In a pair of decisions welcomed by Democrats, the Supreme Court on Wednesday let election officials in two key battleground states, Pennsylvania and North Carolina, accept absentee ballots for several days after Election Day.

In the Pennsylvania case, the court refused a plea from Republicans in the state that it decide before Election Day whether election officials can continue receiving absentee ballots for three days after Nov. 3.

In the North Carolina case, the court let stand lower court rulings that allowed the state’s board of elections to extend the deadline to nine days after Election Day, up from the three days called for by the state Legislature.

The court’s brief orders in the two cases were unsigned. The Pennsylvania order appeared to be unanimous, while the North Carolina one was issued over three noted dissents.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who joined the court on Tuesday, did not take part in either case. A court spokeswoman said Barrett had not participated "because of the need for a prompt resolution" and because "she has not had time to fully review the parties’ filings.”

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The Pennsylvania and North Carolina cases were the latest examples of the complications that COVID-19 has presented to officials preparing for next week’s election and facing a record-setting number of absentee and mail-in ballots cast by voters eager to avoid voting in person during a pandemic.

Democrats have consistently pushed for more lenient rules when it comes to mail-in ballots and how and when they are counted. Republicans have resisted such changes, with many of them arguing that the relaxed rules could open the process to abuse and fraud.

There were no noted dissents in the Pennsylvania case, though three justices said the court might return to it after Election Day. In the North Carolina case, the same three members of the court — Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch — said they would have granted requests from Republican lawmakers and the Trump campaign to block lower court rulings allowing the longer deadline.

The two cases involved broadly similar issues. In Pennsylvania, the question was whether the state’s Supreme Court could override voting rules set by the state legislature. In North Carolina, the question was whether state election officials had the power to alter such voting rules.

The Pennsylvania case left open the possibility of later action by the court.

“I reluctantly conclude that there is simply not enough time at this late date to decide the question before the election,” Alito wrote.

“Although the court denies the motion to expedite” the petition seeking review, he wrote, the petition “remains before us, and if it is granted, the case can then be decided under a shortened schedule.”

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The court’s refusal to move more quickly came a little more than a week after it deadlocked, 4-4, on an emergency application in the case. The Pennsylvania Republican Party had asked the justices to temporarily block a ruling from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that allowed election officials to count some mailed ballots received up to three days after Election Day.

The state court said the extra time was needed because of the coronavirus pandemic and delays in mail service.

State Republicans, apparently hoping that the arrival of Barrett would alter the judicial calculus, returned to the Supreme Court on Friday asking it to hear an ordinary appeal from the state court’s ruling, which is not unusual, but to compress a process that usually takes months into a few days, which certainly is.

In his statement, Alito criticized his court’s treatment of the case, which he said had “needlessly created conditions that could lead to serious postelection problems.”

“The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has issued a decree that squarely alters an important statutory provision enacted by the Pennsylvania legislature pursuant to its authority under the Constitution of the United States to make rules governing the conduct of elections for federal office,” he wrote.

That echoed a concurring opinion issued on Monday by Justice Brett Kavanaugh in a case from Wisconsin. Kavanaugh also said that state legislatures, rather than state courts, have the last word in setting state election procedures.

Writing on Wednesday, Alito said he regretted that the election would be “conducted under a cloud.”

“It would be highly desirable to issue a ruling on the constitutionality of the State Supreme Court’s decision before the election,” he wrote. “That question has national importance, and there is a strong likelihood that the State Supreme Court decision violates the federal Constitution.”

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“The provisions of the federal Constitution conferring on state legislatures, not state courts, the authority to make rules governing federal elections would be meaningless,” he wrote, “if a state court could override the rules adopted by the legislature simply by claiming that a state constitutional provision gave the courts the authority to make whatever rules it thought appropriate for the conduct of a fair election.”

Earlier Wednesday, Pennsylvania officials told the court that they had instructed county election officials to segregate ballots arriving after 8 p.m. on Election Day through 5 p.m. three days later. That could potentially allow a later ruling from the court to determine whether they were ultimately counted.

In its motion seeking expedited consideration of the case, lawyers for the Republican Party wrote that the court’s ordinary briefing schedules “would not allow the case to be considered and decided before the results of the general election must be finalized.”

The motion noted that four justices had already indicated where they stood when the court deadlocked on Oct. 19. Thomas, Alito, Gorsuch and Kavanaugh said they would have granted a stay blocking the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision. On the other side were Chief Justice John Roberts and the court’s three-member liberal wing: Justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan.

Neither side gave reasons, and the split suggested that Barrett could play a decisive role if the court eventually heard the case.

Responding to the motion seeking expedited treatment of the Republicans’ appeal, the Pennsylvania Democratic Party called the request “rash and unseemly.”

“Even on the extraordinarily hurried schedule” proposed by the Republicans, the response said, “a ruling from this court could not realistically issue until the eve of the election.”

“By then,” it added, “it will be too late for many Pennsylvania voters who have relied on the existing rules to adjust to any change in the rules that this court might impose.”

The state court ordered a three-day extension for ballots clearly mailed on or before Election Day and for those with missing or illegible postmarks “unless a preponderance of the evidence demonstrates that it was mailed after Election Day.”

The U.S. Supreme Court has not hesitated to block orders from federal judges that sought to alter state rules for conducting elections. Rulings from state courts present more difficult questions, because the Supreme Court generally defers to them in cases concerning interpretations of state law and the Constitution empowers state legislatures to set the times, places and manner of congressional elections.

In an earlier brief, Republicans argued that “the Constitution reserves a special role for state legislatures in federal elections,” one that cannot be overridden by state courts. The brief relied heavily on the Supreme Court’s decision in the cases culminating in Bush v. Gore, the 2000 ruling that handed the presidency to George W. Bush.

“By extending the deadline by judicial fiat and establishing a presumption of timeliness that will allow voters to cast or mail ballots after Election Day,” the brief said, “the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has impermissibly altered both the ‘time’ and ‘manner’ established by the General Assembly” for conducting elections.

In response, Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania’s attorney general, a Democrat, said a provision of the state constitution protecting “free and equal elections” allowed the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to extend the deadline.

The North Carolina case concerned a state law that allowed absentee ballots to be received up to three days after Election Day. But the state’s board of elections, drawing on its power to address natural disasters, had agreed to nine days as part of a settlement of a lawsuit in state court.

All five members of the board agreed to the settlement, including two Republicans who later resigned, saying they had been “gulled into providing their assent.”

Republican lawmakers, the Republican National Committee and the Trump campaign challenged the settlement in federal court, saying the board had exceeded its power. By a 12-3 vote, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against them. All three of President Donald Trump’s appointees to the court voted with the majority.

“All ballots must still be mailed on or before Election Day,” Judge James A. Wynn Jr. wrote. “The change is simply an extension from three to nine days after Election Day for a timely ballot to be received and counted. That is all.”

In dissent, Judges J. Harvie Wilkinson and G. Steven Agee, joined by Judge Paul V. Niemeyer, said the majority’s ruling had endorsed a pernicious trend.

“It takes no special genius to know what this insidious formula is producing,” they wrote. “Our country is now plagued by a proliferation of pre-election litigation that creates confusion and turmoil and that threatens to undermine public confidence in the federal courts, state agencies and the elections themselves.”

In the Supreme Court, the Trump campaign urged the justices to intercede.

“This case involves an extraordinary attempt by an unelected state board of elections to rewrite the unambiguous terms of a statute enacted in June by a bipartisan state legislature to set time, place, and manner requirements for absentee voting in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the brief said.

The board responded that it had the statutory authority to act. A state law gave it emergency powers to be used when elections are disrupted by natural disasters.

“In the past three years alone, the board has twice extended the absentee-ballot receipt deadline after hurricanes hit the state’s coast,” its brief said. “No one challenged those extensions.”

Thomas said he would have granted the stay sought by the Republicans, but he gave no reasons.

