<p>As Pakistan plans to hold protests to mark one year of the scrapping of Article 370, India on Thursday said the neigbouring country indulges in such activities to divert international attention from its support to cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>August 5 will mark the first anniversary of India's decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Indian Constitution from Jammu and Kashmir and to bifurcate the state into two union territories.</p>

<p>"They indulge in activities to deflect international attention from support to cross border terrorism," external affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said at an online media briefing, replying to a question on Pakistan's planned activities to protest India's action of scrapping of Article 370 on its first anniversary next week.</p>

<p>"As far as India is concerned, August 5 will be a historic day for us as on this day, we could remove the hurdles for overall development of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh," he added.</p>

<p>As per reports, Pakistan is planning to hold protests and reach out to several countries against India's decision to scrap Article 370 that extended special status to Jammu and Kashmir.</p>


As Pakistan plans to hold protests to mark one year of the scrapping of Article 370, India on Thursday said the neigbouring country indulges in such activities to divert international attention from its support to cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

As Pakistan plans to hold protests to mark one year of the scrapping of Article 370, India on Thursday said the neigbouring country indulges in such activities to divert international attention from its support to cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. August 5 will mark the first anniversary of India's decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Indian Constitution from Jammu and Kashmir and to bifurcate the state into two union territories. "They indulge in activities to deflect international attention from support to cross border terrorism," external affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said at an online media briefing, replying to a question on Pakistan's planned activities to protest India's action of scrapping of Article 370 on its first anniversary next week. "As far as India is concerned, August 5 will be a historic day for us as on this day, we could remove the hurdles for overall development of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh," he added. As per reports, Pakistan is planning to hold protests and reach out to several countries against India's decision to scrap Article 370 that extended special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Pak indulges in activities to deflect attention from cross-border terrorism: India

<p>Going to space, and not taking a selfie, how can that happen? Virgin Galactic thought about it and made some additions to the new spaceship's cabin.</p>

<p>Now, each space traveller can float like a star with two paparazzi-like cameras capturing all the zero gravity action like a movie, shot in high-definition stills and video ready to be shared on social media once back on Earth.</p>

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<p>It not going to be like "Gravity" or "Interstellar" but it will go viral.</p>

<p>The six-seat cabin has become the chief selling point. It plays a role in various stages of the spaceflight especially when the space travellers get the first glimpse of Earth. Virgin Galactic is yet to begin its commercial services as&nbsp;testing continues at the company's operating base in the US.</p>

<p>Virgin Galactic's journey dates back to 2004. In 2014, the dream almost crashed like a meteor after a test pilot was killed during a flight in California. The tragedy led to a redesign.</p>

<p>Now, Virgin Galactic plans to fly five spaceships in the coming years and, there are many takers, so far as&nbsp;1,000 people have expressed interest.</p>

<p>It will cost them more than $250,000 per seat. They will experience 10 to 15 minutes of weightlessness. Once the 30-minute flight ends, the spaceship will glide back to Earth. The space tourists will return to reality welcomed by a glass or two of champagne.</p>


Going to space, and not taking a selfie, how can that happen? Virgin Galactic thought about it and made some additions to the new spaceship's cabin. Now, each space traveller can float like a star with two paparazzi-like cameras capturing all the zero gravity action like a movie, shot in high-definition stills and video ready to be shared on social media once back on Earth.

Going to space, and not taking a selfie, how can that happen? Virgin Galactic thought about it and made some additions to the new spaceship's cabin. Now, each space traveller can float like a star with two paparazzi-like cameras capturing all the zero gravity action like a movie, shot in high-definition stills and video ready to be shared on social media once back on Earth. × It not going to be like "Gravity" or "Interstellar" but it will go viral. The six-seat cabin has become the chief selling point. It plays a role in various stages of the spaceflight especially when the space travellers get the first glimpse of Earth. Virgin Galactic is yet to begin its commercial services as testing continues at the company's operating base in the US. Virgin Galactic's journey dates back to 2004. In 2014, the dream almost crashed like a meteor after a test pilot was killed during a flight in California. The tragedy led to a redesign. Now, Virgin Galactic plans to fly five spaceships in the coming years and, there are many takers, so far as 1,000 people have expressed interest. It will cost them more than $250,000 per seat. They will experience 10 to 15 minutes of weightlessness. Once the 30-minute flight ends, the spaceship will glide back to Earth. The space tourists will return to reality welcomed by a glass or two of champagne.

