Pedestrians with phones may be a common sight the world over but Japan's Yamato city has submitted a bill to authorities to prevent people from using mobile phones while walking.

City officials say the move has been made after the number of accidents had increased due to the use of smartphones.

The ban may come into effect next month with officials insisting that they will set up an awareness campaign to warn citizens about the dangers of being on call while walking the streets.

The bill if passed will be the first in Japan.

According to a US survey, 1.6 million car crashes occur per year in the country with 25 per cent accidents being caused due to texting and driving.

The World Health Organisation(WHO) had estimated that mobile use makes accidents four times more likely. In Australia, authorities have estimated that 9 per cent of fatal car crashes were caused by distracted drivers which including mobile phone users.

According to the Harvard center for risk analysis, 330,000 injuries per year caused due to texting while driving cars.

Pedestrians with phones may be a common sight the world over but Japan's Yamato city has submitted a bill to authorities to prevent people from using mobile phones while walking.

Pedestrians with phones may be a common sight the world over but Japan's Yamato city has submitted a bill to authorities to prevent people from using mobile phones while walking. City officials say the move has been made after the number of accidents had increased due to the use of smartphones. The ban may come into effect next month with officials insisting that they will set up an awareness campaign to warn citizens about the dangers of being on call while walking the streets. The bill if passed will be the first in Japan. According to a US survey, 1.6 million car crashes occur per year in the country with 25 per cent accidents being caused due to texting and driving. The World Health Organisation(WHO) had estimated that mobile use makes accidents four times more likely. In Australia, authorities have estimated that 9 per cent of fatal car crashes were caused by distracted drivers which including mobile phone users. According to the Harvard center for risk analysis, 330,000 injuries per year caused due to texting while driving cars.

Japanese city aims to ban mobile phone for pedestrians

Chinese authorities on Wednesday ordered US news outlets - &nbsp;Associated Press, United Press International, CBS and NPR - to disclose of financial operations in the country as the row over media rights escalated between the United States and China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-designates-4-more-chinese-media-outlets-as-foreign-missions-307846">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump administration designates 4 more Chinese media outlets as 'foreign missions'</a>

"China's actions are entirely necessary countermeasures against the United States' unreasonable oppression of Chinese media organisations in the US", China's foreign affairs ministry spokesman Zhao said.

The move comes after the US State Department last month had designated four Chinese state media outlets as "foreign missions" with five others in February.

The news outlets designated as foreign mission included China Radio International, Xinhua news agency, People's Daily, China Daily and China Global Television Network.

The outlets were ordered to cut Chinese staff in the United States as China hit back by expelling US nationals working for The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and New York Times.

China had earlier also expelled journalists from the Wall Stree Journal&nbsp;after it published an opinion piece called "sick man of Asia" which Chinese authorities said was racist in nature.

State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus had said that all nine outlets were "effectively controlled by the government of People's Republic of China."

US officials designated the Chinese media organizations as "propaganda outlets" while moving to restrict their staff in the country.

Chinese authorities on Wednesday ordered US news outlets - Associated Press, United Press International, CBS and NPR - to disclose of financial operations in the country as the row over media rights escalated between the United States and China.

Chinese authorities on Wednesday ordered US news outlets - Associated Press, United Press International, CBS and NPR - to disclose of financial operations in the country as the row over media rights escalated between the United States and China. Also Read: Trump administration designates 4 more Chinese media outlets as 'foreign missions' "China's actions are entirely necessary countermeasures against the United States' unreasonable oppression of Chinese media organisations in the US", China's foreign affairs ministry spokesman Zhao said. The move comes after the US State Department last month had designated four Chinese state media outlets as "foreign missions" with five others in February. The news outlets designated as foreign mission included China Radio International, Xinhua news agency, People's Daily, China Daily and China Global Television Network. The outlets were ordered to cut Chinese staff in the United States as China hit back by expelling US nationals working for The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and New York Times. China had earlier also expelled journalists from the Wall Stree Journal after it published an opinion piece called "sick man of Asia" which Chinese authorities said was racist in nature. State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus had said that all nine outlets were "effectively controlled by the government of People's Republic of China." US officials designated the Chinese media organizations as "propaganda outlets" while moving to restrict their staff in the country.