Gorsuch, joined by Alito, criticized “the board’s constitutional overreach.”

Its actions, Gorsuch wrote, “do damage to faith in the written Constitution as law, to the power of the people to oversee their own government, and to the authority of legislatures.”

“Such last-minute changes by largely unaccountable bodies, too,” he wrote, “invite confusion, risk altering election outcomes, and in the process threaten voter confidence in the results.”

In a pair of decisions welcomed by Democrats, the Supreme Court on Wednesday let election officials in two key battleground states, Pennsylvania and North Carolina, accept absentee ballots for several days after Election Day.

In a pair of decisions welcomed by Democrats, the Supreme Court on Wednesday let election officials in two key battleground states, Pennsylvania and North Carolina, accept absentee ballots for several days after Election Day. In the Pennsylvania case, the court refused a plea from Republicans in the state that it decide before Election Day whether election officials can continue receiving absentee ballots for three days after Nov. 3. In the North Carolina case, the court let stand lower court rulings that allowed the state’s board of elections to extend the deadline to nine days after Election Day, up from the three days called for by the state Legislature. The court’s brief orders in the two cases were unsigned. The Pennsylvania order appeared to be unanimous, while the North Carolina one was issued over three noted dissents. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who joined the court on Tuesday, did not take part in either case. A court spokeswoman said Barrett had not participated "because of the need for a prompt resolution" and because "she has not had time to fully review the parties’ filings.” Also Read | US election 2020 the most expensive in American history: Study The Pennsylvania and North Carolina cases were the latest examples of the complications that COVID-19 has presented to officials preparing for next week’s election and facing a record-setting number of absentee and mail-in ballots cast by voters eager to avoid voting in person during a pandemic. Democrats have consistently pushed for more lenient rules when it comes to mail-in ballots and how and when they are counted. Republicans have resisted such changes, with many of them arguing that the relaxed rules could open the process to abuse and fraud. There were no noted dissents in the Pennsylvania case, though three justices said the court might return to it after Election Day. In the North Carolina case, the same three members of the court — Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch — said they would have granted requests from Republican lawmakers and the Trump campaign to block lower court rulings allowing the longer deadline. The two cases involved broadly similar issues. In Pennsylvania, the question was whether the state’s Supreme Court could override voting rules set by the state legislature. In North Carolina, the question was whether state election officials had the power to alter such voting rules. The Pennsylvania case left open the possibility of later action by the court. “I reluctantly conclude that there is simply not enough time at this late date to decide the question before the election,” Alito wrote. “Although the court denies the motion to expedite” the petition seeking review, he wrote, the petition “remains before us, and if it is granted, the case can then be decided under a shortened schedule.” Also Read | Joe Biden leading in US Election 2020 against Donald Trump: Survey The court’s refusal to move more quickly came a little more than a week after it deadlocked, 4-4, on an emergency application in the case. The Pennsylvania Republican Party had asked the justices to temporarily block a ruling from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that allowed election officials to count some mailed ballots received up to three days after Election Day. The state court said the extra time was needed because of the coronavirus pandemic and delays in mail service. State Republicans, apparently hoping that the arrival of Barrett would alter the judicial calculus, returned to the Supreme Court on Friday asking it to hear an ordinary appeal from the state court’s ruling, which is not unusual, but to compress a process that usually takes months into a few days, which certainly is. In his statement, Alito criticized his court’s treatment of the case, which he said had “needlessly created conditions that could lead to serious postelection problems.” “The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has issued a decree that squarely alters an important statutory provision enacted by the Pennsylvania legislature pursuant to its authority under the Constitution of the United States to make rules governing the conduct of elections for federal office,” he wrote. That echoed a concurring opinion issued on Monday by Justice Brett Kavanaugh in a case from Wisconsin. Kavanaugh also said that state legislatures, rather than state courts, have the last word in setting state election procedures. Writing on Wednesday, Alito said he regretted that the election would be “conducted under a cloud.” “It would be highly desirable to issue a ruling on the constitutionality of the State Supreme Court’s decision before the election,” he wrote. “That question has national importance, and there is a strong likelihood that the State Supreme Court decision violates the federal Constitution.” × “The provisions of the federal Constitution conferring on state legislatures, not state courts, the authority to make rules governing federal elections would be meaningless,” he wrote, “if a state court could override the rules adopted by the legislature simply by claiming that a state constitutional provision gave the courts the authority to make whatever rules it thought appropriate for the conduct of a fair election.” Earlier Wednesday, Pennsylvania officials told the court that they had instructed county election officials to segregate ballots arriving after 8 p.m. on Election Day through 5 p.m. three days later. That could potentially allow a later ruling from the court to determine whether they were ultimately counted. In its motion seeking expedited consideration of the case, lawyers for the Republican Party wrote that the court’s ordinary briefing schedules “would not allow the case to be considered and decided before the results of the general election must be finalized.” The motion noted that four justices had already indicated where they stood when the court deadlocked on Oct. 19. Thomas, Alito, Gorsuch and Kavanaugh said they would have granted a stay blocking the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision. On the other side were Chief Justice John Roberts and the court’s three-member liberal wing: Justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. Neither side gave reasons, and the split suggested that Barrett could play a decisive role if the court eventually heard the case. Responding to the motion seeking expedited treatment of the Republicans’ appeal, the Pennsylvania Democratic Party called the request “rash and unseemly.” “Even on the extraordinarily hurried schedule” proposed by the Republicans, the response said, “a ruling from this court could not realistically issue until the eve of the election.” “By then,” it added, “it will be too late for many Pennsylvania voters who have relied on the existing rules to adjust to any change in the rules that this court might impose.” The state court ordered a three-day extension for ballots clearly mailed on or before Election Day and for those with missing or illegible postmarks “unless a preponderance of the evidence demonstrates that it was mailed after Election Day.” The U.S. Supreme Court has not hesitated to block orders from federal judges that sought to alter state rules for conducting elections. Rulings from state courts present more difficult questions, because the Supreme Court generally defers to them in cases concerning interpretations of state law and the Constitution empowers state legislatures to set the times, places and manner of congressional elections. In an earlier brief, Republicans argued that “the Constitution reserves a special role for state legislatures in federal elections,” one that cannot be overridden by state courts. The brief relied heavily on the Supreme Court’s decision in the cases culminating in Bush v. Gore, the 2000 ruling that handed the presidency to George W. Bush. “By extending the deadline by judicial fiat and establishing a presumption of timeliness that will allow voters to cast or mail ballots after Election Day,” the brief said, “the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has impermissibly altered both the ‘time’ and ‘manner’ established by the General Assembly” for conducting elections. In response, Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania’s attorney general, a Democrat, said a provision of the state constitution protecting “free and equal elections” allowed the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to extend the deadline. The North Carolina case concerned a state law that allowed absentee ballots to be received up to three days after Election Day. But the state’s board of elections, drawing on its power to address natural disasters, had agreed to nine days as part of a settlement of a lawsuit in state court. All five members of the board agreed to the settlement, including two Republicans who later resigned, saying they had been “gulled into providing their assent.” Republican lawmakers, the Republican National Committee and the Trump campaign challenged the settlement in federal court, saying the board had exceeded its power. By a 12-3 vote, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against them. All three of President Donald Trump’s appointees to the court voted with the majority. “All ballots must still be mailed on or before Election Day,” Judge James A. Wynn Jr. wrote. “The change is simply an extension from three to nine days after Election Day for a timely ballot to be received and counted. That is all.” In dissent, Judges J. Harvie Wilkinson and G. Steven Agee, joined by Judge Paul V. Niemeyer, said the majority’s ruling had endorsed a pernicious trend. “It takes no special genius to know what this insidious formula is producing,” they wrote. “Our country is now plagued by a proliferation of pre-election litigation that creates confusion and turmoil and that threatens to undermine public confidence in the federal courts, state agencies and the elections themselves.” In the Supreme Court, the Trump campaign urged the justices to intercede. “This case involves an extraordinary attempt by an unelected state board of elections to rewrite the unambiguous terms of a statute enacted in June by a bipartisan state legislature to set time, place, and manner requirements for absentee voting in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the brief said. The board responded that it had the statutory authority to act. A state law gave it emergency powers to be used when elections are disrupted by natural disasters. “In the past three years alone, the board has twice extended the absentee-ballot receipt deadline after hurricanes hit the state’s coast,” its brief said. “No one challenged those extensions.” Thomas said he would have granted the stay sought by the Republicans, but he gave no reasons. Gorsuch, joined by Alito, criticized “the board’s constitutional overreach.” Its actions, Gorsuch wrote, “do damage to faith in the written Constitution as law, to the power of the people to oversee their own government, and to the authority of legislatures.” “Such last-minute changes by largely unaccountable bodies, too,” he wrote, “invite confusion, risk altering election outcomes, and in the process threaten voter confidence in the results.”