Now, Virgin Galactic's new spaceship cabin allows you to take a selfie

<p>The press is giving the people a shot by shot account of coronavirus vaccine research and whoever makes the vaccine may end up making a world record because usually it takes years to develop a vaccine.</p>

<p>Now the aim is it should be in the market&nbsp;in a matter of months. Moderna, a biotech company in the US has undertaken the biggest test on experimental vaccine which is being developed by America’s National Institutes of Health.</p>

<p>Inside the lab, scientists wrap themselves in a protective gear&nbsp;working with samples of the Wuhan virus with biosecurity high inside such facilities. The hunt for a vaccine has never been so closely tracked by the world, not only can it&nbsp;save lives, it could even pull the world out of the waves of lockdowns and social isolation.</p>

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<p>Melissa Harting from New York took a jab, she has to give her blood samples too. In the coming days, scientists will study if the vaccine can generate an immune response against the Wuhan virus. The vaccine candidate has to work on a large number of people before it can be declared effective.</p>

<p>"Once we introduce this into a large group of people, we can truly see the efficacy of the vaccine as well as the safety of the vaccine and once we get past this trial, we can move into the general public and actually mass produce&nbsp;and having it given to the population," Dr Frank Eder from the Meridian clinical research, said.</p>

<p>The United States is not the only country doing large scale testing. South Africa and Brazil are two other countries that are witnessing large scale efficacy trials. It is the third stage of a vaccine trial where thousands of people are given shots so that scientists can learn more about the safety of the vaccine&nbsp;as well as the correct dosage.</p>

<p>In Sao Paulo, Doctor Monica Levi volunteered for the shot, she is a participant in a trial to test the vaccine developed at the Oxford University which is one of the most promising vaccine candidates in the world right now.</p>

<p>Dr Levi developed some minor side effects after she was administered the dose.</p>

<p>"After getting the COVID-19 vaccine, I got a headache for a day and a half more or less, sometimes a bit of a non-specific malaise, a bit of a chill. I didn't have a fever, but I was taking a high dose of tylenol, which is a gram every 6 hours, and I think it kept me from having a fever," Dr Levi said.</p>

<p>This is what the scientists are hoping to avoid with the final version of a vaccine while several candidates are being tested around the world right now, experts do not expect a vaccine to arrive before early 2021.</p>


The press is giving the people a shot by shot account of coronavirus vaccine research and whoever makes the vaccine may end up making a world record because usually it takes years to develop a vaccine.

The press is giving the people a shot by shot account of coronavirus vaccine research and whoever makes the vaccine may end up making a world record because usually it takes years to develop a vaccine. Now the aim is it should be in the market in a matter of months. Moderna, a biotech company in the US has undertaken the biggest test on experimental vaccine which is being developed by America’s National Institutes of Health. Inside the lab, scientists wrap themselves in a protective gear working with samples of the Wuhan virus with biosecurity high inside such facilities. The hunt for a vaccine has never been so closely tracked by the world, not only can it save lives, it could even pull the world out of the waves of lockdowns and social isolation. × Melissa Harting from New York took a jab, she has to give her blood samples too. In the coming days, scientists will study if the vaccine can generate an immune response against the Wuhan virus. The vaccine candidate has to work on a large number of people before it can be declared effective. "Once we introduce this into a large group of people, we can truly see the efficacy of the vaccine as well as the safety of the vaccine and once we get past this trial, we can move into the general public and actually mass produce and having it given to the population," Dr Frank Eder from the Meridian clinical research, said. The United States is not the only country doing large scale testing. South Africa and Brazil are two other countries that are witnessing large scale efficacy trials. It is the third stage of a vaccine trial where thousands of people are given shots so that scientists can learn more about the safety of the vaccine as well as the correct dosage. In Sao Paulo, Doctor Monica Levi volunteered for the shot, she is a participant in a trial to test the vaccine developed at the Oxford University which is one of the most promising vaccine candidates in the world right now. Dr Levi developed some minor side effects after she was administered the dose. "After getting the COVID-19 vaccine, I got a headache for a day and a half more or less, sometimes a bit of a non-specific malaise, a bit of a chill. I didn't have a fever, but I was taking a high dose of tylenol, which is a gram every 6 hours, and I think it kept me from having a fever," Dr Levi said. This is what the scientists are hoping to avoid with the final version of a vaccine while several candidates are being tested around the world right now, experts do not expect a vaccine to arrive before early 2021.

As COVID-19 engulfs the world, vaccine trials move into top gear

<p>Peshawar, the capital and the biggest city of the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan's north-west is known as the city of flowers.</p>

<p>It is by far the worst-hit by the terrorism that's marked Pakistan for over 15 years. Peshawar has lost more than 5,000 lives in terrorist incidents.</p>

<p>Peshawar was also home to some legends of Indian arts and films, titans such as Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar.</p>

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<p>Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has over 6,000 heritage sites, 1800 of these being in Peshawar alone. These include the <em>haveli</em> of Raj Kapoor and the house of Dilip kumar. The two greats of Indian cinema were born and raised here in their early days&nbsp;before the partition.</p>

<p>Both the houses lie in the heart of Peshawar. The Raj Kapoor <em>haveli</em> is in the Ander Shehar area of Peshawar. Dilip Kumar's house is in the famed Qissa Khwani bazaar.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/special-assistants-to-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-resign-over-criticism-316798" hreflang="en">Special assistants to Pakistan PM Imran Khan resign over criticism</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the locals, in 1990, late Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor visited the house owned by the Kapoor family before partition.</p>

<p>While the local officials are doing their utmost to preserve the heritage site. The historic ancestral home&nbsp;is facing demolition threat as the current owner of the house is adamant on building a commercial complex on the site worth crores according to Dr Abdul Samad, director of archaeology and museums for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.</p>

<p>The <em>haveli</em> is currently owned by Haji Muhammad Israr, a wealthy jeweller in the city. The provincial government wanted to buy the haveli keeping in view its historic importance and conserve it in its original shape for the tourists.</p>

