India on Thursday reported highest number of Covid deaths in 24-hour period. The death toll has been the highest since the pandemic hit last year. The data has been released by Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry.

This spike in number of deaths has come as daily infections have been showing downward trend. On Thursday, 94,052 fresh Covid infections were reported. The number of fresh infections was less than 100,000 for third consecutive day.

The spike in the national toll followed revision in the death toll in the state of Bihar. The prviously unaccounted 3,951 deaths sent its toll above 9,000.

If the state's revised tally is reduced, then the death toll stands at 2,197 across the country in last 24 hours.

The Bihar Health Department reported 9,429 deaths due to coronavirus on Wednesday evening, a jump of 3,951 more deaths compared to a day before. The total deaths in Bihar due to Covid were 5,458 as on Tuesday.

The Health Department has given the breakup of deaths in all 38 districts of the state but it has not mentioned when these deaths occurred. Patna has registered 2,303 deaths which is the highest in the state followed by Muzaffarpur (609) and Begusarai (316).

After the mismatch, a senior state Health Department official said that the matter is under investigation. The detailed report is expected to come later.

(With inputs from agencies)

India on Thursday reported highest number of Covid deaths in 24-hour period. The death toll has been the highest since the pandemic hit last year. The data has been released by Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry.

India on Thursday reported highest number of Covid deaths in 24-hour period. The death toll has been the highest since the pandemic hit last year. The data has been released by Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry. This spike in number of deaths has come as daily infections have been showing downward trend. On Thursday, 94,052 fresh Covid infections were reported. The number of fresh infections was less than 100,000 for third consecutive day. The spike in the national toll followed revision in the death toll in the state of Bihar. The prviously unaccounted 3,951 deaths sent its toll above 9,000. If the state's revised tally is reduced, then the death toll stands at 2,197 across the country in last 24 hours. The Bihar Health Department reported 9,429 deaths due to coronavirus on Wednesday evening, a jump of 3,951 more deaths compared to a day before. The total deaths in Bihar due to Covid were 5,458 as on Tuesday. The Health Department has given the breakup of deaths in all 38 districts of the state but it has not mentioned when these deaths occurred. Patna has registered 2,303 deaths which is the highest in the state followed by Muzaffarpur (609) and Begusarai (316). After the mismatch, a senior state Health Department official said that the matter is under investigation. The detailed report is expected to come later. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports highest daily Covid death toll

Hacker group Anonymous has released a video targetting Tesla CEO Elon Musk. In the video released on Youtube on June 4, Anonymous,&nbsp; responsible for some of the major cyber-attacks has criticised Musk's hold on the cryptocurrency market.

Calling Musk a "Narcissistic rich dude" with "Superiority and savior complex', Anonymous alleged that mainstay of Tesla's income doesn't come from selling cars but comes from government subsidies. And money from these subsidies has been used by Musk to buy Bitcoins, alleges Anonymous.

Elon Musk has lately been very vocal about Bitcoins and cryptocurrencies. His tweets on Bitcoin have caused value of the cryptocurrency to drastically increase and decrease.

Disapproving of these practices, Anonymous has held Musk responsible for playing with common man's money that is invested in hope of getting good returns from cryptocurrencies.

"The games you have played with crypto market have destroyed lives," says Anonynous. The hacker group ends their video with an ominous 'expect us'.

Anonymous has been a formidable hacker group, past cyberattacks of which have shut down governments and corporations alike.

Hacker group Anonymous has released a video targetting Tesla CEO Elon Musk. In the video released on Youtube on June 4, Anonymous, responsible for some of the major cyber-attacks has criticised Musk's hold on the cryptocurrency market.

Hacker group Anonymous has released a video targetting Tesla CEO Elon Musk. In the video released on Youtube on June 4, Anonymous, responsible for some of the major cyber-attacks has criticised Musk's hold on the cryptocurrency market. Calling Musk a "Narcissistic rich dude" with "Superiority and savior complex', Anonymous alleged that mainstay of Tesla's income doesn't come from selling cars but comes from government subsidies. And money from these subsidies has been used by Musk to buy Bitcoins, alleges Anonymous. Elon Musk has lately been very vocal about Bitcoins and cryptocurrencies. His tweets on Bitcoin have caused value of the cryptocurrency to drastically increase and decrease. Disapproving of these practices, Anonymous has held Musk responsible for playing with common man's money that is invested in hope of getting good returns from cryptocurrencies. "The games you have played with crypto market have destroyed lives," says Anonynous. The hacker group ends their video with an ominous 'expect us'. Anonymous has been a formidable hacker group, past cyberattacks of which have shut down governments and corporations alike.

'Expect us': Hacktivist group Anonymous targets Elon Musk over his crypto market hold

Senior official from Turkey's outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) was eliminated in a Turkish intelligence operation in Iraq. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the announcement on Sunday.

He accuses the PKK of using mountainous area in northern Iraq as springboard for insurgency against Turkey

Erdogan said Selman Bozkir was the PKK chief in Makhmur, a Kurdish refugee camp in northern Iraq.

"We will not allow the gruesome separatist organisation to use Makhmur as an incubator for terrorism," Erdogan said on Twitter.

"We will continue to exterminate terrorism at its source," he added.