Supreme Court allows longer deadlines for absentee ballots in Pennsylvania and North Carolina

For many, the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh has erupted suddenly. But the dispute is old. There are various geopolitical and ethnic reasons why the dispute has gone on for far too long. WION's Manas Joshi interviewed Achal Malhotra, IFS (Retd.), India's former ambassador to Armenia and Georgia about the conflict and its contours.

Malhotra has distilled his experience in the region in his new book 'The South Caucasus: Transition from subjugation to independence (Tracing India’s Footprints)' published by Indian Council of World Affairs. In his interaction with WION, he touched upon many aspects of the conflict currently unfolding in the Caucasus.

Manas Joshi: Tell us about your insights on this conflict. You say that this conflict has been decades in the making

Achal Malhotra: The Armenia –Azerbaijan armed conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh is almost three decades old. Its seeds were however sown almost one hundred years ago. In July 1921, during the incorporation of the South Caucasus region into then evolving USSR, a Christian Armenian majority autonomous enclave was created on the territory of a Muslim majority Azerbaijan.

It was a flawed decision by any standards as logically Nagorno-Karabakh should have been a part of the neighbouring Armenia with which it shares ethnic, religious and linguistic links. Several petitions from Nagorno-Karabakh to central authorities in Moscow during the next seventy years for its merger with Armenia were rejected.

Nagorno-Karabakh’s decision to declare its independence in September 1991 in the backdrop of imminent disintegration of USSR &nbsp;and emergence of its constituent Republics as independent States resulted in a war between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh in which the latter was supported whole-heartedly by Armenia.

By the time a ceasefire was brokered by Russia in 1994, the Armenians had established control not only over Nagorno-Karabakh but also surrounding seven districts of Azerbaijan. Since then the USA, Russia and France as co-chairs of the Minsk Group of the OSCE have engaged both Armenia and Azerbaijan extensively to resolve the conflict, albeit without success. Russia also has been mediating in a parallel triangular format.

Manas Joshi: During your years as Ambassador of India to Armenia and Georgia, what was the situation? Was the tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan palpable even then?

Achal Malhotra: The Nagorno-Karabakh issue has remained etched in the hearts and minds of the leaders as well as people in Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan for several decades. It evokes strong nationalist fervour on both sides of the divide. The young generations of Armenians and Azeris have been fed on hatred for each other.

There have been several incidents of ceasefire since 1994, some of which were extremely serious for example the Four Days War of April 2016. The international interlocutors, however, managed to control the flare-up and to resume the dialogue process. The flare-up this time on 27th September is however unprecedented in terms of scope and scale, and the three ceasefire agreements brokered by Russia and USA could not hold for more than a few minutes&nbsp;

Manas Joshi: What makes the eruption of conflict this time different from the previous occasions?&nbsp;

Achal Malhotra: In my opinion, there are two reasons: First is the role of Turkey and to some extent also Pakistan. Both these countries have extremely poor relations with Armenia and have all along extended moral support to Azerbaijan; this time Turkey has assured all possible active support and so has done Pakistan. Turkey is also seeking to be associated with the dialogue process as one of the co-Chairs of Minsk Group.

Turkey’s actions fit into its ambitions to acquire the leadership of world Islamic community. The second important factor is that Azerbaijan appears to be fed up with the dialogue process while its seven districts, besides Nagorno-Karabakh, remain under the control of Armenians since 1994.

Emboldened by the assurance from Turkey and Pakistan, Azerbaijan now appears to be determined to retrieve as many lost territories as possible in this round of conflict.

Manas Joshi: Given the area's proximity to Middle East/ West Asia, do you think this is going to be another long drawn conflict with proxy elements involved?

Achal Malhotra: The conflict so far has remained more or less local in nature. Turkey’s entry and alleged participation of mercenaries on the side of Azerbaijan has however imparted new dimensions. Neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan can sustain the war for too long unless there is tacit or explicit material support from outside. If this happens the conflict will then become a proxy war between Russia and Turkey.

If the war zone is extended beyond Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding territories of Azerbaijan and spills over to Republic of Armenia, Russia, as well as CSTO, will be obliged to intervene under treaty obligations. Turkey’s membership of NATO can further complicate the matters.

Manas Joshi: Do you think this is headed to a stalemate like Syria?

Achal Malhotra: I hope NOT. The USA, Russia and Europe are interested in the stability of the region: each for its own vested interests. Russia treats the region as its backyard as post-Soviet space of its natural influence. The USA and Europe have made huge investments in the energy sector in Azerbaijan and Europe’s energy security depends to a certain extent on an uninterrupted supply of oil and natural gas from Azerbaijan.

Sooner or later they will put in all possible efforts to stop war and restore normalcy. Whether they succeed also in resolving the conflict is a million-dollar question.

Manas Joshi: What do you think will be an effective way to end the conflict?

Achal Malhotra: The first priority is to stop the war. For that NATO must put adequate pressure on Turkey. It must be ensured that no further arms and ammunition are supplied to either of the two countries. The next focus would be on the settlement of the dispute. In my assessment, the chances of an amicable final solution will remain remote unless the parties to the conflict give up their maximalist positions and agree on a compromise formula.

At this point of time, Nagorno-Karabakh, supported by Armenia, &nbsp;doesn’t want to settle down for anything less than full independence whereas Azerbaijan at best is willing to grant some autonomy to Nagorno-Karabakh within the territorial limits of Azerbaijan.

The conflict is thus between the principle of “right to self-determination” (as propounded by Nagorno-Karabakh and the principle) and &nbsp;“territorial integrity” (as invoked by Azerbaijan and supported by international community as no country has so far recognised the self-declared independence of Nagorno-Karabakh)&nbsp;

The real challenge is in devising a proposal which offers a win-win situation for the parties to the conflict. Armenia must agree to vacate the occupied territories. The international status of NK be determined in a manner that is acceptable to Armenians: it could be substantial autonomy, federal structure; some international guarantees will be needed to assure Nagorno-Karabakh that there will be no existential threat to this small landlocked entity with a population of just about 15,000.

The land Lachin Corridor created post-1992, linking Armenia with Nagorno-Karabakh should be allowed under international supervision.

Manas Joshi: The conflict is taking place far away from India, but does India have any stakes? Is there any threat to Indian equations?

Achal Malhotra: India’s equations with the three countries of the region –Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia -are more or less already determined. There is a palpable asymmetry in India‘s relations with these countries. India has an excellent political understanding with Armenia-the only country in the region with which India has a Friendship and Cooperation Treaty. India has received three Heads of State level visits from Armenia and twice a Vice President of India has visited Armenia.

In comparison, no high-level contacts have taken place between India and Azerbaijan and also Georgia. The levels of India’s trade or investment with Armenia have remained very low, though recently we sold them some equipment in defence sector. We do have some investments and interests in the energy sector of Azerbaijan, which is also an important link on the International North-South Transport Corridor.

