimed responsibility, and to have stolen sensitive data, including on informants, that it had threatened to share with criminal gangs. Ransomware groups hold files and networks hostage unless a payment is made. The Department of Homeland Security's Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said last month that dealing with such groups had become his department's top priority.

Washington DC police server hacked, Russian-speaking group claims responsibility: Reports

Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday it had intercepted an explosive-laden boat off the Red Sea port of Yanbu after maritime security firms cited 'unconfirmed reports' of an attack on a vessel in the area.&nbsp;

A Saudi defence ministry statement on state media did not say whether there had been any damage as a result of the operation by the Saudi navy to intercept and destroy the remote-controlled boat.&nbsp;

Security firm Dryad Global had earlier said it received 'unconfirmed reports' that a vessel, possibly the oil tanker NCC Dammam owned by a unit of Saudi firm Bahri, had been attacked off Yanbu. &nbsp;

Chief executive Abdullah Aldubaikhi said that no vessels owned by National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri) had been attacked.&nbsp;

British maritime security company Ambry also cited reports of an incident and said smoke was seen rising from a vessel. United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it was aware of reports of an incident approximately two nautical miles from Yanbu and that investigations were ongoing.&nbsp;

Vessels have previously come under attack in Red Sea waters.&nbsp;

In December, Saudi Arabia said a tanker anchored at the Jeddah port was hit by an explosive-laden boat. This followed a separate incident at another Saudi terminal on the Red Sea where a tanker was damaged by an explosion.&nbsp;

A Saudi Arabian-led military coalition engaged in Yemen has in the past foiled attempted assaults using explosive-laden boats it says are launched by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement.&nbsp;

The Saudi defence ministry said it was investigating, who was behind Tuesday's 'hostile attempt'.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday it had intercepted an explosive-laden boat off the Red Sea port of Yanbu after maritime security firms cited 'unconfirmed reports' of an attack on a vessel in the area.

Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday it had intercepted an explosive-laden boat off the Red Sea port of Yanbu after maritime security firms cited 'unconfirmed reports' of an attack on a vessel in the area. A Saudi defence ministry statement on state media did not say whether there had been any damage as a result of the operation by the Saudi navy to intercept and destroy the remote-controlled boat. Security firm Dryad Global had earlier said it received 'unconfirmed reports' that a vessel, possibly the oil tanker NCC Dammam owned by a unit of Saudi firm Bahri, had been attacked off Yanbu. Chief executive Abdullah Aldubaikhi said that no vessels owned by National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri) had been attacked. British maritime security company Ambry also cited reports of an incident and said smoke was seen rising from a vessel. United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it was aware of reports of an incident approximately two nautical miles from Yanbu and that investigations were ongoing. Vessels have previously come under attack in Red Sea waters. In December, Saudi Arabia said a tanker anchored at the Jeddah port was hit by an explosive-laden boat. This followed a separate incident at another Saudi terminal on the Red Sea where a tanker was damaged by an explosion. A Saudi Arabian-led military coalition engaged in Yemen has in the past foiled attempted assaults using explosive-laden boats it says are launched by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement. The Saudi defence ministry said it was investigating, who was behind Tuesday's 'hostile attempt'. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia foils boat attack off Yanbu 

The Dutch celebrated their king's birthday&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesday in muted fashion as a coronavirus lockdown prevented large-scale street parties for the second year running.&nbsp;

This year, the national holiday comes with lockdown fatigue rising and a day before an easing of some restrictions even though hospitals are having to postpone regular medical procedures so they can focus on the high level of COVID-19 patients.&nbsp;

King Willem-Alexander was marking his 54th birthday in the southern city of Eindhoven, a city that brands itself as a hub for high-tech innovation, for a digital version of the annual royal walkabout.&nbsp;

The King's Day national holiday is usually an occasion for the Dutch to drape themselves in orange clothes, hats and feather boas, sell old toys and books in street markets and crowd the streets of major cities.&nbsp;

This year, for the second straight year, cities are encouraging people to stay home.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The capital, Amsterdam, urged residents to celebrate according to lockdown guidelines with a maximum of one visitor, but added,&nbsp;you can still dig out the orange T-shirt or silly hat and hang out the flag.&nbsp;