Now, China targets US media outlets to disclose finances, staff

Hong Kong police said it has made its first arrest under Beijing's new national security law after a man was caught holding the&nbsp;Hong Kong independence flag.

"A man was arrested for holding a HK Independence flag in CausewayBay, Hong Kong, violating the National Security Law," the police announced, adding,"this is the first arrest made since the law has come into force."

Watch Video:

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A senior Chinese government official had said that suspects arrested by the mainland's new office in Hong Kong will be tried in the mainland.

The arrest comes even as Hong Kong marked the 23rd anniversary of its handover to China on Wednesday. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam had earlier said the law is the "most important development" since 1997 when Britan handed over the colony to China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/hong-kong-protests-china-timeline-of-hong-kongs-struggle-against-chinese-hegemony-309674">In Pics: Timeline of Hong Kong's struggle against Chinese hegemony</a>

China's top lawmaking body National Standing Committee had unanimously approved the national security law on Tuesday after Beijing had introduced a draft six weeks ago. Chinese lawmakers passed the new law without taking Hong Kong legislature's approval.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-unveils-details-of-national-security-law-for-hong-kong-309754">Also Read:&nbsp;China unveils details of national security law for Hong Kong</a>

The City police began conducting searches as the new law came into effect today even though large gatherings are banned due to coronavirus restrictions.

Critics say China's new security law is desgined to move away from the "One Country, Two Systems" which the Chinese government had promised to UK authorities in 1997.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo critised the move saying: "China promised 50 years of freedom to the Hong Kong people, and gave them only 23." 
&nbsp;

Hong Kong police said it has made its first arrest under Beijing's new national security law after a man was caught holding the Hong Kong independence flag. "A man was arrested for holding a HK Independence flag in CausewayBay, Hong Kong, violating the National Security Law," the police announced, adding,"this is the first arrest made since the law has come into force.

Hong Kong police said it has made its first arrest under Beijing's new national security law after a man was caught holding the Hong Kong independence flag. "A man was arrested for holding a HK Independence flag in CausewayBay, Hong Kong, violating the National Security Law," the police announced, adding,"this is the first arrest made since the law has come into force." Watch Video: A senior Chinese government official had said that suspects arrested by the mainland's new office in Hong Kong will be tried in the mainland. The arrest comes even as Hong Kong marked the 23rd anniversary of its handover to China on Wednesday. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam had earlier said the law is the "most important development" since 1997 when Britan handed over the colony to China. In Pics: Timeline of Hong Kong's struggle against Chinese hegemony China's top lawmaking body National Standing Committee had unanimously approved the national security law on Tuesday after Beijing had introduced a draft six weeks ago. Chinese lawmakers passed the new law without taking Hong Kong legislature's approval. Also Read: China unveils details of national security law for Hong Kong The City police began conducting searches as the new law came into effect today even though large gatherings are banned due to coronavirus restrictions. Critics say China's new security law is desgined to move away from the "One Country, Two Systems" which the Chinese government had promised to UK authorities in 1997. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo critised the move saying: "China promised 50 years of freedom to the Hong Kong people, and gave them only 23."

Police in Hong Kong makes first arrest under China's national security law

Uruguay is one of the fourteen countries whose citizens will be allowed by the European Union as it reopens its borders for travellers even as it has banned visitors from Brazil from entering the continent.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/crosses-to-honour-coronavirus-victims-virus-hit-brazil-remains-split-309736/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Uruguay has&nbsp;reported just 936 coronavirus cases and 27 deaths even as neighbouring Brazil reported over 59,594 deaths and more than&nbsp;1.4 million cases. The number of coronavirus cases in Brazil is second only to the United States which has over 2.4 million cases.

In fact, experts have warned that the coronavirus death toll in Latin America could quadruple with nearly 114,000 deaths already reported. Chile and Colombia which have reported rising number of cases are expected to reach their peaks within the next 15 days, experts said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-covid-19-deaths-on-rise-with-more-than-1000-deaths-in-24-hours-309806">Also Read: US COVID-19 deaths on rise with more than 1,000 deaths in 24 hours</a> 
&nbsp;

Mexico, Bolivia and Peru have also been hit hard with the virus.

Uruguay, on the other hand, reopened schools in capital Montevideo as President Luis Lacalle Pou said: "we are convinced that the risk is minimal".&nbsp;Under a strict health protocol, most shopping centres also reopened in Uruguay last month, in another step towards the "new normal".

