A lawsuit filed against Facebook has accused the company of spying on its users through the phone camera via Instagram. Brittany Conditi, an Instagram user filed the lawsuit against Facebook in a Federal court in San Francisco, Bloomberg reported.

Conditi said that the app was using the phone camera intentionally to obtain “lucrative and valuable data on its users that it would not otherwise have access to”, said Bloomberg.

Facebook has declined to comment on this.

The fresh lawsuit is latest in a long list of allegations of privacy breach against Facebook.

In July this year, media reports suggesting Instagram accessed iPhone cameras in unauthorised manner were published. The reports said that such access was gained without the user's knowledge.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-corrects-users-post-under-new-singapore-fake-news-law-265378">Facebook corrects user's post under new Singapore fake news law</a> 
 
Facebook had refuted the claims and had blamed such an access on a bug.

The allegations did not stop after that. Facebook was accused of obtaining biometric data of its users using facial recognition technology. It was alleged that such data was gathered without the users' knowledge or consent.

Facebook had refuted the claims and had said that the photo-sharing app did not use facial-recognition technology.

A lawsuit filed against Facebook has accused the company of spying on its users through the phone camera via Instagram. Brittany Conditi, an Instagram user filed the lawsuit against Facebook in a Federal court in San Francisco, Bloomberg reported.

A lawsuit filed against Facebook has accused the company of spying on its users through the phone camera via Instagram. Brittany Conditi, an Instagram user filed the lawsuit against Facebook in a Federal court in San Francisco, Bloomberg reported. Conditi said that the app was using the phone camera intentionally to obtain “lucrative and valuable data on its users that it would not otherwise have access to”, said Bloomberg. Facebook has declined to comment on this. The fresh lawsuit is latest in a long list of allegations of privacy breach against Facebook. In July this year, media reports suggesting Instagram accessed iPhone cameras in unauthorised manner were published. The reports said that such access was gained without the user's knowledge. Also Read | Facebook corrects user's post under new Singapore fake news law Facebook had refuted the claims and had blamed such an access on a bug. The allegations did not stop after that. Facebook was accused of obtaining biometric data of its users using facial recognition technology. It was alleged that such data was gathered without the users' knowledge or consent. Facebook had refuted the claims and had said that the photo-sharing app did not use facial-recognition technology.

Facebook accused of snooping on Instagram users through phone cameras

Europe is looking at broad new restrictions as infections across the world topped 30 million. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already warned of "alarming rates of transmission".

According to an AFP tally, more that 943,000 people have lost lives due to Covid-19 after its emergence in China last year. Europe accounts for more than 200,000.

France is going to roll out new curbs for its main cities, Britain is attempting to limit gatherings of people. Governments across Europe are battling fresh spikes of the disease.

WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said a surge seen this month "should serve as a wake-up call" after the continent recorded 54,000 infections in a single day last week -- a new record.

"Although the numbers reflect more comprehensive testing, it also shows alarming rates of transmission across the region," Kluge told an online news conference from Copenhagen.

Spain

Madrid, capital of Spain said it had been overwhelmed by the virus and called for 'decisive' action from the central government. Spanish Government is set to announce new restrictions on Friday.

Madrid officials warned that the region's healthcare system was coming under increasing pressure, with one in five hospital beds occupied by Covid patients amid a second wave of the illness.

Anxiety has been growing in the city about the prospect of a return to lockdown after a top regional health official on Wednesday raised the possibility for the worst-hit areas.

"It would be bad for shops, for small businesses and little bars that survive on people coming in," said 55-year-old Maribel Quesada.

"People are really sick of being at home, the (spring) lockdown was very difficult."

Britain

In Britain, new curbs will take effect Friday, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning that pubs may have to close earlier to help avoid a "second hump" of infections.

About two million people in northeast England, including in the cities of Newcastle and Sunderland, will no longer be allowed to meet people outside their homes. Only table service will be allowed in bars and entertainment venues will have to close by 10pm.

The government already imposed rules across England on Monday limiting socialising to groups of six or fewer, as daily cases reached levels not seen since early May.

France

French authorities are also preparing tighter restrictions in several cities to curtail a resurgence that has seen nearly 10,000 new cases per day in the past week.

Health minister Olivier Veran said Lyon and Nice would be under new rules by Saturday, after curbs on public gatherings were imposed this week in Bordeaux and Marseille.

A French association of Covid-19 victims plans to file a legal complaint against Prime Minister Jean Castex, its lawyer said.

Israel to enforce second nationwide shutdown

Meanwhile, Israel is set to become the first developed country in the world to enforce a second nationwide shutdown, beginning Friday afternoon.

The move sparked protests in Tel Aviv late Thursday when hundreds took to the streets against the restrictions, which are set to take effect just hours before Jewish New Year and will cover other religious holidays including Yom Kippur.

"The economy is in freefall, people are losing their jobs, they're depressed," said 60-year-old Yael.&nbsp; 
"And all this for what? For nothing!"

The country has the world's second-highest virus infection rate after Bahrain, according to AFP figures. Under its new measures, residents will be limited to within 500 metres (yards) of their home.

As anger grows over how authorities worldwide have responded to the virus, some governments are facing legal action from citizens for alleged failures.

China

Suits have also been filed in China by bereaved relatives but many have had them abruptly rejected, while dozens of others face pressure from authorities not to file, according to people involved.

Families of victims accuse the governments in Wuhan and Hubei province, ground zero for the global pandemic, of concealing the outbreak when it first emerged, failing to alert the public, and bungling the response, allowing Covid-19 to explode.

