Saudi&nbsp;Arabia has released two women's rights activists detained nearly three years ago after they had served their time, London-based&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;rights group ALQST said on Sunday.

Samar Badawi and Nassima al-Sadah were detained in July 2018, along with more than a dozen other activists, on suspicion of harming&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;interests, a move that drew international condemnation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/saudi-women-are-fighting-for-their-freedom-and-their-hard-won-victories-are-growing-241644">Saudi women are fighting for their freedom and their hard-won victories are growing</a>

The&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;government's media office did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Few details have been provided by authorities on the charges against the women or on sporadic trials that have been closed to the public.

Their release follows that of prominent activist Loujain al-Hathloul in February who had served half of her custodial sentence on broad cybercrime and counterterrorism charges. She still faces a five-year travel ban.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-womens-rights-activist-loujain-al-hathloul-jailed-for-five-years-352947">Saudi women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul jailed for five years</a>

Amnesty Gulf welcomed the report by ALQST on Twitter of the release of Badawi and Sadah: "These brave women should have never been detained in the first place. They should have been appreciated for leading change in&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia."

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Good news, although these brave women should have never been detained in the first place. They should have been appreciated for leading change in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaudiArabia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaudiArabia</a> . <a href="https://twitter.com/KingSalman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KingSalman</a> remove the travel bans on Nassima and Samar, and all the released peaceful activists!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnmuteSaudiVoices?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnmuteSaudiVoices</a> <a href="https://t.co/CgS6YsXJYg">https://t.co/CgS6YsXJYg</a>
— Amnesty Gulf (@amnestygulf) <a href="https://twitter.com/amnestygulf/status/1409053832131272707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Badawi received the United States' International Women of Courage Award in 2012 for challenging the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;male guardianship system and was among the first women who signed a petition calling on the government to allow women to drive and to vote and run in local elections.

Sadah, from the restive Shi'ite-majority Qatif province, has also campaigned to abolish the guardianship system.

Crackdown

The women's rights activists were detained before and after the kingdom in 2018 lifted a ban on women driving as part of social reforms that have been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent that has also netted clerics and intellectuals.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seriously-concerned-and-seeking-greater-clarity-from-saudi-arabia-canada-157416">Seriously concerned and seeking greater clarity from Saudi Arabia: Canada</a>

Badawi's former husband is serving a 15-year jail sentence for human rights activism. Her brother Raif Badawi, a prominent blogger, is serving a 10-year sentence on charges of insulting Islam and for cybercrime.

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's administration has taken a tough stance over&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia's human rights record, which came under the spotlight after the October 2018 murder of prominent&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.

Washington in February released an intelligence report implicating de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Khashoggi's killing. The prince denies any involvement.

In April, the State Department voiced concern about the sentencing of a&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;aid worker by a counterterrorism court to 20 years in prison followed by a 20-year travel ban.

Saudi Arabia has released two women's rights activists detained nearly three years ago after they had served their time, London-based Saudi rights group ALQST said on Sunday.

Saudi Arabia has released two women's rights activists detained nearly three years ago after they had served their time, London-based Saudi rights group ALQST said on Sunday. Samar Badawi and Nassima al-Sadah were detained in July 2018, along with more than a dozen other activists, on suspicion of harming Saudi interests, a move that drew international condemnation. Also read | Saudi women are fighting for their freedom and their hard-won victories are growing The Saudi government's media office did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Few details have been provided by authorities on the charges against the women or on sporadic trials that have been closed to the public. Their release follows that of prominent activist Loujain al-Hathloul in February who had served half of her custodial sentence on broad cybercrime and counterterrorism charges. She still faces a five-year travel ban. Also read | Saudi women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul jailed for five years Amnesty Gulf welcomed the report by ALQST on Twitter of the release of Badawi and Sadah: "These brave women should have never been detained in the first place. They should have been appreciated for leading change in Saudi Arabia." Good news, although these brave women should have never been detained in the first place. They should have been appreciated for leading change in #SaudiArabia . @KingSalman remove the travel bans on Nassima and Samar, and all the released peaceful activists!#UnmuteSaudiVoices https://t.co/CgS6YsXJYg — Amnesty Gulf (@amnestygulf) June 27, 2021 × Badawi received the United States' International Women of Courage Award in 2012 for challenging the Saudi male guardianship system and was among the first women who signed a petition calling on the government to allow women to drive and to vote and run in local elections. Sadah, from the restive Shi'ite-majority Qatif province, has also campaigned to abolish the guardianship system. Crackdown The women's rights activists were detained before and after the kingdom in 2018 lifted a ban on women driving as part of social reforms that have been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent that has also netted clerics and intellectuals. Also read | Seriously concerned and seeking greater clarity from Saudi Arabia: Canada Badawi's former husband is serving a 15-year jail sentence for human rights activism. Her brother Raif Badawi, a prominent blogger, is serving a 10-year sentence on charges of insulting Islam and for cybercrime. US President Joe Biden's administration has taken a tough stance over Saudi Arabia's human rights record, which came under the spotlight after the October 2018 murder of prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's Istanbul consulate. Washington in February released an intelligence report implicating de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Khashoggi's killing. The prince denies any involvement. In April, the State Department voiced concern about the sentencing of a Saudi aid worker by a counterterrorism court to 20 years in prison followed by a 20-year travel ban.

Saudi Arabia releases two women activists, says rights group

The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME) have entered into an MoU to help the MSMEs address their challenges that were accentuated during the pandemic, along with the longstanding capacity gaps in the sector. 
 
The broad themes covered under the MoU include expanding credit access, increasing formalisation, building competitive clusters, and improving the legal framework for ease of doing business. 
 
The two organisations committed that at least 25 per cent of beneficiaries from the partnership would be women entrepreneurs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-suffers-record-job-losses-in-april-amid-second-wave-384823">India suffers record job losses in April amid second wave</a> 
 
"This long-standing experience combined with the force of GAME`s 80+diverse partner alliance should ease the access to credit and a range of new support services for MSMEs at large scale," GAME Co-founder Mekin Maheshwari said. 
 
Some of the focus areas of the partnership will be scaling up Udyam Registration as a unique ID for an MSME to access schemes across the entire MSME universe, leveraging SIDBI`s financial schemes to further formalise enterprises, among others. 
 
"We hope the power of the Alliance can be leveraged for nation building efforts such as formalising MSMEs, and substantially improving access to credit&amp; non-financial services," SIDBI Chairman and Managing Director, Sivasubramanian Raman, said.