A man wearing an orange robe cycled down a near deserted street in the city, while people stood in socially distanced lines waiting to buy pastries topped with icing in the national color orange.&nbsp;

The central city of Arnhem, meanwhile, was bracing for possible violent confrontations between football hooligans and a protest against the government.&nbsp;

In an attempt to prevent rioting, the city's mayor, Ahmed&nbsp;Marcouch, gave police special powers for the day to check people coming into Arnhem and imposed a limit of 500 people for a demonstration at the central market place.&nbsp;

Marcouch&nbsp;said that demonstrations are a constitutional right, but that signals of the risk of rioting at different locations in the city endanger that right to demonstrate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the national lockdown is being eased with measures including the end of a nationwide curfew imposed in mid-January and cafes allowed to reopen their outdoor terraces under strict conditions from noon to 6&nbsp;pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Dutch celebrated their king's birthday on Tuesday in muted fashion as a coronavirus lockdown prevented large-scale street parties for the second year running.

The Dutch celebrated their king's birthday on Tuesday in muted fashion as a coronavirus lockdown prevented large-scale street parties for the second year running. This year, the national holiday comes with lockdown fatigue rising and a day before an easing of some restrictions even though hospitals are having to postpone regular medical procedures so they can focus on the high level of COVID-19 patients. King Willem-Alexander was marking his 54th birthday in the southern city of Eindhoven, a city that brands itself as a hub for high-tech innovation, for a digital version of the annual royal walkabout. The King's Day national holiday is usually an occasion for the Dutch to drape themselves in orange clothes, hats and feather boas, sell old toys and books in street markets and crowd the streets of major cities. This year, for the second straight year, cities are encouraging people to stay home. The capital, Amsterdam, urged residents to celebrate according to lockdown guidelines with a maximum of one visitor, but added, you can still dig out the orange T-shirt or silly hat and hang out the flag. A man wearing an orange robe cycled down a near deserted street in the city, while people stood in socially distanced lines waiting to buy pastries topped with icing in the national color orange. The central city of Arnhem, meanwhile, was bracing for possible violent confrontations between football hooligans and a protest against the government. In an attempt to prevent rioting, the city's mayor, Ahmed Marcouch, gave police special powers for the day to check people coming into Arnhem and imposed a limit of 500 people for a demonstration at the central market place. Marcouch said that demonstrations are a constitutional right, but that signals of the risk of rioting at different locations in the city endanger that right to demonstrate. On Wednesday, the national lockdown is being eased with measures including the end of a nationwide curfew imposed in mid-January and cafes allowed to reopen their outdoor terraces under strict conditions from noon to 6 pm. (With inputs from agencies)

Muted celebrations of Dutch king's birthday amid pandemic 

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday said that Pakistan would be happy to talk out differences and resolve outstanding issues through dialogue if India was willing to revisit the unilateral decisions it took on August 5, 2019, regarding the status of Jammu and&nbsp;Kashmir.&nbsp;

Citing Anadolu Agency of Turkey, Dawn reported, "If India is willing to revisit some of the decisions that it took on August 5, 2019, Pakistan will be more than happy to engage, sit and talk and resolve all outstanding issues," said Qureshi during his two-day visit to&nbsp;Turkey.&nbsp;

On&nbsp;August 5, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a bold move to scrap the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir by modifying Article 370 of the&nbsp;Constitution.&nbsp;

Same&nbsp;day, the Rajya Sabha also passed the Jammu and Kashmir&nbsp;Reorganisation&nbsp;Bill, that bifurcated the state into two Union Territories-Ladakh and Jammu and&nbsp;Kashmir.&nbsp;

He&nbsp;said that Pakistan had outstanding issues with India including Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, water and other minor issues and the only sensible way forward was the dialogue, reported&nbsp;Dawn.&nbsp;

"We&nbsp;cannot afford to go to war, you know, it will be mutually suicidal. And no sensible person will advocate a policy of that nature. So, we need to sit and we need to talk," he&nbsp;remarked.&nbsp;

He&nbsp;said that one recent development of recommitment to ceasefire was during the conversation between Directors General of Military Operations of both sides was a positive development, reported&nbsp;Dawn.&nbsp;

The Foreign Minister also referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's messages on Pakistan's national day and a goodwill message to Prime Minister Imran Khan who also responded positively to&nbsp;it.&nbsp;