The presidency's communications director Fahrettin Altun warned that "all terrorists will end up like him."&nbsp;

Set up by the United Nations at the end of the 1990s to host Turkish Kurds, the Makhmur camp was hit Saturday by a Turkish drone strike that left three civilians dead, a Kurdish official from the camp told AFP.

Ankara regularly accuses the PKK of running the Makhmur camp, which is 250 kilometres (150 miles) south of the Turkish border.

Turkey regularly conducts cross-border operations and air raids on PKK rear bases in Iraq -- moves that have strained relations between the two neighbours -- launching its latest offensive in April.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Senior official from Turkey's outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) was eliminated in a Turkish intelligence operation in Iraq. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the announcement on Sunday.

Senior official from Turkey's outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) was eliminated in a Turkish intelligence operation in Iraq. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the announcement on Sunday. He accuses the PKK of using mountainous area in northern Iraq as springboard for insurgency against Turkey Erdogan said Selman Bozkir was the PKK chief in Makhmur, a Kurdish refugee camp in northern Iraq. "We will not allow the gruesome separatist organisation to use Makhmur as an incubator for terrorism," Erdogan said on Twitter. "We will continue to exterminate terrorism at its source," he added. The presidency's communications director Fahrettin Altun warned that "all terrorists will end up like him." Set up by the United Nations at the end of the 1990s to host Turkish Kurds, the Makhmur camp was hit Saturday by a Turkish drone strike that left three civilians dead, a Kurdish official from the camp told AFP. Ankara regularly accuses the PKK of running the Makhmur camp, which is 250 kilometres (150 miles) south of the Turkish border. Turkey regularly conducts cross-border operations and air raids on PKK rear bases in Iraq -- moves that have strained relations between the two neighbours -- launching its latest offensive in April. (With inputs from agencies)

Top Kurdish official killed in Turkey's Iraq operation

Leading by example in vaccinating its staff, Jammu Kashmir Police has administered first dose of coronavirus vaccine to all its personnel while more than 75 per cent of the staff has been given the second dose

“We have vaccinated 100 percent JK Police employees and also given second shot to more than 75 percent," said IG (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has been at forefront when it came to Corona Curfew. It has been able to implement restrictions on the ground while making sure the patients reach hospitals.

“Jammu Kashmir Police provided safe &amp; smooth passages to people in need. Special helpline was established for Covid positive people. While as special permissions were given for ambulances ie they can use wrong side if any traffic jam on the road,” said IG Kashmir Vijay Kumar.

The Jammu Kashmir Police is the first government department in the union territory that has vaccinated every police employee.

“The vehicles that were carrying oxygen cylinders were treated at par with ambulances.” &nbsp;said IG (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar.

Leading by example in vaccinating its staff, Jammu Kashmir Police has administered first dose of coronavirus vaccine to all its personnel while more than 75 per cent of the staff has been given the second dose “We have vaccinated 100 percent JK Police employees and also given second shot to more than 75 percent," said IG (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar.

Leading by example in vaccinating its staff, Jammu Kashmir Police has administered first dose of coronavirus vaccine to all its personnel while more than 75 per cent of the staff has been given the second dose “We have vaccinated 100 percent JK Police employees and also given second shot to more than 75 percent," said IG (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar. The Jammu and Kashmir Police has been at forefront when it came to Corona Curfew. It has been able to implement restrictions on the ground while making sure the patients reach hospitals. “Jammu Kashmir Police provided safe & smooth passages to people in need. Special helpline was established for Covid positive people. While as special permissions were given for ambulances ie they can use wrong side if any traffic jam on the road,” said IG Kashmir Vijay Kumar. The Jammu Kashmir Police is the first government department in the union territory that has vaccinated every police employee. “The vehicles that were carrying oxygen cylinders were treated at par with ambulances.” said IG (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar.

Jammu Kashmir Police vaccinates 100% employees, 75% got second dose

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing real prospects of getting unseated. On Sunday, he lashed out at social media saying that it was being partial against the right wing. In other news, US and EU have condemned Twitter ban in Nigeria. The indefinite ban was declared after Twitter deleted Nigerian president's tweet. Read this and more in our Top 10 World News.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-fears-of-getting-ousted-netanyahu-targets-facebook-and-twitter-389822">Amid fears of getting ousted, Netanyahu targets Facebook and Twitter</a>

<img alt="Netanyahu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1be28373-9454-4a32-a768-cf7fd07aa57b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Netanyahu_0.JPG" />

In tones reminiscent of former U.S. President Trump's allegations of "a stolen election," his comments came a day after the domestic security service appealed to leaders to tone down rhetoric for fear it would spark violence

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-us-condemn-twitter-ban-in-nigeria-389797">European Union, US condemn Twitter ban in Nigeria</a>

<img alt="Buhari" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a16dfbe-b453-45db-9fe7-3b7b8001bd1b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Buhari.JPG" />

Nigerian telecoms operators complied with a government directive Friday to suspend access to Twitter indefinitely

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-calls-for-reconciliation-healing-over-canada-school-grave-discovery-389804">Pope calls for reconciliation, healing over Canada school grave discovery</a>

<img alt="Pope" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21b9ff52-b783-4f61-a822-9a96393ec65b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pope_5.JPG" />

He urged Canadian political and religious leaders to "cooperate with determination" to shed light on the finding and to seek reconciliation and healing

