As the virus continued to spread across the world, an increasing number of companies made work from home the new normal.

As the world learns to live with the virus, is remote working set to be a thing of the past?

Quite the contrary. Several companies have announced work from home until at least 2021. The list includes Google, Universal music group, Warner music group, and Sony music. Companies like Facebook, Twitter, Square, Slack and Shopify have gone a step further. They have said that their employees don't have to come to the office ever again. In other words, they can work from home forever.

A national survey of Australian citizens came up with some interesting figures. 82 per cent people said that no commute and less time spent getting ready in the morning is a key benefit. 76% respondents said that cost saved from not travelling or buying lunch was an advantage. 51 per cent said that their productivity had increased. But 44 per cent said that they experienced a blur between work and home boundaries. 25 per cent said that the ability to switch off while working from home was a challenge.

In another survey by a Yorkshire-based online printing platform, out of the 1000 Brits surveyed, 35 per cent said that they missed their colleagues, 32 per cent said that they missed office small talk, only 6 percent missed activities like team meetings. 6 per cent missed birthday celebrations and 5 per cent missed justifying every minute of their shifts.

Research shows that while stress and financial anxiety are running high, workers are not taking time off due to the constant fear of being laid off if they don't work hard enough. There are several tips to beat the remote work burnout. First and the foremost, create a comfortable workspace.

Self-care is important, ry to not stay hooked to the screen, step outside for some fresh air as and when you can and try and have a schedule. If you're going to be working from home, find a way to make it work. 
&nbsp;

As the virus continued to spread across the world, an increasing number of companies made work from home the new normal. As the world learns to live with the virus, is remote working set to be a thing of the past?

As the virus continued to spread across the world, an increasing number of companies made work from home the new normal. As the world learns to live with the virus, is remote working set to be a thing of the past? Quite the contrary. Several companies have announced work from home until at least 2021. The list includes Google, Universal music group, Warner music group, and Sony music. Companies like Facebook, Twitter, Square, Slack and Shopify have gone a step further. They have said that their employees don't have to come to the office ever again. In other words, they can work from home forever. A national survey of Australian citizens came up with some interesting figures. 82 per cent people said that no commute and less time spent getting ready in the morning is a key benefit. 76% respondents said that cost saved from not travelling or buying lunch was an advantage. 51 per cent said that their productivity had increased. But 44 per cent said that they experienced a blur between work and home boundaries. 25 per cent said that the ability to switch off while working from home was a challenge. In another survey by a Yorkshire-based online printing platform, out of the 1000 Brits surveyed, 35 per cent said that they missed their colleagues, 32 per cent said that they missed office small talk, only 6 percent missed activities like team meetings. 6 per cent missed birthday celebrations and 5 per cent missed justifying every minute of their shifts. Research shows that while stress and financial anxiety are running high, workers are not taking time off due to the constant fear of being laid off if they don't work hard enough. There are several tips to beat the remote work burnout. First and the foremost, create a comfortable workspace. Self-care is important, ry to not stay hooked to the screen, step outside for some fresh air as and when you can and try and have a schedule. If you're going to be working from home, find a way to make it work.

Working from home? Find a way to make it work

World War II&nbsp;&nbsp;ended with US forces occupying Japan and the country's constitution adopted pacifism.

"The japanese people forever renounce war and the threat or use of force." Today's Japan led by Shinzo Abe wants to change this.

North korea launched two ballistic missiles that fell in Japanese waters last year. Over the last 100 days, Japan had to peacefully watch China send its longest dispatch of vessels to Senkaku Islands in east China sea. Senkaku belong to Japan. Instead of engaging China with military might, Japan went to international media to raise its concerns. Abe believes japan can no longer hide behind the weak shield of pacifism.

North korea's nuclear program and China's military incursions add weight to his arguments. Since his election in 2012, Abe has introduced a series of 'war bills'. The most sweeping changes made to defence laws since the end of world war II. China hasn't been pleased. In 2013, Abe announced a five-year military expansion plan, calling it "Proactive pacifism''. In 2015 -- despite public opposition -- Japanese military legislation was passed. This allowed Japan to participate in foreign conflicts, to help out allies.

Earlier it could go to war only in self-defence. In 2018, Abe activated Japan's marine unit, which had been disbanded after world war. In the same year, they conducted Japan's biggest ever military exercise simulations of air combat, ballistic missile defense and, amphibious landings. All aimed at countering North Korea and China. In 2019, Japan began developing supersonic guide bombs and hypersonic missiles.