Earlier both the countries announced a ceasefire at the LoC which was followed by Indus water talks, sporting visas&nbsp;etc.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Prime Ministers of both nations pushed for regional rapprochement and exchanged salutary&nbsp;messages.&nbsp;

Despite this, Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan decided not to meet and exchange greetings at a Dushanbe conference held&nbsp;earlier.&nbsp;Moreover, recently Pakistan Cabinet decided not to import sugar and cotton from India which would affect the ties between both&nbsp;countries.&nbsp;

Any improvement in the ties will depend upon the restoration of High Commissioners in each other's capitals, commitments from Pakistan with respect to cross-border terrorism, resuming LoC trade.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday said that Pakistan would be happy to talk out differences and resolve outstanding issues through dialogue if India was willing to revisit the unilateral decisions it took on August 5, 2019, regarding the status of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday said that Pakistan would be happy to talk out differences and resolve outstanding issues through dialogue if India was willing to revisit the unilateral decisions it took on August 5, 2019, regarding the status of Jammu and Kashmir. Citing Anadolu Agency of Turkey, Dawn reported, "If India is willing to revisit some of the decisions that it took on August 5, 2019, Pakistan will be more than happy to engage, sit and talk and resolve all outstanding issues," said Qureshi during his two-day visit to Turkey. On August 5, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a bold move to scrap the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir by modifying Article 370 of the Constitution. Same day, the Rajya Sabha also passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, that bifurcated the state into two Union Territories-Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. He said that Pakistan had outstanding issues with India including Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, water and other minor issues and the only sensible way forward was the dialogue, reported Dawn. "We cannot afford to go to war, you know, it will be mutually suicidal. And no sensible person will advocate a policy of that nature. So, we need to sit and we need to talk," he remarked. He said that one recent development of recommitment to ceasefire was during the conversation between Directors General of Military Operations of both sides was a positive development, reported Dawn. The Foreign Minister also referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's messages on Pakistan's national day and a goodwill message to Prime Minister Imran Khan who also responded positively to it. Earlier both the countries announced a ceasefire at the LoC which was followed by Indus water talks, sporting visas etc. The Prime Ministers of both nations pushed for regional rapprochement and exchanged salutary messages. Despite this, Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan decided not to meet and exchange greetings at a Dushanbe conference held earlier. Moreover, recently Pakistan Cabinet decided not to import sugar and cotton from India which would affect the ties between both countries. Any improvement in the ties will depend upon the restoration of High Commissioners in each other's capitals, commitments from Pakistan with respect to cross-border terrorism, resuming LoC trade. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak FM Qureshi says willing to talk if India revisits its J&K decisions 

Spanish Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said on Monday she had received a knife covered in red stains by post, days after senior security officials and a left-wing party leader were sent death threats.

The ministry released a photo showing a small, wood-handled folding knife with a series of red stains running up the blade.

"This is serious...We should be concerned as I'm not a controversial person," said Maroto, a socialist who has served as minister of industry, trade and tourism since 2018.

Also read:<a href="Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic">&nbsp;Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic</a>

"It gives us more strength to defend democracy... Hatred and threats will not silence us," she told reporters outside the house of parliament.

Police are investigating the package, which arrived at the ministry on Friday and included a return address, she added.

The Spanish government is led by the Socialist Party (PSOE), with the far-left Unidas Podemos as its junior coalition partner.

But a chorus of voices from across the political spectrum - including the far-right Vox party - condemned the threats.

Last week, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Pablo Iglesias of Unidas Podemos, and Maria Gamez, who heads the Guardia Civil police force, also received death threats in the mail.

Without suggesting who might be behind the letters, Marlaska on Monday blamed a culture of political polarisation for allowing hate speech to flourish.

"We have a certain anti-democratic political discourse that we must confront forcefully," he told La Sexta television.

He linked the threats to the recent vandalism of a feminist mural in Madrid and the defacement of a statue of former socialist Prime Minister Francisco Largo-Caballero.

"All this generates a belief that it is OK to discriminate... against certain groups," he said.

Tension between right and left has ratcheted up in recent weeks ahead of a regional election in Madrid, where conservative incumbent Isabel Diaz Ayuso is running with the slogan "Communism or Freedom".