The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME) have entered into an MoU to help the MSMEs address their challenges that were accentuated during the pandemic, along with the longstanding capacity gaps in the sector.

The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME) have entered into an MoU to help the MSMEs address their challenges that were accentuated during the pandemic, along with the longstanding capacity gaps in the sector. The broad themes covered under the MoU include expanding credit access, increasing formalisation, building competitive clusters, and improving the legal framework for ease of doing business. The two organisations committed that at least 25 per cent of beneficiaries from the partnership would be women entrepreneurs. Also read | India suffers record job losses in April amid second wave "This long-standing experience combined with the force of GAME`s 80+diverse partner alliance should ease the access to credit and a range of new support services for MSMEs at large scale," GAME Co-founder Mekin Maheshwari said. Some of the focus areas of the partnership will be scaling up Udyam Registration as a unique ID for an MSME to access schemes across the entire MSME universe, leveraging SIDBI`s financial schemes to further formalise enterprises, among others. "We hope the power of the Alliance can be leveraged for nation building efforts such as formalising MSMEs, and substantially improving access to credit& non-financial services," SIDBI Chairman and Managing Director, Sivasubramanian Raman, said.

SIDBI ties up with Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship to help MSMEs revive

In April at Mount Everest base camp, where climbers acclimatize to the extreme altitude before heading to the summit of the world’s highest peak, Jangbu Sherpa fell ill with a cough and fever.

At 17,590 feet, his symptoms quickly worsened. The expedition company that had hired Sherpa to help a Bahraini prince climb Everest had him airlifted to a hospital in the capital, Kathmandu, where he tested positive for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/guide-over-100-virus-cases-on-everest-despite-nepal-denials-386894">Guide: Over 100 virus cases on Everest despite Nepal denials</a>&nbsp;

He spent a week at the hospital and six days at home and then was back at base camp. Experienced guides like him from Nepal’s high-mountain-dwelling Sherpa community were in short supply because of the pandemic, and the expedition company stood to lose thousands of dollars if the prince’s climb were cancelled.

So, with his body still fighting the vestiges of the virus, Sherpa, 38, most likely became the first person with COVID-19 to stand on Everest’s pinnacle when he led the prince and 15 others there at dawn on May 11. By the end of the climbing season early this month, at least 59 infected people had been on the mountain, including five others who reached the top, according to interviews with climbers and expedition companies and the personal accounts of social media users.

“Were Sherpas and climbers supermen?” said Ang Tshering Sherpa, a former president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association. “This issue deserves in-depth research.”

But according to the Nepal government, there was never any COVID-19 on Everest. Tourism officials dismissed the accounts of climbers, calling one a pneumonia patient. Coughing, they added, is nothing new in the dry mountain air.

Nepal’s tourism department, which oversees Everest expeditions, maintained this position even as people were being airlifted off the mountain and expeditions were being cancelled — a rare event because of the great expense and effort made to train, travel to Nepal and try to summit Everest.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-china-cancels-everest-expedition-385457/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In April, a Norwegian climber, Erlend Ness; a British climber, Steve Davis; and others wrote on social media about having COVID-19 during their Everest expeditions.

“From 2 hospitals last 3 days. Today I will have a PCR test. Hope to leave the hospital soon,” Ness wrote on Facebook, posting a photo of himself in a mask in a hospital bed.

Nepal, one of the world’s poorest countries, has been struggling with a dire coronavirus outbreak and a shortage of vaccines. Few Sherpas or other Nepalis had access to vaccines while the climbing season was underway; even now, as the government pleads with wealthy nations for doses, less than 3 per cent of the population has been fully inoculated.

Officials had strong incentives to play down the COVID situation on Everest. Nepal closed its peaks in 2020 because of the pandemic, after bringing in more than $2 billion from climbing and trekking in 2019. If the COVID-19 cases were publicized, it could tarnish Nepal’s image as a tourist destination, and invite climbers whose expeditions were cancelled to demand extensions of their climbing permits.

Still, with this year’s climbing season now over, more expedition agencies are acknowledging that COVID-19 infections were rampant in the crowded base camp, which drew a record 408 foreign climbers this year. The true number of cases could be far higher than 59, since expedition organizers, doctors and climbers themselves said they were pressured to hide infections.

The Nepal government had made some preparation to avoid infections on the mountain. It instituted testing, mask and social-distancing requirements, stationed medical personnel at the Everest base camp and had helicopters ready to swoop in and pick up infected climbers.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-draws-separation-line-on-everest-peak-384185/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Expedition companies, which often bring their own medical personnel, also packed antigen kits, testing members of their groups regularly and isolating anyone who tested positive.

Given that all climbers had to test negative before starting the trek to base camp, it is likely that most of those with COVID-19 became infected while on the mountain, though it is possible that some arrived with infections that were not initially detected.

There were compelling reasons for expedition companies to proceed with climbs, even as the first coronavirus cases were reported at base camp from the last week of April to the first week of May.

They had laid out more than 60 per cent&nbsp;of their budgets. The government of Nepal had received $4.6 million in royalties. Sherpas and support staff were deployed. Ropes were soon to be fixed in place. Food, cooking gas and other supplies had been hauled up by workers and yaks to the makeshift city of colourful tents where climbers stay for 40 days, allowing their lungs to adjust to the altitude and waiting for a window of clear weather to make the ascent.

Multiple Sherpas and expedition companies interviewed by The New York Times said that at least three or four people from each expedition group were eventually infected during their stay at base camp.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/foreign-expedition-abandons-everest-attempt-citing-covid-19-risks-385485">Foreign expedition abandons Everest attempt citing COVID-19 risks</a>

Lukas Furtenbach of Furtenbach Adventures, which cancelled its expedition, sending climbers back to Kathmandu before they could attempt to summit Everest, estimated that the tally was far higher than The Times’ count.

His company’s expedition ended after an American climber and three Sherpa guides were evacuated from base camp to the capital, where they were hospitalized for COVID-19. Furtenbach has written to Nepal’s tourism department requesting that the government extend his climbers’ permits by two years.

Rudra Singh Tamang, director-general of the tourism department, said he had no information about Furtenbach’s appeal or those of other expedition agencies sent to his office to extend climbing permits.

“We can’t just extend climbing permits on basis of COVID rumors,” Tamang said. “Whether their expeditions were canceled because of COVID-19 or not, that should be examined.”

With very few Sherpas having been vaccinated when they arrived at base camp, dozens contracted COVID-19. Some were airlifted out. Others isolated in their pup tents and climbed to higher camps after recovering.

Phunuru Sherpa of International Mountain Guides said 10 Sherpa guides on his team fell sick with COVID-19.