According to the government, Uruguay's rate of infection is just 0.74. President Pou had ordered a &nbsp;voluntary lockdown much earlier than other Latin American countries but authorities are still not ready to declare "victory" as cases continue to rise in Latin America. The country witnessed an outbreak in Treinta Tres province bordering Brazil leading health authorities to stay alert.

Most schools in the country have reopened since April with face masks mandatory for students. The students have also been encouraged to take online classes as school authorities rotate students in school.

Uruguay is one of the fourteen countries whose citizens will be allowed by the European Union as it reopens its borders for travellers even as it has banned visitors from Brazil from entering the continent.

Uruguay is one of the fourteen countries whose citizens will be allowed by the European Union as it reopens its borders for travellers even as it has banned visitors from Brazil from entering the continent. Watch: Uruguay has reported just 936 coronavirus cases and 27 deaths even as neighbouring Brazil reported over 59,594 deaths and more than 1.4 million cases. The number of coronavirus cases in Brazil is second only to the United States which has over 2.4 million cases. In fact, experts have warned that the coronavirus death toll in Latin America could quadruple with nearly 114,000 deaths already reported. Chile and Colombia which have reported rising number of cases are expected to reach their peaks within the next 15 days, experts said. Also Read: US COVID-19 deaths on rise with more than 1,000 deaths in 24 hours Mexico, Bolivia and Peru have also been hit hard with the virus. Uruguay, on the other hand, reopened schools in capital Montevideo as President Luis Lacalle Pou said: "we are convinced that the risk is minimal". Under a strict health protocol, most shopping centres also reopened in Uruguay last month, in another step towards the "new normal". According to the government, Uruguay's rate of infection is just 0.74. President Pou had ordered a voluntary lockdown much earlier than other Latin American countries but authorities are still not ready to declare "victory" as cases continue to rise in Latin America. The country witnessed an outbreak in Treinta Tres province bordering Brazil leading health authorities to stay alert. Most schools in the country have reopened since April with face masks mandatory for students. The students have also been encouraged to take online classes as school authorities rotate students in school.

Uruguay's coronavirus model stands out as Latin America struggles with pandemic

A US astronaut lost a mirror attached to his spacesuit during a spacewalk after stepping out of the International Space Station (ISS) last week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-wants-inventors-to-design-a-loo-for-the-moon-309465">Also Read:&nbsp;NASA wants inventors to design a loo for the Moon</a>

US astronaut Chris Cassidy had gone out of the space station to replace the batteries when he lost his mirror. Cassidy's colleague Bob Behnken had accompanied him when the incident occurred.&nbsp;Chris Cassidy said losing the mirror was "a real bummer".

Chris Cassidy had arrived on the ISS in April.

Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley had entered the International Space Station last month after a landmark 19-hour journey when they were welcomed by Chris Cassidy. Behnken is on the ISS in order to conduct checks and to ensure readiness.

Chris Cassidy and Bob Behnken had reportedly completed their spacewalk spanning over six hours last Friday. It was the first of four walks taken by the duo to replace the ageing batteries at&nbsp;the space station's solar power system.

Earlier, two Russian cosmonauts aboard the ISS had played a game of chess against a grandmaster on Earth. The cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner played in zero gravity against 30-year-old Russian Sergei Karyakin which ended in a draw after 15 minutes. The match&nbsp;was broadcast live for Earth dwellers.

The match was part of 50th anniversary of the first Space-Earth chess game played on June 9, 1970.

A US astronaut lost a mirror attached to his spacesuit during a spacewalk after stepping out of the International Space Station (ISS) last week. Also Read: NASA wants inventors to design a loo for the Moon US astronaut Chris Cassidy had gone out of the space station to replace the batteries when he lost his mirror.