Iglesias, who is standing against her for Unidas Podemos, walked out of a debate on Friday after Rocio Monasterio, his opponent from Vox, questioned whether the threats were real.

He had earlier posted the letter on Twitter alongside a photo of four bullets he said came in the envelope. 
"Your wife, your parents and you are sentenced to capital punishment, your time is running out," the letter read.

Spanish Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said on Monday she had received a knife covered in red stains by post, days after senior security officials and a left-wing party leader were sent death threats.

Spanish Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said on Monday she had received a knife covered in red stains by post, days after senior security officials and a left-wing party leader were sent death threats. The ministry released a photo showing a small, wood-handled folding knife with a series of red stains running up the blade. "This is serious...We should be concerned as I'm not a controversial person," said Maroto, a socialist who has served as minister of industry, trade and tourism since 2018. Also read: Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic "It gives us more strength to defend democracy... Hatred and threats will not silence us," she told reporters outside the house of parliament. Police are investigating the package, which arrived at the ministry on Friday and included a return address, she added. The Spanish government is led by the Socialist Party (PSOE), with the far-left Unidas Podemos as its junior coalition partner. But a chorus of voices from across the political spectrum - including the far-right Vox party - condemned the threats. Last week, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Pablo Iglesias of Unidas Podemos, and Maria Gamez, who heads the Guardia Civil police force, also received death threats in the mail. Without suggesting who might be behind the letters, Marlaska on Monday blamed a culture of political polarisation for allowing hate speech to flourish. "We have a certain anti-democratic political discourse that we must confront forcefully," he told La Sexta television. He linked the threats to the recent vandalism of a feminist mural in Madrid and the defacement of a statue of former socialist Prime Minister Francisco Largo-Caballero. "All this generates a belief that it is OK to discriminate... against certain groups," he said. Tension between right and left has ratcheted up in recent weeks ahead of a regional election in Madrid, where conservative incumbent Isabel Diaz Ayuso is running with the slogan "Communism or Freedom". Iglesias, who is standing against her for Unidas Podemos, walked out of a debate on Friday after Rocio Monasterio, his opponent from Vox, questioned whether the threats were real. He had earlier posted the letter on Twitter alongside a photo of four bullets he said came in the envelope. "Your wife, your parents and you are sentenced to capital punishment, your time is running out," the letter read.

Spanish Tourism Minister gets knife in post

Bharti group-backed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications company OneWeb on Monday confirmed the successful launch of another batch of 36 satellites by Arianespace from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. 
 
This successful launch brings OneWeb's total in-orbit constellation to 182 satellites.

These will form part of OneWeb's 648 LEO satellite fleet that will deliver high-speed, low-latency global connectivity, and represents 60 per cent of the constellation required to enable its connectivity solution to reach all regions north of 50 degrees latitude by June 2021, the company said in a statement. 
 
"With this successful launch, we are rapidly building momentum, we are launching more satellites, demonstrating the network and announcing more distribution singings around the globe," said Neil Masterson, CEO, OneWeb. 
 
This was the third in a five-launch 'Five to 50' programme, enabling OneWeb to offer services across the UK, Alaska, Northern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, the Arctic Seas and Canada, and will be switched on before the end of the year. 
 
OneWeb then intends to make global service available in 2022. 
 
OneWeb signed an MoU with the government of Kazakhstan this month as it continues to demonstrate the company's commercial viability and the confidence customers have in its services and offering.

Bharti group-backed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications company OneWeb on Monday confirmed the successful launch of another batch of 36 satellites by Arianespace from the Vostochny Cosmodrome.

Bharti group-backed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications company OneWeb on Monday confirmed the successful launch of another batch of 36 satellites by Arianespace from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. This successful launch brings OneWeb's total in-orbit constellation to 182 satellites. These will form part of OneWeb's 648 LEO satellite fleet that will deliver high-speed, low-latency global connectivity, and represents 60 per cent of the constellation required to enable its connectivity solution to reach all regions north of 50 degrees latitude by June 2021, the company said in a statement. "With this successful launch, we are rapidly building momentum, we are launching more satellites, demonstrating the network and announcing more distribution singings around the globe," said Neil Masterson, CEO, OneWeb. This was the third in a five-launch 'Five to 50' programme, enabling OneWeb to offer services across the UK, Alaska, Northern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, the Arctic Seas and Canada, and will be switched on before the end of the year. OneWeb then intends to make global service available in 2022. OneWeb signed an MoU with the government of Kazakhstan this month as it continues to demonstrate the company's commercial viability and the confidence customers have in its services and offering.

