Israeli nationalist hardliner Naftali Bennett said on Sunday that he will join a coalition with Centrist Yair Lapid. This development in Israel's domestic politics can potentially end the rule of country's longest-serving leader and current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"I will do everything to form a national unity government with my friend Yair Lapid," Bennett said after meeting with his own party, Yamina.&nbsp;

Bennett and Lapid joining forces can also prove to be a step towards ending political instability in Israel.

Israel has had four inconclusive elections in under two years. After vote in March, Netanyahu's Likud party gained most seat but failed to form government again.&nbsp;

Netanyahu now faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He has denied accusations against him. Netanyahu had been able to cling to power through the period of political turmoil in Israel.

Yair Lapid has had his hands full and he faced a deadline as he had until Wednesday 11:59 pm local time (2059 GMT) to build a coalition of at least 61 deputies, a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.

The latest development of Naftali Bennet extending a friendly hand may make Lapid's work much more easier.

Netanyahu, in office for 12 consecutive years after an earlier three-year term, tried to cling to power Sunday by offering his own, last-ditch power-sharing agreement to several former allies including Bennett.

He warned that Israel would otherwise be ruled by a dangerous "left-wing" alliance.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli nationalist hardliner Naftali Bennett said on Sunday that he will join a coalition with Centrist Yair Lapid. This development in Israel's domestic politics can potentially end the rule of country's longest-serving leader and current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israeli nationalist hardliner Naftali Bennett said on Sunday that he will join a coalition with Centrist Yair Lapid. This development in Israel's domestic politics can potentially end the rule of country's longest-serving leader and current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "I will do everything to form a national unity government with my friend Yair Lapid," Bennett said after meeting with his own party, Yamina. Bennett and Lapid joining forces can also prove to be a step towards ending political instability in Israel. Israel has had four inconclusive elections in under two years. After vote in March, Netanyahu's Likud party gained most seat but failed to form government again. Netanyahu now faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He has denied accusations against him. Netanyahu had been able to cling to power through the period of political turmoil in Israel. Yair Lapid has had his hands full and he faced a deadline as he had until Wednesday 11:59 pm local time (2059 GMT) to build a coalition of at least 61 deputies, a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. The latest development of Naftali Bennet extending a friendly hand may make Lapid's work much more easier. Netanyahu, in office for 12 consecutive years after an earlier three-year term, tried to cling to power Sunday by offering his own, last-ditch power-sharing agreement to several former allies including Bennett. He warned that Israel would otherwise be ruled by a dangerous "left-wing" alliance. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel: Coalition takes shape against Netanyahu as leaders join forces

A senior official of Iran's judiciary on Sunday warned candidates running in the presidential election against crossing "red lines" of the Islamic republic. Iranians will select a successor to current President Hassan Rouhani on June 18.

"Candidates should not cross the system's red lines in their campaigns and speeches," said Tehran Attorney General Ali Alqassi-Mehr, quoted by Mizan Online, the judiciary's official news agency.

Wrongdoers will be "confronted firmly", he said, and warned in particular against any attacks on the "reputation" of the judiciary.

Several issues are considered "red lines" in Iran, including questioning the doctrine of Velayat-e faqih (the guardianship of the jurist) which establishes religious authority over politics.

The head of the judiciary, ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi, is widely considered the favourite candidate in the race to the presidency.

Raisi won 38 percent of the vote in the 2017 presidential election but was defeated by Rouhani.

Guardian Council, the body which vets the candidates has approved seven mainly ultraconservative candidates from 600 hopefuls.

Some disqualifications carried out by the Guardian Council appeared to have cleared the way for Raisi. He faces four lesser known candidates from own camp and two reformistst who don't have a strong base.

The Islamic republic's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday said candidates should focus on "youth unemployment" and economic woes of "the disadvantaged class," two themes prominently highlighted in Raisi's campaign in 2017 and again this year.

Iranian authorities, including the supreme leader, have in recent months called for high turnout, while the limited polls available have pointed to a potential record abstention.

Meanwhile, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has dismissed central bank governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, who is running in the presidential election in June, the Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday.

Hemmati in a Saturday night meeting on the Clubhouse social media app said Rouhani "Told me that if you stand in the election, you cannot remain the central bank chief because it affects monetary and exchange rate policies".

(With inputs from agencies)

A senior official of Iran's judiciary on Sunday warned candidates running in the presidential election against crossing "red lines" of the Islamic republic. Iranians will select a successor to current President Hassan Rouhani on June 18.