<p>Israr, however, wants to demolish the building and construct a new commercial building at this prime location. He made three/four attempts in the past to demolish the building but could not do it as FIRs were registered against him by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa heritage department.</p>

<p>Another such house in Peshawar's Qissa Khwani bazaar is that of Dilip Kumar, where he&nbsp;lived his early life. It was declared a national heritage in 2014. Again, little has been done to preserve it.</p>

<p>The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government will complete the preservation work on these two heritage sites during its term, said Kamran Bangash, the information minister for KPK.</p>

<p>The Imran Khan government has vowed to revive Pakistan's tourism and preserve heritage sites&nbsp;should that happen&nbsp;the sites would not only attract tourists but also boost the image of Peshawar and Pakistan as the city which has suffered acutely from terrorist incidents over the past two decades.</p>


Peshawar, the capital and the biggest city of the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan's north-west is known as the city of flowers. It is by far the worst-hit by the terrorism that's marked Pakistan for over 15 years.

Peshawar, the capital and the biggest city of the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan's north-west is known as the city of flowers. It is by far the worst-hit by the terrorism that's marked Pakistan for over 15 years. Peshawar has lost more than 5,000 lives in terrorist incidents. Peshawar was also home to some legends of Indian arts and films, titans such as Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar. × Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has over 6,000 heritage sites, 1800 of these being in Peshawar alone. These include the haveli of Raj Kapoor and the house of Dilip kumar. The two greats of Indian cinema were born and raised here in their early days before the partition. Both the houses lie in the heart of Peshawar. The Raj Kapoor haveli is in the Ander Shehar area of Peshawar. Dilip Kumar's house is in the famed Qissa Khwani bazaar. Also read: Special assistants to Pakistan PM Imran Khan resign over criticism According to the locals, in 1990, late Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor visited the house owned by the Kapoor family before partition. While the local officials are doing their utmost to preserve the heritage site. The historic ancestral home is facing demolition threat as the current owner of the house is adamant on building a commercial complex on the site worth crores according to Dr Abdul Samad, director of archaeology and museums for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The haveli is currently owned by Haji Muhammad Israr, a wealthy jeweller in the city. The provincial government wanted to buy the haveli keeping in view its historic importance and conserve it in its original shape for the tourists. Israr, however, wants to demolish the building and construct a new commercial building at this prime location. He made three/four attempts in the past to demolish the building but could not do it as FIRs were registered against him by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa heritage department. Another such house in Peshawar's Qissa Khwani bazaar is that of Dilip Kumar, where he lived his early life. It was declared a national heritage in 2014. Again, little has been done to preserve it. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government will complete the preservation work on these two heritage sites during its term, said Kamran Bangash, the information minister for KPK. The Imran Khan government has vowed to revive Pakistan's tourism and preserve heritage sites should that happen the sites would not only attract tourists but also boost the image of Peshawar and Pakistan as the city which has suffered acutely from terrorist incidents over the past two decades.

Pakistan set to preserve Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar's ancestral homes

<p>Turkey&nbsp;adopted a new social media law on Wednesday that critics say will create a "chilling effect" on dissenting voices who have resorted to Twitter and other online platforms as the government tightened its grip on mainstream media.</p>

<p>The law was backed by President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party and its nationalist allies to make foreign social media sites more accountable. It requires them to appoint a local representative to address authorities' concerns.</p>

<p>The law would allow Turkish authorities to remove content from platforms rather than blocking access as they have done in the past.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-rights-watch-calls-on-turkey-to-probe-alleged-serious-abuses-by-police-316735" hreflang="en">Human Rights Watch calls on Turkey to probe alleged 'serious abuses' by police</a></strong></p>

<p>Turkey is an authoritarian regime in which checks and balances of the parliamentary system have been replaced by a centralised presidential rule. While traditional media is highly censored, now there is no freedom of speech on the internet either.</p>

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<p>Companies including Facebook and YouTube that do not comply could have their bandwidth slashed by up to 90 per cent, essentially blocking access, and face other penalties.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-parliament-passes-controversial-social-media-bill-316649" hreflang="en">Turkey parliament passes controversial social media bill</a></strong></p>

<p>They must also store local users' information in&nbsp;Turkey, raising concerns that a state that critics say has grown more authoritarian under Erdogan will gain easy access.</p>

<p>An estimated 90 per cent&nbsp;of major media in&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;comes under the ownership of the state or is close to the government.</p>

<p>Turks are already heavily policed on social media and the new regulations, especially if user data is vulnerable, will have a "chilling effect", said Yaman Akdeniz, cyber rights expert and professor at Istanbul Bilgi University.</p>

<p>"This will lead to identifying dissenters, finding who is behind parody accounts, and more people being tried&nbsp;or people will stop using these platforms when they realise this," he said. "People in&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;are already afraid to speak out."</p>

<p>Erdogan has criticised social media and said a rise of "immoral acts" online was due to a lack of regulation. His AK Party says the law will not lead to censorship and that it aims to protect personal rights and data.</p>

<p>Ozgur Ozel, senior lawmaker from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), called the law an "act of revenge".</p>