Bharti-backed OneWeb takes in-orbit constellation to 182 satellites

A journalist was shot and killed during a robbery bid in the Bank Colony area of Quetta on Saturday evening, said police officials.

Police said the journalist, Abdul Wahid Raisani, was going home from his office yesterday evening when robbers tried to snatch his motorcycle near Qambrani Road.

During the ensuing struggle, the robbers fired shots, one of which struck Raisani`s chest, they added according to Dawn. The Balochistan Union of Journalists strongly condemned the incident and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for Raisani`s death.

Earlier this week, senior journalist and former chairman of Pakistan Electronic Media Authority (Pemra), Absar Alam, was shot in Islamabad. In a video shared by journalist Asad Toor, Alam could be heard saying he was shot at while walking outside his home.

Dawn further reported that earlier this month, a local journalist, Waseem Alam, was shot dead by unidentified persons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa`s Karak. At least 10 journalists were murdered and several others threatened, kidnapped, tortured and arrested in Pakistan on trumped-up charges while discharging their professional responsibilities in 2020 alone, according to the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors` (CPNE) Media Freedom Report 2020, according to Dawn.

No action has so far been taken against those responsible for torturing and killing journalists and it seems that such persons enjoy impunity.

"It is a matter of grave concern that the legal system of the country has become useless in protecting and providing justice to journalists," said the report.Pakistan continues to remain one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, and more and more scribes are being arrested for criticising the country`s Army under the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA).

PECA, which is seen as the draconian tool to silence free speech, criminalises any speech considered to be "blasphemous" and even those who criticise state institutions.

Recently, a new section was added in PECA stating that those who intentionally ridicule, bring into disrepute or defame the Armed Forces of Pakistan will be sentenced up to two years and be fined over USD 3,018.

Pakistan has been ranked 145th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders`s (RSF) 2020 World Press Freedom Index, three places lower than in 2019.&nbsp;

A journalist was shot and killed during a robbery bid in the Bank Colony area of Quetta on Saturday evening, said police officials. Police said the journalist, Abdul Wahid Raisani, was going home from his office yesterday evening when robbers tried to snatch his motorcycle near Qambrani Road.

A journalist was shot and killed during a robbery bid in the Bank Colony area of Quetta on Saturday evening, said police officials. Police said the journalist, Abdul Wahid Raisani, was going home from his office yesterday evening when robbers tried to snatch his motorcycle near Qambrani Road. During the ensuing struggle, the robbers fired shots, one of which struck Raisani`s chest, they added according to Dawn. The Balochistan Union of Journalists strongly condemned the incident and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for Raisani`s death. Earlier this week, senior journalist and former chairman of Pakistan Electronic Media Authority (Pemra), Absar Alam, was shot in Islamabad. In a video shared by journalist Asad Toor, Alam could be heard saying he was shot at while walking outside his home. Dawn further reported that earlier this month, a local journalist, Waseem Alam, was shot dead by unidentified persons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa`s Karak. At least 10 journalists were murdered and several others threatened, kidnapped, tortured and arrested in Pakistan on trumped-up charges while discharging their professional responsibilities in 2020 alone, according to the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors` (CPNE) Media Freedom Report 2020, according to Dawn. No action has so far been taken against those responsible for torturing and killing journalists and it seems that such persons enjoy impunity. "It is a matter of grave concern that the legal system of the country has become useless in protecting and providing justice to journalists," said the report.Pakistan continues to remain one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, and more and more scribes are being arrested for criticising the country`s Army under the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA). PECA, which is seen as the draconian tool to silence free speech, criminalises any speech considered to be "blasphemous" and even those who criticise state institutions. Recently, a new section was added in PECA stating that those who intentionally ridicule, bring into disrepute or defame the Armed Forces of Pakistan will be sentenced up to two years and be fined over USD 3,018. Pakistan has been ranked 145th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders`s (RSF) 2020 World Press Freedom Index, three places lower than in 2019.