A senior official of Iran's judiciary on Sunday warned candidates running in the presidential election against crossing "red lines" of the Islamic republic. Iranians will select a successor to current President Hassan Rouhani on June 18. "Candidates should not cross the system's red lines in their campaigns and speeches," said Tehran Attorney General Ali Alqassi-Mehr, quoted by Mizan Online, the judiciary's official news agency. Wrongdoers will be "confronted firmly", he said, and warned in particular against any attacks on the "reputation" of the judiciary. Several issues are considered "red lines" in Iran, including questioning the doctrine of Velayat-e faqih (the guardianship of the jurist) which establishes religious authority over politics. The head of the judiciary, ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi, is widely considered the favourite candidate in the race to the presidency. Raisi won 38 percent of the vote in the 2017 presidential election but was defeated by Rouhani. Guardian Council, the body which vets the candidates has approved seven mainly ultraconservative candidates from 600 hopefuls. Some disqualifications carried out by the Guardian Council appeared to have cleared the way for Raisi. He faces four lesser known candidates from own camp and two reformistst who don't have a strong base. The Islamic republic's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday said candidates should focus on "youth unemployment" and economic woes of "the disadvantaged class," two themes prominently highlighted in Raisi's campaign in 2017 and again this year. Iranian authorities, including the supreme leader, have in recent months called for high turnout, while the limited polls available have pointed to a potential record abstention. Meanwhile, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has dismissed central bank governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, who is running in the presidential election in June, the Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday. Hemmati in a Saturday night meeting on the Clubhouse social media app said Rouhani "Told me that if you stand in the election, you cannot remain the central bank chief because it affects monetary and exchange rate policies". (With inputs from agencies)

Iran elections: Judiciary warns presidential candidates against crossing 'red lines'

Uncertainty over whether Israeli nationalist hardliner Naftali Bennet would joined a governing coalition persisted on Sunday. If he decides to join, it may mark end of the rule of Israel's longest-serving leader Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Lawmakers opposed to right-wing Netanyahu were in intense talks ahead of a Wednesday deadline, as a ceasefire held following the latest deadly military conflict with Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu faces trail on fraud bribery and breach of trust charges. He denies those accusations. He has been able to cling to power through period of political turmoil. Israel has had four inconclusive elections in under two years.

After vote in March, Netanyahu's Likud party gained most seat but failed to form government again.&nbsp;

Former TV anchor Yair Lapid is now trying to build a rival coalition

Centrist Lapid has until Wednesday 11:59 pm local time (2059 GMT) to build a coalition of at least 61 deputies, a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.

The 57-year-old is seeking to forge a diverse alliance the Israeli media has dubbed a bloc for "change", which would include Bennett as well as Arab-Israeli lawmakers.&nbsp;

In his determination to bring down the hawkish prime minister, Lapid has offered to share power and let Bennett, 49, serve the first term in a rotating premiership.

Bennett was expected to speak Sunday evening after a meeting with his party, a spokeswoman said.

Netanyahu, in office for 12 consecutive years after an earlier three-year term, tried to cling to power Sunday by offering his own, last-ditch power-sharing agreement to several former allies including Bennett.

He warned that Israel would otherwise be ruled by a dangerous "left-wing" alliance.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Uncertainty over whether Israeli nationalist hardliner Naftali Bennet would joined a governing coalition persisted on Sunday. If he decides to join, it may mark end of the rule of Israel's longest-serving leader Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Uncertainty over whether Israeli nationalist hardliner Naftali Bennet would joined a governing coalition persisted on Sunday. If he decides to join, it may mark end of the rule of Israel's longest-serving leader Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Lawmakers opposed to right-wing Netanyahu were in intense talks ahead of a Wednesday deadline, as a ceasefire held following the latest deadly military conflict with Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu faces trail on fraud bribery and breach of trust charges. He denies those accusations. He has been able to cling to power through period of political turmoil. Israel has had four inconclusive elections in under two years. After vote in March, Netanyahu's Likud party gained most seat but failed to form government again. Former TV anchor Yair Lapid is now trying to build a rival coalition Centrist Lapid has until Wednesday 11:59 pm local time (2059 GMT) to build a coalition of at least 61 deputies, a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. The 57-year-old is seeking to forge a diverse alliance the Israeli media has dubbed a bloc for "change", which would include Bennett as well as Arab-Israeli lawmakers. In his determination to bring down the hawkish prime minister, Lapid has offered to share power and let Bennett, 49, serve the first term in a rotating premiership. Bennett was expected to speak Sunday evening after a meeting with his party, a spokeswoman said. Netanyahu, in office for 12 consecutive years after an earlier three-year term, tried to cling to power Sunday by offering his own, last-ditch power-sharing agreement to several former allies including Bennett. He warned that Israel would otherwise be ruled by a dangerous "left-wing" alliance. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel: Domestic political bloc steps up efforts to oust Netanyahu

Dark Matter is indeed an intriguing thing in space. Like normal matter, it cannot be felt or observed directly. It does not interact with light so even that door is closed. Dark Matter must be 'observed' through the gravitational effect it has on matter in space. The true nature of Dark Matter is unknown but scientists are sure that it performs vital function for the universe.

