Tens of thousands of people gathered to mourn the controversial leader of Bangladesh's largest Islamist group as his funeral was held on Saturday in a rural southeastern town, police said.

Allama Shah Ahmad Shafi, who had led the hardline Hefazat-e-Islam group since it was formed in 2010, died of age-related complications on Friday in the capital Dhaka. He was believed to be over 100 years old.

His death came just a day after an unprecedented revolt involving thousands of students at his highly influential madrasa, or Islamic school, forced him to resign after three decades as its chair.

Shafi made his mark in national politics when he marched tens of thousands of his followers into central Dhaka in May 2013, demanding harsh blasphemy laws and the execution of atheist bloggers.

That rally ended bloodily when police evicted his followers from the capital's main commercial centre. Around 50 people were killed in clashes with security forces -- most of them shot dead -- in some of the worst political violence the country had ever seen.

Around half a dozen bloggers and secular activists were later hacked to death by Islamist extremists. 
On Saturday, after Shafi's body was brought back to his school in Hathazari outside the port city of Chittagong, vast crowds of his followers rushed to the town to pay their respects.

Local TV stations aired live footage of people, mostly men in religious dress, packing roads and spaces in and around the school.

"Some 150,000 people have already gathered here on the madrasa ground, in the buildings and out on the roads to his funeral prayers," regional police chief Anwar Hossain told AFP. Shafi's supporters said the turnout was far higher.

Madrasa revolt&nbsp;

As supreme leader of Hefazat-e-Islam, Shafi oversaw its growth into the South Asian country's biggest Islamic fundamentalist group with millions of supporters.

Bangladesh is 90 percent Muslim and Shafi drew on support from seminaries at the tens of thousands of Islamic schools in the conservative nation of 168 million people.

His followers saw him as a key defender of the faith, but to his critics he was known as the "Tamarind Cleric", who wanted to roll back the secular character of modern Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina praised Shafi's contribution to the expansion of Islamic education in the country in a statement.

Shafi's unceremonious resignation as head of the madrasa -- which is considered the heart of conservative Islam in Bangladesh -- took place on Thursday night after a two-day long demonstration at the school.

Up to 3,000 madrasa students took part in the revolt, a police spokesman told AFP, which was triggered by the sacking of three madrasa teachers, allegedly orchestrated by Shafi's powerful son Anas Madani.

The students also forced Madani's sacking from the school.

In recent years, relations have improved between Hefazat-e-Islam and the secular government, which agreed to the group's demands for recognition of madrasa degrees and allowing students from all madrasas to compete for government jobs. 
&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of people gathered to mourn the controversial leader of Bangladesh's largest Islamist group as his funeral was held on Saturday in a rural southeastern town, police said.

Tens of thousands of people gathered to mourn the controversial leader of Bangladesh's largest Islamist group as his funeral was held on Saturday in a rural southeastern town, police said. Allama Shah Ahmad Shafi, who had led the hardline Hefazat-e-Islam group since it was formed in 2010, died of age-related complications on Friday in the capital Dhaka. He was believed to be over 100 years old. His death came just a day after an unprecedented revolt involving thousands of students at his highly influential madrasa, or Islamic school, forced him to resign after three decades as its chair. Shafi made his mark in national politics when he marched tens of thousands of his followers into central Dhaka in May 2013, demanding harsh blasphemy laws and the execution of atheist bloggers. That rally ended bloodily when police evicted his followers from the capital's main commercial centre. Around 50 people were killed in clashes with security forces -- most of them shot dead -- in some of the worst political violence the country had ever seen. Around half a dozen bloggers and secular activists were later hacked to death by Islamist extremists. On Saturday, after Shafi's body was brought back to his school in Hathazari outside the port city of Chittagong, vast crowds of his followers rushed to the town to pay their respects. Local TV stations aired live footage of people, mostly men in religious dress, packing roads and spaces in and around the school. "Some 150,000 people have already gathered here on the madrasa ground, in the buildings and out on the roads to his funeral prayers," regional police chief Anwar Hossain told AFP. Shafi's supporters said the turnout was far higher. Madrasa revolt As supreme leader of Hefazat-e-Islam, Shafi oversaw its growth into the South Asian country's biggest Islamic fundamentalist group with millions of supporters. Bangladesh is 90 percent Muslim and Shafi drew on support from seminaries at the tens of thousands of Islamic schools in the conservative nation of 168 million people. His followers saw him as a key defender of the faith, but to his critics he was known as the "Tamarind Cleric", who wanted to roll back the secular character of modern Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina praised Shafi's contribution to the expansion of Islamic education in the country in a statement. Shafi's unceremonious resignation as head of the madrasa -- which is considered the heart of conservative Islam in Bangladesh -- took place on Thursday night after a two-day long demonstration at the school. Up to 3,000 madrasa students took part in the revolt, a police spokesman told AFP, which was triggered by the sacking of three madrasa teachers, allegedly orchestrated by Shafi's powerful son Anas Madani. The students also forced Madani's sacking from the school. In recent years, relations have improved between Hefazat-e-Islam and the secular government, which agreed to the group's demands for recognition of madrasa degrees and allowing students from all madrasas to compete for government jobs.