On the key issue of Kashmir, Armenia’s support for India is unequivocal, whereas Azerbaijan not only supports but also promotes Pakistan’s narrative.&nbsp;

As a matter of policy and practice, India refrains from taking sides in matters of conflicts between the states. In the given case, India has every reason not to support Azerbaijan on the issue of its territorial integrity as Azerbaijan has shown scant regard for the territorial integrity of India violated by Pakistan.

At the same time India would not like to be seen openly endorsing Nagorno – Karabakh’s right to self-determination as it may have some implications within our own country. Under the circumstances, India has adopted a balanced and neutral stand reflected in the politically correct statement of 1st October 2020.

Manas Joshi: You've distilled your experience in your book 'The South Caucasus: Transition from subjugation to independence( Tracing India’s Footprints)' Tell us more about it.

Achal Malhotra: This is a publication of the Indian Council of World Affairs, published by Macmillan and released very recently on 23rd October. It covers the multiple transitions the region has undergone from subjugation under the medieval Persian, Ottoman and Russian Empires to subservience under the USSR and finally its evolution as independent region.

I have discussed at length the diverse political trajectories and foreign policy orientations adopted by the three countries. Also the objectives and motives of various regional and global players in seeking a foothold in the region have been identified in detail.

I have devoted considerable space to the simmering ethno-territorial disputes in the region and the reasons as to why it has not been possible to resolve them despite mediation by the international agencies and global players. And finally, I have traced India’s footprints in the region from ancient times through medieval periods and right up-to current modern times. 
&nbsp;

For many, the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh has erupted suddenly. But the dispute is old. There are various geopolitical and ethnic reasons why the dispute has gone on for far too long.

For many, the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh has erupted suddenly. But the dispute is old. There are various geopolitical and ethnic reasons why the dispute has gone on for far too long. WION's Manas Joshi interviewed Achal Malhotra, IFS (Retd.), India's former ambassador to Armenia and Georgia about the conflict and its contours. Malhotra has distilled his experience in the region in his new book 'The South Caucasus: Transition from subjugation to independence (Tracing India’s Footprints)' published by Indian Council of World Affairs. In his interaction with WION, he touched upon many aspects of the conflict currently unfolding in the Caucasus. Manas Joshi: Tell us about your insights on this conflict. You say that this conflict has been decades in the making Achal Malhotra: The Armenia –Azerbaijan armed conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh is almost three decades old. Its seeds were however sown almost one hundred years ago. In July 1921, during the incorporation of the South Caucasus region into then evolving USSR, a Christian Armenian majority autonomous enclave was created on the territory of a Muslim majority Azerbaijan. It was a flawed decision by any standards as logically Nagorno-Karabakh should have been a part of the neighbouring Armenia with which it shares ethnic, religious and linguistic links. Several petitions from Nagorno-Karabakh to central authorities in Moscow during the next seventy years for its merger with Armenia were rejected. Nagorno-Karabakh’s decision to declare its independence in September 1991 in the backdrop of imminent disintegration of USSR and emergence of its constituent Republics as independent States resulted in a war between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh in which the latter was supported whole-heartedly by Armenia. By the time a ceasefire was brokered by Russia in 1994, the Armenians had established control not only over Nagorno-Karabakh but also surrounding seven districts of Azerbaijan. Since then the USA, Russia and France as co-chairs of the Minsk Group of the OSCE have engaged both Armenia and Azerbaijan extensively to resolve the conflict, albeit without success. Russia also has been mediating in a parallel triangular format. Manas Joshi: During your years as Ambassador of India to Armenia and Georgia, what was the situation? Was the tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan palpable even then? Achal Malhotra: The Nagorno-Karabakh issue has remained etched in the hearts and minds of the leaders as well as people in Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan for several decades. It evokes strong nationalist fervour on both sides of the divide. The young generations of Armenians and Azeris have been fed on hatred for each other. There have been several incidents of ceasefire since 1994, some of which were extremely serious for example the Four Days War of April 2016. The international interlocutors, however, managed to control the flare-up and to resume the dialogue process. The flare-up this time on 27th September is however unprecedented in terms of scope and scale, and the three ceasefire agreements brokered by Russia and USA could not hold for more than a few minutes Manas Joshi: What makes the eruption of conflict this time different from the previous occasions? Achal Malhotra: In my opinion, there are two reasons: First is the role of Turkey and to some extent also Pakistan. Both these countries have extremely poor relations with Armenia and have all along extended moral support to Azerbaijan; this time Turkey has assured all possible active support and so has done Pakistan. Turkey is also seeking to be associated with the dialogue process as one of the co-Chairs of Minsk Group. Turkey’s actions fit into its ambitions to acquire the leadership of world Islamic community. The second important factor is that Azerbaijan appears to be fed up with the dialogue process while its seven districts, besides Nagorno-Karabakh, remain under the control of Armenians since 1994. Emboldened by the assurance from Turkey and Pakistan, Azerbaijan now appears to be determined to retrieve as many lost territories as possible in this round of conflict. Manas Joshi: Given the area's proximity to Middle East/ West Asia, do you think this is going to be another long drawn conflict with proxy elements involved? Achal Malhotra: The conflict so far has remained more or less local in nature. Turkey’s entry and alleged participation of mercenaries on the side of Azerbaijan has however imparted new dimensions. Neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan can sustain the war for too long unless there is tacit or explicit material support from outside. If this happens the conflict will then become a proxy war between Russia and Turkey. If the war zone is extended beyond Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding territories of Azerbaijan and spills over to Republic of Armenia, Russia, as well as CSTO, will be obliged to intervene under treaty obligations. Turkey’s membership of NATO can further complicate the matters. Manas Joshi: Do you think this is headed to a stalemate like Syria? Achal Malhotra: I hope NOT. The USA, Russia and Europe are interested in the stability of the region: each for its own vested interests. Russia treats the region as its backyard as post-Soviet space of its natural influence. The USA and Europe have made huge investments in the energy sector in Azerbaijan and Europe’s energy security depends to a certain extent on an uninterrupted supply of oil and natural gas from Azerbaijan. Sooner or later they will put in all possible efforts to stop war and restore normalcy. Whether they succeed also in resolving the conflict is a million-dollar question. Manas Joshi: What do you think will be an effective way to end the conflict? Achal Malhotra: The first priority is to stop the war. For that NATO must put adequate pressure on Turkey. It must be ensured that no further arms and ammunition are supplied to either of the two countries. The next focus would be on the settlement of the dispute. In my assessment, the chances of an amicable final solution will remain remote unless the parties to the conflict give up their maximalist positions and agree on a compromise formula. At this point of time, Nagorno-Karabakh, supported by Armenia, doesn’t want to settle down for anything less than full independence whereas Azerbaijan at best is willing to grant some autonomy to Nagorno-Karabakh within the territorial limits of Azerbaijan. The conflict is thus between the principle of “right to self-determination” (as propounded by Nagorno-Karabakh and the principle) and “territorial integrity” (as invoked by Azerbaijan and supported by international community as no country has so far recognised the self-declared independence of Nagorno-Karabakh) The real challenge is in devising a proposal which offers a win-win situation for the parties to the conflict. Armenia must agree to vacate the occupied territories. The international status of NK be determined in a manner that is acceptable to Armenians: it could be substantial autonomy, federal structure; some international guarantees will be needed to assure Nagorno-Karabakh that there will be no existential threat to this small landlocked entity with a population of just about 15,000. The land Lachin Corridor created post-1992, linking Armenia with Nagorno-Karabakh should be allowed under international supervision. Manas Joshi: The conflict is taking place far away from India, but does India have any stakes? Is there any threat to Indian equations? Achal Malhotra: India’s equations with the three countries of the region –Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia -are more or less already determined. There is a palpable asymmetry in India‘s relations with these countries. India has an excellent political understanding with Armenia-the only country in the region with which India has a Friendship and Cooperation Treaty. India has received three Heads of State level visits from Armenia and twice a Vice President of India has visited Armenia. In comparison, no high-level contacts have taken place between India and Azerbaijan and also Georgia. The levels of India’s trade or investment with Armenia have remained very low, though recently we sold them some equipment in defence sector. We do have some investments and interests in the energy sector of Azerbaijan, which is also an important link on the International North-South Transport Corridor. On the key issue of Kashmir, Armenia’s support for India is unequivocal, whereas Azerbaijan not only supports but also promotes Pakistan’s narrative. As a matter of policy and practice, India refrains from taking sides in matters of conflicts between the states. In the given case, India has every reason not to support Azerbaijan on the issue of its territorial integrity as Azerbaijan has shown scant regard for the territorial integrity of India violated by Pakistan. At the same time India would not like to be seen openly endorsing Nagorno – Karabakh’s right to self-determination as it may have some implications within our own country. Under the circumstances, India has adopted a balanced and neutral stand reflected in the politically correct statement of 1st October 2020. Manas Joshi: You've distilled your experience in your book 'The South Caucasus: Transition from subjugation to independence( Tracing India’s Footprints)' Tell us more about it. Achal Malhotra: This is a publication of the Indian Council of World Affairs, published by Macmillan and released very recently on 23rd October. It covers the multiple transitions the region has undergone from subjugation under the medieval Persian, Ottoman and Russian Empires to subservience under the USSR and finally its evolution as independent region. I have discussed at length the diverse political trajectories and foreign policy orientations adopted by the three countries. Also the objectives and motives of various regional and global players in seeking a foothold in the region have been identified in detail. I have devoted considerable space to the simmering ethno-territorial disputes in the region and the reasons as to why it has not been possible to resolve them despite mediation by the international agencies and global players. And finally, I have traced India’s footprints in the region from ancient times through medieval periods and right up-to current modern times.