A US astronaut lost a mirror attached to his spacesuit during a spacewalk after stepping out of the International Space Station (ISS) last week. Also Read: NASA wants inventors to design a loo for the Moon US astronaut Chris Cassidy had gone out of the space station to replace the batteries when he lost his mirror. Cassidy's colleague Bob Behnken had accompanied him when the incident occurred. Chris Cassidy said losing the mirror was "a real bummer". Chris Cassidy had arrived on the ISS in April. Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley had entered the International Space Station last month after a landmark 19-hour journey when they were welcomed by Chris Cassidy. Behnken is on the ISS in order to conduct checks and to ensure readiness. Chris Cassidy and Bob Behnken had reportedly completed their spacewalk spanning over six hours last Friday. It was the first of four walks taken by the duo to replace the ageing batteries at the space station's solar power system. Earlier, two Russian cosmonauts aboard the ISS had played a game of chess against a grandmaster on Earth. The cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner played in zero gravity against 30-year-old Russian Sergei Karyakin which ended in a draw after 15 minutes. The match was broadcast live for Earth dwellers. The match was part of 50th anniversary of the first Space-Earth chess game played on June 9, 1970.

'Real bummer': US astronaut at International Space Station loses mirror during spacewalk

The third round of talks between Indian and Chinese army commanders began in Chushul along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in southeastern Ladakh on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-galwan-valley-has-become-a-flashpoint-between-india-and-china-307270">Also Read:&nbsp;Why Galwan Valley has become a flashpoint between India and China</a>

The talks had earlier taken place on June 6 and June 22 at Moldo on the Chinese side on de-escalation and disengagement process.&nbsp;India's XIV corps commander Lt General Harinder Singh and China's Major General Liu Lin had taken part in the meeting.&nbsp;

The talks have been taking place amid rising tensions between the two neighbouring countries over clashes at Galwan Valley on June 15-16 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed in action. China hasn't revealed its casualty figures even though the&nbsp;state-run Global Times had reported PLA had also suffered casualties during the clash with Indian troops.

In the last meeting between the commanders of the two sides&nbsp;lasted for eleven hours and came just days after the clashes at Galwan Valley. The commanders&nbsp;had decided to mutually disengage at the border.

However, amid the talks, China's foreign ministry asserted that it has "sovereignty over Galwan Valley". India, however, rejected China's claim of sovereignty over Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh, asserting that "exaggerated and untenable" claims were not acceptable.

Earlier, Indian and Chinese secretary-level officials had met through a video link in order to calm down the situation amid renewed tensions at the India-China border.

The third round of talks between Indian and Chinese army commanders began in Chushul along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in southeastern Ladakh on Tuesday morning.

The third round of talks between Indian and Chinese army commanders began in Chushul along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in southeastern Ladakh on Tuesday morning. Also Read: Why Galwan Valley has become a flashpoint between India and China The talks had earlier taken place on June 6 and June 22 at Moldo on the Chinese side on de-escalation and disengagement process. India's XIV corps commander Lt General Harinder Singh and China's Major General Liu Lin had taken part in the meeting. The talks have been taking place amid rising tensions between the two neighbouring countries over clashes at Galwan Valley on June 15-16 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed in action. China hasn't revealed its casualty figures even though the state-run Global Times had reported PLA had also suffered casualties during the clash with Indian troops. In the last meeting between the commanders of the two sides lasted for eleven hours and came just days after the clashes at Galwan Valley. The commanders had decided to mutually disengage at the border. However, amid the talks, China's foreign ministry asserted that it has "sovereignty over Galwan Valley". India, however, rejected China's claim of sovereignty over Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh, asserting that "exaggerated and untenable" claims were not acceptable. Earlier, Indian and Chinese secretary-level officials had met through a video link in order to calm down the situation amid renewed tensions at the India-China border.

Third round of talks between India, China military commanders begins along LAC

India's health ministry said today that 18,522 new coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours with 418 deaths.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-to-conduct-worlds-largest-convalescent-plasma-therapy-trial-309395">Also Read:&nbsp;Maharashtra to conduct world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy trial</a>

The total number of COVID-19 cases in the country has gone up to 5,66,840 including 2,15,125 active cases with the death toll going up to 16,893.

The ministry said that 3,34,822 patients have been cured of the virus.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said today that the total number of coronavirus samples tested till Monday was 86,08,654 out of which 2,10,292 samples were tested yesterday.

India's national capital reported 2,084 new coronavirus cases and 57 deaths in the last 24 hours with the total number of cases rising to 85,161 including 26,246 active cases. The death toll due to the virus has gone up to 2,680.