Bangladesh: Tens of thousands attend Allama Shah Ahmad Shafi's funeral

Delhi Police on Saturday said arrested freelance journalist Rajeev Sharma was allegedly passing sensitive information about India's border strategy and Army deployment to Chinese intelligence.

At a press conference, Special Cell DCP Sanjeev Kumar Yadav said Sharma was writing on defence-related issues for some Indian media organisations, as well as China's Global Times.

He was allegedly contacted by Chinese Intelligence agents in 2016. Sharma was also in contact with some Chinese intelligence officer, the police officer claimed, adding the freelance journalist got "Rs 40 lakh in one-and-a-half years and he was getting $1,000 for each information".

Sharma was arrested September 14 based on inputs from central intelligence. Police have seized classified defence documents from him, the DCP said.

He said that a Chinese woman and her Nepalese associate have also been arrested for allegedly paying Sharma large amounts of money routed through shell companies.

Delhi Police on Saturday said arrested freelance journalist Rajeev Sharma was allegedly passing sensitive information about India's border strategy and Army deployment to Chinese intelligence.

Delhi Police on Saturday said arrested freelance journalist Rajeev Sharma was allegedly passing sensitive information about India's border strategy and Army deployment to Chinese intelligence. At a press conference, Special Cell DCP Sanjeev Kumar Yadav said Sharma was writing on defence-related issues for some Indian media organisations, as well as China's Global Times. He was allegedly contacted by Chinese Intelligence agents in 2016. Sharma was also in contact with some Chinese intelligence officer, the police officer claimed, adding the freelance journalist got "Rs 40 lakh in one-and-a-half years and he was getting $1,000 for each information". Sharma was arrested September 14 based on inputs from central intelligence. Police have seized classified defence documents from him, the DCP said. He said that a Chinese woman and her Nepalese associate have also been arrested for allegedly paying Sharma large amounts of money routed through shell companies.

Arrested scribe Rajeev Sharma was passing info on India's border strategy to Chinese: Delhi Police

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday ordered attaching of a property of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Irshad Ahmed Reshi, who was arrested by the agency in connection with an attack on a CRPF Group Centre in south Kashmir in 2017

The property, which is a house, is in the name of Irshad Reshi's father Nazir Ahmad Reshi in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The house along with 17 marlas of land, situated in Ratnipora village of Kakapora area in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, was attached as a property that represents proceeds of terrorism and that which has been used for furtherance of activities of the JeM terrorist organisation, an NIA spokesperson said in a statement.

The attaching of the property has been made in exercise of powers granted under Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.

The accused, Irshad Reshi, was an active Over Ground Worker (OGW) of the JeM militant group. He was also a close associate of slain militant and JeM commander Noor Mohammad Tantray alias Noor Trali.

The attack on the CRPF Group Centre at Lethpora in south Kashmir was executed under a conspiracy to avenge the death of Noor Trali, who was killed in an encounter with security forces in December 2017.

Irshad Reshi, who was arrested by the NIA in April 2019, was a key conspirator who provided logistic support like shelter and transport to the militants and conducted reconnaissance of the CRPF Group Centre before the attack.

Five CRPF personnel were killed when JeM terrorists carried out the attack on the CRPF Group Centre during the intervening night of December 30 and 31, 2017.

Three terrorists were killed retaliatory fire.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday ordered attaching of a property of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Irshad Ahmed Reshi, who was arrested by the agency in connection with an attack on a CRPF Group Centre in south Kashmir in 2017 The property, which is a house, is in the name of Irshad Reshi's father Nazir Ahmad Reshi in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday ordered attaching of a property of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Irshad Ahmed Reshi, who was arrested by the agency in connection with an attack on a CRPF Group Centre in south Kashmir in 2017 The property, which is a house, is in the name of Irshad Reshi's father Nazir Ahmad Reshi in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. The house along with 17 marlas of land, situated in Ratnipora village of Kakapora area in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, was attached as a property that represents proceeds of terrorism and that which has been used for furtherance of activities of the JeM terrorist organisation, an NIA spokesperson said in a statement. The attaching of the property has been made in exercise of powers granted under Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. The accused, Irshad Reshi, was an active Over Ground Worker (OGW) of the JeM militant group. He was also a close associate of slain militant and JeM commander Noor Mohammad Tantray alias Noor Trali. The attack on the CRPF Group Centre at Lethpora in south Kashmir was executed under a conspiracy to avenge the death of Noor Trali, who was killed in an encounter with security forces in December 2017. Irshad Reshi, who was arrested by the NIA in April 2019, was a key conspirator who provided logistic support like shelter and transport to the militants and conducted reconnaissance of the CRPF Group Centre before the attack. Five CRPF personnel were killed when JeM terrorists carried out the attack on the CRPF Group Centre during the intervening night of December 30 and 31, 2017. Three terrorists were killed retaliatory fire.