<p>"Maybe you can silence us and opponents, but you cannot silence the youth," he told parliament before the law passed at around 7 a.m. after an overnight debate.</p>

<p>Turkey&nbsp;was second globally in Twitter-related court orders in the first six months of 2019, according to the company, and it had the highest number of other legal demands from Twitter.</p>

<p>Akdeniz said social media companies would need to comply with every request from authorities including accessing user data and content removal that they currently do not accept.&nbsp;Turkey recently arrested hundreds of its citizens for their social media posts about the Wuhan virus pandemic.</p>

<p>The country already leads the world when it comes to sending removal requests to Twitter.&nbsp;In the first half of 2019 alone, it had sent over 6000 requests. 408,000 websites are already blocked in the country as well.</p>

<p>Turkey is slipping into a conservative, less-tolerant future and it is a shame given the country was once pitted as a model for neighbouring states.</p>


Turkey adopted a new social media law on Wednesday that critics say will create a "chilling effect" on dissenting voices who have resorted to Twitter and other online platforms as the government tightened its grip on mainstream media.

Turkey adopted a new social media law on Wednesday that critics say will create a "chilling effect" on dissenting voices who have resorted to Twitter and other online platforms as the government tightened its grip on mainstream media. The law was backed by President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party and its nationalist allies to make foreign social media sites more accountable. It requires them to appoint a local representative to address authorities' concerns. The law would allow Turkish authorities to remove content from platforms rather than blocking access as they have done in the past. Also read: Human Rights Watch calls on Turkey to probe alleged 'serious abuses' by police Turkey is an authoritarian regime in which checks and balances of the parliamentary system have been replaced by a centralised presidential rule. While traditional media is highly censored, now there is no freedom of speech on the internet either. × Companies including Facebook and YouTube that do not comply could have their bandwidth slashed by up to 90 per cent, essentially blocking access, and face other penalties. Also read: Turkey parliament passes controversial social media bill They must also store local users' information in Turkey, raising concerns that a state that critics say has grown more authoritarian under Erdogan will gain easy access. An estimated 90 per cent of major media in Turkey comes under the ownership of the state or is close to the government. Turks are already heavily policed on social media and the new regulations, especially if user data is vulnerable, will have a "chilling effect", said Yaman Akdeniz, cyber rights expert and professor at Istanbul Bilgi University. "This will lead to identifying dissenters, finding who is behind parody accounts, and more people being tried or people will stop using these platforms when they realise this," he said. "People in Turkey are already afraid to speak out." Erdogan has criticised social media and said a rise of "immoral acts" online was due to a lack of regulation. His AK Party says the law will not lead to censorship and that it aims to protect personal rights and data. Ozgur Ozel, senior lawmaker from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), called the law an "act of revenge". "Maybe you can silence us and opponents, but you cannot silence the youth," he told parliament before the law passed at around 7 a.m. after an overnight debate. Turkey was second globally in Twitter-related court orders in the first six months of 2019, according to the company, and it had the highest number of other legal demands from Twitter. Akdeniz said social media companies would need to comply with every request from authorities including accessing user data and content removal that they currently do not accept. Turkey recently arrested hundreds of its citizens for their social media posts about the Wuhan virus pandemic. The country already leads the world when it comes to sending removal requests to Twitter. In the first half of 2019 alone, it had sent over 6000 requests. 408,000 websites are already blocked in the country as well. Turkey is slipping into a conservative, less-tolerant future and it is a shame given the country was once pitted as a model for neighbouring states.

Turkey tightens grip on social media with new law to silence dissent

<p>The Rafale fighter jet is India’s biggest military acquisition in years. The first batch of five fighters arrived earlier today in India.</p>

<p>The supersonic fighters touched down at the Ambala airspace in Haryana. The five planes will take the IAF’s squadron strength to 31. The Rafale is a game changing acquisition for the Indian Air Force as it can carry out a variety of missions.</p>

<p>The Rafale can be used for ground and sea attacks and can undertake electronic warfare, air defence, ground support and in-depth strikes. The biggest asset of the Rafale is its weapon carrying capability. It has the meteor air-to-air missile. It can shoot down an enemy aircraft even if its more than 100 kilometers away.</p>

<p>The Rafale will also be equipped with the scalp long range missile which can hit a target that’s more than 300 kilometers away. The Rafale is the most potent aircraft in South Asia. It can detect threats well in advance and neutralise them.</p>

<p>The fighter jet is much more capable than Pakistan’s F-16 aircraft or China’s J-20 - an aircraft that is yet to see combat. The Rafale’s acqusition is a significant boost for India’s defences against China.</p>

<p>Recently, the Indian Navy conducted drills off the coast of Andaman and Nicobar.&nbsp;Now, the Indian Navy is stepping up its surveillance. India has reportedly reached out to its neighbours in the Indian Ocean region. Indian officials have spoken to the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles and Madagascar in an attempt to stop China from expanding its footprint.</p>

<p>After the bloody clash in Ladakh, China’s claims cannot be taken at face value. Indian officials are yet to confirm if the disengagement is complete or not until then&nbsp;India is matching Chinese aggression.</p>


The Rafale fighter jet is India’s biggest military acquisition in years. The first batch of five fighters arrived earlier today in India. The supersonic fighters touched down at the Ambala airspace in Haryana.