Maharashtra which is the hardest-hit state due to the virus reported 181 deaths and 5,257 new coronavirus cases today. The total number of cases in the state has now reached 1,69,883 including 7,32,98 active cases.&nbsp;

Karnataka health department informed that 1,105 COVID-19 cases and 19 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 14,295 and deaths to 226 in the state. The number of active cases in the state now stands at 6,382.

Meanwhile,&nbsp; authorities have extended the lockdown in Tamil Nadu till July 31 with complete lockdown to remain in place till July 5 in Madurai and Greater Chennai police limits including Chennai, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Thiruvalluvar.

West Bengal reported 624 new COVID-19 cases and 14 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 17,907 with the death toll rising to 653. The number of active patients in the state stands at 5,535.

India's health ministry said today that 18,522 new coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours with 418 deaths. Also Read: Maharashtra to conduct world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy trial The total number of COVID-19 cases in the country has gone up to 5,66,840 including 2,15,125 active cases with the death toll going up to 16,893.

India's health ministry said today that 18,522 new coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours with 418 deaths. Also Read: Maharashtra to conduct world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy trial The total number of COVID-19 cases in the country has gone up to 5,66,840 including 2,15,125 active cases with the death toll going up to 16,893. The ministry said that 3,34,822 patients have been cured of the virus. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said today that the total number of coronavirus samples tested till Monday was 86,08,654 out of which 2,10,292 samples were tested yesterday. India's national capital reported 2,084 new coronavirus cases and 57 deaths in the last 24 hours with the total number of cases rising to 85,161 including 26,246 active cases. The death toll due to the virus has gone up to 2,680. Maharashtra which is the hardest-hit state due to the virus reported 181 deaths and 5,257 new coronavirus cases today. The total number of cases in the state has now reached 1,69,883 including 7,32,98 active cases. Karnataka health department informed that 1,105 COVID-19 cases and 19 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 14,295 and deaths to 226 in the state. The number of active cases in the state now stands at 6,382. Meanwhile, authorities have extended the lockdown in Tamil Nadu till July 31 with complete lockdown to remain in place till July 5 in Madurai and Greater Chennai police limits including Chennai, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Thiruvalluvar. West Bengal reported 624 new COVID-19 cases and 14 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the total number of cases to 17,907 with the death toll rising to 653. The number of active patients in the state stands at 5,535.

India reports over 18,500 COVID-19 cases, 418 deaths in 24 hours

Pakistan's Sindh province reported 1,509 cases and 74 deaths as the number of coronavirus fatalities crossed 4,250 in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sindh-records-over-80000-cases-as-covid-19-in-pakistan-surges-over-205600-309267">Also Read:&nbsp;Sindh records over 80,000 cases as COVID-19 in Pakistan surges over 205,600</a>

The total coronavirus cases in Sindh has crossed 81,950 with Punjab reporting over 74,778 cases. Pakistan's Punjab province reported 576 new COVID-19 cases and eight deaths in the past 24 hours.

The total coronavirus cases in the country has now stands at over 208, 400.

Meanwhile, Balochistan which has seen a spurt in virus cases reported 71 new COVID-19 cases with the total number of cases rising to 10,426.

Amid the rising number of cases, Peshawar's administration imposed lockdown in two more localities even as&nbsp;Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported 337 coronavirus cases and 13 deaths in the last 24 hours.

The government said the number of recoveries had crossed 95,000 after 2,783 more patients joined the list of recoveries.

The nation's capital Islamabad also reported new cases with 248 infections as the number of case rose to over 12,600. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan's Sindh province reported 1,509 cases and 74 deaths as the number of coronavirus fatalities crossed 4,250 in the country. Also Read: Sindh records over 80,000 cases as COVID-19 in Pakistan surges over 205,600 The total coronavirus cases in Sindh has crossed 81,950 with Punjab reporting over 74,778 cases.

Pakistan's Sindh province reported 1,509 cases and 74 deaths as the number of coronavirus fatalities crossed 4,250 in the country. Also Read: Sindh records over 80,000 cases as COVID-19 in Pakistan surges over 205,600 The total coronavirus cases in Sindh has crossed 81,950 with Punjab reporting over 74,778 cases. Pakistan's Punjab province reported 576 new COVID-19 cases and eight deaths in the past 24 hours. The total coronavirus cases in the country has now stands at over 208, 400. Meanwhile, Balochistan which has seen a spurt in virus cases reported 71 new COVID-19 cases with the total number of cases rising to 10,426. Amid the rising number of cases, Peshawar's administration imposed lockdown in two more localities even as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported 337 coronavirus cases and 13 deaths in the last 24 hours. The government said the number of recoveries had crossed 95,000 after 2,783 more patients joined the list of recoveries. The nation's capital Islamabad also reported new cases with 248 infections as the number of case rose to over 12,600.