Japan is a nuclear state but in 1976, Japan promised not to use a nuclear weapon But, even before his election. Abe said Japan's constitution does not ban possession of nuclear weapons. He wants to keep a minimum set of tactical, nuclear war-heads.

This is the modern Japan. Equipped to the hilt and ready to strike but hesitant due to a gruesome past.

World War II ended with US forces occupying Japan and the country's constitution adopted pacifism. "The japanese people forever renounce war and the threat or use of force.

World War II ended with US forces occupying Japan and the country's constitution adopted pacifism. "The japanese people forever renounce war and the threat or use of force." Today's Japan led by Shinzo Abe wants to change this. North korea launched two ballistic missiles that fell in Japanese waters last year. Over the last 100 days, Japan had to peacefully watch China send its longest dispatch of vessels to Senkaku Islands in east China sea. Senkaku belong to Japan. Instead of engaging China with military might, Japan went to international media to raise its concerns. Abe believes japan can no longer hide behind the weak shield of pacifism. North korea's nuclear program and China's military incursions add weight to his arguments. Since his election in 2012, Abe has introduced a series of 'war bills'. The most sweeping changes made to defence laws since the end of world war II. China hasn't been pleased. In 2013, Abe announced a five-year military expansion plan, calling it "Proactive pacifism''. In 2015 -- despite public opposition -- Japanese military legislation was passed. This allowed Japan to participate in foreign conflicts, to help out allies. Earlier it could go to war only in self-defence. In 2018, Abe activated Japan's marine unit, which had been disbanded after world war. In the same year, they conducted Japan's biggest ever military exercise simulations of air combat, ballistic missile defense and, amphibious landings. All aimed at countering North Korea and China. In 2019, Japan began developing supersonic guide bombs and hypersonic missiles. Japan is a nuclear state but in 1976, Japan promised not to use a nuclear weapon But, even before his election. Abe said Japan's constitution does not ban possession of nuclear weapons. He wants to keep a minimum set of tactical, nuclear war-heads. This is the modern Japan. Equipped to the hilt and ready to strike but hesitant due to a gruesome past.

Japan shifts gear to counter Chinese, North Korea aggression

As if a health crisis was not enough, China is now exporting a biosecurity crisis. Mysterious seed packets have landed in mailboxes across the globe.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Last week the seeds had landed in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Today China has attacked at least three more countries with these seeds of doubt including New Zealand and Japan.

In New Zealand, a woman received a parcel claiming to contain a toy. The shipment was from Zambia. In Japan, a man received a bag of seed-like objects. Each measuring about 2 millimetres.

Meanwhile, India is on alert. The mysterious seeds have not yet landed in the country. But experts and the ministry of agriculture have been alerted about the possibility of seeds coming into India through e-commerce.

Authorities have already warned people against China's seed terrorism.

Keshavulu kunosoth, vice president of international seed testing association says that the seeds are a threat to global food security.

So far, experts have been able to identify 14 varieties including seeds of flowering plants like hibiscus, and lavender. The seeds are also being probed in the UK.

What role does Taiwan play in china's seed terrorism?

Last week, the Ontario police had tweeted this photo of a seed packet. The tweet read: 'if you receive an unsolicited shipment of foreign seeds in the mail from china or taiwan do not plant or dispose of them. Call the canadian food inspection agency.'

Several reports claimed that the seeds sent to Canada were from Taiwan. Taiwan's postal service has now issued a clarification. It said that the shipment was via Taiwan and not from Taiwan. The seeds were sent on behalf of a private logistics company.

Taiwan's post-service has slapped a fine of around $ 3500 against the particular company for sending prohibited items through the mail.

The logistics company, however, has reportedly refused to identify the sender.

Why is china sending these seeds?

These are seeds of an invasive species and it is an attempt by China to introduce pathogens or disease. US authorities claim that these packets are a part of China's brushing scam.

People are being sent these seeds by china's online sellers so that they can generate a transaction and justify fake reviews.