The Rafale fighter jet is India’s biggest military acquisition in years. The first batch of five fighters arrived earlier today in India. The supersonic fighters touched down at the Ambala airspace in Haryana. The five planes will take the IAF’s squadron strength to 31. The Rafale is a game changing acquisition for the Indian Air Force as it can carry out a variety of missions. The Rafale can be used for ground and sea attacks and can undertake electronic warfare, air defence, ground support and in-depth strikes. The biggest asset of the Rafale is its weapon carrying capability. It has the meteor air-to-air missile. It can shoot down an enemy aircraft even if its more than 100 kilometers away. The Rafale will also be equipped with the scalp long range missile which can hit a target that’s more than 300 kilometers away. The Rafale is the most potent aircraft in South Asia. It can detect threats well in advance and neutralise them. The fighter jet is much more capable than Pakistan’s F-16 aircraft or China’s J-20 - an aircraft that is yet to see combat. The Rafale’s acqusition is a significant boost for India’s defences against China. Recently, the Indian Navy conducted drills off the coast of Andaman and Nicobar. Now, the Indian Navy is stepping up its surveillance. India has reportedly reached out to its neighbours in the Indian Ocean region. Indian officials have spoken to the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles and Madagascar in an attempt to stop China from expanding its footprint. After the bloody clash in Ladakh, China’s claims cannot be taken at face value. Indian officials are yet to confirm if the disengagement is complete or not until then India is matching Chinese aggression.

Why India's Rafale fighter jets are superior to  Pakistan’s F-16, China's J-20

<p>Nepal's Communist party is heading towards a split as the Chinese ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi holds closed-door meetings.</p>

<p>The rival factions of the NCP has two sides, one is led by PM Oli, the other by former Prime Minister Prachanda. The Chinese envoy has been talking to both factions and is trying to broker a truce.</p>

<p>The fact that Nepal is puppeteered by China is no secret and now Kathmandu is not even trying to hide it. The Standing Committee of NCP had met on Tuesday but the meeting was cancelled by PM Oli. The prime minister was stalling the meeting with his party members because he did not want them to pass a resolution against him or a resolution in support of Prachanda.</p>

<p>So, on Tuesday, when Oli postponed the Standing Committee meeting for the ninth time, the members of the rival faction did not listen to him, they barged into the prime minister's residence and held the Standing Committee meeting in its assembly hall without Oli. The meeting was attended by 29 of the 45 Standing Committee members which is a clear majority in support of Prachanda who also happens to be the co-chair of the NCP.</p>

<p>Now, the majority of the NCP Standing Committee wants Oli to either resign from the prime ministership or the party chairmanship. The party members feel that Oli's behaviour has created problems in the party cadre. According to the party constitution, the Standing Committee cannot bring him down from the PMO but they can pressure Oli into stepping down from the party leadership if Oli disregards the demands of the Standing Committee, then his party could head towards a split.</p>

<p>A formal split means the government would fall and Nepal would head to an election. The Nepalese media reports claim that Oli is trying to float a new party, one of Oli's confidants has also filed an application with Nepal's election commission, so, Oli clearly is preparing for a split.</p>

<p>However, it is highly unlikely that the Nepal PM will get the voters support due to the massive protests against him with not everyone happy in Nepal with the NCP's growing proximity to China.</p>

<p>China is playing puppet with Nepal by encouraging it to amend its map and claim Indian land, ban private Indian channels, declare Lord Ram a Nepali, shun American aid, repress citizen protests and even send the army to its border with India.</p>

<p>China has taught Oli to whip ultra-nationalism and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli followed the Dragon blindly. The result is &nbsp;PM Oli has lost the support of the voters and his party.</p>


Nepal's Communist party is heading towards a split as the Chinese ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi holds closed-door meetings. The rival factions of the NCP has two sides, one is led by PM Oli, the other by former Prime Minister Prachanda.

Nepal's Communist party is heading towards a split as the Chinese ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi holds closed-door meetings. The rival factions of the NCP has two sides, one is led by PM Oli, the other by former Prime Minister Prachanda. The Chinese envoy has been talking to both factions and is trying to broker a truce. The fact that Nepal is puppeteered by China is no secret and now Kathmandu is not even trying to hide it. The Standing Committee of NCP had met on Tuesday but the meeting was cancelled by PM Oli. The prime minister was stalling the meeting with his party members because he did not want them to pass a resolution against him or a resolution in support of Prachanda. So, on Tuesday, when Oli postponed the Standing Committee meeting for the ninth time, the members of the rival faction did not listen to him, they barged into the prime minister's residence and held the Standing Committee meeting in its assembly hall without Oli. The meeting was attended by 29 of the 45 Standing Committee members which is a clear majority in support of Prachanda who also happens to be the co-chair of the NCP. Now, the majority of the NCP Standing Committee wants Oli to either resign from the prime ministership or the party chairmanship. The party members feel that Oli's behaviour has created problems in the party cadre. According to the party constitution, the Standing Committee cannot bring him down from the PMO but they can pressure Oli into stepping down from the party leadership if Oli disregards the demands of the Standing Committee, then his party could head towards a split. A formal split means the government would fall and Nepal would head to an election. The Nepalese media reports claim that Oli is trying to float a new party, one of Oli's confidants has also filed an application with Nepal's election commission, so, Oli clearly is preparing for a split. However, it is highly unlikely that the Nepal PM will get the voters support due to the massive protests against him with not everyone happy in Nepal with the NCP's growing proximity to China. China is playing puppet with Nepal by encouraging it to amend its map and claim Indian land, ban private Indian channels, declare Lord Ram a Nepali, shun American aid, repress citizen protests and even send the army to its border with India. China has taught Oli to whip ultra-nationalism and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli followed the Dragon blindly. The result is PM Oli has lost the support of the voters and his party.