A new map of Dark Matter made with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is showing 'bridges' made up of Dark Matter that are connecting the galaxies. Scientists and researchers from the American Astronomical Society have made this map.

The map focusses on local universe, the neighbourhood that surrounds Milky Way galaxy.

Researchers trained a machine-learning program on simulations of visible and dark matter. Sophisticated set of simulations by the name of Illustris-TNG were used for this study. After the machine learning and testing phase, the scientists applied this to real-world data.

This threw up map of Dark Matter in local universe and its interaction with visible matter.

The map showed many things that were already known but also suggested new features like filaments of Dark Matter connecting Milky Way galaxy to other galaxies in the surroundings. Such connections were also seen between other galaxies in the neighbourhood.

The research was published in Astrophysical Journal.

Dark Matter is indeed an intriguing thing in space. Like normal matter, it cannot be felt or observed directly. It does not interact with light so even that door is closed.

Dark Matter is indeed an intriguing thing in space. Like normal matter, it cannot be felt or observed directly. It does not interact with light so even that door is closed. Dark Matter must be 'observed' through the gravitational effect it has on matter in space. The true nature of Dark Matter is unknown but scientists are sure that it performs vital function for the universe. A new map of Dark Matter made with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is showing 'bridges' made up of Dark Matter that are connecting the galaxies. Scientists and researchers from the American Astronomical Society have made this map. The map focusses on local universe, the neighbourhood that surrounds Milky Way galaxy. Researchers trained a machine-learning program on simulations of visible and dark matter. Sophisticated set of simulations by the name of Illustris-TNG were used for this study. After the machine learning and testing phase, the scientists applied this to real-world data. This threw up map of Dark Matter in local universe and its interaction with visible matter. The map showed many things that were already known but also suggested new features like filaments of Dark Matter connecting Milky Way galaxy to other galaxies in the surroundings. Such connections were also seen between other galaxies in the neighbourhood. The research was published in Astrophysical Journal.

AI-generated map of Dark Matter shows 'bridges' between galaxies

West African leaders were due to meet on Sunday in Ghana to discuss situation in Mali, the country which witnesses second coup in nine monthsh. Mali's new president Colonel Assimi Goita arrived in Accra on Saturday ahead of the extraordinary summit of regional bloc ECOWAS.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara and Burkina Faso's Marc Christian Kabore were among those attending the summit.&nbsp;

Goita led the young army officers who overthrew Mali's elected president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita last August over perceived corruption and his failure to quell a bloody jihadist insurgency.

After the takeover, the military agreed to appoint civilians as interim president and prime minister under pressure from ECOWAS, which has served as a mediator.

But on Monday, soldiers detained transitional president Bah Ndaw and prime minister Moctar Ouane, releasing them on Thursday while saying that they had resigned.

The twin arrests triggered a diplomatic uproar and marked Mali's second apparent coup within a year. 
Mali's constitutional court completed Goita's rise to full power on Friday by naming him transitional president.

With the junta going back on its previous commitment to civilian political leaders, doubts have been raised about its other pledges, including holding elections in early 2022.

Jihadist attack

The summit is likely to take note of a fresh Jihadist attack in Mali that killed at least 5 persons on Sunday. The attack took place in the country's southern region. Southern Mali has been mostly spared from Islamist unrest in the country.

Unidentified men attacked a checkpoint near Bougouni town between 3:30 am and 4 am (local time). A local lawmaker told AFP that an outpost used by police and forest rangers was attacked.

(With inputs from agencies)

West African leaders were due to meet on Sunday in Ghana to discuss situation in Mali, the country which witnesses second coup in nine monthsh. Mali's new president Colonel Assimi Goita arrived in Accra on Saturday ahead of the extraordinary summit of regional bloc ECOWAS.