As if a health crisis was not enough, China is now exporting a biosecurity crisis. Mysterious seed packets have landed in mailboxes across the globe. Last week the seeds had landed in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

As if a health crisis was not enough, China is now exporting a biosecurity crisis. Mysterious seed packets have landed in mailboxes across the globe. Last week the seeds had landed in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Today China has attacked at least three more countries with these seeds of doubt including New Zealand and Japan. In New Zealand, a woman received a parcel claiming to contain a toy. The shipment was from Zambia. In Japan, a man received a bag of seed-like objects. Each measuring about 2 millimetres. Meanwhile, India is on alert. The mysterious seeds have not yet landed in the country. But experts and the ministry of agriculture have been alerted about the possibility of seeds coming into India through e-commerce. Authorities have already warned people against China's seed terrorism. Keshavulu kunosoth, vice president of international seed testing association says that the seeds are a threat to global food security. So far, experts have been able to identify 14 varieties including seeds of flowering plants like hibiscus, and lavender. The seeds are also being probed in the UK. What role does Taiwan play in china's seed terrorism? Last week, the Ontario police had tweeted this photo of a seed packet. The tweet read: 'if you receive an unsolicited shipment of foreign seeds in the mail from china or taiwan do not plant or dispose of them. Call the canadian food inspection agency.' Several reports claimed that the seeds sent to Canada were from Taiwan. Taiwan's postal service has now issued a clarification. It said that the shipment was via Taiwan and not from Taiwan. The seeds were sent on behalf of a private logistics company. Taiwan's post-service has slapped a fine of around $ 3500 against the particular company for sending prohibited items through the mail. The logistics company, however, has reportedly refused to identify the sender. Why is china sending these seeds? These are seeds of an invasive species and it is an attempt by China to introduce pathogens or disease. US authorities claim that these packets are a part of China's brushing scam. People are being sent these seeds by china's online sellers so that they can generate a transaction and justify fake reviews.

After virus, China exports biosecurity crisis

President Donald Trump on Monday lashed out at his coronavirus response coordinator Deborah Birx after she sounded a grim warning about the pandemic's new surge, calling her remarks "pathetic.

President Donald Trump on Monday lashed out at his coronavirus response coordinator Deborah Birx after she sounded a grim warning about the pandemic's new surge, calling her remarks "pathetic." Trump, angered by what he sees as overly pessimistic media coverage of his handling of the pandemic, said Birx had given into pressure to sound negative. "Deborah took the bait & hit us. Pathetic!" he tweeted. Also read: US coronavirus 'extraordinarily widespread', say White House experts On Sunday, Birx told CNN that the United States, which has already seen nearly 155,000 deaths from COVID-19, is entering "a new phase" of viral spread. "It is extraordinarily widespread," she said. "To everybody who lives in a rural area, you are not immune or protected from this virus." Trump said that Birx's warning was issued only after she was attacked by the Democratic speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi and other Democrats have gone after Birx, a veteran public health expert, over what they say is her willingness to tailor her messages to win approval from Trump. Also read: Children should go back to school even if studies show they spread coronavirus: White House "I think the president is spreading disinformation about the virus and she is his appointee, so I don't have confidence there, no," Pelosi said on ABC television. On Sunday, the White House sprang to Birx's defense. "It is deeply irresponsible of Speaker Pelosi to repeatedly try to undermine & create public distrust in Dr Birx, the top public health professional on the coronavirus task force," Alyssa Farah, director of strategic communications, tweeted. "It's also just wrong. Period. Hard stop." Trump, however, changed tack with Monday's tweet. "So Crazy Nancy Pelosi said horrible things about Dr. Deborah Birx, going after her because she was too positive on the very good job we are doing on combatting the China Virus, including Vaccines & Therapeutics. In order to counter Nancy, Deborah took the bait & hit us. Pathetic!" The other main public face of the US medical response to the coronavirus, Doctor Anthony Fauci, has come in for frequent rough treatment at the hands of the White House and sometimes Trump himself. Fauci's typically hard-nosed assessments of the disease's progress regularly counter more rosy versions promoted by the president. Trump has called Fauci "alarmist," suggested he is misleading the public, and last week said it was unfair that the doctor's public approval ratings are so much higher than his own.

'Pathetic!': US President Trump lashes out at virus coordinator

ICMR chief Dr Balram Bhargava said on Monday&nbsp;that it is difficult to predict whether or not India will see a second wave of COVID-19 infections and there will be smaller peaks at different times due to varied geography of the country.

Dr Bhargava said that the situation was rapidly evolving and there have been immense variations in spread of infection and mortality rates in different geographies and across different demographics around the world.

"SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus. There is still a lot we don`t know about it. We have also seen immense variations in the spread of infection and mortality rates in different geographies and across different demographics around the world. So, it is difficult to predict whether or not India will see a second wave of infections. There is also a wide variation in disease distribution in specific states - so one size cannot fit all," he said.

The Director-General of India Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said apart from the scientific inputs, full participation of all citizens is essential to overcome the COVID-19 challenge.

"Due to the varied geography of our nation, there would be smaller peaks at different times. The situation is rapidly evolving, and we will continue to monitor it. However, it is pertinent that people follow preventive measures like social distancing, use of masks and hand hygiene. The right intervention approach, the scientific input and full participation of all citizens and communities is essential to overcome the COVID-19 challenge" he said.

Dr Bhargava, a key scientist involved in monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the country, said ICMR has been monitoring this disease since January 2020 and its lab at the National Institute of Virology is also amongst the first few in the world to completely isolate the virus to learn more about its characteristics and lay the groundwork for finding a potential cure.

Asked how ICMR will tackle any future threat of virus, Dr Bhargava said that even before COVID-19 struck, ICMR had set up a platform with other 10 South East Asian countries to conduct collaborative research on emerging diseases.

"We have been at the forefront of tackling diseases like Nipah, Zika and other emerging infections," he said.

The scientist said that "three Ds - Data, Development and Delivery" are at the core of tackling any public health crisis.

"Data is important to make evidence-based decisions for interventions and in policymaking. Development of innovative tools that can drive innovation in the public health space is also critical. For instance, the indigenously developed, rapid and highly accurate ELISA test is helping the country to detect the extent of coronavirus spread in the country. Finally, delivery needs to be strengthened to ensure that these interventions reach the beneficiary," he said.

Dr Bhargava said ICMR has been continually ramping up testing capacity since the beginning of the pandemic.

"We started with less than 100 tests per day near the beginning of the pandemic and today we have the capacity of testing over 5 lakh samples a day with labs set up even at 18,000 feet in Ladakh. ICMR has crossed the milestone of 2,02,02,858 tests and we are now the country with 4th highest number of tests conducted globally," he said.

ICMR has also written to private and government medical colleges to increase testing for the virus and it will support these institutions to get the required infrastructure and training for testing, he said.

ICMR recently set up three new state-of-the-art testing facilities in Noida, Mumbai and Kolkata, which can increase testing capacity, reduce risk of exposure for lab technicians and decrease turn-around time."Over time, once the pandemic is controlled, these facilities can also be used for the testing of other diseases such as tuberculosis, Hepatitis B and C, HIV etc," Dr Bhargava said.&nbsp;

ICMR chief Dr Balram Bhargava said on Monday that it is difficult to predict whether or not India will see a second wave of COVID-19 infections and there will be smaller peaks at different times due to varied geography of the country.

