The Sindh High Court on Thursday has directed to release terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, Fahad Naseem, Sheikh Adil and Salman Saqib in connection with the abduction and murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl.

According to Daily Pakistan, the Sindh High Court also ordered putting the names of accused Ahmed Omer Saeed Shaikh and others in the exit control list (ECL).

The accused have been in jail for the last 18 years and ordered the accused to appear as and when the court summons them."Earlier Assistant Attorney General informed the court that the government have the authority to keep an accused in detention. The provincial home department held the accused under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) on September 28," Daily Pakistan reported.

In April this year, the appeals were heard after 18 years and acquitted Sheikh, Saqib and Nasim. Omar Saeed Sheikh is&nbsp;one of the three terrorists were freed by India during the hijacking of airliner IC814 in 1999 in exchange for the passengers.

After the appeals were heard, Sheikh`s death sentence was commuted to seven years and fined him Rs2 million. Sheikh has already spent 18 years in prison on death row, and his seven-year sentence for kidnapping was counted as time served.

The Pakistani media outlet reported that the men were detained under Section 11 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

In 2002, Pearl, the 38-year-old journalist of The Wall Street Journal`s South Asia bureau, was abducted and beheaded while he was in Pakistan investigating a story of terror groups` links to Al Qaeda.

The US House Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has expressed its "deep concerns" over Pakistan court`s decision in April to overturn the conviction of Omar Saeed Sheikh for the abduction and killing of Wall Street Journal journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002.

The Sindh High Court on Thursday has directed to release terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, Fahad Naseem, Sheikh Adil and Salman Saqib in connection with the abduction and murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl.

The Sindh High Court on Thursday has directed to release terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, Fahad Naseem, Sheikh Adil and Salman Saqib in connection with the abduction and murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl. According to Daily Pakistan, the Sindh High Court also ordered putting the names of accused Ahmed Omer Saeed Shaikh and others in the exit control list (ECL). The accused have been in jail for the last 18 years and ordered the accused to appear as and when the court summons them."Earlier Assistant Attorney General informed the court that the government have the authority to keep an accused in detention. The provincial home department held the accused under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) on September 28," Daily Pakistan reported. In April this year, the appeals were heard after 18 years and acquitted Sheikh, Saqib and Nasim. Omar Saeed Sheikh is one of the three terrorists were freed by India during the hijacking of airliner IC814 in 1999 in exchange for the passengers. After the appeals were heard, Sheikh`s death sentence was commuted to seven years and fined him Rs2 million. Sheikh has already spent 18 years in prison on death row, and his seven-year sentence for kidnapping was counted as time served. The Pakistani media outlet reported that the men were detained under Section 11 of the Anti-Terrorism Act. In 2002, Pearl, the 38-year-old journalist of The Wall Street Journal`s South Asia bureau, was abducted and beheaded while he was in Pakistan investigating a story of terror groups` links to Al Qaeda. The US House Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has expressed its "deep concerns" over Pakistan court`s decision in April to overturn the conviction of Omar Saeed Sheikh for the abduction and killing of Wall Street Journal journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002.

Pak court orders release of terrorist Omar Sheikh linked in Daniel Pearl case

Dozens of people have sued Amazon's Ring smart cameras over&nbsp;''horrific'' invasions of privacy such as receiving threats and racial slurs.

A new class-action lawsuit, which consolidates various cases recorded as of late, affirms that careless safety efforts at Ring, which is possessed by Amazon, permitted programmers to assume control over their gadgets. Ring provides&nbsp;home security as keen cameras that are regularly introduced on doorbells or inside individuals' homes.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazons-smart-assistant-device-alexa-scaring-users-with-creepy-laugh-35253">Amazon's smart assistant Alexa scaring users with 'creepy laugh'</a>

The suit against Ring expands on past cases, combining grievances documented by in excess of 30 individuals in 15 families who state their gadgets were hacked and used to bother them. Because of these assaults, Ring "accused the people in question, and offered deficient reactions and false clarifications", the suit charges. The offended parties additionally guarantee the organization has likewise neglected to enough refresh its safety efforts in the repercussions of such hacks.&nbsp;

Individuals who could profit by the claim incorporate the families named for the situation, just as some other Ring clients who have been hacked. The class likewise covers the huge number of clients who bought a Ring doorbell somewhere in the range of 2015 and 2019, regardless of whether they were not hacked.&nbsp;

"I would envision that there are significantly more individuals out there who have been hacked," said Hassan Zavareei, the lead lawyer working on it. "This is most likely a hint of something larger."&nbsp;

The suit diagrams instances of programmers assuming control over Ring cameras, shouting vulgarities, requesting ransoms, and undermining murder and rape.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/privacy-apps-you-needed-to-have-downloaded-in-2020-352014" hreflang="en">Privacy apps you needed to have downloaded in 2020</a>

One Ring client says he was asked through his camera as he stared at the TV one evening, "What are you watching?" Another asserts his kids were tended to by an obscure programmer through the gadget, who remarked on their ball play and urged them to move toward the camera.&nbsp;