"They say the epidemic was a natural calamity. But these serious outcomes are man-made, and you need to find who's to blame," said pensioner Zhong Hanneng, whose son died with the virus.

"Our family is shattered," she added. "I can never be happy again."

Europe is looking at broad new restrictions as infections across the world topped 30 million. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already warned of "alarming rates of transmission".

Europe is looking at broad new restrictions as infections across the world topped 30 million. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already warned of "alarming rates of transmission". According to an AFP tally, more that 943,000 people have lost lives due to Covid-19 after its emergence in China last year. Europe accounts for more than 200,000. France is going to roll out new curbs for its main cities, Britain is attempting to limit gatherings of people. Governments across Europe are battling fresh spikes of the disease. WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said a surge seen this month "should serve as a wake-up call" after the continent recorded 54,000 infections in a single day last week -- a new record. "Although the numbers reflect more comprehensive testing, it also shows alarming rates of transmission across the region," Kluge told an online news conference from Copenhagen. Spain Madrid, capital of Spain said it had been overwhelmed by the virus and called for 'decisive' action from the central government. Spanish Government is set to announce new restrictions on Friday. Madrid officials warned that the region's healthcare system was coming under increasing pressure, with one in five hospital beds occupied by Covid patients amid a second wave of the illness. Anxiety has been growing in the city about the prospect of a return to lockdown after a top regional health official on Wednesday raised the possibility for the worst-hit areas. "It would be bad for shops, for small businesses and little bars that survive on people coming in," said 55-year-old Maribel Quesada. "People are really sick of being at home, the (spring) lockdown was very difficult." Britain In Britain, new curbs will take effect Friday, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning that pubs may have to close earlier to help avoid a "second hump" of infections. About two million people in northeast England, including in the cities of Newcastle and Sunderland, will no longer be allowed to meet people outside their homes. Only table service will be allowed in bars and entertainment venues will have to close by 10pm. The government already imposed rules across England on Monday limiting socialising to groups of six or fewer, as daily cases reached levels not seen since early May. France French authorities are also preparing tighter restrictions in several cities to curtail a resurgence that has seen nearly 10,000 new cases per day in the past week. Health minister Olivier Veran said Lyon and Nice would be under new rules by Saturday, after curbs on public gatherings were imposed this week in Bordeaux and Marseille. A French association of Covid-19 victims plans to file a legal complaint against Prime Minister Jean Castex, its lawyer said. Israel to enforce second nationwide shutdown Meanwhile, Israel is set to become the first developed country in the world to enforce a second nationwide shutdown, beginning Friday afternoon. The move sparked protests in Tel Aviv late Thursday when hundreds took to the streets against the restrictions, which are set to take effect just hours before Jewish New Year and will cover other religious holidays including Yom Kippur. "The economy is in freefall, people are losing their jobs, they're depressed," said 60-year-old Yael. "And all this for what? For nothing!" The country has the world's second-highest virus infection rate after Bahrain, according to AFP figures. Under its new measures, residents will be limited to within 500 metres (yards) of their home. As anger grows over how authorities worldwide have responded to the virus, some governments are facing legal action from citizens for alleged failures. China Suits have also been filed in China by bereaved relatives but many have had them abruptly rejected, while dozens of others face pressure from authorities not to file, according to people involved. Families of victims accuse the governments in Wuhan and Hubei province, ground zero for the global pandemic, of concealing the outbreak when it first emerged, failing to alert the public, and bungling the response, allowing Covid-19 to explode. "They say the epidemic was a natural calamity. But these serious outcomes are man-made, and you need to find who's to blame," said pensioner Zhong Hanneng, whose son died with the virus. "Our family is shattered," she added. "I can never be happy again."

Global cases top 30 million, Europe imposes fresh curbs after WHO warning

A Sri Lankan court on Thursday issued a notice to the captain of the Greek-owned oil tanker that caught fire off the country's eastern coast to appear before it on September 28.

The Colombo chief magistrate court's order comes a day after Attorney General Dappula de Livera staked a claim of USD 1.8 million for the costs incurred on dousing the fire on board the Panama-registered tanker MT New Diamond that went up in flames on September 3.

The Attorney General had also asked the CID to report the facts to the court and obtain notice against the vessel's captain. He was to be charged for committing offenses under the Marine Pollution Environmental Protection Act.

The court ordered the captain of the oil tanker to appear before it on September 28.

New Diamond, a vessel under charter by the Indian Oil Corporation, was carrying 270,000 metric tons of crude oil from Mina Al Ahmadi port in Kuwait to the Indian port of Paradip when a boiler explosion in its engine room caused fire off the coast of Sangamankanda in Ampara district. A Filipino crew member died and another was injured in the mishap.

Sri Lanka Navy with the help of Indian counterparts and coast guards doused the fire after great effort.

The ship is currently in the seas 70 nautical miles east of Batticaloa in the east and 129 kilometers away from the Batticaloa coast.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/onion-prices-shoot-up-in-bangladesh-after-india-announces-export-ban-328184">Onion prices shoot up in Bangladesh after India announces export ban</a>

Two Sri Lankan naval ships, one Indian naval ship, and 3 Indian coast guard vessels are currently deployed in the operations near the oil tanker.

Some 5 ships of Indian coast guard and one Indian Navy ship engaged in fire fighting, the Sri Lanka Navy said early this month.