NIA orders attaching house belonging to arrested JeM terrorist

Lebanon army said that it found 1.3 tonnes of fireworks at Beirut port devasted by the huge blast that took place in August. The blast was blamed on large quantity of chemicals stored in poor condition.&nbsp;

Lebanese army released a statement on its website on Friday and said that 1320 kgs of fireworks were found in 120 boxes. Army engineers disposed of them.

Beirut Port was devastated in a huge blast on August 4. More than 2 thousand tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate went up in flames and caused a blast that killed at least 190 people and injured more than 6000 people. The Lebanese army said on September 3 that it found an additional 4 .35 tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate near the entrance to the port.

'No evidence' of Hezbollah storing Ammonium Nitrate in France

France's foreign ministry on Friday said there was no evidence to suggest the armed wing of Lebanon's Hezbollah was storing chemicals to make explosives in France after a senior U.S. official said the group had set up caches in Europe since 2012.

Speaking on Thursday, Nathan Sales, the U.S. State Department's coordinator for counterterrorism, accused the Iran-backed group of smuggling and storing chemicals, including ammonium nitrate, from Belgium to France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Switzerland.

"It stores these weapons in places so it can conduct major terrorist attacks whenever its masters in Tehran deem necessary," Sales said in a briefing without elaborating or providing evidence of the activities.

"To our knowledge, there is nothing tangible to confirm such an allegation in France today," foreign ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll told reporters in response to Sales' allegations.

(With Reuters inputs) 
&nbsp;

Lebanon army said that it found 1.3 tonnes of fireworks at Beirut port devasted by the huge blast that took place in August. The blast was blamed on large quantity of chemicals stored in poor condition.

Lebanon army said that it found 1.3 tonnes of fireworks at Beirut port devasted by the huge blast that took place in August. The blast was blamed on large quantity of chemicals stored in poor condition. Lebanese army released a statement on its website on Friday and said that 1320 kgs of fireworks were found in 120 boxes. Army engineers disposed of them. Beirut Port was devastated in a huge blast on August 4. More than 2 thousand tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate went up in flames and caused a blast that killed at least 190 people and injured more than 6000 people. The Lebanese army said on September 3 that it found an additional 4 .35 tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate near the entrance to the port. 'No evidence' of Hezbollah storing Ammonium Nitrate in France France's foreign ministry on Friday said there was no evidence to suggest the armed wing of Lebanon's Hezbollah was storing chemicals to make explosives in France after a senior U.S. official said the group had set up caches in Europe since 2012. Speaking on Thursday, Nathan Sales, the U.S. State Department's coordinator for counterterrorism, accused the Iran-backed group of smuggling and storing chemicals, including ammonium nitrate, from Belgium to France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. "It stores these weapons in places so it can conduct major terrorist attacks whenever its masters in Tehran deem necessary," Sales said in a briefing without elaborating or providing evidence of the activities. "To our knowledge, there is nothing tangible to confirm such an allegation in France today," foreign ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll told reporters in response to Sales' allegations. (With Reuters inputs)

Lebanon army finds 1.3 tonnes of fireworks at destroyed Beirut port

Two associates of militants were arrested in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir and incriminating material was seized from their possession, police said on Saturday.

The two were arrested from Awantipora and Khrew areas of the south Kashmir district, a police spokesman said, without disclosing their names.

He said incriminating material of outfits Hizb-ul-Mujahdeen and Al-Badr was seized from the possession of the militant associates.

Cases have been registered and investigations initiated, the spokesman said.

Two associates of militants were arrested in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir and incriminating material was seized from their possession, police said on Saturday.

Two associates of militants were arrested in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir and incriminating material was seized from their possession, police said on Saturday. The two were arrested from Awantipora and Khrew areas of the south Kashmir district, a police spokesman said, without disclosing their names. He said incriminating material of outfits Hizb-ul-Mujahdeen and Al-Badr was seized from the possession of the militant associates. Cases have been registered and investigations initiated, the spokesman said.