In one case, a more seasoned lady at a helped living office was supposedly told: "around evening time you kick the bucket" and explicitly irritated through the camera. Because of the trouble brought about by the hack, she eventually needed to move back in with her family, feeling hazardous in the office where she once lived.&nbsp;

In another incident, an offended party who had bought a Ring gadget to watch out for her four-year-old little girl with a background marked by seizures asserts that music from a blood and gore movie was played through her camera. Her grumbling peruses:&nbsp;

On December 4, 2019, soon after 8 pm, while Ms LeMay was getting things done, both of the Ring gadgets started live-streaming. All the while, the Tiny Tim front of "Pussyfoot Through the Tulips", a melody that showed up in a scene from the 2020 blood and gore movie "Tricky", started to play through the two-way talk highlight. Interested by the music, Ms LeMay's eight-year-old girl, AL, went to the room she imparts to two of her more youthful sisters to research. However, the room was unfilled. As AL meandered the room, searching for the wellspring of the music, the tune unexpectedly halted, and a man's voice rang out: "Hi."&nbsp;

LeMay promptly changed passwords and called Ring that day to report the hack, however she didn't get a reaction for almost seven days. The organization never revealed to LeMay where the hack started or how it happened, the objection affirms. The offended party at last needed to relinquish her position in view of the passionate pain, the protest said.&nbsp;

Ring has not said who is behind the hacks, and casualties state they actually don't have a clue who got to their homes through the gadgets.&nbsp;

Over and again, Ring censured casualties for not utilizing adequately solid passwords, the suit claims. It says Ring ought to have expected clients to set up convoluted passwords when setting up the gadgets and actualize two-factor verification, which adds a second layer of security utilizing a second type of distinguishing proof, for example, a telephone number.&nbsp;

In any case, as the claim asserts, Ring was hacked in 2019 – which means the taken accreditations from that break may have been utilized to get into clients' cameras. That implies the hacks that Ring has supposedly accused on clients may have been brought about by Ring itself. A representative said the organization didn't remark on continuous suit.&nbsp;

The claim additionally refers to explore from the Electronic Frontier Foundation and others that Ring disregards client security by utilizing various outsider trackers on its application.&nbsp;

The suit said that, as of now, Ring "has not adequately improved its security rehearses or reacted satisfactorily to the progressing dangers its items posture to its clients". Security and protection specialists have additionally censured Ring's reaction.&nbsp;

"After a large number of alarming features about their helpless security works on, Ring has at last made a few upgrades," said Evan Greer, the agent head of the protection support bunch Fight for the Future. "However, executing fundamental security that they ought to have had in any case never really change the way that Ring cameras make networks less protected, not more protected."&nbsp;

Notwithstanding hacking concerns, Ring has confronted expanding analysis for its developing reconnaissance organization with police powers. Ring has now made law implementation associations, which permit clients to send film and photographs to police, in excess of 1,300 urban areas.&nbsp;

"Ring's observation based plan of action is on a very basic level contrary with social equality and popular government," Greer said. "These gadgets, and the speculation behind them, should be liquefied down and never dis

Dozens of people have sued Amazon's Ring smart cameras over ''horrific'' invasions of privacy such as receiving threats and racial slurs. A new class-action lawsuit, which consolidates various cases recorded as of late, affirms that careless safety efforts at Ring, which is possessed by Amazon, permitted programmers to assume control over their gadgets.