Of the more than 400 foreign climbers attempting to scale Everest, almost half abandoned their expeditions, either because of COVID-19 infections or because of a cyclone that caused snowstorms in the Himalayas.

In April at Mount Everest base camp, where climbers acclimatize to the extreme altitude before heading to the summit of the world’s highest peak, Jangbu Sherpa fell ill with a cough and fever.

In April at Mount Everest base camp, where climbers acclimatize to the extreme altitude before heading to the summit of the world’s highest peak, Jangbu Sherpa fell ill with a cough and fever. At 17,590 feet, his symptoms quickly worsened. The expedition company that had hired Sherpa to help a Bahraini prince climb Everest had him airlifted to a hospital in the capital, Kathmandu, where he tested positive for COVID-19. Also read | Guide: Over 100 virus cases on Everest despite Nepal denials He spent a week at the hospital and six days at home and then was back at base camp. Experienced guides like him from Nepal’s high-mountain-dwelling Sherpa community were in short supply because of the pandemic, and the expedition company stood to lose thousands of dollars if the prince’s climb were cancelled. So, with his body still fighting the vestiges of the virus, Sherpa, 38, most likely became the first person with COVID-19 to stand on Everest’s pinnacle when he led the prince and 15 others there at dawn on May 11. By the end of the climbing season early this month, at least 59 infected people had been on the mountain, including five others who reached the top, according to interviews with climbers and expedition companies and the personal accounts of social media users. “Were Sherpas and climbers supermen?” said Ang Tshering Sherpa, a former president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association. “This issue deserves in-depth research.” But according to the Nepal government, there was never any COVID-19 on Everest. Tourism officials dismissed the accounts of climbers, calling one a pneumonia patient. Coughing, they added, is nothing new in the dry mountain air. Nepal’s tourism department, which oversees Everest expeditions, maintained this position even as people were being airlifted off the mountain and expeditions were being cancelled — a rare event because of the great expense and effort made to train, travel to Nepal and try to summit Everest. In April, a Norwegian climber, Erlend Ness; a British climber, Steve Davis; and others wrote on social media about having COVID-19 during their Everest expeditions. “From 2 hospitals last 3 days. Today I will have a PCR test. Hope to leave the hospital soon,” Ness wrote on Facebook, posting a photo of himself in a mask in a hospital bed. Nepal, one of the world’s poorest countries, has been struggling with a dire coronavirus outbreak and a shortage of vaccines. Few Sherpas or other Nepalis had access to vaccines while the climbing season was underway; even now, as the government pleads with wealthy nations for doses, less than 3 per cent of the population has been fully inoculated. Officials had strong incentives to play down the COVID situation on Everest. Nepal closed its peaks in 2020 because of the pandemic, after bringing in more than $2 billion from climbing and trekking in 2019. If the COVID-19 cases were publicized, it could tarnish Nepal’s image as a tourist destination, and invite climbers whose expeditions were cancelled to demand extensions of their climbing permits. Still, with this year’s climbing season now over, more expedition agencies are acknowledging that COVID-19 infections were rampant in the crowded base camp, which drew a record 408 foreign climbers this year. The true number of cases could be far higher than 59, since expedition organizers, doctors and climbers themselves said they were pressured to hide infections. The Nepal government had made some preparation to avoid infections on the mountain. It instituted testing, mask and social-distancing requirements, stationed medical personnel at the Everest base camp and had helicopters ready to swoop in and pick up infected climbers. Expedition companies, which often bring their own medical personnel, also packed antigen kits, testing members of their groups regularly and isolating anyone who tested positive. Given that all climbers had to test negative before starting the trek to base camp, it is likely that most of those with COVID-19 became infected while on the mountain, though it is possible that some arrived with infections that were not initially detected. There were compelling reasons for expedition companies to proceed with climbs, even as the first coronavirus cases were reported at base camp from the last week of April to the first week of May. They had laid out more than 60 per cent of their budgets. The government of Nepal had received $4.6 million in royalties. Sherpas and support staff were deployed. Ropes were soon to be fixed in place. Food, cooking gas and other supplies had been hauled up by workers and yaks to the makeshift city of colourful tents where climbers stay for 40 days, allowing their lungs to adjust to the altitude and waiting for a window of clear weather to make the ascent. Multiple Sherpas and expedition companies interviewed by The New York Times said that at least three or four people from each expedition group were eventually infected during their stay at base camp. Also read | Foreign expedition abandons Everest attempt citing COVID-19 risks Lukas Furtenbach of Furtenbach Adventures, which cancelled its expedition, sending climbers back to Kathmandu before they could attempt to summit Everest, estimated that the tally was far higher than The Times’ count. His company’s expedition ended after an American climber and three Sherpa guides were evacuated from base camp to the capital, where they were hospitalized for COVID-19. Furtenbach has written to Nepal’s tourism department requesting that the government extend his climbers’ permits by two years. Rudra Singh Tamang, director-general of the tourism department, said he had no information about Furtenbach’s appeal or those of other expedition agencies sent to his office to extend climbing permits. “We can’t just extend climbing permits on basis of COVID rumors,” Tamang said. “Whether their expeditions were canceled because of COVID-19 or not, that should be examined.” With very few Sherpas having been vaccinated when they arrived at base camp, dozens contracted COVID-19. Some were airlifted out. Others isolated in their pup tents and climbed to higher camps after recovering. Phunuru Sherpa of International Mountain Guides said 10 Sherpa guides on his team fell sick with COVID-19. Of the more than 400 foreign climbers attempting to scale Everest, almost half abandoned their expeditions, either because of COVID-19 infections or because of a cyclone that caused snowstorms in the Himalayas.

Dozens came down with COVID-19 on Everest. Nepal says it never happened.

Incidents of violence across the Kashmir valley have increased after all-party meet of Jammu and Kashmir politicians with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting had mostly stressed on restoring the democratic set-up in the union territory.

Three major attacks and killings have taken place in the last few days after the meet. On Sunday, a cop, along with his wife and daughter, was killed in cold blood by Jaish terrorists who entered their house in Tral area of Pulwama district in South Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir Police SPO was identified as Fayaz Ahmad.&nbsp;

Police said that two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists involved in the incident have been identified. One is a local while the other one is said to be a foreigner.

"Two terrorists came late evening and knocked on the door of Fayaz Ahmad and started indiscriminate firing on them. Two terrorists are behind the attack, one is a foreigner. We are in search of attackers," said Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of Police

Earlier, a grenade was lobbed by terrorists in Srinagar's Barbarshah area on Saturday afternoon. A civilian was killed in the attack while three others were injured in the same incident.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, In South Kashmir's Shopian district, One terrorist was killed while another one surrendered during an encounter on Friday. Both the terrorists belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba. One AK-56 Rifle was recovered from the surrendered militant.