I hope Nagorno-Karabakh conflict doesn't go the Syrian way, says ex-Indian Ambassador to Armenia

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France: Three killed as woman beheaded in knife attack at church in Nice The attack has left several injured, and three victims have succumbed to death...Read More Saudi man arrested in Jeddah after attacking French consulate guard This attack has come on the same day of knife attack in Nice that left three dead.

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Top 10 world news today: Another knife attack in France, Mahathir Mohamad Bizarre tweets, and more!

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad waded into the controversy surrounding France and the Muslim world and made a bizarre assertion saying that Muslims had the right to be angry and to "kill millions of French people". In an apparent reference to the colonial times, Mohamad justified this 'right' by mentioning ''massacres of the past".

On Thursday, Mahathir Mohamad posted a series of 13 tweets from his personal Twitter handle and aired his opinions on issues ranging from women's clothing in western countries, West's adherence to their 'own religion', gender equality among other things and lashed out at French President Emmanuel Macron for not being "civilised" and for being "primitive" for targetting Muslims and Islam.

He started the first tweet with words 'RESPECT OTHERS' but said that he did not approve killing of the French teacher by the Chechen youth.

Mohamad's tweets have come on the day when an attacker killed at least three&nbsp;people including a woman who he beheaded in the French city of Nice. The incident is being treated as a "terrorist" attack. The day also saw a Saudi man getting arrested in Jeddah after he attacked a guard of the French embassy in the city in Saudi Arabia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-knife-attack-live-update-government-raises-alert-to-attack-emergency-level-338782">Click here for latest updates on knife attack in France</a>

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12. Muslims have a right to be angry and to kill millions of French people for the massacres of the past.
— Dr Mahathir Mohamad (@chedetofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/chedetofficial/status/1321765587530338304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In his tweets, the former Malaysian PM has made no reference to Nice attack or the attack in Jeddah.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-man-arrested-in-jeddah-after-attacking-french-consulate-guard-338794">Saudi man arrested in Jeddah after attacking French consulate guard</a>

Beheading of Samuel Paty, the teacher who showed Prophet Mohammed cartoons in school has prompted Emmanuel Macron&nbsp; to promise a crackdown on Islamic extremism. But the move has inflamed tensions, with protests against France erupting in several Muslim countries, with some urging a boycott of French goods.

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Since Paty's killing, French officials have re-asserted the right to display the cartoons, and the images have been widely displayed at marches in solidarity with the killed teacher.

That has prompted anger in parts of the Muslim world, with some governments accusing Macron of pursuing an anti-Islam agenda.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad waded into the controversy surrounding France and the Muslim world and made a bizarre assertion saying that Muslims had the right to be angry and to "kill millions of French people".

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad waded into the controversy surrounding France and the Muslim world and made a bizarre assertion saying that Muslims had the right to be angry and to "kill millions of French people". In an apparent reference to the colonial times, Mohamad justified this 'right' by mentioning ''massacres of the past". On Thursday, Mahathir Mohamad posted a series of 13 tweets from his personal Twitter handle and aired his opinions on issues ranging from women's clothing in western countries, West's adherence to their 'own religion', gender equality among other things and lashed out at French President Emmanuel Macron for not being "civilised" and for being "primitive" for targetting Muslims and Islam. He started the first tweet with words 'RESPECT OTHERS' but said that he did not approve killing of the French teacher by the Chechen youth. Mohamad's tweets have come on the day when an attacker killed at least three people including a woman who he beheaded in the French city of Nice. The incident is being treated as a "terrorist" attack. The day also saw a Saudi man getting arrested in Jeddah after he attacked a guard of the French embassy in the city in Saudi Arabia. Click here for latest updates on knife attack in France 12. Muslims have a right to be angry and to kill millions of French people for the massacres of the past. — Dr Mahathir Mohamad (@chedetofficial) October 29, 2020 × In his tweets, the former Malaysian PM has made no reference to Nice attack or the attack in Jeddah. Also Read | Saudi man arrested in Jeddah after attacking French consulate guard Beheading of Samuel Paty, the teacher who showed Prophet Mohammed cartoons in school has prompted Emmanuel Macron to promise a crackdown on Islamic extremism. But the move has inflamed tensions, with protests against France erupting in several Muslim countries, with some urging a boycott of French goods. × Since Paty's killing, French officials have re-asserted the right to display the cartoons, and the images have been widely displayed at marches in solidarity with the killed teacher. That has prompted anger in parts of the Muslim world, with some governments accusing Macron of pursuing an anti-Islam agenda.

Muslims have right to be angry and kill millions of French people: Former Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad

In an attack that has come just hours after the knife attack in French city of Nice, a Saudi man attacked guard of French consulate in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia with a &nbsp;"sharp tool". The attacker has been arrested. French Embassy has said that the consulate was at the receiving end of an ""attack by knife which targeted a guard". The guard has been taken to hospital &nbsp;and his life was not in danger

"The French embassy strongly condemns this attack against a diplomatic outpost which nothing could justify," an embassy statement said.

This attack has come on the same day of knife attack in Nice that left three dead. The attacker in Nice beheaded a woman. This knife attack is being treated as a terrorist act. The attacker was heard shouting "Allahu Akbar"

Mayor Christian Estrosi said on Twitter the knife attack had happened in or near the city's Notre Dame church and that police had detained the attacker.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-knife-attack-french-prosecutors-say-terror-probe-opened-into-the-nice-attack-338763">France knife attack: French prosecutors say terror probe opened into the Nice attack</a>

France is still reeling from the beheading earlier this month of a school teacher by a man of Chechen origin. The attacker had said he wanted to punish the teacher for showing pupils cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad in a civics lesson.

Since Paty's killing, French officials have re-asserted the right to display the cartoons, and the images have been widely displayed at marches in solidarity with the killed teacher.

That has prompted anger in parts of the Muslim world, with some governments accusing Macron of pursuing an anti-Islam agenda.

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday condemned cartoons offending the Prophet Mohammad, but held back from echoing calls by other Muslim states for action against images being displayed in France of the Prophet.