The tanker had 23 crew members - 18 Filipinos and five Greeks. Twenty-two of the 23 member crew had been safely rescued off the tanker. 
&nbsp;

A Sri Lankan court on Thursday issued a notice to the captain of the Greek-owned oil tanker that caught fire off the country's eastern coast to appear before it on September 28.

A Sri Lankan court on Thursday issued a notice to the captain of the Greek-owned oil tanker that caught fire off the country's eastern coast to appear before it on September 28. The Colombo chief magistrate court's order comes a day after Attorney General Dappula de Livera staked a claim of USD 1.8 million for the costs incurred on dousing the fire on board the Panama-registered tanker MT New Diamond that went up in flames on September 3. The Attorney General had also asked the CID to report the facts to the court and obtain notice against the vessel's captain. He was to be charged for committing offenses under the Marine Pollution Environmental Protection Act. The court ordered the captain of the oil tanker to appear before it on September 28. New Diamond, a vessel under charter by the Indian Oil Corporation, was carrying 270,000 metric tons of crude oil from Mina Al Ahmadi port in Kuwait to the Indian port of Paradip when a boiler explosion in its engine room caused fire off the coast of Sangamankanda in Ampara district. A Filipino crew member died and another was injured in the mishap. Sri Lanka Navy with the help of Indian counterparts and coast guards doused the fire after great effort. The ship is currently in the seas 70 nautical miles east of Batticaloa in the east and 129 kilometers away from the Batticaloa coast. ALSO READ | Onion prices shoot up in Bangladesh after India announces export ban Two Sri Lankan naval ships, one Indian naval ship, and 3 Indian coast guard vessels are currently deployed in the operations near the oil tanker. Some 5 ships of Indian coast guard and one Indian Navy ship engaged in fire fighting, the Sri Lanka Navy said early this month. The tanker had 23 crew members - 18 Filipinos and five Greeks. Twenty-two of the 23 member crew had been safely rescued off the tanker.

Sri Lanka court summons captain of oil tanker that caught fire

Union Power&nbsp;Minister RK Singh on Thursday said that the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir will be one of the political issues in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections due to be held before November 29 this year.&nbsp;

Speaking to ANI, RK Singh said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised earlier that Article 370 will be scrapped from Jammu and Kashmir and he scrapped it last year. No doubt that this will be one of the political issues in the Bihar Assembly election for BJP.

Arrah Lok Sabha MP RK Singh further stated that Article 370 was removed because it increased Jammu and Kashmir`s isolation from the country.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-committed-to-peace-but-prepared-for-all-contingencies-defence-minister-warns-china-328122">India committed to peace, but prepared for all 'contingencies': Defence Minister warns China</a>

"Our Prime Minister worked to provide electricity in most of the houses of the country. The Prime Minister further decided that every household will be given a gas connection and most of the poor people have been given a gas connection. Did any other Prime Minister think on these lines?" Singh questioned.&nbsp;

"The Prime Minister decided that he will give pucca houses to every poor and are providing. A total of 1,40,00,000 houses were built. The public knows that six months of free food grains were provided, funds were made available in the Jan Dhan account," he added.

Bihar has 243 Assembly seats and elections in the state are expected in October-November as the tenure of the current Assembly will end on November 29 this year. Election Commission has not yet taken a final call on poll dates in Bihar.

Union Power Minister RK Singh on Thursday said that the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir will be one of the political issues in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections due to be held before November 29 this year.

Union Power Minister RK Singh on Thursday said that the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir will be one of the political issues in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections due to be held before November 29 this year. Speaking to ANI, RK Singh said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised earlier that Article 370 will be scrapped from Jammu and Kashmir and he scrapped it last year. No doubt that this will be one of the political issues in the Bihar Assembly election for BJP. Arrah Lok Sabha MP RK Singh further stated that Article 370 was removed because it increased Jammu and Kashmir`s isolation from the country. ALSO READ | India committed to peace, but prepared for all 'contingencies': Defence Minister warns China "Our Prime Minister worked to provide electricity in most of the houses of the country. The Prime Minister further decided that every household will be given a gas connection and most of the poor people have been given a gas connection. Did any other Prime Minister think on these lines?" Singh questioned. "The Prime Minister decided that he will give pucca houses to every poor and are providing. A total of 1,40,00,000 houses were built. The public knows that six months of free food grains were provided, funds were made available in the Jan Dhan account," he added. Bihar has 243 Assembly seats and elections in the state are expected in October-November as the tenure of the current Assembly will end on November 29 this year. Election Commission has not yet taken a final call on poll dates in Bihar.

Scrapping of Article 370 will be an issue in Bihar Assembly polls: RK Singh

World Health Organisation's(WHO)&nbsp;Europe unit warned countries in Europe&nbsp;against shortening the 14-day quarantine period for suspected coronavirus cases as, it said, COVID-19 has seen "alarming rates of&nbsp;transmission across Europe".

The WHO's regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said the number of coronavirus cases seen in September "should serve as a wake-up call for all of us."

"Although these numbers reflect more comprehensive testing, it also shows alarming rates of transmission across the region," he told an online press conference from Danish capital Copenhagen.

WHO has said that it will not change its guidance that calls for 14-day quarantine period for anyone exposed to coronavirus.

France has reduced the recommended length for self-isolation has been reduced to seven days. In UK and Ireland the recommended number of days for isolation is 10.

"Our quarantine recommendation of 14 days has been based on our understanding of the incubation period and transmission of the disease. We would only revise that on the basis of a change of our understanding of the science," WHO Europe's senior emergency officer Catherine Smallwood said.