"One terrorist was killed and his body was retrieved from the site of the encounter. Meanwhile, the family members of the other trapped terrorist were called to the encounter site to persuade the other one to surrender. It was due to the great efforts and utmost patience of police, security forces and repeated surrender appeals with the help of his family members, the trapped terrorist identified as Sahil Ramzan Dar son of Mohammad Ramzan Dar resident of Beminipora linked with proscribed terror outfit LeT ultimately surrendered and laid down his arms before the joint security forces. As per Police records, Sahil Ahmad was active since March 2021," said JK Police in a release.&nbsp;

A top LeT commander Nadeem Abrar was arrested in Srinagar's Parimpora area today. He was travelling in a car. Nadeem was involved in many killings of security forces. &nbsp;

However, Jammu and Kashmir has been put on high alert after these incidents. Security has been increased across the valley. The IG Kashmir took a high-level emergency security meeting in Srinagar to discuss the security of airports and security installations.&nbsp;

An encounter also started in Srinagar's Maloora Area. Two militants were trapped and firing was on from both sides when this report was filed.&nbsp;

Incidents of violence across the Kashmir valley have increased after all-party meet of Jammu and Kashmir politicians with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting had mostly stressed on restoring the democratic set-up in the union territory.

Incidents of violence across the Kashmir valley have increased after all-party meet of Jammu and Kashmir politicians with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting had mostly stressed on restoring the democratic set-up in the union territory. Three major attacks and killings have taken place in the last few days after the meet. On Sunday, a cop, along with his wife and daughter, was killed in cold blood by Jaish terrorists who entered their house in Tral area of Pulwama district in South Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir Police SPO was identified as Fayaz Ahmad. Police said that two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists involved in the incident have been identified. One is a local while the other one is said to be a foreigner. "Two terrorists came late evening and knocked on the door of Fayaz Ahmad and started indiscriminate firing on them. Two terrorists are behind the attack, one is a foreigner. We are in search of attackers," said Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of Police Earlier, a grenade was lobbed by terrorists in Srinagar's Barbarshah area on Saturday afternoon. A civilian was killed in the attack while three others were injured in the same incident. Meanwhile, In South Kashmir's Shopian district, One terrorist was killed while another one surrendered during an encounter on Friday. Both the terrorists belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba. One AK-56 Rifle was recovered from the surrendered militant. "One terrorist was killed and his body was retrieved from the site of the encounter. Meanwhile, the family members of the other trapped terrorist were called to the encounter site to persuade the other one to surrender. It was due to the great efforts and utmost patience of police, security forces and repeated surrender appeals with the help of his family members, the trapped terrorist identified as Sahil Ramzan Dar son of Mohammad Ramzan Dar resident of Beminipora linked with proscribed terror outfit LeT ultimately surrendered and laid down his arms before the joint security forces. As per Police records, Sahil Ahmad was active since March 2021," said JK Police in a release. A top LeT commander Nadeem Abrar was arrested in Srinagar's Parimpora area today. He was travelling in a car. Nadeem was involved in many killings of security forces. However, Jammu and Kashmir has been put on high alert after these incidents. Security has been increased across the valley. The IG Kashmir took a high-level emergency security meeting in Srinagar to discuss the security of airports and security installations. An encounter also started in Srinagar's Maloora Area. Two militants were trapped and firing was on from both sides when this report was filed.

Incidents of violence go up in Kashmir valley days after all-party meet

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday termed Union government's decision to bifurcate Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh as 'historic'. He said that the decision led to a major reduction in terrorist activities.

He was speaking at an event in Ladakh. Singh also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent outreach to political leaders of Jammu and Kashmir, and said that the government does not want the "same situation" to continue in the region for long.

Prime Minister Modi on Thursday held talks with top political leaders of Jammu and Kashmir. The talks came nearly two years after withdrawal of special status of Jammu and Kashmir

"The Union government's decision to bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as two separate UTs has bolstered national security and led to major reduction in terrorist activities and also opened new avenues for socio-economic development of the people in both the regions," Singh said.

Rajnath Singh is on a three-day visit to Ladakh from Sunday. He made the remarks after dedicating to the nation 63 bridges built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in six states and two UTs.

Singh also said that those who criticised PM Modi's intent for Jammu and Kashmir had vested interests.

The government's "historic decision" around two years ago has brought socio-economic development to the region as well as helped in containing terrorist activities, the defence minister said.

"He wants that political process to start in Jammu and Kashmir as well as in Ladakh. And he is going to speak (to people from) here. He has spoken to people of J and K. We do not want the same situation to prevail for a long time," Singh said.

In the meeting with political leaders of J-K, Modi spoke about removing "Dilli ki Doori as well as Dil Ki Doori" and assured that full statehood of the UT will be restored at the right time.

Singh also said that significant success has been achieved in containing terrorism and boosting socio-economic development. "Two years is not a long period of time...Our government has initiated several steps for infrastructure development and to promote investment," he added.

The defence minister also lauded the armed forces for their contribution to the overall improvement of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Singh said the government has been significantly focusing on enhancing connectivity which is paying rich dividends.

The defence minister also visited the Thiksay Monastery in Ladakh. He inaugurated Shesrab Skyad Tsal Ling library during the visit.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday termed Union government's decision to bifurcate Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh as 'historic'. He said that the decision led to a major reduction in terrorist activities.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday termed Union government's decision to bifurcate Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh as 'historic'. He said that the decision led to a major reduction in terrorist activities. He was speaking at an event in Ladakh. Singh also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent outreach to political leaders of Jammu and Kashmir, and said that the government does not want the "same situation" to continue in the region for long. Prime Minister Modi on Thursday held talks with top political leaders of Jammu and Kashmir. The talks came nearly two years after withdrawal of special status of Jammu and Kashmir "The Union government's decision to bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as two separate UTs has bolstered national security and led to major reduction in terrorist activities and also opened new avenues for socio-economic development of the people in both the regions," Singh said. Rajnath Singh is on a three-day visit to Ladakh from Sunday. He made the remarks after dedicating to the nation 63 bridges built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in six states and two UTs. Singh also said that those who criticised PM Modi's intent for Jammu and Kashmir had vested interests. The government's "historic decision" around two years ago has brought socio-economic development to the region as well as helped in containing terrorist activities, the defence minister said. "He wants that political process to start in Jammu and Kashmir as well as in Ladakh. And he is going to speak (to people from) here. He has spoken to people of J and K. We do not want the same situation to prevail for a long time," Singh said. In the meeting with political leaders of J-K, Modi spoke about removing "Dilli ki Doori as well as Dil Ki Doori" and assured that full statehood of the UT will be restored at the right time. Singh also said that significant success has been achieved in containing terrorism and boosting socio-economic development. "Two years is not a long period of time...Our government has initiated several steps for infrastructure development and to promote investment," he added. The defence minister also lauded the armed forces for their contribution to the overall improvement of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Singh said the government has been significantly focusing on enhancing connectivity which is paying rich dividends. The defence minister also visited the Thiksay Monastery in Ladakh. He inaugurated Shesrab Skyad Tsal Ling library during the visit. (With inputs from agencies)

Bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh bolstered national security: Rajnath Singh

China's National Space Agency on Sunday released video of its Zhurong Mars rover. The rover is part of the Tianwen-1 mission on Mars. It is China's first mission, which arrived in orbit around Mars in February this year.

The space mission has come as Chinese Communist Party celebrates its 100 year anniversary on&nbsp;July 1.

The image of the rover was taken by a wireless camera the robot had placed on the ground. In the footage the Mars rover can be seen moving across the surface of the planet.

The video were sent to Earth by Tianwen-1 which is orbiting the red planet.

In the video, the rover can be seen moving across the surface of Mars. The video also shows landing of the rover. The parachute deployment can be seen and series of images apparently showing the actual placement of the rover on Martian surface can also be observed.

China's National Space Agency on Sunday released video of its Zhurong Mars rover. The rover is part of the Tianwen-1 mission on Mars. It is China's first mission, which arrived in orbit around Mars in February this year.

China's National Space Agency on Sunday released video of its Zhurong Mars rover. The rover is part of the Tianwen-1 mission on Mars. It is China's first mission, which arrived in orbit around Mars in February this year. The space mission has come as Chinese Communist Party celebrates its 100 year anniversary on July 1. The image of the rover was taken by a wireless camera the robot had placed on the ground. In the footage the Mars rover can be seen moving across the surface of the planet. The video were sent to Earth by Tianwen-1 which is orbiting the red planet. In the video, the rover can be seen moving across the surface of Mars. The video also shows landing of the rover. The parachute deployment can be seen and series of images apparently showing the actual placement of the rover on Martian surface can also be observed.

China releases video of Zhurong Mars rover

A United Arab Emirates ban on entry from India, South Africa and Nigeria remains in place, the federal aviation authority said on Sunday after Dubai had announced it would ease entry restrictions from those countries.

Dubai, a business and tourism hub, is the most populous of the UAE's seven emirates. Throughout the pandemic, the UAE's seven emirates have set some of their own <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> policies.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-to-suspend-entry-from-three-countries-dubai-updates-travel-protocols-392673">UAE to suspend entry from three countries, Dubai updates travel protocols</a>

In a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Sunday, the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) referenced a June 21 GCAA document stating entry from 13 countries, including Pakistan, was banned due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus pandemic</a>.

Dubai had said on June 19 that an entry ban on those who in the past 14 days had visited India, Nigeria and South Africa would ease from June 23.

Under the changes, an entry would be permitted to UAE residents in India who were fully <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> against the coronavirus, anyone in South Africa who was fully vaccinated and those in Nigeria who had tested negative for coronavirus in the past 48 hours.

A GCAA representative on Sunday said those travelling from India were still banned from entering the UAE but deferred further comment to the Dubai government. Dubai's media office did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

Dubai's Emirates airline said on Twitter flights from India were available from July 7 but cautioned that could change.

"We're waiting for the exact travel protocols and guidelines before we can resume."

Indians represent one of the UAE's largest residential communities and are the biggest source market for tourists.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/private-jets-in-demand-indians-flee-the-country-fly-to-uae-to-escape-covid-surge-381327">Private jets in demand: Indians flee the country, fly to UAE to escape Covid surge</a>

Dubai reopened its borders to foreign visitors in July, while Abu Dhabi requires arrivals from most countries to quarantine.

A national ban on entry from India began in April as India faced a surge in coronavirus infections.

Certain individuals, such as UAE citizens and diplomats, have been exempted from entry bans.

A United Arab Emirates ban on entry from India, South Africa and Nigeria remains in place, the federal aviation authority said on Sunday after Dubai had announced it would ease entry restrictions from those countries.

A United Arab Emirates ban on entry from India, South Africa and Nigeria remains in place, the federal aviation authority said on Sunday after Dubai had announced it would ease entry restrictions from those countries. Dubai, a business and tourism hub, is the most populous of the UAE's seven emirates. Throughout the pandemic, the UAE's seven emirates have set some of their own COVID-19 policies. Also read | UAE to suspend entry from three countries, Dubai updates travel protocols In a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Sunday, the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) referenced a June 21 GCAA document stating entry from 13 countries, including Pakistan, was banned due to the coronavirus pandemic. Dubai had said on June 19 that an entry ban on those who in the past 14 days had visited India, Nigeria and South Africa would ease from June 23. Under the changes, an entry would be permitted to UAE residents in India who were fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, anyone in South Africa who was fully vaccinated and those in Nigeria who had tested negative for coronavirus in the past 48 hours. A GCAA representative on Sunday said those travelling from India were still banned from entering the UAE but deferred further comment to the Dubai government. Dubai's media office did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Dubai's Emirates airline said on Twitter flights from India were available from July 7 but cautioned that could change. "We're waiting for the exact travel protocols and guidelines before we can resume." Indians represent one of the UAE's largest residential communities and are the biggest source market for tourists. Also read | Private jets in demand: Indians flee the country, fly to UAE to escape Covid surge Dubai reopened its borders to foreign visitors in July, while Abu Dhabi requires arrivals from most countries to quarantine. A national ban on entry from India began in April as India faced a surge in coronavirus infections. Certain individuals, such as UAE citizens and diplomats, have been exempted from entry bans.

UAE ban on entry from India unchanged, aviation notice says

French voters cast ballots in run-off elections on Sunday. The elections can give far-right in French politics its first regional powerbase. In the first round of voting last Sunday,&nbsp;President Emmanuel Macron's party was to get none of France's 13 regions. However, the election was also disappointing for far-right leader Marine Le Pen.

Low voter turnout has been a surprising factor in these elections. On Sunday, only 27.89 per cent of voters had turned out by 1500 GMT. This is very low as compared to 50.54 per cent in 2015.