Pakistan journalist shot dead during robbery bid

As India battles a severe second wave of coronavirus pandemic, the UK on Sunday announced sending life-saving medical equipment including ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices to the country.&nbsp;

The UK High Commission here said more than 600 pieces of vital medical equipment will be sent to India to support the country in its fight against COVID-19.&nbsp;

It said ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices are due to leave the UK on Sunday and the first shipment is expected to arrive in Delhi early on Tuesday with further consignments reaching later this week.&nbsp;

"We stand side by side with India as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against COVID-19," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.&nbsp;

"Vital medical equipment, including hundreds of oxygen concentrators and ventilators, is now on its way from the UK to India to support efforts to prevent the tragic loss of life from this terrible virus," he is quoted as saying by the high commission.&nbsp;

It said the assistance package, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, includes ventilators and oxygen concentrators from surplus stocks.&nbsp;

"It will be used by the government of India to provide vital medical treatment to those suffering from COVID-19 in India," it said.&nbsp;

The high commission said the support follows a request from India and Prime Minister Johnson's pledge for the UK to do all it can to help the country.&nbsp;

"In total, nine airline container loads of supplies, including 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators, will be sent to the country this week," the high commission said.&nbsp;

It said the equipment will be crucial in helping to save the lives of the most vulnerable in India.&nbsp;

"The oxygen concentrators, for example, can extract oxygen from the air in the atmosphere so that it can be provided to patients, taking the strain off hospital oxygen systems and allowing oxygen to be provided in situations where hospital oxygen supplies have run out," it said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As India battles a severe second wave of coronavirus pandemic, the UK on Sunday announced sending life-saving medical equipment including ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices to the country.

As India battles a severe second wave of coronavirus pandemic, the UK on Sunday announced sending life-saving medical equipment including ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices to the country. The UK High Commission here said more than 600 pieces of vital medical equipment will be sent to India to support the country in its fight against COVID-19. It said ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices are due to leave the UK on Sunday and the first shipment is expected to arrive in Delhi early on Tuesday with further consignments reaching later this week. "We stand side by side with India as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against COVID-19," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said. "Vital medical equipment, including hundreds of oxygen concentrators and ventilators, is now on its way from the UK to India to support efforts to prevent the tragic loss of life from this terrible virus," he is quoted as saying by the high commission. It said the assistance package, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, includes ventilators and oxygen concentrators from surplus stocks. "It will be used by the government of India to provide vital medical treatment to those suffering from COVID-19 in India," it said. The high commission said the support follows a request from India and Prime Minister Johnson's pledge for the UK to do all it can to help the country. "In total, nine airline container loads of supplies, including 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators, will be sent to the country this week," the high commission said. It said the equipment will be crucial in helping to save the lives of the most vulnerable in India. "The oxygen concentrators, for example, can extract oxygen from the air in the atmosphere so that it can be provided to patients, taking the strain off hospital oxygen systems and allowing oxygen to be provided in situations where hospital oxygen supplies have run out," it said. (With inputs from agencies)

UK sending medical devices like ventilators, oxygen concentrators to India 

The Libyan government postponed the prime minister's first visit to the east of the country late on Sunday, hours after an advance security team was turned back from Benghazi airport, a source told AFP.&nbsp;

A cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday in the city would also have marked national unity government leader Abdulhamid Dbeibah's first trip to Libya's east, a bastion of military strongman Khalifa Hafter. &nbsp;

But on Sunday a spokesperson said preparations were underway to arrange another date, without giving a reason for the postponement.&nbsp;

The announcement came several hours after a government security team was turned away by local authorities at Benghazi airport, forcing them to get back on their plane and return to the capital Tripoli, a local security source told AFP. &nbsp;

Dbeibah was selected earlier this year through an UN-backed inter-Libyan dialogue to lead the country to national elections in December 2021.&nbsp;

Libya has been mired in chaos since dictator Moamer Kadhafi was deposed and killed in a 2011 NATO-backed uprising.&nbsp;

Dbeibah's government replaced two rival administrations based in Tripoli and the country's east, the latter loyal to Hafter, whose forces tried but failed to seize the capital in a 2019-20 offensive.&nbsp;

The rival authorities have given their backing to the new administration, adding to tentative hopes that Libya can exit a decade of crisis.&nbsp;

Dbeibah had previously announced his intention to hold cabinet meetings in different cities across the country, most notably in Benghazi, Libya's second city and one of Hafter's strongholds. &nbsp;

The Libyan government postponed the prime minister's first visit to the east of the country late on Sunday, hours after an advance security team was turned back from Benghazi airport, a source told AFP.