ICMR chief Dr Balram Bhargava said on Monday that it is difficult to predict whether or not India will see a second wave of COVID-19 infections and there will be smaller peaks at different times due to varied geography of the country. Dr Bhargava said that the situation was rapidly evolving and there have been immense variations in spread of infection and mortality rates in different geographies and across different demographics around the world. "SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus. There is still a lot we don`t know about it. We have also seen immense variations in the spread of infection and mortality rates in different geographies and across different demographics around the world. So, it is difficult to predict whether or not India will see a second wave of infections. There is also a wide variation in disease distribution in specific states - so one size cannot fit all," he said. The Director-General of India Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said apart from the scientific inputs, full participation of all citizens is essential to overcome the COVID-19 challenge. "Due to the varied geography of our nation, there would be smaller peaks at different times. The situation is rapidly evolving, and we will continue to monitor it. However, it is pertinent that people follow preventive measures like social distancing, use of masks and hand hygiene. The right intervention approach, the scientific input and full participation of all citizens and communities is essential to overcome the COVID-19 challenge" he said. Dr Bhargava, a key scientist involved in monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the country, said ICMR has been monitoring this disease since January 2020 and its lab at the National Institute of Virology is also amongst the first few in the world to completely isolate the virus to learn more about its characteristics and lay the groundwork for finding a potential cure. Asked how ICMR will tackle any future threat of virus, Dr Bhargava said that even before COVID-19 struck, ICMR had set up a platform with other 10 South East Asian countries to conduct collaborative research on emerging diseases. "We have been at the forefront of tackling diseases like Nipah, Zika and other emerging infections," he said. The scientist said that "three Ds - Data, Development and Delivery" are at the core of tackling any public health crisis. "Data is important to make evidence-based decisions for interventions and in policymaking. Development of innovative tools that can drive innovation in the public health space is also critical. For instance, the indigenously developed, rapid and highly accurate ELISA test is helping the country to detect the extent of coronavirus spread in the country. Finally, delivery needs to be strengthened to ensure that these interventions reach the beneficiary," he said. Dr Bhargava said ICMR has been continually ramping up testing capacity since the beginning of the pandemic. "We started with less than 100 tests per day near the beginning of the pandemic and today we have the capacity of testing over 5 lakh samples a day with labs set up even at 18,000 feet in Ladakh. ICMR has crossed the milestone of 2,02,02,858 tests and we are now the country with 4th highest number of tests conducted globally," he said. ICMR has also written to private and government medical colleges to increase testing for the virus and it will support these institutions to get the required infrastructure and training for testing, he said. ICMR recently set up three new state-of-the-art testing facilities in Noida, Mumbai and Kolkata, which can increase testing capacity, reduce risk of exposure for lab technicians and decrease turn-around time."Over time, once the pandemic is controlled, these facilities can also be used for the testing of other diseases such as tuberculosis, Hepatitis B and C, HIV etc," Dr Bhargava said.

Difficult to predict if India will see second wave of COVID-19: ICMR chief

The founder of Bytedance, which owns social media giant TikTok, said Monday his teams were working around-the-clock "for the best outcome" as talks on the sale of its US operation to Microsoft continue, Chinese media reported.

The founder of Bytedance, which owns social media giant TikTok, said Monday his teams were working around-the-clock "for the best outcome" as talks on the sale of its US operation to Microsoft continue, Chinese media reported. TikTok, popular in the United States and widely used by young people who create, share and watch short videos on the platform -- is the latest target in a wide-ranging trade war between Beijing and Washington. Also read: TikTok owners may relocate to London from Beijing, Sun newspaper claims The US government has said the Chinese-owned company is a national security threat -- allegations that TikTok denies. "In the current environment, we faced the real possibility of a forced sale of TikTok's US business... or an executive order banning the app," ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming wrote in a message to all the company's staff, tech news outlet Pandaily reported. "While we encounter mounting complexities across the geopolitical landscape and significant external pressure, our response teams have been working around-the-clock and giving up their weekends over the past few weeks to ensure the best possible outcome". Microsoft said Sunday it would continue talks to buy the US operations of TikTok, which has an estimated one billion users worldwide. The tech giant added it aimed to wrap up discussions "no later than September 15." Also read | Microsoft confirms exploring buying TikTok in US after Trump and Nadella talk President Donald Trump said last week he would ban the app, but since appears to have backed away from the threat, which caused great concern for US users -- particularly content creators who make money on the platform. Many have posted links to their Instagram or YouTube accounts to avoid losing followers if the platform is ultimately blocked. Zhang said he disagreed with forcing TikTok to offload its US service. "We have always been committed to ensuring user data security, as well as the platform neutrality and transparency," he said. "Given the current circumstances, we must also confront the CFIUS (Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States) decision and the executive order of the President of the United States, without giving up exploring any possibilities."

'Real possibility of forced sale of TikTok's US business': Founder Zhang Yiming

The World Health Organization's mission in China laying the groundwork for an investigation into the animal origins of the coronavirus pandemic has concluded, the UN health agency said Monday.

The World Health Organization's mission in China laying the groundwork for an investigation into the animal origins of the coronavirus pandemic has concluded, the UN health agency said Monday. "The WHO advance team that travelled to China has now concluded their mission to lay the groundwork for further joint efforts to identify the virus origins, the agency's chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual press conference, adding: "Epidemiological studies will begin in Wuhan to identify the potential source of infection of the early cases." Also read: COVID-19: WHO delegation likely to give clean chit to China The delegation consists of an epidemiologist and an animal health expert. Chinese regime will monitor all their movement during the investigation. × The delegation will cooperate with Chinese scientists, and will work to advance the 'understanding of animal hosts for COVID-19' besides ascertaining 'how the disease jumped from animals and humans'. The delegation will not visit Wuhan Institute of Virology, purported lab from where the virus reportedly originated.