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-police-arrest-palestinian-activist-in-flashpoint-district-of-jerusalem-389818">Israeli police arrest Palestinian activist in flashpoint district of Jerusalem</a>

<img alt="Israel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="07dfd33c-1028-4dae-8159-9d82d73b00ea" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Israel_4.JPG" />

The police left a summons for the activist's brother Muhammad

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hits-out-at-biden-for-bowing-down-to-china-urges-him-to-put-america-first-389769">Trump hits out at Biden for 'bowing down' to China, urges him to 'put America first'</a>

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f89dcf55-3212-4ac8-b96f-52a0386e811b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/trump_10.JPG" />

While speaking at the North Carolina Republican convention Trump urged Biden to “always put America first”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-ambassador-to-uk-says-trust-is-low-ahead-of-brexit-talks-389798">EU ambassador to UK says trust is low ahead of Brexit talks</a>

<img alt="Brexit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9cafc09c-da4c-4348-8cf7-4d9b1c973da7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Brexit_6.JPG" />

Talks are to take place on Northern Ireland protocol

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eastern-german-state-votes-in-final-test-before-national-election-389812">Eastern German state votes in final test before national election</a>

<img alt="Germany" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faa06e5c-fae0-459b-a56b-ea4bcce38260" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Germany_4.JPG" />

Surveys in the state show a small lead for the Christian Democrats (CDU) of Laschet and Merkel, but the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) was running just one percentage point behind in the final poll published on Friday

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/too-soon-to-say-if-lockdown-in-england-will-end-as-planned-says-health-minister-hancock-389772">Too soon to say if lockdown in England will end as planned, says Health Minister Hancock</a>

<img alt="Hancock" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dd318f6a-6519-4039-b54e-5cca67809469" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/hancock.JPG" />

Hancock referred to a “very significant” impact from the delta variant of coronavirus which was first detected in India last month

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-guns-to-lottery-tickets-in-true-american-spirit-states-offer-incentives-to-fully-vaccinated-389765">From guns to lottery tickets: In true American spirit, states offer incentives to fully vaccinated</a>

<img alt="USA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="af3cdcf4-4d07-412e-b818-0a86fb35ff8d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/US_0.JPG" />

Many places in the country have churned out innovative ways to get people inoculated. Ohio and West Virginia offered lotteries, while people in Illinois could get free amusement park tickets

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/normandy-commemorates-d-day-with-small-crowds-but-big-heart-389755">Normandy commemorates D-Day with small crowds, but big heart</a>

<img alt="Normandy" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="10076dd2-62a4-447e-9944-319572c1942b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Normandy.JPG" />

Several ceremonies are scheduled on Sunday to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the decisive assault that led to the liberation of France and western Europe from Nazi control, and honor those who fell.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing real prospects of getting unseated. On Sunday, he lashed out at social media saying that it was being partial against the right wing.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing real prospects of getting unseated. On Sunday, he lashed out at social media saying that it was being partial against the right wing. In other news, US and EU have condemned Twitter ban in Nigeria. The indefinite ban was declared after Twitter deleted Nigerian president's tweet. Read this and more in our Top 10 World News. Amid fears of getting ousted, Netanyahu targets Facebook and Twitter In tones reminiscent of former U.S. President Trump's allegations of "a stolen election," his comments came a day after the domestic security service appealed to leaders to tone down rhetoric for fear it would spark violence European Union, US condemn Twitter ban in Nigeria Nigerian telecoms operators complied with a government directive Friday to suspend access to Twitter indefinitely Pope calls for reconciliation, healing over Canada school grave discovery He urged Canadian political and religious leaders to "cooperate with determination" to shed light on the finding and to seek reconciliation and healing Israeli police arrest Palestinian activist in flashpoint district of Jerusalem The police left a summons for the activist's brother Muhammad Trump hits out at Biden for 'bowing down' to China, urges him to 'put America first' While speaking at the North Carolina Republican convention Trump urged Biden to “always put America first” EU ambassador to UK says trust is low ahead of Brexit talks Talks are to take place on Northern Ireland protocol Eastern German state votes in final test before national election Surveys in the state show a small lead for the Christian Democrats (CDU) of Laschet and Merkel, but the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) was running just one percentage point behind in the final poll published on Friday Too soon to say if lockdown in England will end as planned, says Health Minister Hancock Hancock referred to a “very significant” impact from the delta variant of coronavirus which was first detected in India last month From guns to lottery tickets: In true American spirit, states offer incentives to fully vaccinated Many places in the country have churned out innovative ways to get people inoculated. Ohio and West Virginia offered lotteries, while people in Illinois could get free amusement park tickets Normandy commemorates D-Day with small crowds, but big heart Several ceremonies are scheduled on Sunday to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the decisive assault that led to the liberation of France and western Europe from Nazi control, and honor those who fell.

Top 10 World News: Netanyahu targets social media, Nigeria updates, more

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces real threat of losing his long hold on power said on Sunday that Facebook was trying to silence the right-wing and that his political rivals were endangering the country.

In tones reminiscent of former U.S. President Trump's allegations of "a stolen election," his comments came a day after the domestic security service appealed to leaders to tone down rhetoric for fear it would spark violence.

"We are witnessing the greatest election fraud in the history of the country, in my opinion in the history of any democracy," Netanyahu said. "That's why people justifiably feel deceived and they are responding, they must not be shut up," he said in broadcast comments to his Likud faction.