Two terrorist associates held in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama

Chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Saturday said that Iran will avenge the killing of General Qasem Soleimani. But Guards' chief Major General Hossein Salami maintained that the Guards would do it in an "honourable" retaliation

Soleimani, who headed the Guards elite Qods Force, was killed in an American airstrike near Baghdad airport in January. He was an influential person and key to Iran's defence apparatus that projected influence in the region beyond its borders.

A US media report, quoting unnamed officials, said Iran plans in retaliation to assassinate the American ambassador to South Africa, Lana Marks, before the presidential election in November.

US President Donald Trump threatened Iran this week with a "thousand times stronger" response in case of any attack on his country, following the report.

South Africa's state security agency said Friday it had found no evidence of such a plot against Marks. 
Guards' chief Major General Hossein Salami retorted to the US president.

ALSO Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-unsc-members-struggle-over-snapback-option-as-iran-sanctions-deadline-looms-328637">US, UNSC members struggle over 'snapback' option as Iran sanctions deadline looms</a>

"Mr. Trump, our revenge for the martyrdom of our great commander is certain, serious and real, but we are honourable and take revenge with fairness and justice," he said, quoted by the Guard's official website Sepahnews.

"You think we would strike at a woman ambassador to South Africa for the blood of our martyr brother? We will target those who were directly or indirectly involved in the martyrdom of this great man," he said.

"You should know, that we will target whoever was involved ... and this is a serious message."

Relations between Washington and Tehran have been tense ever since the Islamic revolution of 1979.

In days after Qasem Soleimani's killing, Iran had shot missiles at bases in Iraq housing US troops. However, Trump had refrained from any further military response.

(With AFP inputs) 
&nbsp;

Chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Saturday said that Iran will avenge the killing of General Qasem Soleimani. But Guards' chief Major General Hossein Salami maintained that the Guards would do it in an "honourable" retaliation Soleimani, who headed the Guards elite Qods Force, was killed in an American airstrike near Baghdad airport in January.

Chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Saturday said that Iran will avenge the killing of General Qasem Soleimani. But Guards' chief Major General Hossein Salami maintained that the Guards would do it in an "honourable" retaliation Soleimani, who headed the Guards elite Qods Force, was killed in an American airstrike near Baghdad airport in January. He was an influential person and key to Iran's defence apparatus that projected influence in the region beyond its borders. A US media report, quoting unnamed officials, said Iran plans in retaliation to assassinate the American ambassador to South Africa, Lana Marks, before the presidential election in November. US President Donald Trump threatened Iran this week with a "thousand times stronger" response in case of any attack on his country, following the report. South Africa's state security agency said Friday it had found no evidence of such a plot against Marks. Guards' chief Major General Hossein Salami retorted to the US president. ALSO Read | US, UNSC members struggle over 'snapback' option as Iran sanctions deadline looms "Mr. Trump, our revenge for the martyrdom of our great commander is certain, serious and real, but we are honourable and take revenge with fairness and justice," he said, quoted by the Guard's official website Sepahnews. "You think we would strike at a woman ambassador to South Africa for the blood of our martyr brother? We will target those who were directly or indirectly involved in the martyrdom of this great man," he said. "You should know, that we will target whoever was involved ... and this is a serious message." Relations between Washington and Tehran have been tense ever since the Islamic revolution of 1979. In days after Qasem Soleimani's killing, Iran had shot missiles at bases in Iraq housing US troops. However, Trump had refrained from any further military response. (With AFP inputs)

Iran's Revolutionary Guard vows 'honourable' revenge for Qasem Soleimani killing

Hundreds of Moroccan protesters expressed their displeasure&nbsp;against the peace deal that established ties between Israel and UAE, Bahrain. The protesters held demonstrations outside Moroccan Parliament in capital Rabat and even burnt a mock Israeli flag. They decried the "Arab normalisation" of ties with Israel.

Though UAE and Bahrain's peace deal (Abraham Accords) with Israel is believed to have been struck with Iran in mind, many in the Arab world have taken it to be a step against Palestinian interests.

Protesters in Morocco on Saturday criticised the "treacherous countries" and "their American and Zionist allies".

"We demand the criminalisation of any normalisation" with Israel, demonstrators shouted.

The step taken by UAE and Bahrain broke decades-long consensus among Arab countries that they would not establish relation with Israel until it had made peace with Palestinians.

Before the deals, the only Arab countries to establish relations with Israel were Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.