The Libyan government postponed the prime minister's first visit to the east of the country late on Sunday, hours after an advance security team was turned back from Benghazi airport, a source told AFP. A cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday in the city would also have marked national unity government leader Abdulhamid Dbeibah's first trip to Libya's east, a bastion of military strongman Khalifa Hafter. But on Sunday a spokesperson said preparations were underway to arrange another date, without giving a reason for the postponement. The announcement came several hours after a government security team was turned away by local authorities at Benghazi airport, forcing them to get back on their plane and return to the capital Tripoli, a local security source told AFP. Dbeibah was selected earlier this year through an UN-backed inter-Libyan dialogue to lead the country to national elections in December 2021. Libya has been mired in chaos since dictator Moamer Kadhafi was deposed and killed in a 2011 NATO-backed uprising. Dbeibah's government replaced two rival administrations based in Tripoli and the country's east, the latter loyal to Hafter, whose forces tried but failed to seize the capital in a 2019-20 offensive. The rival authorities have given their backing to the new administration, adding to tentative hopes that Libya can exit a decade of crisis. Dbeibah had previously announced his intention to hold cabinet meetings in different cities across the country, most notably in Benghazi, Libya's second city and one of Hafter's strongholds.

Libya PM trip to country's east postponed after security team turned back 

Around 100 migrants tried to swim to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco, Spanish police said Monday.

The migrants set off on Sunday from beaches in Fnideq, a few kilometres south of Ceuta and "some" managed to reach a beach in Ceuta on their own while most had to be rescued by Spanish rescue boats, a spokesman for the Guardia Civil police force in Ceuta said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic">Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic</a>

The migrants, including minors, set off in groups of 20 to 30 throughout the day, he added.

"It is not normal, there can be groups of three, four or five, but not this many," the police spokesman said.

The migrants were checked by Red Cross workers and three were treated for hypothermia in hospital.

The rest were taken by police to warehouse where they will undergo a coronavirus quarantine before their demands for asylum are processed.

Another five migrants swam to Ceuta from Morocco on Monday, police said.

Ceuta,&nbsp;together with a second Spanish&nbsp;enclave in north Africa, Melilla,&nbsp;have the European Union's only land borders&nbsp;with Africa, making them popular entry points for migrants&nbsp;seeking a better life in Europe.&nbsp;

Migrants try to reach the enclaves either by swimming along the coast or climbing the tall border fences that separate them from Morocco.

Around 100 migrants tried to swim to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco, Spanish police said Monday. The migrants set off on Sunday from beaches in Fnideq, a few kilometres south of Ceuta and "some" managed to reach a beach in Ceuta on their own while most had to be rescued by Spanish rescue boats, a spokesman for the Guardia Civil police force in Ceuta said.

Around 100 migrants tried to swim to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco, Spanish police said Monday. The migrants set off on Sunday from beaches in Fnideq, a few kilometres south of Ceuta and "some" managed to reach a beach in Ceuta on their own while most had to be rescued by Spanish rescue boats, a spokesman for the Guardia Civil police force in Ceuta said. Also read: Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic The migrants, including minors, set off in groups of 20 to 30 throughout the day, he added. "It is not normal, there can be groups of three, four or five, but not this many," the police spokesman said. The migrants were checked by Red Cross workers and three were treated for hypothermia in hospital. The rest were taken by police to warehouse where they will undergo a coronavirus quarantine before their demands for asylum are processed. Another five migrants swam to Ceuta from Morocco on Monday, police said. Ceuta, together with a second Spanish enclave in north Africa, Melilla, have the European Union's only land borders with Africa, making them popular entry points for migrants seeking a better life in Europe. Migrants try to reach the enclaves either by swimming along the coast or climbing the tall border fences that separate them from Morocco.

Around 100 migrants swim to Spain's Ceuta enclave

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