West African leaders were due to meet on Sunday in Ghana to discuss situation in Mali, the country which witnesses second coup in nine monthsh. Mali's new president Colonel Assimi Goita arrived in Accra on Saturday ahead of the extraordinary summit of regional bloc ECOWAS. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara and Burkina Faso's Marc Christian Kabore were among those attending the summit. Goita led the young army officers who overthrew Mali's elected president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita last August over perceived corruption and his failure to quell a bloody jihadist insurgency. After the takeover, the military agreed to appoint civilians as interim president and prime minister under pressure from ECOWAS, which has served as a mediator. But on Monday, soldiers detained transitional president Bah Ndaw and prime minister Moctar Ouane, releasing them on Thursday while saying that they had resigned. The twin arrests triggered a diplomatic uproar and marked Mali's second apparent coup within a year. Mali's constitutional court completed Goita's rise to full power on Friday by naming him transitional president. With the junta going back on its previous commitment to civilian political leaders, doubts have been raised about its other pledges, including holding elections in early 2022. Jihadist attack The summit is likely to take note of a fresh Jihadist attack in Mali that killed at least 5 persons on Sunday. The attack took place in the country's southern region. Southern Mali has been mostly spared from Islamist unrest in the country. Unidentified men attacked a checkpoint near Bougouni town between 3:30 am and 4 am (local time). A local lawmaker told AFP that an outpost used by police and forest rangers was attacked. (With inputs from agencies)

West African countries in huddle over situation in Mali

Two people were killed and at least 20 were injured in a mass shootout carried out by three suspects outside a concert hall in Miami, Florida. Local police said that the trio "shot indiscriminately into a crowd".

"According to investigators, the establishment was hosting a scheduled event and several patrons were standing outside," Miami-Dade Police Department said in a statement. "The subjects' SUV approached the front of the business, three subjects exited the vehicle and began shooting indiscriminately into the crowd."

The mass shooting happened during the early hours at a billiards hall on a commercial estate near Miami Gardens, to the northwest of the coastal city's downtown.

After they shot bullets at the crowd, the trio got back in the car and left the scene.

The first responders on the scene found two persons dead. Twenty&nbsp;injured people have been shifted to hospital and one is in critical condition.&nbsp;

In a tweet, the department's director, Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III, condemned the "targeted and cowardly act of gun violence."

"These are cold blooded murderers that shot indiscriminately into a crowd and we will seek justice," he said.

Mass shootings is a huge domestic problem America faces. There are constant demands to put curbs on easy availability of gun but gun rights advicate term any such move a violation of citizens' basic rights.

Mass shootings have occurred in recent months at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis, an office building in California, a grocery store in Colorado and at several spas in Atlanta.

President Joe Biden last month branded US gun violence an "epidemic" and an "international embarrassment."

There were more than 43,000 gun-related deaths in the United States last year, including suicides, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two people were killed and at least 20 were injured in a mass shootout carried out by three suspects outside a concert hall in Miami, Florida. Local police said that the trio "shot indiscriminately into a crowd".

Two people were killed and at least 20 were injured in a mass shootout carried out by three suspects outside a concert hall in Miami, Florida. Local police said that the trio "shot indiscriminately into a crowd". "According to investigators, the establishment was hosting a scheduled event and several patrons were standing outside," Miami-Dade Police Department said in a statement. "The subjects' SUV approached the front of the business, three subjects exited the vehicle and began shooting indiscriminately into the crowd." The mass shooting happened during the early hours at a billiards hall on a commercial estate near Miami Gardens, to the northwest of the coastal city's downtown. After they shot bullets at the crowd, the trio got back in the car and left the scene. The first responders on the scene found two persons dead. Twenty injured people have been shifted to hospital and one is in critical condition. In a tweet, the department's director, Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III, condemned the "targeted and cowardly act of gun violence." "These are cold blooded murderers that shot indiscriminately into a crowd and we will seek justice," he said. Mass shootings is a huge domestic problem America faces. There are constant demands to put curbs on easy availability of gun but gun rights advicate term any such move a violation of citizens' basic rights. Mass shootings have occurred in recent months at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis, an office building in California, a grocery store in Colorado and at several spas in Atlanta. President Joe Biden last month branded US gun violence an "epidemic" and an "international embarrassment." There were more than 43,000 gun-related deaths in the United States last year, including suicides, according to the Gun Violence Archive. (With inputs from agencies)

Mass shooting in Florida kills at least two, 20 people injured

A suspected Jihadist attack in Mali has claimed lives of four civilians and a police officer. The attack took place in the country's southern region. Southern Mali has been mostly spared from Islamist unrest in the country.

Unidentified men attacked a checkpoint near Bougouni town between 3:30 am and 4 am (local time). A local lawmaker told AFP that an outpost used by police and forest rangers was attacked.