Interestingly, Morocco itself is widely believed to be the country next in line to normalise ties with Israel. Morocco is a strong US ally and already has trade and tourism relations with Israel. Morocco soldiers never fought on ground with Israel during the Arab-Isreali wars between 1948 and 1973. In fact, it is said that Moroccan intelligence aided Israel during 1967 war. 
&nbsp;

Hundreds of Moroccan protesters expressed their displeasure against the peace deal that established ties between Israel and UAE, Bahrain. The protesters held demonstrations outside Moroccan Parliament in capital Rabat and even burnt a mock Israeli flag.

Hundreds of Moroccan protesters expressed their displeasure against the peace deal that established ties between Israel and UAE, Bahrain. The protesters held demonstrations outside Moroccan Parliament in capital Rabat and even burnt a mock Israeli flag. They decried the "Arab normalisation" of ties with Israel. Though UAE and Bahrain's peace deal (Abraham Accords) with Israel is believed to have been struck with Iran in mind, many in the Arab world have taken it to be a step against Palestinian interests. Protesters in Morocco on Saturday criticised the "treacherous countries" and "their American and Zionist allies". "We demand the criminalisation of any normalisation" with Israel, demonstrators shouted. The step taken by UAE and Bahrain broke decades-long consensus among Arab countries that they would not establish relation with Israel until it had made peace with Palestinians. Before the deals, the only Arab countries to establish relations with Israel were Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. Interestingly, Morocco itself is widely believed to be the country next in line to normalise ties with Israel. Morocco is a strong US ally and already has trade and tourism relations with Israel. Morocco soldiers never fought on ground with Israel during the Arab-Isreali wars between 1948 and 1973. In fact, it is said that Moroccan intelligence aided Israel during 1967 war.

Protest in Morocco against UAE and Bahrain's peace deal with Israel

A former model has accused US President Donald Trump of groping and forcibly kissing her in 1997 -- the latest allegation made against the Republican incumbent just weeks before he seeks reelection.

Amy Dorris told Britain's The Guardian that Trump sexually assaulted her in his VIP suite at the US Open tennis tournament in New York -- claims he denied via his lawyers.

"He just shoved his tongue down my throat and I was pushing him off. And then that's when his grip became tighter and his hands were very gropey and all over my butt, my breasts, my back, everything," Dorris said in an interview.

"I was in his grip, and I couldn't get out of it," she added.

Trump has faced more than a dozen allegations of sexual misconduct, including a claim by prominent American columnist E. Jean Carroll that he raped her in a department store changing room in the mid-1990s.

But he brushed them aside in his run for the White House.

Shortly before the 2016 election, a tape recording emerged from 2005 in which he was heard boasting about how his fame allowed him to "grab" women by the genitals when he wanted.

Trump dismissed this as "locker room banter" but subsequently apologized.

Dorris was 24 at the time of the alleged incidents. Trump was 51 and married at the time to his second wife, Marla Maples.

The accuser provided The Guardian with several photos showing her in Trump's company, and multiple people corroborated her account, saying she told them at the time.

She says she told Trump to stop but "he didn't care." She added: "I felt violated, obviously."

Asked why she continued to be around Trump in subsequent days, Dorris responded: "That's what happens when something traumatic happens -- you freeze."

But Trump's attorneys told the newspaper that her version of events was unreliable and there would be other witnesses if she had been assaulted.

They suggested in comments to The Guardian that the allegation could be politically motivated, coming weeks before Trump faces Joe Biden in the November 3 election.

Dorris, now 48, said she decided to come forward to be a role model for her teenage twin daughters.&nbsp;

She first told The Guardian her story more than a year ago, but asked the newspaper not to publish it.

"I'm sick of him getting away with this," Dorris said. 
&nbsp;

A former model has accused US President Donald Trump of groping and forcibly kissing her in 1997 -- the latest allegation made against the Republican incumbent just weeks before he seeks reelection.

A former model has accused US President Donald Trump of groping and forcibly kissing her in 1997 -- the latest allegation made against the Republican incumbent just weeks before he seeks reelection. Amy Dorris told Britain's The Guardian that Trump sexually assaulted her in his VIP suite at the US Open tennis tournament in New York -- claims he denied via his lawyers. "He just shoved his tongue down my throat and I was pushing him off. And then that's when his grip became tighter and his hands were very gropey and all over my butt, my breasts, my back, everything," Dorris said in an interview. "I was in his grip, and I couldn't get out of it," she added. Trump has faced more than a dozen allegations of sexual misconduct, including a claim by prominent American columnist E. Jean Carroll that he raped her in a department store changing room in the mid-1990s. But he brushed them aside in his run for the White House. Shortly before the 2016 election, a tape recording emerged from 2005 in which he was heard boasting about how his fame allowed him to "grab" women by the genitals when he wanted. Trump dismissed this as "locker room banter" but subsequently apologized. Dorris was 24 at the time of the alleged incidents. Trump was 51 and married at the time to his second wife, Marla Maples. The accuser provided The Guardian with several photos showing her in Trump's company, and multiple people corroborated her account, saying she told them at the time. She says she told Trump to stop but "he didn't care." She added: "I felt violated, obviously." Asked why she continued to be around Trump in subsequent days, Dorris responded: "That's what happens when something traumatic happens -- you freeze." But Trump's attorneys told the newspaper that her version of events was unreliable and there would be other witnesses if she had been assaulted. They suggested in comments to The Guardian that the allegation could be politically motivated, coming weeks before Trump faces Joe Biden in the November 3 election. Dorris, now 48, said she decided to come forward to be a role model for her teenage twin daughters. She first told The Guardian her story more than a year ago, but asked the newspaper not to publish it. "I'm sick of him getting away with this," Dorris said.