WHO completes groundwork in China for coronavirus origin probe

A man reportedly has taken one hostage and was threatening to detonate an explosive device in a business centre in the Ukrainian capital Kiev on Monday, AFP report said quoting the interior ministry.

A man reportedly has taken one hostage and was threatening to detonate an explosive device in a business centre in the Ukrainian capital Kiev on Monday, AFP report said quoting the interior ministry. The man carrying a backpack entered a bank in the Leonardo business centre in central Kiev claiming he had a bomb, deputy interior minister Anton Gerashchenko wrote on Facebook. × The man demanded to phone the police but has let the bank employees leave the building, Gerashchenko said. "According to preliminary information, a woman who is the head of bank's branch chose to stay in the building," Gerashchenko reportedly told AFP by phone. The police are currently holding talks with the man and has urged him to surrender, Gerashchenko said. Last month an armed man carrying explosives took 13 passengers hostage on a bus in the western Ukrainian city of Lutsk. Also read | Ukraine: Hostage standoff ends after president endorses Joaquin Phoenix film Police freed the passengers and arrested the attacker following a 12-hour standoff after President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to his demand to post a movie recommendation on social media. (With inputs from AFP)

Man takes hostage, threatens to detonate explosive device in Kiev

Trump advisers played down his recent remarks about delaying the 202 US presidential elections, saying there will be an election on November 3. White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said Trump was raising concerns about mail-in ballots when he floated the idea of delaying the US vote.

Trump advisers played down his recent remarks about delaying the 202 US presidential elections, saying there will be an election on November 3. White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said Trump was raising concerns about mail-in ballots when he floated the idea of delaying the US vote. "We're going to hold an election on November 3 and the president is going to win," Meadows said on CBS' "Face the Nation." Presidential campaign adviser Jason Miller echoed the sentiment on "Fox News Sunday," saying, "The election is going to be on November 3rd and President Trump wants the election to be on November 3rd." Trump on Thursday suggested delaying the US elections, an idea immediately rejected by both Democrats and his fellow Republicans in Congress - the sole branch of government with the authority to make such a change. Also read: Coronavirus conundrum: Trump suggests delaying US elections as Joe Biden leads in opinion poll Critics and even Trump's allies dismissed the notion as an unserious attempt to distract from devastating economic news, but some legal experts warned that his repeated attacks could undermine his supporters' faith in the election process. The Republican president has been trying to undermine confidence in mail-in balloting, claiming repeatedly and without evidence that it would lead to widespread voter fraud. Meadows took up his boss's cause on Sunday, warning that mail-in ballots must be handled properly without providing evidence that they have not been in the past. Asked if it were irresponsible for Trump to float the idea, Meadows skirted the question, saying "It is responsible for him to say that if we try to go to 100% universal mail-in ballots, will we have an election result on November 3? Now I would suggest we wouldn't even have it on January 1."

Trump advisers say US election will be held on November 3 as planned

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Sunday extended his support to Ecuador which accused China of violating the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal states.

"It is time for China to stop its unsustainable fishing practices, rule-breaking, and willful environmental degradation of the oceans. We stand with Ecuador and call on Beijing to stop engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing," Pompeo tweeted.

According to a press statement released by the US Department of State, "The People`s Republic of China subsidises the world`s largest commercial fishing fleet, which routinely violates the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal states, fishes without permission, and overfishes licensing agreements."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It is time for China to stop its unsustainable fishing practices, rule-breaking, and willful environmental degradation of the oceans. We stand with Ecuador and call on Beijing to stop engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1289896501234110464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"The Ecuadorian government has done just that in raising the alarm about the hundreds of PRC-flagged vessels fishing near Ecuador`s important Galapagos marine reserve and harvesting endangered sharks for their fins, along with many other protected species."

"We firmly support Ecuador`s efforts to ensure PRC-flagged vessels do not engage in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and stand with States whose economies and natural resources are threatened by PRC-flagged vessels` disregard for the rule of law and responsible fishing practices," Pompeo added.

Urging the international community to stand together against China, the US Secretary of State said, "Given this unfortunate record of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, rule-breaking, and willful environmental degradation, it is more important than ever that the international community stands together for the rule of law and insists on better environmental stewardship from Beijing."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Sunday extended his support to Ecuador which accused China of violating the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal states.