The checkpoint sits on a key route between Mali and Ivory Coast.&nbsp;

The attack came as West African leaders from ECOWAS regional bloc prepared to meet in Ghana on Sunday. The meet is to discuss response to political turmoil in Mali. The country has witnessed second military coup in nine months.

New president Colonel Assimi Goita, who led the coup last August and was installed after transitional president Bah Ndaw and prime minister Moctar Ouane were stripped of the powers this week, is attending the ECOWAS talks in Accra.&nbsp;

Mali's elected president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, was forced out by young army officers led by Goita last August over perceived corruption and his failure to quell a bloody jihadist insurgency.

The jihadist conflict first emerged in northern Mali in 2012 and has since spread to Burkina Faso and Niger, leaving swathes of the vast nation of 19 million people outside government control.

(With inputs from agencies)

A suspected Jihadist attack in Mali has claimed lives of four civilians and a police officer. The attack took place in the country's southern region. Southern Mali has been mostly spared from Islamist unrest in the country.

A suspected Jihadist attack in Mali has claimed lives of four civilians and a police officer. The attack took place in the country's southern region. Southern Mali has been mostly spared from Islamist unrest in the country. Unidentified men attacked a checkpoint near Bougouni town between 3:30 am and 4 am (local time). A local lawmaker told AFP that an outpost used by police and forest rangers was attacked. The checkpoint sits on a key route between Mali and Ivory Coast. The attack came as West African leaders from ECOWAS regional bloc prepared to meet in Ghana on Sunday. The meet is to discuss response to political turmoil in Mali. The country has witnessed second military coup in nine months. New president Colonel Assimi Goita, who led the coup last August and was installed after transitional president Bah Ndaw and prime minister Moctar Ouane were stripped of the powers this week, is attending the ECOWAS talks in Accra. Mali's elected president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, was forced out by young army officers led by Goita last August over perceived corruption and his failure to quell a bloody jihadist insurgency. The jihadist conflict first emerged in northern Mali in 2012 and has since spread to Burkina Faso and Niger, leaving swathes of the vast nation of 19 million people outside government control. (With inputs from agencies)

Mali: Five killed in suspected Jihadist attack

Asserting that India is fighting COVID-19 with all its might, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to a number of people ranging from those engaged in transporting medical oxygen to lab technician, and said the country's resolve to prevail over the virus is equal to the magnitude of the challenge it faces.

In his monthly Mann ki Baat broadcast, Modi noted that the country was also faced with several natural disasters, including cyclones, landslide and earthquakes, during the pandemic, and said more lives were saved than the past with the Centre, states and local administration coming together to carry out relief and rescue operations.

With the demand for medical oxygen rising exponentially during the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and many states and hospitals complaining of its shortage, the prime minister said the production of the liquid medical oxygen (LMO) has risen by over 10 times to nearly 9,500 MT daily from 900 MT earlier.

"The demand for oxygen surged all of a sudden. This was a very big challenge, and delivering medical oxygen to remote parts of the country was indeed a huge task," he said, noting that many plants manufacturing industrial oxygen were located in the eastern parts of the country and lauded those, including cryogenic tanker drivers, the oxygen express (train) crew and Air Force pilots, involved in its transportation.

In his address, he also praised farmers for generating record produce, and said the agricultural sector protected itself from the adverse effects of the pandemic to a great extent.

The farmers produced record output and the government procured a record amount of crops as well, he said, adding that farmers at several places got more than the minimum support price (MSP) for mustard.

Speaking of the arrangements his government made to allow farmers to transport their produce to different markets, Modi said ?Kisan Rail? has so far ferried nearly 2 lakh tonnes of produce. Now the farmers are able to send fruits, vegetables, grains to other remote parts of the country at a very low cost, he added.

Some products are being sent abroad as well, he said and mentioned that jackfruits from Tripura are now being exported to London and so is Bihar's Shahi Litchi.

In his conversation with people involved in transporting oxygen, Modi spoke to Dinesh Upadhyay, who drive oxygen tankers, Shirisha Gajni, a loco pilot of an all-woman crew oxygen express, and Group Captain Patnaik from the Air Force and lauded their service to the nation.

Noting that there was only one coronavirus testing lab in the country initially but today more than 2,500 labs are in operation, Modi said more than 20 lakh tests are being carried out in a single day now with over 33 crore samples having been tested in the country so far.

The prime minister than spoke to lab technician Prakash Kandpal who shared his experience.