(With Reuters inputs)

In an attack that has come just hours after the knife attack in French city of Nice, a Saudi man attacked guard of French consulate in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia with a "sharp tool".

In an attack that has come just hours after the knife attack in French city of Nice, a Saudi man attacked guard of French consulate in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia with a "sharp tool". The attacker has been arrested. French Embassy has said that the consulate was at the receiving end of an ""attack by knife which targeted a guard". The guard has been taken to hospital and his life was not in danger "The French embassy strongly condemns this attack against a diplomatic outpost which nothing could justify," an embassy statement said. This attack has come on the same day of knife attack in Nice that left three dead. The attacker in Nice beheaded a woman. This knife attack is being treated as a terrorist act. The attacker was heard shouting "Allahu Akbar" Mayor Christian Estrosi said on Twitter the knife attack had happened in or near the city's Notre Dame church and that police had detained the attacker. Also Read | France knife attack: French prosecutors say terror probe opened into the Nice attack France is still reeling from the beheading earlier this month of a school teacher by a man of Chechen origin. The attacker had said he wanted to punish the teacher for showing pupils cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad in a civics lesson. Since Paty's killing, French officials have re-asserted the right to display the cartoons, and the images have been widely displayed at marches in solidarity with the killed teacher. That has prompted anger in parts of the Muslim world, with some governments accusing Macron of pursuing an anti-Islam agenda. Saudi Arabia on Tuesday condemned cartoons offending the Prophet Mohammad, but held back from echoing calls by other Muslim states for action against images being displayed in France of the Prophet. (With Reuters inputs)

Saudi man arrested in Jeddah after attacking French consulate guard

Pankaj Tripathi is an actor who isn't always on everyone's mind. But you suddenly realise how much you missed him when he comes out with another of his masterful performance. His role of Akhandanand Tripathi aka Kaleen Bhaiya is being hailed by viewers as one of the greatest villains, at par with legendary performances like Mogambo and Shakaal. As the second season of the web series 'Mirzapur' hit Amazon Prime Video,&nbsp;fans went&nbsp;going gaga over it.&nbsp;

Pankaj Tripathi, on Wednesday, had an exclusive interaction with DNA.

Though his performance and the web series is being hailed by viewers and critics alike, Mirzapur has been a topic of hot debate.&nbsp;

Apart from the reel world of the web series, there is a real city named Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh and MP of Mirzapur was not happy the way reel Mirzapur has been depicted. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/mirzapur-2-review-pankaj-tripathi-ali-fazal-shweta-tripathi-are-back-with-all-guns-blazing-337268">Read WION's review of 'Mirzapur 2' here.</a>

Anupriya Patel, MP of Mirzapur demanded action against the web series recently. In her tweet, she expressed her displeasure over the depiction of violence in the series and said that the web series was showing real Mirzapur in a bad light.

"...Mirzapur is progressing. It is a centre of inclusion...' read part of her Hindi tweet as she complained that the web series was promoting communal rivalry. She had tagged PM Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath demanding action and inquiry against the web series.

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मिर्ज़ापुर ज़िले की सांसद होने के नाते मेरी माँग है कि इसकी जाँच होनी चाहिए और इसके विरुद्ध कार्यवाही होनी चाहिए <a href="https://twitter.com/PrakashJavdekar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrakashJavdekar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@myogiadityanath</a> 
2/2
— Anupriya Patel (@AnupriyaSPatel) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnupriyaSPatel/status/1319905093311852544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interview-ali-fazal-on-mirzapur-2-hollywood-films-and-fanboy-moments-as-he-meets-the-worlds-biggest-stars-337327" hreflang="en">Ali Fazal to WION on 'Mirzapur 2', Hollywood films and fanboy moments</a>

Reacting to Patel's demand, Pankaj Tripathi said,"There is a disclaimer that comes before every episode which reads that Mirzapur is a fictional story and does not have any relation to an individual and/or place. I am an actor and I wouldn't have much to say on this beyond what I have stated."&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/this-is-us-mirzapur-2-and-more-what-to-stream-this-october-331955">'This is Us', 'Mirzapur 2' and more: What to stream this October</a>

"Having said that, I would like to add that in 'Mirzapur' series, if there are criminals, there's also a hero by the name Ramakanth Pandit (Rajesh Tailang), who wants to do good for the city," he added.

Pankaj Tripathi is an actor who isn't always on everyone's mind. But you suddenly realise how much you missed him when he comes out with another of his masterful performance.

Pankaj Tripathi is an actor who isn't always on everyone's mind. But you suddenly realise how much you missed him when he comes out with another of his masterful performance. His role of Akhandanand Tripathi aka Kaleen Bhaiya is being hailed by viewers as one of the greatest villains, at par with legendary performances like Mogambo and Shakaal. As the second season of the web series 'Mirzapur' hit Amazon Prime Video, fans went going gaga over it. Pankaj Tripathi, on Wednesday, had an exclusive interaction with DNA. Though his performance and the web series is being hailed by viewers and critics alike, Mirzapur has been a topic of hot debate. Apart from the reel world of the web series, there is a real city named Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh and MP of Mirzapur was not happy the way reel Mirzapur has been depicted. Read WION's review of 'Mirzapur 2' here. Anupriya Patel, MP of Mirzapur demanded action against the web series recently. In her tweet, she expressed her displeasure over the depiction of violence in the series and said that the web series was showing real Mirzapur in a bad light. "...Mirzapur is progressing. It is a centre of inclusion...' read part of her Hindi tweet as she complained that the web series was promoting communal rivalry. She had tagged PM Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath demanding action and inquiry against the web series. मिर्ज़ापुर ज़िले की सांसद होने के नाते मेरी माँग है कि इसकी जाँच होनी चाहिए और इसके विरुद्ध कार्यवाही होनी चाहिए @PrakashJavdekar @narendramodi @myogiadityanath 2/2 — Anupriya Patel (@AnupriyaSPatel) October 24, 2020 × Ali Fazal to WION on 'Mirzapur 2', Hollywood films and fanboy moments Reacting to Patel's demand, Pankaj Tripathi said,"There is a disclaimer that comes before every episode which reads that Mirzapur is a fictional story and does not have any relation to an individual and/or place. I am an actor and I wouldn't have much to say on this beyond what I have stated." Also Read | 'This is Us', 'Mirzapur 2' and more: What to stream this October "Having said that, I would like to add that in 'Mirzapur' series, if there are criminals, there's also a hero by the name Ramakanth Pandit (Rajesh Tailang), who wants to do good for the city," he added.

Pankaj Tripathi reacts to Mirzapur MP's demand for action against web series

It's understandable to want to party or arrange a get together in times of the pandemic but it's another matter to go ahead with it. What can start as a cozy affair and chitchats may soon turn into something else altogether if any of the invitees are infected with coronavirus. A similar thing happened in Suffolk County in New York. A 16th birthday party turned into a 'superspreader' event as dozens of attendees contracted coronavirus.

The party took place on September 25 at plush Miller Place Inn on Long Island. It was attended by over 80 people and 37 were left infected with coronavirus. This is not all, more than 270 people had to be quarantined.

"We've never seen a super-spreader event like this before in Suffolk County," tweeted the area's county executive on Wednesday.

"People have to act responsibly so that we do not have another economic setback."

New York state has largely kept coronavirus under control in recent months after 33,000 residents died from the virus, mainly in the spring.

But in recent weeks, infections have multiplied in some areas, especially in neighbourhoods with large Orthodox Jewish populations.

Governor Andrew Cuomo closed non-essential businesses and capped places of worship at ten people in the so-called red zones.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio defended the measures on Thursday, citing tightened restrictions in Europe where cases are on the rise.

"If for a few weeks we're asking people to do something exceptional to help stop a problem from growing and stop it from spreading, I think that's fair," he said.