"I have no intention whatsoever to go and vote today, simply because I've lost faith in our politicians," Parisian Jean-Jacques told Reuters TV while strolling on one of the River Seine's bridges.

But others were galvanised by news of last Sunday's low turnout. "I didn't vote last week, but the abstention rate was a bit of a wake-up call, and so I decided to come and vote today instead of staying at home or going for a walk, because it is important," said 38-year old lawyer Masing Coulibaly.

In the first round of elections, Le Pen's party fell short of prediction. It came at the top in just one region, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur

The traditional centre-right which was decimated by Macron in 2017 presidential and legislative elections, staged a surprise comeback.

A trio of its top members, all former ministers and currently at the helm of some of France's most populous regions, are running for re-election this Sunday, which they hope will give them a springboard for the 2022 presidential race.

EMERGING FAVOURITE

In particular, Xavier Bertrand of the northern Hauts-de-France region around Calais has emerged as the conservatives' favourite in opinion polls to represent the party in the presidential election.

Macron's aides see the former health minister as a threat who could eat away at the president's centre-right voter base in the first round of the presidential vote in April.

Valerie Pecresse in the greater Paris region and Laurent Wauquiez in the greater Lyon area are the other conservatives whose fate on Sunday could decide whether they challenge Bertrand in 2022 for the centre-right ticket.

Le Pen's National Rally still hopes to win its first ever region in the southeast around Marseille and Nice. Her candidate, Thierry Mariani, a former conservative minister, beat the incumbent from the centre-right last Sunday, but by a lower margin than expected.

Victory would give Le Pen momentum and a platform to challenge Macron in 2022, a repeat of the 2017 duel that polls show would be won by Macron again, though by a slimmer margin.

Elsewhere, the Greens and leftwing allies are hoping to capture the Loire valley region, while a four-way contest in Burgundy gives an outside chance to the far-right to win power.

(With inputs from agencies)

French voters cast ballots in run-off elections on Sunday. The elections can give far-right in French politics its first regional powerbase. In the first round of voting last Sunday, President Emmanuel Macron's party was to get none of France's 13 regions.

French voters cast ballots in run-off elections on Sunday. The elections can give far-right in French politics its first regional powerbase. In the first round of voting last Sunday, President Emmanuel Macron's party was to get none of France's 13 regions. However, the election was also disappointing for far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Low voter turnout has been a surprising factor in these elections. On Sunday, only 27.89 per cent of voters had turned out by 1500 GMT. This is very low as compared to 50.54 per cent in 2015. "I have no intention whatsoever to go and vote today, simply because I've lost faith in our politicians," Parisian Jean-Jacques told Reuters TV while strolling on one of the River Seine's bridges. But others were galvanised by news of last Sunday's low turnout. "I didn't vote last week, but the abstention rate was a bit of a wake-up call, and so I decided to come and vote today instead of staying at home or going for a walk, because it is important," said 38-year old lawyer Masing Coulibaly. In the first round of elections, Le Pen's party fell short of prediction. It came at the top in just one region, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur The traditional centre-right which was decimated by Macron in 2017 presidential and legislative elections, staged a surprise comeback. A trio of its top members, all former ministers and currently at the helm of some of France's most populous regions, are running for re-election this Sunday, which they hope will give them a springboard for the 2022 presidential race. EMERGING FAVOURITE In particular, Xavier Bertrand of the northern Hauts-de-France region around Calais has emerged as the conservatives' favourite in opinion polls to represent the party in the presidential election. Macron's aides see the former health minister as a threat who could eat away at the president's centre-right voter base in the first round of the presidential vote in April. Valerie Pecresse in the greater Paris region and Laurent Wauquiez in the greater Lyon area are the other conservatives whose fate on Sunday could decide whether they challenge Bertrand in 2022 for the centre-right ticket. Le Pen's National Rally still hopes to win its first ever region in the southeast around Marseille and Nice. Her candidate, Thierry Mariani, a former conservative minister, beat the incumbent from the centre-right last Sunday, but by a lower margin than expected. Victory would give Le Pen momentum and a platform to challenge Macron in 2022, a repeat of the 2017 duel that polls show would be won by Macron again, though by a slimmer margin. Elsewhere, the Greens and leftwing allies are hoping to capture the Loire valley region, while a four-way contest in Burgundy gives an outside chance to the far-right to win power. (With inputs from agencies)

Low voter turnout in second round of French elections

At least seven people were dead and 50 injured in a powerful explosion that ripped apart a three-storey building in Dhaka on Sunday, as per Bangladeshi officials. They cited a gas pipeline as the likely cause. The explosion was so forceful that windows of at least four moving buses were shattered. This injured dozens of passengers on board.

Dhaka police chief Shafiqur Rahman said at least seven people were killed in the explosion, though the fire service offered a lower death toll of three. Police and fire service officials said 50 people were injured.

"Fire service officers are at the scene. They will investigate the reason of the explosion. But primarily we believe methane gas accumulated and concentrated in the pipeline and then exploded in the ground floor," Dhaka Metropolitan Police Joint Commissioner Syed Nurul Islam told AFP.

The police chief ruled out foul play stating that Dhaka has seen several similar explosions in recent years.

Witnesses told local media the blast had reduced the building -- which houses a restaurant, an electronics shop and several other stores -- to rubble.

Police said at least two adjacent buildings were also partially damaged.&nbsp;

"At least four of the injured are in critical condition," said Samanta Lal Sen, a top doctor at the Sheikh Hasina Burn Hospital, where a dozen of the injured were taken for treatment.&nbsp;

A police bomb disposal unit rushed to the spot.

"We are analysing the nature of the explosion as the ground floor of the building was destroyed," unit leader Rahmatullah Chowdhury told The Daily Star.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least seven people were dead and 50 injured in a powerful explosion that ripped apart a three-storey building in Dhaka on Sunday, as per Bangladeshi officials.