Modi also asked people to continue to adhere to rules related to wearing masks and taking vaccines, saying there should be no letup in our efforts.&nbsp;

"This indeed is the path to our victory," he said.

Asserting that India is fighting COVID-19 with all its might, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to a number of people ranging from those engaged in transporting medical oxygen to lab technician, and said the country's resolve to prevail over the virus is equal to the magnitude of the challenge it faces.

Asserting that India is fighting COVID-19 with all its might, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to a number of people ranging from those engaged in transporting medical oxygen to lab technician, and said the country's resolve to prevail over the virus is equal to the magnitude of the challenge it faces. In his monthly Mann ki Baat broadcast, Modi noted that the country was also faced with several natural disasters, including cyclones, landslide and earthquakes, during the pandemic, and said more lives were saved than the past with the Centre, states and local administration coming together to carry out relief and rescue operations. With the demand for medical oxygen rising exponentially during the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and many states and hospitals complaining of its shortage, the prime minister said the production of the liquid medical oxygen (LMO) has risen by over 10 times to nearly 9,500 MT daily from 900 MT earlier. "The demand for oxygen surged all of a sudden. This was a very big challenge, and delivering medical oxygen to remote parts of the country was indeed a huge task," he said, noting that many plants manufacturing industrial oxygen were located in the eastern parts of the country and lauded those, including cryogenic tanker drivers, the oxygen express (train) crew and Air Force pilots, involved in its transportation. In his address, he also praised farmers for generating record produce, and said the agricultural sector protected itself from the adverse effects of the pandemic to a great extent. The farmers produced record output and the government procured a record amount of crops as well, he said, adding that farmers at several places got more than the minimum support price (MSP) for mustard. Speaking of the arrangements his government made to allow farmers to transport their produce to different markets, Modi said ?Kisan Rail? has so far ferried nearly 2 lakh tonnes of produce. Now the farmers are able to send fruits, vegetables, grains to other remote parts of the country at a very low cost, he added. Some products are being sent abroad as well, he said and mentioned that jackfruits from Tripura are now being exported to London and so is Bihar's Shahi Litchi. In his conversation with people involved in transporting oxygen, Modi spoke to Dinesh Upadhyay, who drive oxygen tankers, Shirisha Gajni, a loco pilot of an all-woman crew oxygen express, and Group Captain Patnaik from the Air Force and lauded their service to the nation. Noting that there was only one coronavirus testing lab in the country initially but today more than 2,500 labs are in operation, Modi said more than 20 lakh tests are being carried out in a single day now with over 33 crore samples having been tested in the country so far. The prime minister than spoke to lab technician Prakash Kandpal who shared his experience. Modi also asked people to continue to adhere to rules related to wearing masks and taking vaccines, saying there should be no letup in our efforts. "This indeed is the path to our victory," he said.

Mann Ki Baat: India fighting Covid with all its might, says PM Modi

The United Progressive Party (UPP) one of the opposition parties in Antiguan parliament urged the country's Prime Minister Gaston Browne to treat fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi as an Antiguan citizen, as per local media.

The demand from the party came after Prime Minister Browne asked the Dominican government to send Choksi to India.

Mehul Choksi is wanted in India over his role in Punjab National Bank scam. Choksi along with his nephew Nirav Modi committed as Rs 135,000 million loan fraud.

UPP said that since Choksi is an Antiguan citizen, he is entitled to due process of law.

Choksi was arrested in Dominica earlier this week. Late on Saturday night (Indian time) some photos of Mehul Choksi emerged in which there appeared to be bruises on his face.

On Thursday night, Choksi`s lawyer Vijay Agarwal had told IANS that Choksi was forced to get into a vessel from Antigua and was taken to Dominica. He also claimed that there were marks on Choksi`s body, implying the use of force.

"There is something fishy and I guess it was a strategy to take him to another place so that there are chances of sending him back to India. So I don`t know what forces are operating. The time will tell," he had said.

However, Antigua Police Commissioner Atlee Rodney has rubbished the claims of Choksi`s counsel and said that they have no information on him being forcefully removed.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Progressive Party (UPP) one of the opposition parties in Antiguan parliament urged the country's Prime Minister Gaston Browne to treat fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi as an Antiguan citizen, as per local media.