(With AFP inputs)

It's understandable to want to party or arrange a get together in times of the pandemic but it's another matter to go ahead with it. What can start as a cozy affair and chitchats may soon turn into something else altogether if any of the invitees are infected with coronavirus.

It's understandable to want to party or arrange a get together in times of the pandemic but it's another matter to go ahead with it. What can start as a cozy affair and chitchats may soon turn into something else altogether if any of the invitees are infected with coronavirus. A similar thing happened in Suffolk County in New York. A 16th birthday party turned into a 'superspreader' event as dozens of attendees contracted coronavirus. The party took place on September 25 at plush Miller Place Inn on Long Island. It was attended by over 80 people and 37 were left infected with coronavirus. This is not all, more than 270 people had to be quarantined. "We've never seen a super-spreader event like this before in Suffolk County," tweeted the area's county executive on Wednesday. "People have to act responsibly so that we do not have another economic setback." New York state has largely kept coronavirus under control in recent months after 33,000 residents died from the virus, mainly in the spring. But in recent weeks, infections have multiplied in some areas, especially in neighbourhoods with large Orthodox Jewish populations. Governor Andrew Cuomo closed non-essential businesses and capped places of worship at ten people in the so-called red zones. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio defended the measures on Thursday, citing tightened restrictions in Europe where cases are on the rise. "If for a few weeks we're asking people to do something exceptional to help stop a problem from growing and stop it from spreading, I think that's fair," he said. (With AFP inputs)

New York: 'Sweet 16' party turns into a COVID-19 'superspreader' event

What all have you done when you were frustrated like it was the end of the world? banged your fist on the wall? Broken a coffee mug? For majority of us, things like these are the extent of expressing frustration. Then there are those who crave a higher high as mundane ways of protest doesn't really vent their frustration effectively. Person at the centre of this story is one such type.

The guy is a Youtuber, and he burnt his Mercedes worth more than USD 350,000 just out of frustration. He recorded the entire thing and posted it on his Youtube

According to Motor1.com , Mikhail Litvin is a Russian vlogger was having hard time with his Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S.

As per reports, the luxury car was not working properly and broke down constantly. Litvin had purchased the car from the official dealer. But it broke down constantly, Litvin took it to the dealer many times. It was repaired by him but only to break down again. Each time, the dealer kept the car for many days and could not provide a lasting solution.

Litvin was aghast and decided to do the unthinkable. He burnt his car and posted the video.

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&nbsp;

The video opens with Litvin driving the car into an open clearing. The car indeed looks marvellous. Litvin, himself clad in smart clothes, comes out of the car. Before we can predict whats's going to happen in the video, he takes out gasoline cans from the boot of the car and pours gasoline on it.

The car goes up in fire with Mikhael Litvin showing a nonchalant face.

The bizarre video has got more than 10,000,000 views.

I can't even afford to burn my bicycle like this," a viewer has commented. Another has opined that the ad revenue from so many views will let Litvin buy another Mercedes.

What all have you done when you were frustrated like it was the end of the world? banged your fist on the wall? Broken a coffee mug? For majority of us, things like these are the extent of expressing frustration.

What all have you done when you were frustrated like it was the end of the world? banged your fist on the wall? Broken a coffee mug? For majority of us, things like these are the extent of expressing frustration. Then there are those who crave a higher high as mundane ways of protest doesn't really vent their frustration effectively. Person at the centre of this story is one such type. The guy is a Youtuber, and he burnt his Mercedes worth more than USD 350,000 just out of frustration. He recorded the entire thing and posted it on his Youtube According to Motor1.com , Mikhail Litvin is a Russian vlogger was having hard time with his Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S. As per reports, the luxury car was not working properly and broke down constantly. Litvin had purchased the car from the official dealer. But it broke down constantly, Litvin took it to the dealer many times. It was repaired by him but only to break down again. Each time, the dealer kept the car for many days and could not provide a lasting solution. Litvin was aghast and decided to do the unthinkable. He burnt his car and posted the video. × The video opens with Litvin driving the car into an open clearing. The car indeed looks marvellous. Litvin, himself clad in smart clothes, comes out of the car. Before we can predict whats's going to happen in the video, he takes out gasoline cans from the boot of the car and pours gasoline on it. The car goes up in fire with Mikhael Litvin showing a nonchalant face. The bizarre video has got more than 10,000,000 views. I can't even afford to burn my bicycle like this," a viewer has commented. Another has opined that the ad revenue from so many views will let Litvin buy another Mercedes.

Viral Video: Youtuber gets frustrated, burns down his own Mercedes

A unique situation unfolded itself as Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg struggled to appear remotely for a US Senate hearing. Network or connection issues are generally faced by ordinary internet users but for Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of a tech giant and social media Czar to have difficulty connecting was a unique situation indeed. He was facing US Senate Commerce Committee. The hearing was on a key social media legal protection.

"We are unable to make contact with Mr. Mark Zuckerberg," Senator Roger Wicker, who chairs the committee, said agreeing to a five-minute delay after the chief executives of Twitter Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google had spoken.

Facebook told the committee that Zuckerberg was alone. He was able to get connected in a couple of minutes.

"I was able to hear the other opening statements. I was just having a hard time connecting myself," Zuckerberg said.

Wicker responded: "I know the feeling Mr. Zuckerberg."

(With Reuters inputs)

A unique situation unfolded itself as Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg struggled to appear remotely for a US Senate hearing. Network or connection issues are generally faced by ordinary internet users but for Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of a tech giant and social media Czar to have difficulty connecting was a unique situation indeed.

A unique situation unfolded itself as Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg struggled to appear remotely for a US Senate hearing. Network or connection issues are generally faced by ordinary internet users but for Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of a tech giant and social media Czar to have difficulty connecting was a unique situation indeed. He was facing US Senate Commerce Committee. The hearing was on a key social media legal protection. "We are unable to make contact with Mr. Mark Zuckerberg," Senator Roger Wicker, who chairs the committee, said agreeing to a five-minute delay after the chief executives of Twitter Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google had spoken. Facebook told the committee that Zuckerberg was alone. He was able to get connected in a couple of minutes. "I was able to hear the other opening statements. I was just having a hard time connecting myself," Zuckerberg said. Wicker responded: "I know the feeling Mr. Zuckerberg." (With Reuters inputs)

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg hit by 'bad connection', causes delay in US Senate hearing

United Nations said on Monday that more than 1280 Afghan civilians were killed in first six months of the year as fighting raged in Afghanistan in spite of a pact between the US and Taliban.&nbsp;

United Nations said on Monday that more than 1280 Afghan civilians were killed in first six months of the year as fighting raged in Afghanistan in spite of a pact between the US and Taliban. A) said in a report.

“The reality remains that Afghanistan continues to be one of the deadliest conflicts in the world for civilians,” it said in the mid-year report.

In spite of a drop of 13 per cent in casualties from the corresponding period of the last year, the UN said that Taliban continued to cause majority of civilian casualties. The Taliban were responsible for 43 per cent of civilian casualties and government forces caused 23 per cent.

In February, the United States and the Taliban signed an agreement in Doha, laying out plans for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan in exchange for security guarantees from the militants.

However, fighting has spiked in recent weeks, prompted by differences over an exchange of prisoners between the Taliban and Afghan government, as Kabul proved reluctant to free hundreds of jailed militants.

The Doha deal provided for the government to release 5,000 Taliban prisoners in exchange for hundreds of Afghan troops, the main plank in starting peace negotiations between the two sides in the effort to end the 18-year-old war.

While the Afghan government has released more than 4,000 Taliban prisoners, it has refused to release another 600, saying they were involved in murder, illicit drug trafficking and major attacks.

United Nations said on Monday that more than 1280 Afghan civilians were killed in first six months of the year as fighting raged in Afghanistan in spite of a pact between the US and Taliban.