New sex assault allegation made against Trump

More than a hundred people protested outside French embassy in Iraqi capital Baghdad Thursday against Charlie Hebdo magazine. Charlie Hebdo is the magazine that had published controversial cartoons of Prophet Mohammad in 2015. This had resulted in an attack at its Paris headquarters five years ago.

Charlie Hebdo republished the controversial cartoons earlier this month as alleged accomplices of the attackers faced trial.

On Thursday, around 150 protesters, women and children included, gathered at the gates of the French embassy in east Baghdad and staged protest.

"We denounce the repeated insults from the French media against our prophet," read one banner, in Arabic. 
Iraqi security forces carrying riot shields were deployed in large numbers at the embassy gates, but the protest lasted less than half an hour and remained peaceful.

Twelve people, including some of France's most celebrated cartoonists, were killed on January 7, 2015, when brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi went on a gun rampage at the paper's offices in Paris.

Images of the prophet are banned in Islam.

Diplomatic missions in Iraq have faced a slew of armed attacks in recent weeks.

Late Monday, two Katyusha rockets were fired at the US embassy in the high-security Green Zone, on the opposite bank of the Tigris from the French embassy.

The embassy's C-RAM rocket defense system shot both down, security sources told AFP.

Hours later, an improvised explosive device targeted a British embassy vehicle returning from Baghdad airport.

More than a hundred people protested outside French embassy in Iraqi capital Baghdad Thursday against Charlie Hebdo magazine. Charlie Hebdo is the magazine that had published controversial cartoons of Prophet Mohammad in 2015.

More than a hundred people protested outside French embassy in Iraqi capital Baghdad Thursday against Charlie Hebdo magazine. Charlie Hebdo is the magazine that had published controversial cartoons of Prophet Mohammad in 2015. This had resulted in an attack at its Paris headquarters five years ago. Charlie Hebdo republished the controversial cartoons earlier this month as alleged accomplices of the attackers faced trial. On Thursday, around 150 protesters, women and children included, gathered at the gates of the French embassy in east Baghdad and staged protest. "We denounce the repeated insults from the French media against our prophet," read one banner, in Arabic. Iraqi security forces carrying riot shields were deployed in large numbers at the embassy gates, but the protest lasted less than half an hour and remained peaceful. Twelve people, including some of France's most celebrated cartoonists, were killed on January 7, 2015, when brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi went on a gun rampage at the paper's offices in Paris. Images of the prophet are banned in Islam. Diplomatic missions in Iraq have faced a slew of armed attacks in recent weeks. Late Monday, two Katyusha rockets were fired at the US embassy in the high-security Green Zone, on the opposite bank of the Tigris from the French embassy. The embassy's C-RAM rocket defense system shot both down, security sources told AFP. Hours later, an improvised explosive device targeted a British embassy vehicle returning from Baghdad airport.

Baghdad: People protest against Charlie Hebdo outside French embassy

Online payment platform Paytm was back in Google Play Store on Friday evening after having been removed for 'violating policies'. The app returned within some hours of its removal from the Google Play Store. &nbsp;

Removal of Paytm from the Play Store hit headlines everywhere on Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

"We don`t allow online casinos or support any unregulated gambling apps that facilitate sports betting. This includes if an app leads consumers to an external website that allows them to participate in paid tournaments to win real money or cash prizes, it is a violation of our policies," Suzanne Frey, Vice President, Product, Android Security and Privacy at Google said on a blog post.

However, the blog post did not explicitly mention Paytm. Reuters reported that Google separately confirmed that the removal of Paytm was indeed for policy violation.

The news made waves everywhere. During the day, Paytm took to Twitter to assure its users that their money was safe.