The 53 member states of WHO Europe have recorded nearly five million cases of Covid-19 and more than 227,000 related deaths, according to the organisation's own figures.

The number of daily cases recorded is currently between 40,000 and 50,000, comparable to a daily peak of 43,000 on April 1 -- although testing in many countries has increased considerably.

COVID-19 restrictions to be tightened in England

British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Thursday that restrictions would be tightened in northeast England from Friday.

The step is being taken to stem the rise of new coronavirus cases. Hancock told Parliament that residents would be banned from socialising with others outside their households or support bubbles. He said there would be table service only in restaurants and bars and that leisure venues needed to close between 10pm and 5am.

(With inputs from AFP)

World Health Organisation's(WHO) Europe unit warned countries in Europe against shortening the 14-day quarantine period for suspected coronavirus cases as, it said, COVID-19 has seen "alarming rates of transmission across Europe".

World Health Organisation's(WHO) Europe unit warned countries in Europe against shortening the 14-day quarantine period for suspected coronavirus cases as, it said, COVID-19 has seen "alarming rates of transmission across Europe". The WHO's regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said the number of coronavirus cases seen in September "should serve as a wake-up call for all of us." "Although these numbers reflect more comprehensive testing, it also shows alarming rates of transmission across the region," he told an online press conference from Danish capital Copenhagen. WHO has said that it will not change its guidance that calls for 14-day quarantine period for anyone exposed to coronavirus. France has reduced the recommended length for self-isolation has been reduced to seven days. In UK and Ireland the recommended number of days for isolation is 10. "Our quarantine recommendation of 14 days has been based on our understanding of the incubation period and transmission of the disease. We would only revise that on the basis of a change of our understanding of the science," WHO Europe's senior emergency officer Catherine Smallwood said. The 53 member states of WHO Europe have recorded nearly five million cases of Covid-19 and more than 227,000 related deaths, according to the organisation's own figures. The number of daily cases recorded is currently between 40,000 and 50,000, comparable to a daily peak of 43,000 on April 1 -- although testing in many countries has increased considerably. COVID-19 restrictions to be tightened in England British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Thursday that restrictions would be tightened in northeast England from Friday. The step is being taken to stem the rise of new coronavirus cases. Hancock told Parliament that residents would be banned from socialising with others outside their households or support bubbles. He said there would be table service only in restaurants and bars and that leisure venues needed to close between 10pm and 5am. (With inputs from AFP)

WHO warns 'alarming rates of transmission' in Europe as UK imposes restrictions in northeast England

World Health Organisation's top emergency expert Mike Ryan stressed the need for countries to have "consistent messaging" for the public in order to combat coronavirus pandemic effectively.&nbsp;

In an increasing sign of WHO's unease with the way coronavirus pandemic is being politicised in some countries, Ryan said that the pandemic should not be made into a "political football".

"It's understanding the confusion, it's understanding their (people's) concern, it's understanding their apprehension. And not laughing at it and not turning that into some kind of political football," said Dr Ryan

His comments came just a day after US President Donald Trump contradicted Robert Redfield, Director of Centre for Disease Control (CDC) over the possible availability of coronavirus vaccine.

Redfield had said that coronavirus vaccine will broadly be rolled out in mid-2021 and masks might be more effective.

“If you’re asking me when is it going to be generally available to the American public so we can begin to take advantage of vaccine to get back to our regular life, I think we’re probably looking at third ... late second quarter, third quarter 2021,” Redfield told US Senate.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-has-dragged-150-million-more-children-into-poverty-unicef-328144">Coronavirus has dragged 150 million more children into poverty: Unicef</a>

Trump, at a news conference, said he believed a vaccine will be rolled out much sooner. He said he called Redfield after his testimony to question him about it, and that Redfield appeared to have been "confused" by the question.

US Presidential Elections are due in November this year.

"It is important that we have consistent messaging from all levels, and it's not for one country or one entity; consistent messaging between science and between government," the WHO's Mike Ryan said in response to a question about the exchange.

This is not the first time USA and the WHO have exchanged words. In May this year, Trump even threatened to halt funding to the WHO.

(With inputs from Reuters)

World Health Organisation's top emergency expert Mike Ryan stressed the need for countries to have "consistent messaging" for the public in order to combat coronavirus pandemic effectively.

World Health Organisation's top emergency expert Mike Ryan stressed the need for countries to have "consistent messaging" for the public in order to combat coronavirus pandemic effectively. In an increasing sign of WHO's unease with the way coronavirus pandemic is being politicised in some countries, Ryan said that the pandemic should not be made into a "political football". "It's understanding the confusion, it's understanding their (people's) concern, it's understanding their apprehension. And not laughing at it and not turning that into some kind of political football," said Dr Ryan His comments came just a day after US President Donald Trump contradicted Robert Redfield, Director of Centre for Disease Control (CDC) over the possible availability of coronavirus vaccine. Redfield had said that coronavirus vaccine will broadly be rolled out in mid-2021 and masks might be more effective. “If you’re asking me when is it going to be generally available to the American public so we can begin to take advantage of vaccine to get back to our regular life, I think we’re probably looking at third ... late second quarter, third quarter 2021,” Redfield told US Senate. Also Read | Coronavirus has dragged 150 million more children into poverty: Unicef Trump, at a news conference, said he believed a vaccine will be rolled out much sooner. He said he called Redfield after his testimony to question him about it, and that Redfield appeared to have been "confused" by the question. US Presidential Elections are due in November this year. "It is important that we have consistent messaging from all levels, and it's not for one country or one entity; consistent messaging between science and between government," the WHO's Mike Ryan said in response to a question about the exchange. This is not the first time USA and the WHO have exchanged words. In May this year, Trump even threatened to halt funding to the WHO. (With inputs from Reuters)

Trump, CDC make contradictory claim over vaccine rollout timeline in US

A study conducted in Cambridge University has drawn inference that 'nudges' from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were important during India's fight against coronavirus pandemic. The paper, authored by Ramit Debnath and Ronita Bardhan said that these nudges from the PM played a large part in creating herd effect on locdown and social distancing norms across India.