The United Progressive Party (UPP) one of the opposition parties in Antiguan parliament urged the country's Prime Minister Gaston Browne to treat fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi as an Antiguan citizen, as per local media. The demand from the party came after Prime Minister Browne asked the Dominican government to send Choksi to India. Mehul Choksi is wanted in India over his role in Punjab National Bank scam. Choksi along with his nephew Nirav Modi committed as Rs 135,000 million loan fraud. UPP said that since Choksi is an Antiguan citizen, he is entitled to due process of law. Choksi was arrested in Dominica earlier this week. Late on Saturday night (Indian time) some photos of Mehul Choksi emerged in which there appeared to be bruises on his face. On Thursday night, Choksi`s lawyer Vijay Agarwal had told IANS that Choksi was forced to get into a vessel from Antigua and was taken to Dominica. He also claimed that there were marks on Choksi`s body, implying the use of force. "There is something fishy and I guess it was a strategy to take him to another place so that there are chances of sending him back to India. So I don`t know what forces are operating. The time will tell," he had said. However, Antigua Police Commissioner Atlee Rodney has rubbished the claims of Choksi`s counsel and said that they have no information on him being forcefully removed. (With inputs from agencies)

Treat Mehul Choksi as a citizen, says Antiguan opposition party 

Lebanon’s Hezbollah on Friday congratulated Syria's President Bashar al-Assad on winning a fourth term in office, it said in a statement.

"We hope that upcoming years will be a great opportunity for Syria to return to playing its natural and leading role globally and regionally," it said.

Assad won the election on Thursday with a majority of 95.1 per cent.

Lebanon’s Hezbollah on Friday congratulated Syria's President Bashar al-Assad on winning a fourth term in office, it said in a statement. "We hope that upcoming years will be a great opportunity for Syria to return to playing its natural and leading role globally and regionally," it said.

Lebanon’s Hezbollah on Friday congratulated Syria's President Bashar al-Assad on winning a fourth term in office, it said in a statement. "We hope that upcoming years will be a great opportunity for Syria to return to playing its natural and leading role globally and regionally," it said. Assad won the election on Thursday with a majority of 95.1 per cent.

Lebanon’s Hezbollah congratulates Syria's Assad on election victory

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday emphasized the importance of vaccine to overcome the coronavirus pandmeic and assured the public on the availability of the vaccines. He was addressing the nation.

"I urge the citizens who have been vaccinated with the first dose to be sure that the second dose will be provided. I would like to assure that all adult citizens will be vaccinated, and the pandemic will be brought under control by providing more vaccines,” said Oli

The PM said Nepal had received more than 3.2 million vaccines through grants and one million vaccines through procurement.

Thanking the countries for extending help to Nepal in fighting the COVID-19, Oil said, “We are grateful to India, China and its Sichuan and Tibetan governments, the United States, Spain, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Thailand, Singapore, New Zealand, Finland and other friendly nations for their significant support in our fight against COVID.”

The PM said the pandemic has hit developing countries the hardest and that, "Developing countries will fall further behind as there is a shortage of life-saving medicines, including vaccines. Today, the unequal distribution of vaccines has become a topic of global debate.”

Speaking on the ongoing political developments, the Prime Minister said there haD been repeated obstacles in our efforts to ensure political stability and strengthen our democracy.&nbsp;

He noted that Nepal has been recommended for upgrading from underdeveloped to developing countries and that economic growth WAS promising before the onset of the pandemic.

"For the first time, the export trade has crossed the one trillion target, the trade deficit is declining. Employment opportunities are increasing in the country and the outflow of labor is decreasing, ”said Oli.

PM Oli said that his government's priority is to modernize and commercialize agriculture and move it forward in coordination with industry and services.

He said there are many development projects on the way for Nepal and is also planning on expansion of roads, railways, water and airways.&nbsp;

"On the basis of historical treaties, maps, facts and evidence, the remaining issues arising from the border relations with allied India will be resolved through diplomatic channels.”