As PM Oli's NCP heads towards a split, China intervenes

<p>Three years ago, India's Prime minister Narendra Modi had paid a special visit to Colombo. He was the chief guest for the International Vesak Day celebrations which is another name for Buddha Purnima - the biggest festival for Buddhists.</p>

<p>India’s Buddhist legacy gives it a big advantage in Sri Lanka. The cultural connection is something that India’s prime minister has tried to leverage on more occasions than one. In 2017, Prime minister Modi had visited the Seema Malaka temple which is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka.</p>

<p>Two years later, he became the first leader to visit the island nation after the Easter bombings. India has been using soft power and cultural diplomacy to counter the Dragon in Lanka.</p>

<p>However, it is clearly not enough. China has expanded its footprint in Sri Lanka by using its chequebook pumping in around $11 billion by 2019. Recently, Beijing granted an urgent loan of $500 million to Colombo to battle the Wuhan virus. In response, New Delhi partnered with Japan to make investments in Sri Lanka.</p>

<p>India and Japan signed a deal with Sri Lanka to develop a terminal at the Colombo port. Now, there are plans to set up an import terminal too. Recently, India and Sri Lanka struck a $400 million currency swap agreement. Colombo has even requested New Delhi for rescheduling outstanding debts but&nbsp;Sri Lanka hasn’t shown willingness to give up its dependence on Chinese cash.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to recent reports, the Colombo port deal is on a sticky wicket. Colombo is yet to green light the agreement leading many to believe that the Chinese influence is holding Indian investments back.</p>

<p>A possible solution to India’s China problem can be found in the past. In 2004, the Asian tsunami led to the birth of an alliance. Sri Lanka needed urgent humanitarian assistance.</p>

<p>Colombo made the first call to New Delhi and within 12 hours, Indian ships, aircraft and helicopters were dispatched to assist the Sri Lankan government. A few days later, the then US president George Bush announced that America, Japan and Australia will set up an international coalition.</p>

<p>An alliance to coordinate rescue and relief efforts, rehabilitate the homeless, and restore power and connectivity was put in motion. It is how the Quad was born - a coalition of India, Australia, Japan and the United States. It is seen as an effective counter to China today.</p>

<p>Until now, India has been cautious about Quad but with the threat of the Dragon looming over the Indian Ocean, the quad is an idea whose time has finally come.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Three years ago, India's Prime minister Narendra Modi had paid a special visit to Colombo. He was the chief guest for the International Vesak Day celebrations which is another name for Buddha Purnima - the biggest festival for Buddhists.

Three years ago, India's Prime minister Narendra Modi had paid a special visit to Colombo. He was the chief guest for the International Vesak Day celebrations which is another name for Buddha Purnima - the biggest festival for Buddhists. India’s Buddhist legacy gives it a big advantage in Sri Lanka. The cultural connection is something that India’s prime minister has tried to leverage on more occasions than one. In 2017, Prime minister Modi had visited the Seema Malaka temple which is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. Two years later, he became the first leader to visit the island nation after the Easter bombings. India has been using soft power and cultural diplomacy to counter the Dragon in Lanka. However, it is clearly not enough. China has expanded its footprint in Sri Lanka by using its chequebook pumping in around $11 billion by 2019. Recently, Beijing granted an urgent loan of $500 million to Colombo to battle the Wuhan virus. In response, New Delhi partnered with Japan to make investments in Sri Lanka. India and Japan signed a deal with Sri Lanka to develop a terminal at the Colombo port. Now, there are plans to set up an import terminal too. Recently, India and Sri Lanka struck a $400 million currency swap agreement. Colombo has even requested New Delhi for rescheduling outstanding debts but Sri Lanka hasn’t shown willingness to give up its dependence on Chinese cash. According to recent reports, the Colombo port deal is on a sticky wicket. Colombo is yet to green light the agreement leading many to believe that the Chinese influence is holding Indian investments back. A possible solution to India’s China problem can be found in the past. In 2004, the Asian tsunami led to the birth of an alliance. Sri Lanka needed urgent humanitarian assistance. Colombo made the first call to New Delhi and within 12 hours, Indian ships, aircraft and helicopters were dispatched to assist the Sri Lankan government. A few days later, the then US president George Bush announced that America, Japan and Australia will set up an international coalition. An alliance to coordinate rescue and relief efforts, rehabilitate the homeless, and restore power and connectivity was put in motion. It is how the Quad was born - a coalition of India, Australia, Japan and the United States. It is seen as an effective counter to China today. Until now, India has been cautious about Quad but with the threat of the Dragon looming over the Indian Ocean, the quad is an idea whose time has finally come.