Netanyahu is facing the prospect of an end to his 12-year run as Israel prime minister after Israel's centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid announced on Wednesday (June 2) that he had succeeded in forming a governing coalition with parties from across the political spectrum, including, for the first time in Israel's history, an Arab Islamist party. The government has yet to be sworn in.&nbsp;

Some right wing groups are angry at Naftali Bennett, the man who is likely to replace Netanyahu as Israel's prime minister. Bennett broke his campaign pledge to not join coalition with Lapid and left-wing and Arab parties.

Protests have been held outside the homes of his party members and their security has been beefed up following threats on social media, prompting the head of the Shin Bet to issue a rare warning on Saturday saying extreme online discourse could lead to real violence.

While condemning violence and incitement, Netanyahu repeated his designation of the Lapid-Bennett coalition as a dangerous leftist alliance.&nbsp;

"This government is endangering Israel with such a danger the likes of which we have not seen for many years," he said.

He called on Bennett's party members to object to the new government in a confidence vote that has not yet been set.

Netanyahu said Facebook and Twitter were blocking legitimate right-wing criticism of the new government. He added that Facebook had removed a right-wing post that included the address of a Knesset member, where a protest was set to take place, while a left-wing post with the same address calling on people to support the lawmaker, was not taken down.

"It's a scientific case, simply scientific, clinical, that proves an attempt to shut up the right-wing," Netanyahu said.

Twitter did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A spokesperson for Facebook said:

"Privacy and the protection of personal information are important to helping people feel safe on our services. Under our global Community Standards, we do not allow people to post personal or confidential information about others, including people's addresses and phone numbers, therefore we remove such content once we become aware of it" - a Facebook Company spokesperson.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces real threat of losing his long hold on power said on Sunday that Facebook was trying to silence the right-wing and that his political rivals were endangering the country.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces real threat of losing his long hold on power said on Sunday that Facebook was trying to silence the right-wing and that his political rivals were endangering the country. In tones reminiscent of former U.S. President Trump's allegations of "a stolen election," his comments came a day after the domestic security service appealed to leaders to tone down rhetoric for fear it would spark violence. "We are witnessing the greatest election fraud in the history of the country, in my opinion in the history of any democracy," Netanyahu said. "That's why people justifiably feel deceived and they are responding, they must not be shut up," he said in broadcast comments to his Likud faction. Netanyahu is facing the prospect of an end to his 12-year run as Israel prime minister after Israel's centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid announced on Wednesday (June 2) that he had succeeded in forming a governing coalition with parties from across the political spectrum, including, for the first time in Israel's history, an Arab Islamist party. The government has yet to be sworn in. Some right wing groups are angry at Naftali Bennett, the man who is likely to replace Netanyahu as Israel's prime minister. Bennett broke his campaign pledge to not join coalition with Lapid and left-wing and Arab parties. Protests have been held outside the homes of his party members and their security has been beefed up following threats on social media, prompting the head of the Shin Bet to issue a rare warning on Saturday saying extreme online discourse could lead to real violence. While condemning violence and incitement, Netanyahu repeated his designation of the Lapid-Bennett coalition as a dangerous leftist alliance. "This government is endangering Israel with such a danger the likes of which we have not seen for many years," he said. He called on Bennett's party members to object to the new government in a confidence vote that has not yet been set. Netanyahu said Facebook and Twitter were blocking legitimate right-wing criticism of the new government. He added that Facebook had removed a right-wing post that included the address of a Knesset member, where a protest was set to take place, while a left-wing post with the same address calling on people to support the lawmaker, was not taken down. "It's a scientific case, simply scientific, clinical, that proves an attempt to shut up the right-wing," Netanyahu said. Twitter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for Facebook said: "Privacy and the protection of personal information are important to helping people feel safe on our services. Under our global Community Standards, we do not allow people to post personal or confidential information about others, including people's addresses and phone numbers, therefore we remove such content once we become aware of it" - a Facebook Company spokesperson. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid fears of getting ousted, Netanyahu targets Facebook and Twitter

Israel Police on Sunday arrested a prominent activist who campaigned against threatened expulsion of Palestinian families from homes in Sheikh Jarrah, neighbourhood in east Jerusalem.

Mona el-Kurd (23) was taken away for questioning. The police left a summons for her brother Muhammad.&nbsp; 
The family's lawyer, Nasser Odeh, said police charged Mona el-Kurd with "acts that disturb peace and order" and "riotous acts".

The footage of her being handcuffed and taken away was shared widely on social media.

Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the Palestinian enclave of Gaza, responded by launching volleys of rockets towards Israel on May 10, triggering an 11-day war between the Jewish state and Palestinian militants.

While Palestinians and their backers see the issue as a microcosm of the wider conflict over land, Jewish settlers and their supporters have labelled it a property dispute to be decided by Israeli courts.

Looming evictions

The el-Kurd twins, whose family is currently under threat of losing their home, have led an active protest movement on the streets and online.

They have gained more than 180,000 Twitter follower, and more than half a million on Instagram, using the hashtags #SheikhJarrah and #SaveSheikhJarrah to bring their neighbourhood's plight global attention.&nbsp;

Their father, who spoke to AFP in front of the police station, dubbed his daughter's arrest part of "an operation to terrorise the parents, because the voice that emerged from the neighbourhood was thanks to its youth".