Coronavirus cases surge to over 208,400 in Pakistan; Sindh reports record fatalities

According to a report, the European Union has named 14 countries whose citizens it feels are "safe" to travel to the continent amid the coronavirus pandemic but the United States, China,&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp; and Russia have been excluded from the list.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-is-speeding-up-warns-who-chief-as-reinfections-surface-globally-309501">Also Read:&nbsp;'Pandemic is speeding up', warns WHO chief as reinfections surface globally</a>

The list is still not formally out. It includes citizens from Japan, South Korea,&nbsp;New Zealand, Australia and Canada who will be given the green light. The list also reportedly includes EU citizens who would be treated the same way as UK nationals until the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31.

A New York Times report had earlier claimed that the EU was mulling blocking Americans from entering its territory since the United States had failed to curb the coronavirus pandemic. Europe has gradually opened its land borders in the past month after sealing it as the coronavirus pandemic took control over Europe.

The NYT had said it is unclear if American officials were aware of the development.&nbsp;

According to a new report in the British press, the Boris Johnson government is negotiating "air bridges" with EU countries in order to ensure summer holidays for its citizens. The report claims that at least 55 per cent of the 27 nation EU members have signed the list.

The report added that Spain which is one of the countries worst hit by the virus including Greece and Portugal are still split over the decision to bar other nations on the list since a large majority of their national income depends on tourism.

EU will finally open its gates for entry from July 1 while formally announcing the list. 
&nbsp;

According to a report, the European Union has named 14 countries whose citizens it feels are "safe" to travel to the continent amid the coronavirus pandemic but the United States, China, Brazil and Russia have been excluded from the list.

According to a report, the European Union has named 14 countries whose citizens it feels are "safe" to travel to the continent amid the coronavirus pandemic but the United States, China, Brazil and Russia have been excluded from the list. Also Read: 'Pandemic is speeding up', warns WHO chief as reinfections surface globally The list is still not formally out. It includes citizens from Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia and Canada who will be given the green light. The list also reportedly includes EU citizens who would be treated the same way as UK nationals until the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31. A New York Times report had earlier claimed that the EU was mulling blocking Americans from entering its territory since the United States had failed to curb the coronavirus pandemic. Europe has gradually opened its land borders in the past month after sealing it as the coronavirus pandemic took control over Europe. The NYT had said it is unclear if American officials were aware of the development. According to a new report in the British press, the Boris Johnson government is negotiating "air bridges" with EU countries in order to ensure summer holidays for its citizens. The report claims that at least 55 per cent of the 27 nation EU members have signed the list. The report added that Spain which is one of the countries worst hit by the virus including Greece and Portugal are still split over the decision to bar other nations on the list since a large majority of their national income depends on tourism. EU will finally open its gates for entry from July 1 while formally announcing the list.

European Union to allow visitors from 14 countries; citizens from US, China, Brazil barred: Report

India-China standoff: Why both sides cannot use military capability along LAC

China's foreign ministry said today it was "strongly concerned" over India's ban on Chinese apps.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tik-tok-removed-from-apples-app-store-and-google-play-after-govts-ban-309558">Also Read:&nbsp;Tik Tok removed from Apple's App store and Google Play after govt's ban</a>

"We are verifying the development regarding the ban," the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement.

"China is strongly concerned by the notice served by the Indian government," it said, adding, "the Chinese government always asks Chinese businessmen to abide by international law and regulations in their business cooperation."

"The Indian government has the responsibility to follow the legal rights of international investors including Chinese, the pattern is not in the interest of Indians too," China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/govt-of-india-bans-59-chinese-apps-including-tiktok-shareit-xender-309536/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Indian government had on Monday&nbsp;banned 59 Chinese apps amid the India-China standoff at Galwan Valley.