As China eyes Sri Lanka, India's Quad alliance can push back the Dragon

<p>NASA on Thursday launched the rover Perseverance to Mars from Cape Canaveral, Florida&nbsp;on board a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.</p>

<p>Perseverance is set to reach Mars on February 18&nbsp;next year becoming the fifth rover to complete the voyage since 1997.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The rocket has separated from the first stage and is being boosted to orbit by the Centaur second stage. <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAPersevere?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAPersevere</a> is now preparing for a second burn that will put it on a trajectory towards Mars. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CountdownToMars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CountdownToMars</a> <a href="https://t.co/MBRqcxMTdw">pic.twitter.com/MBRqcxMTdw</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1288806326815133696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-nasas-ingenuity-helicopter-will-help-perseverance-rover-in-mars-317017#mars-helicopter-317006">See Pics:&nbsp;How NASA's Ingenuity helicopter will help Perseverance rover in Mars&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>The mission will search for life on Mars. The rover will also have a state of the art mini helicopter named Ingenuity which will attempt to fly in Mars.</p>

<p>The mission of the helicopter is to find signs of ancient life forms in the red planet.</p>

<p>"We have a history of doing amazing things in the most challenging times, and this is this is no different," NASA chief Jim Bridenstine said.</p>


NASA on Thursday launched the rover Perseverance to Mars from Cape Canaveral, Florida on board a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Perseverance is set to reach Mars on February 18 next year becoming the fifth rover to complete the voyage since 1997.

NASA on Thursday launched the rover Perseverance to Mars from Cape Canaveral, Florida on board a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Perseverance is set to reach Mars on February 18 next year becoming the fifth rover to complete the voyage since 1997. The rocket has separated from the first stage and is being boosted to orbit by the Centaur second stage. @NASAPersevere is now preparing for a second burn that will put it on a trajectory towards Mars. #CountdownToMars pic.twitter.com/MBRqcxMTdw — NASA (@NASA) July 30, 2020 × See Pics: How NASA's Ingenuity helicopter will help Perseverance rover in Mars The mission will search for life on Mars. The rover will also have a state of the art mini helicopter named Ingenuity which will attempt to fly in Mars. The mission of the helicopter is to find signs of ancient life forms in the red planet. "We have a history of doing amazing things in the most challenging times, and this is this is no different," NASA chief Jim Bridenstine said.

NASA's Perseverance rover with Ingenuity helicopter blasts off from Florida on way to Mars

How NASA's Ingenuity helicopter will help Perseverance rover in Mars

<p>Chinese envoy to India Sun Weidong said today that troops along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) have disengaged at my places and the situation is "de-escalating and the temperature is coming down".</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

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<p>Indian and Chinese troops have been taking part in the disengagement process over the past one month after the clash at Galwan Valley led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers, although the PLA had suffered casualties as well but China's foreign ministry has refused to divulge details.</p>

<p>The Chinese envoy said China is not a strategic threat to India while adding that "China, India need peace rather than confrontation and win-win cooperation rather than zero-sum game."</p>

<p>"Ties should move forward not backward," the envoy asserted.</p>

<p>Sun Weidong&nbsp;stated that India and China have always pursued good neighbourly relations and said that "China will never seek hegemony".</p>

<p>"Galwan was an unfortunate incident and after that both sides held talks," he added. The envoy said that China and India have "never stopped moving forward" and properly handle differences through consultations.</p>

<p>"Dragon and elephant tango will serve lasting peace in Asia and the world at large," Weidong&nbsp;said, adding,"China and India are each other's opportunities."</p>

<p>"China has never claimed territory, the label of expansionist can't be put on China," he said.</p>

<p>"China will never engage in expansionism, right and wrong of Galwan is known. The legitimate right of every country is to safeguard its territorial integrity. China has never been aggressive."</p>


Chinese envoy to India Sun Weidong said today that troops along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) have disengaged at my places and the situation is "de-escalating and the temperature is coming down".

Chinese envoy to India Sun Weidong said today that troops along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) have disengaged at my places and the situation is "de-escalating and the temperature is coming down". Watch: Indian and Chinese troops have been taking part in the disengagement process over the past one month after the clash at Galwan Valley led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers, although the PLA had suffered casualties as well but China's foreign ministry has refused to divulge details. The Chinese envoy said China is not a strategic threat to India while adding that "China, India need peace rather than confrontation and win-win cooperation rather than zero-sum game." "Ties should move forward not backward," the envoy asserted. Sun Weidong stated that India and China have always pursued good neighbourly relations and said that "China will never seek hegemony". "Galwan was an unfortunate incident and after that both sides held talks," he added. The envoy said that China and India have "never stopped moving forward" and properly handle differences through consultations. "Dragon and elephant tango will serve lasting peace in Asia and the world at large," Weidong said, adding,"China and India are each other's opportunities." "China has never claimed territory, the label of expansionist can't be put on China," he said. "China will never engage in expansionism, right and wrong of Galwan is known. The legitimate right of every country is to safeguard its territorial integrity. China has never been aggressive."