He said his son Muhammad had been away teaching in the West Bank city of Ramallah but was on his way back to cooperate with the police summons.

Police did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel Police on Sunday arrested a prominent activist who campaigned against threatened expulsion of Palestinian families from homes in Sheikh Jarrah, neighbourhood in east Jerusalem.

Israel Police on Sunday arrested a prominent activist who campaigned against threatened expulsion of Palestinian families from homes in Sheikh Jarrah, neighbourhood in east Jerusalem. Mona el-Kurd (23) was taken away for questioning. The police left a summons for her brother Muhammad. The family's lawyer, Nasser Odeh, said police charged Mona el-Kurd with "acts that disturb peace and order" and "riotous acts". The footage of her being handcuffed and taken away was shared widely on social media. Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the Palestinian enclave of Gaza, responded by launching volleys of rockets towards Israel on May 10, triggering an 11-day war between the Jewish state and Palestinian militants. While Palestinians and their backers see the issue as a microcosm of the wider conflict over land, Jewish settlers and their supporters have labelled it a property dispute to be decided by Israeli courts. Looming evictions The el-Kurd twins, whose family is currently under threat of losing their home, have led an active protest movement on the streets and online. They have gained more than 180,000 Twitter follower, and more than half a million on Instagram, using the hashtags #SheikhJarrah and #SaveSheikhJarrah to bring their neighbourhood's plight global attention. Their father, who spoke to AFP in front of the police station, dubbed his daughter's arrest part of "an operation to terrorise the parents, because the voice that emerged from the neighbourhood was thanks to its youth". He said his son Muhammad had been away teaching in the West Bank city of Ramallah but was on his way back to cooperate with the police summons. Police did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli police arrest Palestinian activist in flashpoint district of Jerusalem

The eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt voted on Sunday in the last test of public opinion before September's national election, one which could deal a blow to conservative Armin Laschet's hopes of succeeding Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Surveys in the state show a small lead for the Christian Democrats (CDU) of Laschet and Merkel, but the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) was running just one percentage point behind in the final poll published on Friday.

Casting his vote, conservative state premier Reiner Haseloff said he had done all he could to persuade voters in the relatively poor region not to turn to the far right.

"I've done everything necessary and possible to persuade people that we need stability and a democratic centre," he told reporters in his home town of Wittenberg, where in 1517 Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses critical of the Pope to a church door, igniting the Protestant Reformation.

Turnout, down 8 percentage points on five years ago by 2 p.m., suggested that voters may have chosen not to heed his message. Low turnout has often favoured parties at the political margins.

Though most polls give the CDU a more comfortable lead, a loss or a tight margin of victory could deal a crippling blow to the centrist Laschet's electoral hopes, emboldening those on his party's right who want a decisive break from the Merkel years.

Merkel, in power since 2005, is stepping down after the federal election, and senior CDU officials concede that it will be tough to retain their party's appeal to voters after 16 years in charge.

National polls show the surging Greens almost tied with the CDU, with both holding around a quarter of the vote, lending the poll in Saxony-Anhalt, a sparsely populated state of just 2.2 million, an outsized significance.

The AfD typically performs better in the former communist east, where the economy is weaker than in the west. Its strength in Saxony-Anhalt has already focused debate on the CDU's relations with the political right.

The eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt voted on Sunday in the last test of public opinion before September's national election, one which could deal a blow to conservative Armin Laschet's hopes of succeeding Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt voted on Sunday in the last test of public opinion before September's national election, one which could deal a blow to conservative Armin Laschet's hopes of succeeding Chancellor Angela Merkel. Surveys in the state show a small lead for the Christian Democrats (CDU) of Laschet and Merkel, but the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) was running just one percentage point behind in the final poll published on Friday. Casting his vote, conservative state premier Reiner Haseloff said he had done all he could to persuade voters in the relatively poor region not to turn to the far right. "I've done everything necessary and possible to persuade people that we need stability and a democratic centre," he told reporters in his home town of Wittenberg, where in 1517 Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses critical of the Pope to a church door, igniting the Protestant Reformation. Turnout, down 8 percentage points on five years ago by 2 p.m., suggested that voters may have chosen not to heed his message. Low turnout has often favoured parties at the political margins. Though most polls give the CDU a more comfortable lead, a loss or a tight margin of victory could deal a crippling blow to the centrist Laschet's electoral hopes, emboldening those on his party's right who want a decisive break from the Merkel years. Merkel, in power since 2005, is stepping down after the federal election, and senior CDU officials concede that it will be tough to retain their party's appeal to voters after 16 years in charge. National polls show the surging Greens almost tied with the CDU, with both holding around a quarter of the vote, lending the poll in Saxony-Anhalt, a sparsely populated state of just 2.2 million, an outsized significance. The AfD typically performs better in the former communist east, where the economy is weaker than in the west. Its strength in Saxony-Anhalt has already focused debate on the CDU's relations with the political right.

Eastern German state votes in final test before national election

Pope Francis on Sunday said he was pained by the discovery of the remains of 215 children at a former Catholic school for indigenous students in Canada and called for respect of the rights and culture of native peoples.

He urged Canadian political and religious leaders to "cooperate with determination" to shed light on the finding and to seek reconciliation and healing.

He stopped short of the direct apology that many Canadians had demanded, however, when speaking in St. Peter's Square.