India was under lockdown from March 25 to May 31 in four phases. The announcements about the lockdown were made by PM Modi himself via his national television address.

The Cambridge Univeristy study said that PM Modi's addresses effected changes in various sectors like "public health (e.g., masks in public spaces; Yoga and Ayurveda for immunity), transport (e.g., old trains converted to isolation wards), micro, small and medium enterprises (e.g., rapid production of PPE and masks), science and technology sector (e.g., diagnostic kits, robots and nano-technology), home affairs (e.g., surveillance and lockdown), urban (e.g. drones, GIS-tools) and education (e.g., online learning)" 
&nbsp; 
The study has been published in scientific journal PLOS One

Primary data for the study was taken from Press Information Bureau (PIB) in form of press releases of government plans, policies, programme initiatives and achievements.

"A text corpus of 260,852 words was created from 396 documents from the PIB. An unsupervised machine-based topic modelling using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) algorithm was performed on the text corpus. It was done to extract high probability topics in the policy sectors. The interpretation of the extracted topics was made through a nudge theoretic lens to derive the critical policy heuristics of the government.." says the study 
&nbsp;

A study conducted in Cambridge University has drawn inference that 'nudges' from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were important during India's fight against coronavirus pandemic.

A study conducted in Cambridge University has drawn inference that 'nudges' from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were important during India's fight against coronavirus pandemic. The paper, authored by Ramit Debnath and Ronita Bardhan said that these nudges from the PM played a large part in creating herd effect on locdown and social distancing norms across India. India was under lockdown from March 25 to May 31 in four phases. The announcements about the lockdown were made by PM Modi himself via his national television address. The Cambridge Univeristy study said that PM Modi's addresses effected changes in various sectors like "public health (e.g., masks in public spaces; Yoga and Ayurveda for immunity), transport (e.g., old trains converted to isolation wards), micro, small and medium enterprises (e.g., rapid production of PPE and masks), science and technology sector (e.g., diagnostic kits, robots and nano-technology), home affairs (e.g., surveillance and lockdown), urban (e.g. drones, GIS-tools) and education (e.g., online learning)" The study has been published in scientific journal PLOS One Primary data for the study was taken from Press Information Bureau (PIB) in form of press releases of government plans, policies, programme initiatives and achievements. "A text corpus of 260,852 words was created from 396 documents from the PIB. An unsupervised machine-based topic modelling using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) algorithm was performed on the text corpus. It was done to extract high probability topics in the policy sectors. The interpretation of the extracted topics was made through a nudge theoretic lens to derive the critical policy heuristics of the government.." says the study

'Nudges' from Modi were important in India's fight against COVID-19: Cambridge study

A private bill seeking to punish those who intentionally defame, ridicule or bring disrepute to Pakistan military was introduced in country's parliament on Wednesday. The bill proposes a fine, imprisonment, or both for those found guilty of such acts.

The bill seeks&nbsp;to penalise those defaming military was introduced in the parliament in a hurry and was not even listed initially.

The bill has been moved by the head of the Standing Committee for Defence.&nbsp;

The latest bill comes amid alleged corruption case of&nbsp;Asim Bajwa, former Lieutenant General of Pakistan Army who is in focus for his alleged disproportionate assets. Asim Bajwa is also the chairperson of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) authority.&nbsp;

Asim Bajwa faced corruption allegations after an investigative report by Pakistani journalist Ahmed Noorani said that Bajwa and his family members owned properties and businesses worth crores in Pakistan and other countries.

Earlier this month, Bajwa announced that he will step down as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Imran Khan on information and broadcasting following corruption allegations against him. 
&nbsp;

A private bill seeking to punish those who intentionally defame, ridicule or bring disrepute to Pakistan military was introduced in country's parliament on Wednesday.

A private bill seeking to punish those who intentionally defame, ridicule or bring disrepute to Pakistan military was introduced in country's parliament on Wednesday. The bill proposes a fine, imprisonment, or both for those found guilty of such acts. The bill seeks to penalise those defaming military was introduced in the parliament in a hurry and was not even listed initially. The bill has been moved by the head of the Standing Committee for Defence. The latest bill comes amid alleged corruption case of Asim Bajwa, former Lieutenant General of Pakistan Army who is in focus for his alleged disproportionate assets. Asim Bajwa is also the chairperson of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) authority. Asim Bajwa faced corruption allegations after an investigative report by Pakistani journalist Ahmed Noorani said that Bajwa and his family members owned properties and businesses worth crores in Pakistan and other countries. Earlier this month, Bajwa announced that he will step down as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Imran Khan on information and broadcasting following corruption allegations against him.