Earlier in his address to the foreign media, the PM had said that his government is engaged in dialogue with India to bring back the disputed tri-junction of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani area from India's control.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday emphasized the importance of vaccine to overcome the coronavirus pandmeic and assured the public on the availability of the vaccines.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday emphasized the importance of vaccine to overcome the coronavirus pandmeic and assured the public on the availability of the vaccines. He was addressing the nation. "I urge the citizens who have been vaccinated with the first dose to be sure that the second dose will be provided. I would like to assure that all adult citizens will be vaccinated, and the pandemic will be brought under control by providing more vaccines,” said Oli The PM said Nepal had received more than 3.2 million vaccines through grants and one million vaccines through procurement. Thanking the countries for extending help to Nepal in fighting the COVID-19, Oil said, “We are grateful to India, China and its Sichuan and Tibetan governments, the United States, Spain, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Thailand, Singapore, New Zealand, Finland and other friendly nations for their significant support in our fight against COVID.” The PM said the pandemic has hit developing countries the hardest and that, "Developing countries will fall further behind as there is a shortage of life-saving medicines, including vaccines. Today, the unequal distribution of vaccines has become a topic of global debate.” Speaking on the ongoing political developments, the Prime Minister said there haD been repeated obstacles in our efforts to ensure political stability and strengthen our democracy. He noted that Nepal has been recommended for upgrading from underdeveloped to developing countries and that economic growth WAS promising before the onset of the pandemic. "For the first time, the export trade has crossed the one trillion target, the trade deficit is declining. Employment opportunities are increasing in the country and the outflow of labor is decreasing, ”said Oli. PM Oli said that his government's priority is to modernize and commercialize agriculture and move it forward in coordination with industry and services. He said there are many development projects on the way for Nepal and is also planning on expansion of roads, railways, water and airways. "On the basis of historical treaties, maps, facts and evidence, the remaining issues arising from the border relations with allied India will be resolved through diplomatic channels.” Earlier in his address to the foreign media, the PM had said that his government is engaged in dialogue with India to bring back the disputed tri-junction of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani area from India's control.

Nepal PM Oli assures availability of COVID-19 vaccines to public 

Hundreds of maskless protesters opposed coronavirus restrictions and held demonstrations in front of European Union (EU) buildings in Brussels on Saturday. There were many who yelled "Freedom" and claimed that Covid-19 was no worse than Flu.

The protest started in a major park in the city. The protesters then marched towards a square where EU buildings are located.&nbsp;

Belgian police blocked access to the square with barbed wire and a line of 40 officers in riot gear prevented demonstrators moving closer.&nbsp;

A water cannon idled nearby but was not used, and the protest dispersed after around four hours. 
"There is no corona(virus). It's just the flu," one demonstrator who gave her first name as Miriam, 48, told AFP.

Like many in the crowd, she was from the neighbouring Netherlands. "Belgium is having a hard time and I'm here for my children," she said.

A half a dozen middle-aged men wore camouflage uniforms and berets but declined to speak to reporters.&nbsp;

Online posts said supporters of a far-right Belgian soldier, Jurgen Conings, who has been on the run for two weeks after stealing weapons from an army base and leaving a letter threatening high-profile figures, were joining the protest.

A woman was quoted by news agency AFP as calling this a war.

"It's war they want -- look at them, look at us," she said referring to the armoured riot police.

Belgium is loosening coronavirus restrictions that have been in place for the past seven months as the pace of Covid-19 vaccinations has accelerated and as the number of infections and hospitalisations are slowly falling.

However the wearing of masks is still mandatory, including outdoors, and while outdoor areas of restaurants, cafes and bars are now open, there are limits on how many people can gather together.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hundreds of maskless protesters opposed coronavirus restrictions and held demonstrations in front of European Union (EU) buildings in Brussels on Saturday. There were many who yelled "Freedom" and claimed that Covid-19 was no worse than Flu.

Hundreds of maskless protesters opposed coronavirus restrictions and held demonstrations in front of European Union (EU) buildings in Brussels on Saturday. There were many who yelled "Freedom" and claimed that Covid-19 was no worse than Flu. The protest started in a major park in the city. The protesters then marched towards a square where EU buildings are located. Belgian police blocked access to the square with barbed wire and a line of 40 officers in riot gear prevented demonstrators moving closer. A water cannon idled nearby but was not used, and the protest dispersed after around four hours. "There is no corona(virus). It's just the flu," one demonstrator who gave her first name as Miriam, 48, told AFP. Like many in the crowd, she was from the neighbouring Netherlands. "Belgium is having a hard time and I'm here for my children," she said. A half a dozen middle-aged men wore camouflage uniforms and berets but declined to speak to reporters. Online posts said supporters of a far-right Belgian soldier, Jurgen Conings, who has been on the run for two weeks after stealing weapons from an army base and leaving a letter threatening high-profile figures, were joining the protest. A woman was quoted by news agency AFP as calling this a war. "It's war they want -- look at them, look at us," she said referring to the armoured riot police. Belgium is loosening coronavirus restrictions that have been in place for the past seven months as the pace of Covid-19 vaccinations has accelerated and as the number of infections and hospitalisations are slowly falling. However the wearing of masks is still mandatory, including outdoors, and while outdoor areas of restaurants, cafes and bars are now open, there are limits on how many people can gather together. (With inputs from agencies)

Maskless protesters oppose Covid restrictions in Brussels

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Manas Joshi

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.