Pope Francis on Sunday said he was pained by the discovery of the remains of 215 children at a former Catholic school for indigenous students in Canada and called for respect of the rights and culture of native peoples.

Pope Francis on Sunday said he was pained by the discovery of the remains of 215 children at a former Catholic school for indigenous students in Canada and called for respect of the rights and culture of native peoples. He urged Canadian political and religious leaders to "cooperate with determination" to shed light on the finding and to seek reconciliation and healing. He stopped short of the direct apology that many Canadians had demanded, however, when speaking in St. Peter's Square.

Pope calls for reconciliation, healing over Canada school grave discovery

The European Union's ambassador to the United Kingdom said on Sunday that levels of trust between the two powers was low ahead of Brexit talks on the Northern Ireland protocol this week, but added that he was confident it would improve.

"The levels of trust are low right now," Joao Vale de Almeida told Times Radio.

"We ultimately need to re-establish a minimum level of trust that allows us to find solutions, but this being said...I remain confident that we can get there."

The European Union's ambassador to the United Kingdom said on Sunday that levels of trust between the two powers was low ahead of Brexit talks on the Northern Ireland protocol this week, but added that he was confident it would improve.

The European Union's ambassador to the United Kingdom said on Sunday that levels of trust between the two powers was low ahead of Brexit talks on the Northern Ireland protocol this week, but added that he was confident it would improve. "The levels of trust are low right now," Joao Vale de Almeida told Times Radio. "We ultimately need to re-establish a minimum level of trust that allows us to find solutions, but this being said...I remain confident that we can get there."

EU ambassador to UK says trust is low ahead of Brexit talks

European Union and the United States expressed concern over indefinite Twitter ban in Nigeria. The move to ban Twitter has also been denounced by international human rights groups

Nigerian telecoms operators complied with a government directive Friday to suspend access to Twitter indefinitely. The government directive was released after Twitter deleted a tweet by Nigerian President Buhari.&nbsp;

The diplomatic missions of the EU, US, Britain, Canada and Ireland issued a joint statement late Saturday condemning the ban.

"Banning systems of expression is not the answer," it said.

"Precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions, as well as share vital information in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic."&nbsp;

"The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less, communication," it added.

More than 39 million Nigerians have a Twitter account, according to NOI polls, a public opinion and research organisation based in Nigeria.

The platform has played an important role in public discourse in the country, with hashtags #BringBackOurGirls after Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls in 2014, and #EndSARS during anti-police brutality protests last year.

On Wednesday, Twitter deleted President Muhammadu Buhari's tweet. In his tweet, Buhari had made a reference to Nigeria's civil war four decades ago in a warning about recent unrest.

The 78-year-old president, a former general, referred to "those misbehaving" in recent violence in the southeast, where officials blame a proscribed separatist group IPOB for attacks on police and election offices.

"Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand," the president had posted on Twitter.

The presidency denied late on Saturday that the Twitter suspension was a response to the removal of that post.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

European Union and the United States expressed concern over indefinite Twitter ban in Nigeria. The move to ban Twitter has also been denounced by international human rights groups Nigerian telecoms operators complied with a government directive Friday to suspend access to Twitter indefinitely.

European Union and the United States expressed concern over indefinite Twitter ban in Nigeria. The move to ban Twitter has also been denounced by international human rights groups Nigerian telecoms operators complied with a government directive Friday to suspend access to Twitter indefinitely. The government directive was released after Twitter deleted a tweet by Nigerian President Buhari. The diplomatic missions of the EU, US, Britain, Canada and Ireland issued a joint statement late Saturday condemning the ban. "Banning systems of expression is not the answer," it said. "Precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions, as well as share vital information in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic." "The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less, communication," it added. More than 39 million Nigerians have a Twitter account, according to NOI polls, a public opinion and research organisation based in Nigeria. The platform has played an important role in public discourse in the country, with hashtags #BringBackOurGirls after Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls in 2014, and #EndSARS during anti-police brutality protests last year. On Wednesday, Twitter deleted President Muhammadu Buhari's tweet. In his tweet, Buhari had made a reference to Nigeria's civil war four decades ago in a warning about recent unrest. The 78-year-old president, a former general, referred to "those misbehaving" in recent violence in the southeast, where officials blame a proscribed separatist group IPOB for attacks on police and election offices. "Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand," the president had posted on Twitter. The presidency denied late on Saturday that the Twitter suspension was a response to the removal of that post. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union, US condemn Twitter ban in Nigeria

It’s become a familiar refrain in French political life. From President Emmanuel Macron and his cabinet to the far-right opposition, from print columnists to talking heads, “Americanization” is increasingly held responsible for a whole set of social ills ailing the nation.

For some of these critics, it’s the reason so many young people — adopting the view of Black Lives Matter activists — believe police violence is a problem. For others, it explains why the quality of academic research is in decline, as fanciful ideas concocted on American college campuses like intersectionality and post-colonialism supposedly flourish. To others still, it’s why people can’t speak their mind anymore, suffocated by the threats of “cancel culture.”

Perhaps the most common gripe is that ideas and practices imported from the United States are making the French obsessed with ethnic, religious and sexual difference at the expense of their shared identity as citizens of the universal Republic.