India-China standoff: Situation de-escalating at LAC; China will never engage in expansionism: Chinese envoy

<p>Countries around the world want to make an example out of TikTok. The popular video app is facing bans with calls for a boycott in multiple countries and users around the world are abandoning the platform.</p>

<p>India was the first country to ban it, now others want to follow suit. Until India banned the app, it was ticking on its way to success. It was creating new social media stars and challenging the domination of the Silicon Valley but all that is history.</p>

<p>With India's ban, the fortunes of TikTok have turned for the worse starting with the United States. In the US, officials in the defence forces and the government cannot install the app on their phones but&nbsp;lawmakers are pushing for broader restrictions.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The US lawmakers want a complete ban. There is no precedent of a network ban in the US as America has never cut off access to something via internet companies. It can introduce new regulations for app stores and create a new rulebook of sorts that allows the US government to ban apps.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the committee of foreign investment has opened a probe into TikTok. It is a very powerful inter-agency committee in the US which reviews foreign investments on national security grounds, if Tiktok is found guilty, the committee has the power to compel the app to separate from its Chinese ownership that is, if it wants to run its business in America.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US can in fact force TikTok to divorce its Chinese owners. Australia is another country looking to ban TikTok with lawmakers building pressure for a ban. It began with a report earlier this month with the Herald Sun reporting that one Australian lawmaker is pushing for a ban on TikTok since then others have joined and the chorus it is growing louder.</p>

<p>Senator Jim Molan has claimed that TikTok is being "used and abused" by the Chinese government.&nbsp;&nbsp;A&nbsp;lawmaker from the Labour Party called TikTok before a committee of lawmakers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>TikTok’s representatives were asked to face a panel and they were called to the select committee of foreign interference through social media. It is a committee which looks into foreign interference through social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A top executive has already left the company and Tiktok’s owner Bytedance has lost it head of artificial intelligence. Ma Wei-ying will leave by the end of this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tiktok actually saw it coming. The company knew its links to China will hurt it at some point, so, it tried to create a distance between itself and the Communist Party. A separate app was created just for the Chinese market although Tiktok isn’t available in China but it has a different version of the same application called Douyin.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The company hired foreign executives to lead its operations. In May, the company hired an American CEO Kevin Mayer. He had earlier worked with Disney. Mayer is the CEO of TikTok and the COO of its parent company Bytedance with most of the top executives of TikTok being American citizens.&nbsp;</p>

<p>TikTok has hired an army of lobbyists in America to protect its business. TikTok reportedly had no lobbyist in Washington DC a year ago. Now, it has an army of more than 35 lobbyists there. It includes one lobbyist with deep ties to US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;</p>


Countries around the world want to make an example out of TikTok. The popular video app is facing bans with calls for a boycott in multiple countries and users around the world are abandoning the platform.

Countries around the world want to make an example out of TikTok. The popular video app is facing bans with calls for a boycott in multiple countries and users around the world are abandoning the platform. India was the first country to ban it, now others want to follow suit. Until India banned the app, it was ticking on its way to success. It was creating new social media stars and challenging the domination of the Silicon Valley but all that is history. With India's ban, the fortunes of TikTok have turned for the worse starting with the United States. In the US, officials in the defence forces and the government cannot install the app on their phones but lawmakers are pushing for broader restrictions. × The US lawmakers want a complete ban. There is no precedent of a network ban in the US as America has never cut off access to something via internet companies. It can introduce new regulations for app stores and create a new rulebook of sorts that allows the US government to ban apps. Meanwhile, the committee of foreign investment has opened a probe into TikTok. It is a very powerful inter-agency committee in the US which reviews foreign investments on national security grounds, if Tiktok is found guilty, the committee has the power to compel the app to separate from its Chinese ownership that is, if it wants to run its business in America. The US can in fact force TikTok to divorce its Chinese owners. Australia is another country looking to ban TikTok with lawmakers building pressure for a ban. It began with a report earlier this month with the Herald Sun reporting that one Australian lawmaker is pushing for a ban on TikTok since then others have joined and the chorus it is growing louder. Senator Jim Molan has claimed that TikTok is being "used and abused" by the Chinese government. A lawmaker from the Labour Party called TikTok before a committee of lawmakers. TikTok’s representatives were asked to face a panel and they were called to the select committee of foreign interference through social media. It is a committee which looks into foreign interference through social media. A top executive has already left the company and Tiktok’s owner Bytedance has lost it head of artificial intelligence. Ma Wei-ying will leave by the end of this month. Tiktok actually saw it coming. The company knew its links to China will hurt it at some point, so, it tried to create a distance between itself and the Communist Party. A separate app was created just for the Chinese market although Tiktok isn’t available in China but it has a different version of the same application called Douyin. The company hired foreign executives to lead its operations. In May, the company hired an American CEO Kevin Mayer. He had earlier worked with Disney. Mayer is the CEO of TikTok and the COO of its parent company Bytedance with most of the top executives of TikTok being American citizens. TikTok has hired an army of lobbyists in America to protect its business. TikTok reportedly had no lobbyist in Washington DC a year ago. Now, it has an army of more than 35 lobbyists there. It includes one lobbyist with deep ties to US President Donald Trump.

After India, US & Australia eye ban on TikTok

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