"This move will safeguard the interests of crores of Indian mobile and internet users. This decision is a targeted move to ensure safety and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace," India's ministry of electronics and IT had said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-officially-bans-chinese-apps-including-tiktok-here-are-the-top-10-309486">In Pics: India officially bans Chinese apps including TikTok - Here are the top 10!</a>

"In view of the emergent nature of threats, we have decided to block 59 apps since in view of the information available they are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order," the government order said.

The apps which were banned included UC Browser, Tik Tok, SHAREit, Baidu map, Shein, clash of Kings, DU battery saver, Helo, Likee, YouCam makeup, Mi Community, CM Browsers, Virus Cleaner, Apus Browser among others.

Meanwhile, Tik Tok which has a huge following in India said: "TikTok continues to comply with all data privacy and security requirements under Indian law and have not shared any information of our users in India with any foreign government, including the Chinese government."

China's foreign ministry said today it was "strongly concerned" over India's ban on Chinese apps. Also Read: Tik Tok removed from Apple's App store and Google Play after govt's ban "We are verifying the development regarding the ban," the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement.

China's foreign ministry said today it was "strongly concerned" over India's ban on Chinese apps. Also Read: Tik Tok removed from Apple's App store and Google Play after govt's ban "We are verifying the development regarding the ban," the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement. "China is strongly concerned by the notice served by the Indian government," it said, adding, "the Chinese government always asks Chinese businessmen to abide by international law and regulations in their business cooperation." "The Indian government has the responsibility to follow the legal rights of international investors including Chinese, the pattern is not in the interest of Indians too," China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said. Watch: The Indian government had on Monday banned 59 Chinese apps amid the India-China standoff at Galwan Valley. "This move will safeguard the interests of crores of Indian mobile and internet users. This decision is a targeted move to ensure safety and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace," India's ministry of electronics and IT had said. In Pics: India officially bans Chinese apps including TikTok - Here are the top 10! "In view of the emergent nature of threats, we have decided to block 59 apps since in view of the information available they are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order," the government order said. The apps which were banned included UC Browser, Tik Tok, SHAREit, Baidu map, Shein, clash of Kings, DU battery saver, Helo, Likee, YouCam makeup, Mi Community, CM Browsers, Virus Cleaner, Apus Browser among others. Meanwhile, Tik Tok which has a huge following in India said: "TikTok continues to comply with all data privacy and security requirements under Indian law and have not shared any information of our users in India with any foreign government, including the Chinese government."

Strongly concerned over India's ban on Chinese apps: China

An Iran court on Tuesday passed the death sentence against Ruhollah Zam, ex-Opposition leader exiled in France over anti-government protests.

Ruhollah Zam has been in exile in France since last year after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps(IRGS) had announced the arrest of Zam in October last year. The Iran court indicted Zam over corruption charges.

"The court has considered 13 counts of charges together as instances of corruption on earth and therefore passed the death sentence," &nbsp;judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had called Zam a "counter-revolutionary" who was "directed by France's intelligence service". Zam had reportedly taken part in anti-government protests in 2017 and ran a channel on the Telegram messaging app called Amadnews. Telegram was subsequently shut down Amadnews.

Meanwhile, Iran's judiciary upheld five-year jail sentence for French-Iranian academic Fariba Adelkhah.

&nbsp;

An Iran court on Tuesday passed the death sentence against Ruhollah Zam, ex-Opposition leader exiled in France over anti-government protests. Ruhollah Zam has been in exile in France since last year after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps(IRGS) had announced the arrest of Zam in October last year.

An Iran court on Tuesday passed the death sentence against Ruhollah Zam, ex-Opposition leader exiled in France over anti-government protests. Ruhollah Zam has been in exile in France since last year after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps(IRGS) had announced the arrest of Zam in October last year. The Iran court indicted Zam over corruption charges. "The court has considered 13 counts of charges together as instances of corruption on earth and therefore passed the death sentence," judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had called Zam a "counter-revolutionary" who was "directed by France's intelligence service". Zam had reportedly taken part in anti-government protests in 2017 and ran a channel on the Telegram messaging app called Amadnews. Telegram was subsequently shut down Amadnews. Meanwhile, Iran's judiciary upheld five-year jail sentence for French-Iranian academic Fariba Adelkhah.

Iran court sentences exiled opposition leader Ruhollah Zam to death

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