"Dear Paytm'ers, Paytm Android app is temporarily unavailable on Google's Play Store for new downloads or updates. It will be back very soon. All your money is completely safe, and you can continue to enjoy your Paytm app as normal," tweeted Paytm

"The company had not breached Google policies but was running an offer that gave its users stickers, for payments and money transfers, which could then be used to redeem cashbacks - a move Google deemed as gambling," the Paytm spokesman told Reuters.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/paytm-app-removed-from-google-play-store-is-alleged-violation-of-guidelines-the-reason-328389">Paytm app removed from Google Play Store. Is alleged violation of guidelines the reason?</a>

There has not been any statement so far from Google outlining in detail&nbsp;the way Paytm violated the policies of Play Store.

Around 7 pm on Friday evening, Paytm tweeted suggesting that the app was back in the Play Store.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Update: And we're back! 🥳
— Paytm (@Paytm) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm/status/1306950821217816576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Paytm was launched about a decade ago. It got a filip after a tie-up with Uber and a major boost after demonetisation in India in the year 2016. Paytm got the benefit of its early start as Indians suddenly had to move to online payments after currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 were taken out of circulation.

(With agency inputs) 
&nbsp;

Online payment platform Paytm was back in Google Play Store on Friday evening after having been removed for 'violating policies'. The app returned within some hours of its removal from the Google Play Store.

Online payment platform Paytm was back in Google Play Store on Friday evening after having been removed for 'violating policies'. The app returned within some hours of its removal from the Google Play Store. Removal of Paytm from the Play Store hit headlines everywhere on Friday afternoon. "We don`t allow online casinos or support any unregulated gambling apps that facilitate sports betting. This includes if an app leads consumers to an external website that allows them to participate in paid tournaments to win real money or cash prizes, it is a violation of our policies," Suzanne Frey, Vice President, Product, Android Security and Privacy at Google said on a blog post. However, the blog post did not explicitly mention Paytm. Reuters reported that Google separately confirmed that the removal of Paytm was indeed for policy violation. The news made waves everywhere. During the day, Paytm took to Twitter to assure its users that their money was safe. "Dear Paytm'ers, Paytm Android app is temporarily unavailable on Google's Play Store for new downloads or updates. It will be back very soon. All your money is completely safe, and you can continue to enjoy your Paytm app as normal," tweeted Paytm "The company had not breached Google policies but was running an offer that gave its users stickers, for payments and money transfers, which could then be used to redeem cashbacks - a move Google deemed as gambling," the Paytm spokesman told Reuters. Also Read | Paytm app removed from Google Play Store. Is alleged violation of guidelines the reason? There has not been any statement so far from Google outlining in detail the way Paytm violated the policies of Play Store. Around 7 pm on Friday evening, Paytm tweeted suggesting that the app was back in the Play Store. Update: And we're back! 🥳 — Paytm (@Paytm) September 18, 2020 × Paytm was launched about a decade ago. It got a filip after a tie-up with Uber and a major boost after demonetisation in India in the year 2016. Paytm got the benefit of its early start as Indians suddenly had to move to online payments after currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 were taken out of circulation. (With agency inputs)

Paytm back on Google Play Store after getting removed for 'violating policies'

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray told US Congress that Russia was interfering in US Presidential Elections and was releasing steady stream of misinformation that aimed Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden. He said that Russia was even making efforts to diminish Americans' confidence in the election process.

He said his biggest concern is a "steady drumbeat of misinformation" that he said he feared could undermine confidence in the result of the 2020 election.

Multiple reviews by US&nbsp;intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia acted to boost now-President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign and undermine his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. The Republican president has long bristled at that finding, which Russia denies.

Regarding China, Wray said that the FBI is so active in monitoring Chinese efforts to acquire U.S. technology and other sensitive information that it is opening a new counterintelligence investigation related to China "every 10 hours."

Wray said the FBI is conducting multiple investigations into violent domestic extremists following months of street protests against racism and police brutality. He said the largest "chunk" of investigations were into white supremacist groups.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-wrote-controversial-us-agency-guidelines-on-testing-says-report-328323">Trump administration wrote controversial US agency guidelines on testing, says report</a>

Director of USA's National Counterintelligence and Security Center had warned on August 7 that Russia, China and Iran were all trying to interfere November 3 election. FBI Director's warning is another such indication given by a high-ranking official from US intelligence set-up.