Pakistan introduces bill on punishment for defaming military

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yoshihide-suga-formally-elected-as-japans-new-prime-minister-327826">Yoshihide Suga formally elected as Japan's new prime minister</a>

Suga, won an easy victory, taking 314 votes of 462 valid ballots cast in the lower house of parliament, where his ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a commanding majority with its coalition partner. 
&nbsp;

<img alt="Yoshihide Suga, new Prime Minister of Japan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f27e0ccb-873a-4f09-94ee-08f73d46ef61" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/yoshihide%20suga.JPG" />

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-sally-makes-landfall-in-us-gulf-coast-327947">Hurricane Sally makes landfall in US Gulf Coast</a>

Ahead of the hurricane, authorities evacuated at least 75,000 homes in Alabama and Florida. 
&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-sally-makes-landfall-in-us-gulf-coast-327947"><img alt="Hurricane Sally" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="63b82836-f2d6-49ac-b1b1-871ad2483387" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/hurricane%20sally.JPG" /></a> 
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-president-maduro-ministers-behind-crimes-against-humanity-un-probe-327956">Venezuela President Maduro, ministers behind crimes against humanity: UN probe</a>

The 411-page report spelled out which Venezuelan officials it deemed responsible, citing "reasonable grounds to believe that both the President and the Ministers of People's Power for Interior Relations.

<img alt="Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a344b658-6788-48e6-bd23-80116a3e24f7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/maduro.JPG" />

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-will-go-away-because-of-herd-mentality-says-donald-trump-327960">COVID-19 will go away because of 'herd mentality', says Donald Trump</a>

Herd mentality refers to tendency of individuals to mindlessly follow a behaviour taken up by large number of people around them. The correct words Donald Trump appeared to not remember were Herd Immunity. 
&nbsp;

<img alt="US President Donald Trump made a mistake during an interview" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6acbf8fe-f7f7-4685-bc4f-1b86a869317f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/trump_1.JPG" />

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-sees-a-way-through-parliamentary-maze-for-brexit-treaty-breach-bill-327894">UK sees 'a way through' parliamentary maze for Brexit treaty breach bill</a>

Johnson's Internal Market Bill, which the EU has demanded he scrap by the end of September, is currently being debated in parliament, though he is facing a rebellion by some members of his Conservative Party.

<img alt="UK PM Boris Johnson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60a3188a-3a7c-4bbd-8e7d-01f572fbbfae" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/uk%20pm.JPG" />

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/barbados-says-it-will-remove-queen-elizabeth-as-head-of-state-327964">Barbados says it will remove Queen Elizabeth as head of state</a>

A former British colony that gained independence in 1966, Barbados has maintained a formal link with the British monarchy as have some other countries that were once part of the British empire

<img alt="Queen Elizabeth" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="78e5324b-a9bd-4ba0-a793-1db265aea05d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/uk%20queen.JPG" />

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/headaches-and-hospital-visits-rise-as-wildfire-smoke-blankets-western-us-327971">Headaches and hospital visits rise as wildfire smoke blankets western US</a>

Wildfires are raging across&nbsp;US

<img alt="US wildfires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f1d5d546-4654-4f77-819d-e86ee2e0d01a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/us%20wildfires.JPG" />

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-venus-a-russian-planet-the-countrys-space-agency-chief-seems-to-think-so-327958">Is Venus a 'Russian planet'? The country's space agency chief seems to think so!</a>

Right after scientists discovered the possibility of life on the planet Venus, the Russian space agency has claimed the country’s ownership on the planet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-venus-a-russian-planet-the-countrys-space-agency-chief-seems-to-think-so-327958"><img alt="Venus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5831fa03-f02e-4a82-9a4b-929548cc9d88" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Venus.JPG" /></a> 
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/uk-is-planning-to-remove-debris-from-space-heres-why-every-country-should-be-doing-it-327976">UK is planning to remove debris from space. Here's why every country should be doing it!</a>

The overcrowding around Earth could become a hindrance in space exploration

<img alt="Space debris" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a591837e-eff0-4285-bd05-409449d8e07c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/space%20junk.JPG" />

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Why are thousands of migratory birds dropping dead across North America?

A report recently revealed how thousands of migratory birds just dropped dead across the south-western regions in the United States.

<img alt="Representative image" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ca1cd85-03a6-4fc9-9b93-10c6d0996457" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BIRDS_1.JPG" />

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Yoshihide Suga formally elected as Japan's new prime minister Suga, won an easy victory, taking 314 votes of 462 valid ballots cast in the lower house of parliament, where his ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a commanding majority with its coalition partner.

Yoshihide Suga formally elected as Japan's new prime minister Suga, won an easy victory, taking 314 votes of 462 valid ballots cast in the lower house of parliament, where his ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a commanding majority with its coalition partner. Hurricane Sally makes landfall in US Gulf Coast Ahead of the hurricane, authorities evacuated at least 75,000 homes in Alabama and Florida. Venezuela President Maduro, ministers behind crimes against humanity: UN probe The 411-page report spelled out which Venezuelan officials it deemed responsible, citing "reasonable grounds to believe that both the President and the Ministers of People's Power for Interior Relations. COVID-19 will go away because of 'herd mentality', says Donald Trump Herd mentality refers to tendency of individuals to mindlessly follow a behaviour taken up by large number of people around them. The correct words Donald Trump appeared to not remember were Herd Immunity. UK sees 'a way through' parliamentary maze for Brexit treaty breach bill Johnson's Internal Market Bill, which the EU has demanded he scrap by the end of September, is currently being debated in parliament, though he is facing a rebellion by some members of his Conservative Party. Barbados says it will remove Queen Elizabeth as head of state A former British colony that gained independence in 1966, Barbados has maintained a formal link with the British monarchy as have some other countries that were once part of the British empire Headaches and hospital visits rise as wildfire smoke blankets western US Wildfires are raging across US Is Venus a 'Russian planet'? The country's space agency chief seems to think so! Right after scientists discovered the possibility of life on the planet Venus, the Russian space agency has claimed the country’s ownership on the planet. UK is planning to remove debris from space. Here's why every country should be doing it! The overcrowding around Earth could become a hindrance in space exploration Why are thousands of migratory birds dropping dead across North America? A report recently revealed how thousands of migratory birds just dropped dead across the south-western regions in the United States.