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Sunday extended his support to Ecuador which accused China of violating the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal states. "It is time for China to stop its unsustainable fishing practices, rule-breaking, and willful environmental degradation of the oceans. We stand with Ecuador and call on Beijing to stop engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing," Pompeo tweeted. According to a press statement released by the US Department of State, "The People`s Republic of China subsidises the world`s largest commercial fishing fleet, which routinely violates the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal states, fishes without permission, and overfishes licensing agreements." It is time for China to stop its unsustainable fishing practices, rule-breaking, and willful environmental degradation of the oceans. We stand with Ecuador and call on Beijing to stop engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) August 2, 2020 × "The Ecuadorian government has done just that in raising the alarm about the hundreds of PRC-flagged vessels fishing near Ecuador`s important Galapagos marine reserve and harvesting endangered sharks for their fins, along with many other protected species." "We firmly support Ecuador`s efforts to ensure PRC-flagged vessels do not engage in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and stand with States whose economies and natural resources are threatened by PRC-flagged vessels` disregard for the rule of law and responsible fishing practices," Pompeo added. Urging the international community to stand together against China, the US Secretary of State said, "Given this unfortunate record of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, rule-breaking, and willful environmental degradation, it is more important than ever that the international community stands together for the rule of law and insists on better environmental stewardship from Beijing."

Pompeo slams China for violating 'sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal states'

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at six locations in Kerala in connection with the gold smuggling case.

The agency also made six fresh arrests in the matter in the past three days.

According to the NIA, it conducted searches at six places including the residences of accused Jalal AM and Rabins Hameed in the Ernakulam district, and the residences of Ramees KT, Mohammed Shafi, Said Alavi and Abdu PT in the Malappuram district."During searches, two hard disks, one tablet PC, eight mobile phones, six SIM cards, one digital video recorder and five DVDs were seized besides various documents including bank passbooks, credit/ debit cards, travel documents and identity documents of the accused," the NIA said.

The NIA said that two accused -- Jalal AM and Said Alavi E -- were arrested on July 30 for conspiring with the already arrested accused Ramees KT and for smuggling gold through diplomatic baggage addressed to the UAE Consulate at Thiruvananthapuram.

"On July 31, 2020, two more accused Mohammed Shafi P, and Abdu PT were arrested for playing similar roles in the crime. On August 1, 2020, NIA arrested another two accused persons identified as Muhammad Ali Ebrahim and Muhammad Ali, after investigation revealed that they were also a part of the conspiracy," the NIA said.

It further said that Muhammad Ali is a member of the Popular Front of India and was earlier chargesheeted by the Kerala Police in a case related to chopping off the palm of a professor, but was acquitted after a trial in 2015.NIA, which is probing the high-profile case related to smuggling of gold in the state through diplomatic channels, said that so far it has arrested 10 accused persons.The matter had come to light after 30-kg gold worth Rs 14.82 crores, smuggled in a consignment camouflaged as diplomatic baggage, was busted by the Customs in Thiruvananthapuram. The case is being probed by the NIA.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at six locations in Kerala in connection with the gold smuggling case. The agency also made six fresh arrests in the matter in the past three days.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at six locations in Kerala in connection with the gold smuggling case. The agency also made six fresh arrests in the matter in the past three days. According to the NIA, it conducted searches at six places including the residences of accused Jalal AM and Rabins Hameed in the Ernakulam district, and the residences of Ramees KT, Mohammed Shafi, Said Alavi and Abdu PT in the Malappuram district."During searches, two hard disks, one tablet PC, eight mobile phones, six SIM cards, one digital video recorder and five DVDs were seized besides various documents including bank passbooks, credit/ debit cards, travel documents and identity documents of the accused," the NIA said. The NIA said that two accused -- Jalal AM and Said Alavi E -- were arrested on July 30 for conspiring with the already arrested accused Ramees KT and for smuggling gold through diplomatic baggage addressed to the UAE Consulate at Thiruvananthapuram. "On July 31, 2020, two more accused Mohammed Shafi P, and Abdu PT were arrested for playing similar roles in the crime. On August 1, 2020, NIA arrested another two accused persons identified as Muhammad Ali Ebrahim and Muhammad Ali, after investigation revealed that they were also a part of the conspiracy," the NIA said. It further said that Muhammad Ali is a member of the Popular Front of India and was earlier chargesheeted by the Kerala Police in a case related to chopping off the palm of a professor, but was acquitted after a trial in 2015.NIA, which is probing the high-profile case related to smuggling of gold in the state through diplomatic channels, said that so far it has arrested 10 accused persons.The matter had come to light after 30-kg gold worth Rs 14.82 crores, smuggled in a consignment camouflaged as diplomatic baggage, was busted by the Customs in Thiruvananthapuram. The case is being probed by the NIA. (With inputs from ANI)