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Lately, Donald Trump has repeatedly and without evidence questioned the increased use of mail-in ballots, a long-established method of voting in the United States which is expected to see a surge in use due to the coronavirus. On Thursday Trump wrote on Twitter, without evidence, that they could make it impossible to know the election's true outcome.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray told US Congress that Russia was interfering in US Presidential Elections and was releasing steady stream of misinformation that aimed Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray told US Congress that Russia was interfering in US Presidential Elections and was releasing steady stream of misinformation that aimed Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden. He said that Russia was even making efforts to diminish Americans' confidence in the election process. He said his biggest concern is a "steady drumbeat of misinformation" that he said he feared could undermine confidence in the result of the 2020 election. Multiple reviews by US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia acted to boost now-President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign and undermine his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. The Republican president has long bristled at that finding, which Russia denies. Regarding China, Wray said that the FBI is so active in monitoring Chinese efforts to acquire U.S. technology and other sensitive information that it is opening a new counterintelligence investigation related to China "every 10 hours." Wray said the FBI is conducting multiple investigations into violent domestic extremists following months of street protests against racism and police brutality. He said the largest "chunk" of investigations were into white supremacist groups. Also Read | Trump administration wrote controversial US agency guidelines on testing, says report Director of USA's National Counterintelligence and Security Center had warned on August 7 that Russia, China and Iran were all trying to interfere November 3 election. FBI Director's warning is another such indication given by a high-ranking official from US intelligence set-up. × Lately, Donald Trump has repeatedly and without evidence questioned the increased use of mail-in ballots, a long-established method of voting in the United States which is expected to see a surge in use due to the coronavirus. On Thursday Trump wrote on Twitter, without evidence, that they could make it impossible to know the election's true outcome. (With inputs from Reuters)

Russia interfering in US elections, targeting Joe Biden: FBI

Pakistan saw a spike in coronavirus cases and reported more than 700 COVID-19 cases for the first time in more than a month. On Thursday, Pakistan registered 722 new coronavirus case, as per Dawn. The last time such a high number was registered was on August 12. On the day, 771 cases were reported in 24 hours. The trend continued on Friday when 752 new cases were reported in 24 hours before the latest update on Pakistan Government's website.

As per the available data Pakistan reported the highest spike of 6,825 cases on June 14. The infections have been declining since then and there even have been claims from government quarters that coronavirus infection curve has flattened.

Pakistan recorded lowest one-day jump of 300 cases on September 3, according to worldometer.

High recovery rate

Although the latest spike in coronavirus infections may be a matter of worry for the government, the high recovery rate is a matter of great relief for the country.

Geo News quoted Pakistan's National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) to say that recovery rate of coronavirus patients is almost 96 per cent.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/produce-nawaz-sharif-on-sept-22-top-court-official-to-pakistan-foreign-secretary-328295">Produce Nawaz Sharif on Sept 22: Top court official to Pakistan foreign secretary</a>

"290,760 people recovered so far across Pakistan, making it a significant count" and showing that 95.93 per cent of the patients recovered, with 303,089 total cases, of which 5,936 were active ones," said Geo News.

Earlier last week, Pakistan decided to reopen all educational institutes in a phased manner. The decision was taken a month after government decided to open gyms, restaurants and tourist places.

Media reports have said that there was no increase in rate of coronavirus infections in Pakistan. The rate did not increase even after Eid and Muharram processions and resumption of business activities.

Pakistan saw a spike in coronavirus cases and reported more than 700 COVID-19 cases for the first time in more than a month. On Thursday, Pakistan registered 722 new coronavirus case, as per Dawn.

Pakistan saw a spike in coronavirus cases and reported more than 700 COVID-19 cases for the first time in more than a month. On Thursday, Pakistan registered 722 new coronavirus case, as per Dawn. The last time such a high number was registered was on August 12. On the day, 771 cases were reported in 24 hours. The trend continued on Friday when 752 new cases were reported in 24 hours before the latest update on Pakistan Government's website. As per the available data Pakistan reported the highest spike of 6,825 cases on June 14. The infections have been declining since then and there even have been claims from government quarters that coronavirus infection curve has flattened. Pakistan recorded lowest one-day jump of 300 cases on September 3, according to worldometer. High recovery rate Although the latest spike in coronavirus infections may be a matter of worry for the government, the high recovery rate is a matter of great relief for the country. Geo News quoted Pakistan's National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) to say that recovery rate of coronavirus patients is almost 96 per cent. ALSO READ | Produce Nawaz Sharif on Sept 22: Top court official to Pakistan foreign secretary "290,760 people recovered so far across Pakistan, making it a significant count" and showing that 95.93 per cent of the patients recovered, with 303,089 total cases, of which 5,936 were active ones," said Geo News. Earlier last week, Pakistan decided to reopen all educational institutes in a phased manner. The decision was taken a month after government decided to open gyms, restaurants and tourist places. Media reports have said that there was no increase in rate of coronavirus infections in Pakistan. The rate did not increase even after Eid and Muharram processions and resumption of business activities.

Pakistan sees spike in daily coronavirus cases, number crosses 700

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