At least seven people were dead and 50 injured in a powerful explosion that ripped apart a three-storey building in Dhaka on Sunday, as per Bangladeshi officials. They cited a gas pipeline as the likely cause. The explosion was so forceful that windows of at least four moving buses were shattered. This injured dozens of passengers on board. Dhaka police chief Shafiqur Rahman said at least seven people were killed in the explosion, though the fire service offered a lower death toll of three. Police and fire service officials said 50 people were injured. "Fire service officers are at the scene. They will investigate the reason of the explosion. But primarily we believe methane gas accumulated and concentrated in the pipeline and then exploded in the ground floor," Dhaka Metropolitan Police Joint Commissioner Syed Nurul Islam told AFP. The police chief ruled out foul play stating that Dhaka has seen several similar explosions in recent years. Witnesses told local media the blast had reduced the building -- which houses a restaurant, an electronics shop and several other stores -- to rubble. Police said at least two adjacent buildings were also partially damaged. "At least four of the injured are in critical condition," said Samanta Lal Sen, a top doctor at the Sheikh Hasina Burn Hospital, where a dozen of the injured were taken for treatment. A police bomb disposal unit rushed to the spot. "We are analysing the nature of the explosion as the ground floor of the building was destroyed," unit leader Rahmatullah Chowdhury told The Daily Star. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh: Seven dead, 50 hurt in powerful blast

Everyone in&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea is heartbroken over leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/kim-jong-un">Kim Jong Un's</a> apparent weight loss, said an unidentified resident of Pyongyang quoted on the country's tightly controlled state media, after watching recent video footage of Kim.

The rare public comment on Kim's health comes after foreign analysts noted in early June that the autocratic leader, who is believed to be 37, appeared to have lost a noticeable amount of weight.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/interesting-signal-from-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-says-white-house-393019">'Interesting signal' from North Korea's Kim Jong Un, says White House</a>

"Seeing respected general secretary (Kim Jong Un) looking emaciated breaks our people's heart so much," the man said in an interview aired by state broadcaster KRT on Friday.

"Everyone is saying that their tears welled up," he said.

In the clip, which Reuters could not independently verify, Pyongyang residents were seen watching a big screen on the street showing a concert attended by Kim and party officials after a plenary meeting of their Workers' Party of Korea (WPK).

The broadcast did not provide any details on what had led to the weight loss.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-reappears-days-after-health-speculations-323107">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reappears days after health speculations</a>

When Kim reappeared in state media in June after not being seen in public for almost a month, analysts at NK News, a Seoul-based website that monitors&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea, noted that his watch appeared to be fastened more tightly than before around an apparently slimmer wrist.

Given Kim's tight grip on power in&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea - and the uncertainty over any plans for a successor - international media, spy agencies, and specialists closely watch his health.

Early last year speculation about Kim’s health exploded after he missed the birth anniversary celebrations of state founder Kim Il Sung on April 15, only to reappear in public in early May.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-tightens-ruling-party-discipline-appoints-new-politburo-members-392500">Kim Jong Un tightens ruling party discipline, appoints new politburo members</a>

In 2014, state media reported that Kim was suffering from "discomfort", after a prolonged period out of the public eye.

Everyone in North Korea is heartbroken over leader Kim Jong Un's apparent weight loss, said an unidentified resident of Pyongyang quoted on the country's tightly controlled state media, after watching recent video footage of Kim.

Everyone in North Korea is heartbroken over leader Kim Jong Un's apparent weight loss, said an unidentified resident of Pyongyang quoted on the country's tightly controlled state media, after watching recent video footage of Kim. The rare public comment on Kim's health comes after foreign analysts noted in early June that the autocratic leader, who is believed to be 37, appeared to have lost a noticeable amount of weight. Also read | 'Interesting signal' from North Korea's Kim Jong Un, says White House "Seeing respected general secretary (Kim Jong Un) looking emaciated breaks our people's heart so much," the man said in an interview aired by state broadcaster KRT on Friday. "Everyone is saying that their tears welled up," he said. In the clip, which Reuters could not independently verify, Pyongyang residents were seen watching a big screen on the street showing a concert attended by Kim and party officials after a plenary meeting of their Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). The broadcast did not provide any details on what had led to the weight loss. Also read | North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reappears days after health speculations When Kim reappeared in state media in June after not being seen in public for almost a month, analysts at NK News, a Seoul-based website that monitors North Korea, noted that his watch appeared to be fastened more tightly than before around an apparently slimmer wrist. Given Kim's tight grip on power in North Korea - and the uncertainty over any plans for a successor - international media, spy agencies, and specialists closely watch his health. Early last year speculation about Kim’s health exploded after he missed the birth anniversary celebrations of state founder Kim Il Sung on April 15, only to reappear in public in early May. Also read | Kim Jong Un tightens ruling party discipline, appoints new politburo members In 2014, state media reported that Kim was suffering from "discomfort", after a prolonged period out of the public eye.

North Koreans worry over 'emaciated' Kim Jong Un, says state media

Israel's new foreign minister Yair Lapid expressed "serious reservations" over Iran nuclear deal. He voiced his concerns in his first meeting with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Though he raised concerns, he pledged a more co-operative approach.

"Israel has some serious reservations about the Iran nuclear deal that is being put together in Vienna. We believe the way to discuss those disagreements is though direct and professional conversations, not in press conferences," Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said as he opened a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Rome.

World powers are currently in talks with Iran to revive the nuclear deal it struck in 2015

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-drones-with-7000-km-range-says-irans-top-commander-394311">We have drones with 7,000 km range, says Iran's top commander</a>

In 2015, the deal was struck but US under Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement and reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran.

The talks to revive the deal were on but have now been adjourned for respective delegations to hold consultation in respective capitals.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's new foreign minister Yair Lapid expressed "serious reservations" over Iran nuclear deal. He voiced his concerns in his first meeting with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Israel's new foreign minister Yair Lapid expressed "serious reservations" over Iran nuclear deal. He voiced his concerns in his first meeting with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Though he raised concerns, he pledged a more co-operative approach. "Israel has some serious reservations about the Iran nuclear deal that is being put together in Vienna. We believe the way to discuss those disagreements is though direct and professional conversations, not in press conferences," Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said as he opened a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Rome. World powers are currently in talks with Iran to revive the nuclear deal it struck in 2015 Also Read | We have drones with 7,000 km range, says Iran's top commander In 2015, the deal was struck but US under Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement and reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran. The talks to revive the deal were on but have now been adjourned for respective delegations to hold consultation in respective capitals. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel voices 'serious reservations' on Iran deal to Blinken

Rescuers are still searching for survivors in the rubble of the collapsed Florida apartment tower, but the pressure is building;&nbsp;from families of missing residents to the state's governor; for answers on how such a disaster could have occurred.

A wing of the oceanfront complex suddenly pancaked on itself around 1:30 am (05:30 GMT) Thursday, with 55 apartments collapsing in a cloud of dust, leaving 159 people still missing on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/florida-building-partially-collapses-emergency-search-underway-see-pics-393699">Florida building partially collapses; emergency search underway | See pics</a>

Completed in 1981, Champlain Towers South was due to be recertified this year in line with Miami-Dade county safety regulations, which require a review every 40 years, and roof work was ongoing as part of that process.