United Nations said on Monday that more than 1280 Afghan civilians were killed in first six months of the year as fighting raged in Afghanistan in spite of a pact between the US and Taliban. United Nations said on Monday that more than 1280 Afghan civilians were killed in first six months of the year as fighting raged in Afghanistan in spite of a pact between the US and Taliban. A) said in a report. “The reality remains that Afghanistan continues to be one of the deadliest conflicts in the world for civilians,” it said in the mid-year report. In spite of a drop of 13 per cent in casualties from the corresponding period of the last year, the UN said that Taliban continued to cause majority of civilian casualties. The Taliban were responsible for 43 per cent of civilian casualties and government forces caused 23 per cent. In February, the United States and the Taliban signed an agreement in Doha, laying out plans for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan in exchange for security guarantees from the militants. However, fighting has spiked in recent weeks, prompted by differences over an exchange of prisoners between the Taliban and Afghan government, as Kabul proved reluctant to free hundreds of jailed militants. The Doha deal provided for the government to release 5,000 Taliban prisoners in exchange for hundreds of Afghan troops, the main plank in starting peace negotiations between the two sides in the effort to end the 18-year-old war. While the Afghan government has released more than 4,000 Taliban prisoners, it has refused to release another 600, saying they were involved in murder, illicit drug trafficking and major attacks.

Nearly 3500 Afghans killed or hurt in first half of 2020: UN

Scientists have discovered that 'Fireball' meteorite that fell to Earth in January 2018 has a rich inventory of extraterrestrial organic compounds, that is, compounds that formed in outer space. The meteorite is 12 million-year-old and was collected soon after it fell on Earth in 2018. Scientists were able to obtain a piece of the fallen meteorite relatively quickly before it got contaminated by conditions prevalent on the Earth.

The meteorite lit up the sky as it fell on Earth on January 16, 2018. What helped in its quick discovery was weather radar. Usually weather radar is used for weather-related predictions and observations. But the size-range of the meteorite made it detectable by weather radar.

A piece of the meteorite was found by the scientists on a frozen lake in Michigan. The rock was found to be in a 'pristine' condition.

Early detection and collection of extraterrestrial objects is essential for accurate analysis of their contents and chemical composition. The pieces of meteorite on Earth start get affected due to Oxygen, water and other elements and agents on the Earth's surface. Researchers were able to scoop the piece of the meteorite two days after it had fallen to Earth. The chemical composition was found to be largely unaltered. The findings have been published in Meteoritics &amp; Planetary Science journal.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/strange-cluster-of-lights-spotted-in-hawaii-skies-over-the-weekend-what-is-it-338295">Strange cluster of lights spotted in Hawaii skies over the weekend. What is it?</a> 
 
Philipp Heck, professor at University of Chicago and lead author of the study said that the meteorite was found to have rich inventory of extraterrestrial compounds. He was quoted by CNN.

As per one theory of origin of life on Earth, basic building blocks for life were delivered to Earth by meteorites. Earth has been battered by countless meteorites even before it had life. It is believed by school of scientists that meteorites were responsible for initiation of life on Earth.

Scientists have discovered that 'Fireball' meteorite that fell to Earth in January 2018 has a rich inventory of extraterrestrial organic compounds, that is, compounds that formed in outer space.

Scientists have discovered that 'Fireball' meteorite that fell to Earth in January 2018 has a rich inventory of extraterrestrial organic compounds, that is, compounds that formed in outer space. The meteorite is 12 million-year-old and was collected soon after it fell on Earth in 2018. Scientists were able to obtain a piece of the fallen meteorite relatively quickly before it got contaminated by conditions prevalent on the Earth. The meteorite lit up the sky as it fell on Earth on January 16, 2018. What helped in its quick discovery was weather radar. Usually weather radar is used for weather-related predictions and observations. But the size-range of the meteorite made it detectable by weather radar. A piece of the meteorite was found by the scientists on a frozen lake in Michigan. The rock was found to be in a 'pristine' condition. Early detection and collection of extraterrestrial objects is essential for accurate analysis of their contents and chemical composition. The pieces of meteorite on Earth start get affected due to Oxygen, water and other elements and agents on the Earth's surface. Researchers were able to scoop the piece of the meteorite two days after it had fallen to Earth. The chemical composition was found to be largely unaltered. The findings have been published in Meteoritics & Planetary Science journal. Also Read | Strange cluster of lights spotted in Hawaii skies over the weekend. What is it? Philipp Heck, professor at University of Chicago and lead author of the study said that the meteorite was found to have rich inventory of extraterrestrial compounds. He was quoted by CNN. As per one theory of origin of life on Earth, basic building blocks for life were delivered to Earth by meteorites. Earth has been battered by countless meteorites even before it had life. It is believed by school of scientists that meteorites were responsible for initiation of life on Earth.

'Fireball' meteorite in Michigan found to have extraterrestrial compounds

The pandemic is ongoing and many of us are still working from home. Work from home may suit some people but for others, it's a sure shot way to boredom. These people want to come out of their houses at any cost and current situation does not let them. But how about we tell you about an option where you can laze around on a beach of a tropical paradise and 'work from home' from there.

The latest offer from Cayman Islands might let you do just that. Cayman Islands have not yet opened for travel, so this may be your only way to get there. Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory and have successfully contained the spread of coronavirus as compared to other nations.

Cayman Islands launched Global Citizen Concierge Program on October 21 and is inviting people to ride out the remnant of coronavirus pandemic on the three picturesque islands. People from around the world can apply for a Global Citizen Certificate and if it is granted, the holder can travel in and out of the Cayman Islands provided they spend 90 days in the territory per year.

Sounds good? Well it sure is!

But like every other good thing, this too comes at a price. The condition to be eligible for this program is that you have to be earning a minimum annual salary of USD 100,000

During the application process, the applicant will have to furnish proof of his earnings. If you want to go to Cayman Islands with your partner, your combined income should be USD 1,50,000 annually. The limit goes up to USD 180,000 for individuals or couples with dependent children.

If this option is too costly for you, you can check out other (relatively) cheaper options.

Under 'remotely from Georgia' program, you can work remotely in Georgia if you earn at least USD 2000 a month. Want to go to Estonia and work remotely? You can do so if you earn USD 4141 annually. In a mood to go to Dubai? Provide income proof of at least USD 5000 per month and you are set.&nbsp;

The pandemic is ongoing and many of us are still working from home. Work from home may suit some people but for others, it's a sure shot way to boredom. These people want to come out of their houses at any cost and current situation does not let them.

The pandemic is ongoing and many of us are still working from home. Work from home may suit some people but for others, it's a sure shot way to boredom. These people want to come out of their houses at any cost and current situation does not let them. But how about we tell you about an option where you can laze around on a beach of a tropical paradise and 'work from home' from there. The latest offer from Cayman Islands might let you do just that. Cayman Islands have not yet opened for travel, so this may be your only way to get there. Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory and have successfully contained the spread of coronavirus as compared to other nations. Cayman Islands launched Global Citizen Concierge Program on October 21 and is inviting people to ride out the remnant of coronavirus pandemic on the three picturesque islands. People from around the world can apply for a Global Citizen Certificate and if it is granted, the holder can travel in and out of the Cayman Islands provided they spend 90 days in the territory per year. Sounds good? Well it sure is! But like every other good thing, this too comes at a price. The condition to be eligible for this program is that you have to be earning a minimum annual salary of USD 100,000 During the application process, the applicant will have to furnish proof of his earnings. If you want to go to Cayman Islands with your partner, your combined income should be USD 1,50,000 annually. The limit goes up to USD 180,000 for individuals or couples with dependent children. If this option is too costly for you, you can check out other (relatively) cheaper options. Under 'remotely from Georgia' program, you can work remotely in Georgia if you earn at least USD 2000 a month. Want to go to Estonia and work remotely? You can do so if you earn USD 4141 annually. In a mood to go to Dubai? Provide income proof of at least USD 5000 per month and you are set.

Want to 'work-from-home' from Cayman Islands? Here's what you need to do

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Manas Joshi

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