They’re not wrong: French politics are, in fact, becoming Americanized. But the problem is not left-wing theories or censorious scolds. It is instead the rise of an insular, nationalistic, right-wing discourse driven by a belligerent style of press coverage. Distinctively French in content, the form this discourse takes — grievance-wallowing hosts conjuring embittered conversations about national decline, immigration and religion — follows America’s lead. As in the United States, the result is a degraded political landscape that empowers the far right, dragging mainstream politicians into its orbit.

Culture wars are America’s true gift to France.

Leading the charge is CNews, often called the French Fox News for its mimicry of the codes and conventions of American cable news. Launched in 2017 by a conservative billionaire, Vincent Bolloré, the network has attracted viewers by offering polemical debate marked by a hard-right bent — hitting an important milestone last month when it recorded the highest ratings of any 24-hour news network in France. The network’s star panelist is the nationalist essayist Éric Zemmour, a man convicted several times of hate speech against racial minorities and Muslims, while its star host, Pascal Praud, plays the role of objective moderator. Much like Tucker Carlson, he has a penchant for incendiary stories that allow him to speak in the name of the country’s victimized silent majority.

Instead of devoting time to the day’s top news stories, hosts tend to prefer dissecting micro-scandals that are more or less indecipherable to audiences outside the country, with chyrons capturing guests’ provocations seconds after they’re uttered. As on Fox News, the themes covered often reflect conservative anxieties about a changing nation: the size of the foreign-born population, the supposed excesses of political correctness, the place of Islam and a wounded sense of national pride.

And as with the Fox network, CNews often sets the country’s agenda. Many of the news items obsessively covered by the channel have evolved into full-blown national debates. Among them are the bullying of a teenager on social media after she called Islam a “religion of hate” on Instagram; a push from the Green Party mayor of Lyon to serve meat-free meals at school cafeterias; support from the country’s oldest student union for meetings reserved for women and nonwhite people; and the acceptance by the president’s party, En Marche, of a candidate who wears the Islamic veil onto its list for the regional elections later this month. (The party eventually withdrew the nomination under pressure.)

Such concerns, however animating for those perennially anxious about France’s secular identity, would not ordinarily dominate a country’s attention. But they’ve been elevated into national issues because leading politicians have chosen to play along — and not just those from the right-wing opposition. High-ranking members of En Marche have joined these skirmishes and, in some cases, actively opened new fronts in the culture wars themselves.

Earlier this year, Frédérique Vidal, the minister of higher education, complained of the supposed scourge of “Islamo-leftism,” a term once limited to the extreme right that refers to an imaginary political alliance between conservative Muslims and anticapitalists. Ms. Vidal even called for an investigation into the problem to examine how certain professors allegedly blur the lines between research and activism — a move rightfully condemned by the state’s top research institute as an attack on academic freedom.

Not to be outdone by his colleague, Jean-Michel Blanquer, the education minister, recently oversaw a formal ban in schools of one aspect of what’s known as “inclusive writing” — the use of both feminine and masculine word endings, separated by a middle dot, when they refer to groups of people. Though the move is unlikely to have much effect, because the practice wasn’t widely taught, it was nevertheless welcomed in some circles as a defense of the French language against creeping political correctness.

Although they claim to be protecting academic freedom, Ms. Vidal and Mr. Blanquer would be right at home in today’s Republican Party, where blasting teachers for peddling radical theories, corrupting the youth and damaging the national interest is standard fare.

What’s in it for Mr. Macron? As many have noted, the president’s advisers believe these battles bring political benefits. Most important, they’re meant to woo right-wing voters ahead of a potential rematch against Marine Le Pen, head of the far-right National Rally, in next year’s presidential election. But they’re also designed to inflict damage on the left, whose badly divided parties, struggling to talk about the problems of racial and religious discrimination within France’s secular and colorblind legal framework, regularly disagree on these very same topics.

Whether or not the strategy pays off in 2022, the culture wars are fueling support for the far right today. Polls ahead of this month’s regional elections, where 17 regional presidencies are up for grabs, show the National Rally with a solid shot of capturing majority control of a region for the first time ever — while Ms. Le Pen is within striking distance of Mr. Macron in the presidential election. That makes sense when the news cycle revolves around issues like the Islamic veil, the left’s supposed sense of moral superiority and a vastly exaggerated uptick in violence against police officers. When National Rally leaders claim their party’s longstanding grievances and preoccupations are being legitimized by the government, it’s hard to disagree.

It’s also striking to see the depths to which political discourse has sunk in a country that prides itself on its capacity for highbrow public debate and the spotlight it reserves for intellectuals. In the middle of a pandemic and after the country’s worst economic crisis since the end of World War II, the French news cycle isn’t led by discussion over truly universal issues like wealth inequality, the health system or climate change. Instead it’s focused on navel-gazing debates about identity, fueled by television personalities.

What’s more American than that?

It’s become a familiar refrain in French political life. From President Emmanuel Macron and his cabinet to the far-right opposition, from print columnists to talking heads, “Americanization” is increasingly held responsible for a whole set of social ills ailing the nation.