But county officials stressed there was no indication of a causal link between the refurbishment work and the collapse, which so far has a confirmed death toll of four.

In addition to the loved ones of the dead and missing, and those who are suddenly homeless, "there's a lot of other people throughout this community and really throughout Florida who want to know, well, how could a building just collapse like that?" Governor Ron DeSantis said.

He called for a "timely" explanation, adding that families "have a right to know."

Mike Salberg, who is waiting for information on five missing family members, including his parents, echoed the sentiments.

"I want answers," the New Yorker told AFP. "The families are sidelined."

Settling

Attention has turned, however, to a study led by Florida International University's Shimon Wdowinski, based on space-based radar data, which found signs of land subsidence at the site between 1993 and 1999.

"I don't know if the collapse was predictable. But we did detect that the building moved in the 1990s," the environment professor said on CNN.

"It's very subtle. It's two millimeters per year but it's still detected by the satellites," he explained, describing what was happening as a "slow process" of settling, rather than sinking.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/florida-building-collapse-159-victims-still-missing-under-debris-394052/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"In this case, it's a very localized signal of that building," he said.&nbsp;

"And it means that it's not necessarily the building moved into the ground. It can be that the building moved within itself -- if there were some kind of structural damage within the building."

'Going to take some time'&nbsp;

FIU cautioned in a post on its website that "land subsidence in and of itself likely would not cause a building's collapse."

The university also noted that the subsidence observed in Surfside was significantly slower than other parts of the planet Wdowinski has studied -- Mexico City, for example, is subsiding at a rate of 15 inches per year, 2,000 times higher.

Another of the university's experts, Atorod Azizinamini, chair of its civil and environmental engineering department, cautioned in an online video that it was too soon to speculate on a cause.

He said structural engineers would collect vast quantities of data on the building's design plans and construction methods, take samples of steel and concrete, look at signs of corrosion, examine the foundation for signs of settlement, and try to detect any unusual event before the collapse.

"Once we have all the information we can simulate exactly different scenarios, and we can pinpoint how the collapse took place," Azizinamini said. "Unfortunately that is not going to be happening in a matter of days, weeks."

"It's going to take some time."

But Matthys Levy, a consulting engineer and professor at Columbia University interviewed by USA Today, said even the minor subsidence detected could have an impact.

"A millimeter may seem like a small number, but when you add them up over many years, it becomes a big number," Levy said -- who pointed to the fact that one part of the building is still standing as potentially significant.

If one part of a building is well-founded and the other is not, he explained, it can cause distortion in the floor slabs and "suddenly, you get cracking, breaking and fracturing."&nbsp;

That can lead to what is called progressive collapse -- as happened during the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York.

"If one part of the building fails, it drags the rest with it," Levy said. "There's nothing there to stop it, there's no strong elements to hold it back. It's a cascade."

US media have separately reported that a 2015 lawsuit&nbsp;from an owner alleged that the&nbsp;building's management failed to maintain an outside wall, resulting in water damage and cracks.

Rescuers are still searching for survivors in the rubble of the collapsed Florida apartment tower, but the pressure is building; from families of missing residents to the state's governor; for answers on how such a disaster could have occurred.

Rescuers are still searching for survivors in the rubble of the collapsed Florida apartment tower, but the pressure is building; from families of missing residents to the state's governor; for answers on how such a disaster could have occurred. A wing of the oceanfront complex suddenly pancaked on itself around 1:30 am (05:30 GMT) Thursday, with 55 apartments collapsing in a cloud of dust, leaving 159 people still missing on Friday. Also read | Florida building partially collapses; emergency search underway | See pics Completed in 1981, Champlain Towers South was due to be recertified this year in line with Miami-Dade county safety regulations, which require a review every 40 years, and roof work was ongoing as part of that process. But county officials stressed there was no indication of a causal link between the refurbishment work and the collapse, which so far has a confirmed death toll of four. In addition to the loved ones of the dead and missing, and those who are suddenly homeless, "there's a lot of other people throughout this community and really throughout Florida who want to know, well, how could a building just collapse like that?" Governor Ron DeSantis said. He called for a "timely" explanation, adding that families "have a right to know." Mike Salberg, who is waiting for information on five missing family members, including his parents, echoed the sentiments. "I want answers," the New Yorker told AFP. "The families are sidelined." Settling Attention has turned, however, to a study led by Florida International University's Shimon Wdowinski, based on space-based radar data, which found signs of land subsidence at the site between 1993 and 1999. "I don't know if the collapse was predictable. But we did detect that the building moved in the 1990s," the environment professor said on CNN. "It's very subtle. It's two millimeters per year but it's still detected by the satellites," he explained, describing what was happening as a "slow process" of settling, rather than sinking. "In this case, it's a very localized signal of that building," he said. "And it means that it's not necessarily the building moved into the ground. It can be that the building moved within itself -- if there were some kind of structural damage within the building." 'Going to take some time' FIU cautioned in a post on its website that "land subsidence in and of itself likely would not cause a building's collapse." The university also noted that the subsidence observed in Surfside was significantly slower than other parts of the planet Wdowinski has studied -- Mexico City, for example, is subsiding at a rate of 15 inches per year, 2,000 times higher. Another of the university's experts, Atorod Azizinamini, chair of its civil and environmental engineering department, cautioned in an online video that it was too soon to speculate on a cause. He said structural engineers would collect vast quantities of data on the building's design plans and construction methods, take samples of steel and concrete, look at signs of corrosion, examine the foundation for signs of settlement, and try to detect any unusual event before the collapse. "Once we have all the information we can simulate exactly different scenarios, and we can pinpoint how the collapse took place," Azizinamini said. "Unfortunately that is not going to be happening in a matter of days, weeks." "It's going to take some time." But Matthys Levy, a consulting engineer and professor at Columbia University interviewed by USA Today, said even the minor subsidence detected could have an impact. "A millimeter may seem like a small number, but when you add them up over many years, it becomes a big number," Levy said -- who pointed to the fact that one part of the building is still standing as potentially significant. If one part of a building is well-founded and the other is not, he explained, it can cause distortion in the floor slabs and "suddenly, you get cracking, breaking and fracturing." That can lead to what is called progressive collapse -- as happened during the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York. "If one part of the building fails, it drags the rest with it," Levy said. "There's nothing there to stop it, there's no strong elements to hold it back. It's a cascade." US media have separately reported that a 2015 lawsuit from an owner alleged that the building's management failed to maintain an outside wall, resulting in water damage and cracks.

Demands for answers in aftermath of Florida building collapse

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