Top 10 world news: Yoshihide Suga becomes Japan PM, Hurricane Sally, and more!

US Presidents have been prone to embarrassing remarks in public in past. But current President Donald Trump is considered by many to be the one to have made more than many. Latest in the series is his assertion that coronavirus pandemic will go away due to 'herd mentality'

"...you'll develop, you'll develop herd like a herd mentality. It's going to be, it's going to be herd developed and that's going to happen. That will all happen," said Trump as he was being interviewed by George Stephanopolous.

Herd mentality refers to tendency of individuals to mindlessly follow a behaviour taken up by large number of people around them.

Does this sound like a strategy to effectively combat coronavirus pandemic? Certainly not.

The correct words Donald Trump appeared to not remember were Herd Immunity.

Herd Immunity refers to resistance to a contagious disease (like coronavirus) developed in population. If herd immunity against a particular disease is developed in a population, it is considered to be safe from the disease.

In his interview with George Stephanopoulos, Trump even said that the pandemic would "go away" without a vaccine.

He repeated his claim even as startled Stephanopolous asked,"It will go away without a vaccine?"

Trump then hastily added that coronavirus would go away "quickly" if a vaccine was made available.

Donald Trump has often given extremely conflicting statements about coronavirus pandemic.

President of the US, whose decisions have global ramifications, is expected to be well informed and measured before making public statements.

However, Trump's past statements on coronavirus pandemic in the US have been surprising

He statements include 'It's just a flu', 'It will go away on its own' and many more that were unscientific and even misleading. Trump has even laughed off wearing a mask.

The US has seen 195,000 deaths due to coronavirus so far.

US Presidents have been prone to embarrassing remarks in public in past. But current President Donald Trump is considered by many to be the one to have made more than many.

US Presidents have been prone to embarrassing remarks in public in past. But current President Donald Trump is considered by many to be the one to have made more than many. Latest in the series is his assertion that coronavirus pandemic will go away due to 'herd mentality' "...you'll develop, you'll develop herd like a herd mentality. It's going to be, it's going to be herd developed and that's going to happen. That will all happen," said Trump as he was being interviewed by George Stephanopolous. Herd mentality refers to tendency of individuals to mindlessly follow a behaviour taken up by large number of people around them. Does this sound like a strategy to effectively combat coronavirus pandemic? Certainly not. The correct words Donald Trump appeared to not remember were Herd Immunity. Herd Immunity refers to resistance to a contagious disease (like coronavirus) developed in population. If herd immunity against a particular disease is developed in a population, it is considered to be safe from the disease. In his interview with George Stephanopoulos, Trump even said that the pandemic would "go away" without a vaccine. He repeated his claim even as startled Stephanopolous asked,"It will go away without a vaccine?" Trump then hastily added that coronavirus would go away "quickly" if a vaccine was made available. Donald Trump has often given extremely conflicting statements about coronavirus pandemic. President of the US, whose decisions have global ramifications, is expected to be well informed and measured before making public statements. However, Trump's past statements on coronavirus pandemic in the US have been surprising He statements include 'It's just a flu', 'It will go away on its own' and many more that were unscientific and even misleading. Trump has even laughed off wearing a mask. The US has seen 195,000 deaths due to coronavirus so far.

COVID-19 will go away because of 'herd mentality', says Donald Trump

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has allowed Serum Institute of India (SII) to restart its phase two and three clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccine after the pharma major submitted the recommendations of the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), UK and DSMB India and requested permission to restart enrolment in the subject clinical trial of the vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University.

DCGI VG Somani, in a letter to SII, has said that the institute's reply has been "carefully examined" as also the recommendations of the DSMB in India and in UK.

"You (SII) may recommence the clinical trial dated August 2, 2020, as recommended by the DSMB, India as per already approved protocol and the provisions laid down under New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019 subject to the conditions mentioned which are to be scrupulously followed such as extra care during screening, additional information in the informed consent and close monitoring for similar events during the study follow-up," the letter said.

The DCGI has also asked SII to submit the details of the medication used as per protocol for the management of the adverse events.

AstraZeneca had earlier paused the ongoing trial of nCoV19 coronavirus vaccine (recombinant) as a volunteer developed an unexplained illness. It was reported that the clinical trial had been put on hold in the US, UK, Brazil and South Africa.

Following this, the country's top drugs regulator had September 11 ordered the SII to suspend any new recruitment in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials for vaccine"&gt;COVID-19 vaccine till further orders.

AstraZeneca has already resumed trials in the UK for the vaccine.

A government official said that Serum Institute of India submitted the recommendations of the DSMB, UK and DSMB India on September 15 and requested permission to restart enrolment in the subject clinical trial.