It’s become a familiar refrain in French political life. From President Emmanuel Macron and his cabinet to the far-right opposition, from print columnists to talking heads, “Americanization” is increasingly held responsible for a whole set of social ills ailing the nation. For some of these critics, it’s the reason so many young people — adopting the view of Black Lives Matter activists — believe police violence is a problem. For others, it explains why the quality of academic research is in decline, as fanciful ideas concocted on American college campuses like intersectionality and post-colonialism supposedly flourish. To others still, it’s why people can’t speak their mind anymore, suffocated by the threats of “cancel culture.” Perhaps the most common gripe is that ideas and practices imported from the United States are making the French obsessed with ethnic, religious and sexual difference at the expense of their shared identity as citizens of the universal Republic. They’re not wrong: French politics are, in fact, becoming Americanized. But the problem is not left-wing theories or censorious scolds. It is instead the rise of an insular, nationalistic, right-wing discourse driven by a belligerent style of press coverage. Distinctively French in content, the form this discourse takes — grievance-wallowing hosts conjuring embittered conversations about national decline, immigration and religion — follows America’s lead. As in the United States, the result is a degraded political landscape that empowers the far right, dragging mainstream politicians into its orbit. Culture wars are America’s true gift to France. Leading the charge is CNews, often called the French Fox News for its mimicry of the codes and conventions of American cable news. Launched in 2017 by a conservative billionaire, Vincent Bolloré, the network has attracted viewers by offering polemical debate marked by a hard-right bent — hitting an important milestone last month when it recorded the highest ratings of any 24-hour news network in France. The network’s star panelist is the nationalist essayist Éric Zemmour, a man convicted several times of hate speech against racial minorities and Muslims, while its star host, Pascal Praud, plays the role of objective moderator. Much like Tucker Carlson, he has a penchant for incendiary stories that allow him to speak in the name of the country’s victimized silent majority. Instead of devoting time to the day’s top news stories, hosts tend to prefer dissecting micro-scandals that are more or less indecipherable to audiences outside the country, with chyrons capturing guests’ provocations seconds after they’re uttered. As on Fox News, the themes covered often reflect conservative anxieties about a changing nation: the size of the foreign-born population, the supposed excesses of political correctness, the place of Islam and a wounded sense of national pride. And as with the Fox network, CNews often sets the country’s agenda. Many of the news items obsessively covered by the channel have evolved into full-blown national debates. Among them are the bullying of a teenager on social media after she called Islam a “religion of hate” on Instagram; a push from the Green Party mayor of Lyon to serve meat-free meals at school cafeterias; support from the country’s oldest student union for meetings reserved for women and nonwhite people; and the acceptance by the president’s party, En Marche, of a candidate who wears the Islamic veil onto its list for the regional elections later this month. (The party eventually withdrew the nomination under pressure.) Such concerns, however animating for those perennially anxious about France’s secular identity, would not ordinarily dominate a country’s attention. But they’ve been elevated into national issues because leading politicians have chosen to play along — and not just those from the right-wing opposition. High-ranking members of En Marche have joined these skirmishes and, in some cases, actively opened new fronts in the culture wars themselves. Earlier this year, Frédérique Vidal, the minister of higher education, complained of the supposed scourge of “Islamo-leftism,” a term once limited to the extreme right that refers to an imaginary political alliance between conservative Muslims and anticapitalists. Ms. Vidal even called for an investigation into the problem to examine how certain professors allegedly blur the lines between research and activism — a move rightfully condemned by the state’s top research institute as an attack on academic freedom. Not to be outdone by his colleague, Jean-Michel Blanquer, the education minister, recently oversaw a formal ban in schools of one aspect of what’s known as “inclusive writing” — the use of both feminine and masculine word endings, separated by a middle dot, when they refer to groups of people. Though the move is unlikely to have much effect, because the practice wasn’t widely taught, it was nevertheless welcomed in some circles as a defense of the French language against creeping political correctness. Although they claim to be protecting academic freedom, Ms. Vidal and Mr. Blanquer would be right at home in today’s Republican Party, where blasting teachers for peddling radical theories, corrupting the youth and damaging the national interest is standard fare. What’s in it for Mr. Macron? As many have noted, the president’s advisers believe these battles bring political benefits. Most important, they’re meant to woo right-wing voters ahead of a potential rematch against Marine Le Pen, head of the far-right National Rally, in next year’s presidential election. But they’re also designed to inflict damage on the left, whose badly divided parties, struggling to talk about the problems of racial and religious discrimination within France’s secular and colorblind legal framework, regularly disagree on these very same topics. Whether or not the strategy pays off in 2022, the culture wars are fueling support for the far right today. Polls ahead of this month’s regional elections, where 17 regional presidencies are up for grabs, show the National Rally with a solid shot of capturing majority control of a region for the first time ever — while Ms. Le Pen is within striking distance of Mr. Macron in the presidential election. That makes sense when the news cycle revolves around issues like the Islamic veil, the left’s supposed sense of moral superiority and a vastly exaggerated uptick in violence against police officers. When National Rally leaders claim their party’s longstanding grievances and preoccupations are being legitimized by the government, it’s hard to disagree. It’s also striking to see the depths to which political discourse has sunk in a country that prides itself on its capacity for highbrow public debate and the spotlight it reserves for intellectuals. In the middle of a pandemic and after the country’s worst economic crisis since the end of World War II, the French news cycle isn’t led by discussion over truly universal issues like wealth inequality, the health system or climate change. Instead it’s focused on navel-gazing debates about identity, fueled by television personalities. What’s more American than that?

France is becoming more like America. It’s terrible.

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Manas Joshi

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