Kerala gold smuggling case: NIA conducts searches at various locations, arrests 6

The flood situation in Bihar worsened on Sunday as water from overflowing rivers inundated fresh areas, while a total of 53.67 lakh people across 14 districts were affected, the Disaster Management Department said in Patna.

No fresh casualty was reported and the number of people who died in flood-related incidents stood at 13.

The number of people affected by the deluge has gone up by 4.62 lakh since Saturday, though that of the district remained at 14, the department said in a bulletin.

The number of panchayats hit by the calamity, however, rose to 1,059 from 1,043 on the previous day.

It said that an embankment of Tirhut canal breached in the early hours of Sunday inundating at least a dozen villages in Muraul block of Muzaffarpur district. Two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed at the site.

With 16.89 lakh flood-affected people, Muzaffarpur is the worst-hit district, followed by 12.40 lakh people in Darbhanga and 8.09 lakh in East Champaran.

More than half of the affected populace live in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga districts.

Of the 13 deaths in flood-related incidents, Darbhanga registered the highest seven casualties, followed by four in West Champaran and two in Muzaffarpur.

A total of 20 teams of the NDRF and 11 of the SDRF are involved in the rescue operations and they have evacuated 4.03 lakh people from the affected areas so far, the bulletin said.

It said that 26,734 people are staying in 19 relief camps while nearly 9.29 lakh people were being fed at 1,385 community kitchens in the affected districts.

Rivers such as Baghmati, Burhi Gandak, Kamlabalan, Adhwara, Khiroi, Mahananda and Ghaghra are flowing above the danger level at various places.

The Met Department has forecast light rain in the catchment areas of all rivers flowing in the state on Monday.

The 14-flood affected districts are Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Supaul, Kishanganj, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, West Champaran, East Champaran, Khagaria, Saran, Samastipur, Siwan and Madhubani.&nbsp;

The flood situation in Bihar worsened on Sunday as water from overflowing rivers inundated fresh areas, while a total of 53.67 lakh people across 14 districts were affected, the Disaster Management Department said in Patna.

The flood situation in Bihar worsened on Sunday as water from overflowing rivers inundated fresh areas, while a total of 53.67 lakh people across 14 districts were affected, the Disaster Management Department said in Patna. No fresh casualty was reported and the number of people who died in flood-related incidents stood at 13. The number of people affected by the deluge has gone up by 4.62 lakh since Saturday, though that of the district remained at 14, the department said in a bulletin. The number of panchayats hit by the calamity, however, rose to 1,059 from 1,043 on the previous day. It said that an embankment of Tirhut canal breached in the early hours of Sunday inundating at least a dozen villages in Muraul block of Muzaffarpur district. Two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed at the site. With 16.89 lakh flood-affected people, Muzaffarpur is the worst-hit district, followed by 12.40 lakh people in Darbhanga and 8.09 lakh in East Champaran. More than half of the affected populace live in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga districts. Of the 13 deaths in flood-related incidents, Darbhanga registered the highest seven casualties, followed by four in West Champaran and two in Muzaffarpur. A total of 20 teams of the NDRF and 11 of the SDRF are involved in the rescue operations and they have evacuated 4.03 lakh people from the affected areas so far, the bulletin said. It said that 26,734 people are staying in 19 relief camps while nearly 9.29 lakh people were being fed at 1,385 community kitchens in the affected districts. Rivers such as Baghmati, Burhi Gandak, Kamlabalan, Adhwara, Khiroi, Mahananda and Ghaghra are flowing above the danger level at various places. The Met Department has forecast light rain in the catchment areas of all rivers flowing in the state on Monday. The 14-flood affected districts are Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Supaul, Kishanganj, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, West Champaran, East Champaran, Khagaria, Saran, Samastipur, Siwan and Madhubani.

Bihar flood situation worsens, 53.67 lakh people affected

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