"The DSMB, UK recommended that investigators recommend all immunizations in their clinical trials subject to certain conditions. The DSMB, India recommended to continue the study and enroll the remaining participants in the clinical trial as per protocol subject to three conditions to the scrupulously followed," the official said.

These recommendations include revised participant information sheet, revised informed consent form (ICF) and additional safety monitory plans for the enrolled participants incorporating the latest SUSAR and indicating the specific contact numbers for participants for seeking assistants in case of any problem or question.

India's top drugs regulator had in August granted permission to SII to conduct a phase II/III clinical trial of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 coronavirus vaccine (recombinant) at various clinical trial sites in the country to determine its safety and immunogenicity.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has allowed Serum Institute of India (SII) to restart its phase two and three clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccine after the pharma major submitted the recommendations of the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), UK and DSMB India and requested permission to restart enrolment in the subject clinical trial of the vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has allowed Serum Institute of India (SII) to restart its phase two and three clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccine after the pharma major submitted the recommendations of the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), UK and DSMB India and requested permission to restart enrolment in the subject clinical trial of the vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. DCGI VG Somani, in a letter to SII, has said that the institute's reply has been "carefully examined" as also the recommendations of the DSMB in India and in UK. "You (SII) may recommence the clinical trial dated August 2, 2020, as recommended by the DSMB, India as per already approved protocol and the provisions laid down under New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019 subject to the conditions mentioned which are to be scrupulously followed such as extra care during screening, additional information in the informed consent and close monitoring for similar events during the study follow-up," the letter said. The DCGI has also asked SII to submit the details of the medication used as per protocol for the management of the adverse events. AstraZeneca had earlier paused the ongoing trial of nCoV19 coronavirus vaccine (recombinant) as a volunteer developed an unexplained illness. It was reported that the clinical trial had been put on hold in the US, UK, Brazil and South Africa. Following this, the country's top drugs regulator had September 11 ordered the SII to suspend any new recruitment in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials for vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine till further orders. AstraZeneca has already resumed trials in the UK for the vaccine. A government official said that Serum Institute of India submitted the recommendations of the DSMB, UK and DSMB India on September 15 and requested permission to restart enrolment in the subject clinical trial. "The DSMB, UK recommended that investigators recommend all immunizations in their clinical trials subject to certain conditions. The DSMB, India recommended to continue the study and enroll the remaining participants in the clinical trial as per protocol subject to three conditions to the scrupulously followed," the official said. These recommendations include revised participant information sheet, revised informed consent form (ICF) and additional safety monitory plans for the enrolled participants incorporating the latest SUSAR and indicating the specific contact numbers for participants for seeking assistants in case of any problem or question. India's top drugs regulator had in August granted permission to SII to conduct a phase II/III clinical trial of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 coronavirus vaccine (recombinant) at various clinical trial sites in the country to determine its safety and immunogenicity.

DCGI gives go-ahead to Serum Institute for Covid-19 vaccine trials in India

Lebanese soldiers fired rubber bullets and live rounds in air as hundreds of protesters tried to march to the presidential place. It was an anti-government demonstration the call for which was given in the Baabda suburb of Beirut.

There is still a lot of anger against the government among the citizens after the devastating blast at the Beirut port. The blast killed nearly 200 people and injured 6500. To add to the scare, another mysterious and huge blaze was seen at the same site on Thursday.

As the protesters gathered in Baabda where the presidential palace is located, a counter-protest was organised by supporters of Lebanese President Michel Aoun at the same location.

Lebanese soldiers intervened to avoid clashes between the two groups and stood between them. They also blocked the way to the presidential palace.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-condemns-bahrain-but-will-more-arab-countries-befriend-israel-in-near-future-327103">Hezbollah condemns Bahrain, but will more Arab countries befriend Israel in near future?</a>

As some of anti-government protesters attempted to break the security cordon and tried to make a dash for the presidential palace, soldiers shot rubber bullets and live rounds in the air.

The anger persists in the country as it is not yet known who was responsible for the Beirut blast. The catastrophe proved to be a tipping point for the collective public anger against years of government mismanagement that has resulted in a deep economic and financial crisis in Lebanon. 
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Lebanese soldiers fired rubber bullets and live rounds in air as hundreds of protesters tried to march to the presidential place. It was an anti-government demonstration the call for which was given in the Baabda suburb of Beirut.

Lebanese soldiers fired rubber bullets and live rounds in air as hundreds of protesters tried to march to the presidential place. It was an anti-government demonstration the call for which was given in the Baabda suburb of Beirut. There is still a lot of anger against the government among the citizens after the devastating blast at the Beirut port. The blast killed nearly 200 people and injured 6500. To add to the scare, another mysterious and huge blaze was seen at the same site on Thursday. As the protesters gathered in Baabda where the presidential palace is located, a counter-protest was organised by supporters of Lebanese President Michel Aoun at the same location. Lebanese soldiers intervened to avoid clashes between the two groups and stood between them. They also blocked the way to the presidential palace. Also Read | Hezbollah condemns Bahrain, but will more Arab countries befriend Israel in near future? As some of anti-government protesters attempted to break the security cordon and tried to make a dash for the presidential palace, soldiers shot rubber bullets and live rounds in the air. The anger persists in the country as it is not yet known who was responsible for the Beirut blast. The catastrophe proved to be a tipping point for the collective public anger against years of government mismanagement that has resulted in a deep economic and financial crisis in Lebanon.

Fresh anti-government protests break out in Lebanon, soldiers fire rounds in air to disperse crowd

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Manas Joshi

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