Dozens of people have sued Amazon's Ring smart cameras over ''horrific'' invasions of privacy such as receiving threats and racial slurs. A new class-action lawsuit, which consolidates various cases recorded as of late, affirms that careless safety efforts at Ring, which is possessed by Amazon, permitted programmers to assume control over their gadgets. Ring provides home security as keen cameras that are regularly introduced on doorbells or inside individuals' homes. Also read: Amazon's smart assistant Alexa scaring users with 'creepy laugh' The suit against Ring expands on past cases, combining grievances documented by in excess of 30 individuals in 15 families who state their gadgets were hacked and used to bother them. Because of these assaults, Ring "accused the people in question, and offered deficient reactions and false clarifications", the suit charges. The offended parties additionally guarantee the organization has likewise neglected to enough refresh its safety efforts in the repercussions of such hacks. Individuals who could profit by the claim incorporate the families named for the situation, just as some other Ring clients who have been hacked. The class likewise covers the huge number of clients who bought a Ring doorbell somewhere in the range of 2015 and 2019, regardless of whether they were not hacked. "I would envision that there are significantly more individuals out there who have been hacked," said Hassan Zavareei, the lead lawyer working on it. "This is most likely a hint of something larger." The suit diagrams instances of programmers assuming control over Ring cameras, shouting vulgarities, requesting ransoms, and undermining murder and rape. Also read: Privacy apps you needed to have downloaded in 2020 One Ring client says he was asked through his camera as he stared at the TV one evening, "What are you watching?" Another asserts his kids were tended to by an obscure programmer through the gadget, who remarked on their ball play and urged them to move toward the camera. In one case, a more seasoned lady at a helped living office was supposedly told: "around evening time you kick the bucket" and explicitly irritated through the camera. Because of the trouble brought about by the hack, she eventually needed to move back in with her family, feeling hazardous in the office where she once lived. In another incident, an offended party who had bought a Ring gadget to watch out for her four-year-old little girl with a background marked by seizures asserts that music from a blood and gore movie was played through her camera. Her grumbling peruses: On December 4, 2019, soon after 8 pm, while Ms LeMay was getting things done, both of the Ring gadgets started live-streaming. All the while, the Tiny Tim front of "Pussyfoot Through the Tulips", a melody that showed up in a scene from the 2020 blood and gore movie "Tricky", started to play through the two-way talk highlight. Interested by the music, Ms LeMay's eight-year-old girl, AL, went to the room she imparts to two of her more youthful sisters to research. However, the room was unfilled. As AL meandered the room, searching for the wellspring of the music, the tune unexpectedly halted, and a man's voice rang out: "Hi." LeMay promptly changed passwords and called Ring that day to report the hack, however she didn't get a reaction for almost seven days. The organization never revealed to LeMay where the hack started or how it happened, the objection affirms. The offended party at last needed to relinquish her position in view of the passionate pain, the protest said. Ring has not said who is behind the hacks, and casualties state they actually don't have a clue who got to their homes through the gadgets. Over and again, Ring censured casualties for not utilizing adequately solid passwords, the suit claims. It says Ring ought to have expected clients to set up convoluted passwords when setting up the gadgets and actualize two-factor verification, which adds a second layer of security utilizing a second type of distinguishing proof, for example, a telephone number. In any case, as the claim asserts, Ring was hacked in 2019 – which means the taken accreditations from that break may have been utilized to get into clients' cameras. That implies the hacks that Ring has supposedly accused on clients may have been brought about by Ring itself. A representative said the organization didn't remark on continuous suit. The claim additionally refers to explore from the Electronic Frontier Foundation and others that Ring disregards client security by utilizing various outsider trackers on its application. The suit said that, as of now, Ring "has not adequately improved its security rehearses or reacted satisfactorily to the progressing dangers its items posture to its clients". Security and protection specialists have additionally censured Ring's reaction. "After a large number of alarming features about their helpless security works on, Ring has at last made a few upgrades," said Evan Greer, the agent head of the protection support bunch Fight for the Future. "However, executing fundamental security that they ought to have had in any case never really change the way that Ring cameras make networks less protected, not more protected." Notwithstanding hacking concerns, Ring has confronted expanding analysis for its developing reconnaissance organization with police powers. Ring has now made law implementation associations, which permit clients to send film and photographs to police, in excess of 1,300 urban areas. "Ring's observation based plan of action is on a very basic level contrary with social equality and popular government," Greer said. "These gadgets, and the speculation behind them, should be liquefied down and never dis

Dozens sue Amazon's Ring smart cameras over 'horrific' invasions of privacy

Toxic air killed in India last year&nbsp;led to 1.7 million deaths accounting for 18&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of all fatalities, according to a <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(20)30298-9/fulltext">study</a> published in The Lancet.

The findings of the study by Lancet Planetary Health highlighted that “lost output from deaths and diseases due to air pollution in 2019 led to a loss of 1.4 per cent&nbsp;of the GDP of the country” which adds up to 2.6 lakh crore. 
 
According to the paper, the economic loss due to air pollution as a percentage of the state GDP was higher in the northern and central Indian states. 
 
The findings in this analysis show that while 40&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of the disease burden due to air pollution is from lung diseases, the remaining 60&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;is from ischemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and neonatal deaths related to preterm birth, thus highlighting the broad-ranging impact of air pollution on human health. 
 
However, the paper noted that India has a good economic and development trajectory, which can improve further with the reduction of air pollution. 
 
The government schemes such as the ‘Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana’ and ‘Unnat Chulha Abhiyan’ have aided in reducing household air pollution in the country. 
 
Such success encourages to enhance efforts to reduce outdoor air pollution as well said ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava.

The fatalities in 2019 led to a total loss of $36.8 billion, or 1.36&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of India's gross domestic product (GDP), with the poor and populous states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar experiencing the highest economic loss as a percentage of their GDP.

Although the death rate due to household air pollution fell 64.2&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;from 1990 to 2019, that due to ambient particulate matter pollution more than doubled, The&nbsp;Lancet&nbsp;said.

"The improvements in air quality across India during the COVID-19 lockdown period, and its upsurge again with the easing of restrictions, provide interesting pointers to the extent of air pollution reduction that is possible with reduced human activity," it added.

The government said in a statement that India would need to invest more in state-specific pollution control programmes if it were to meet its goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2024, from around $2.9 trillion now.

Toxic air killed in India last year led to 1.7 million deaths accounting for 18 per cent of all fatalities, according to a study published in The Lancet. The findings of the study by Lancet Planetary Health highlighted that “lost output from deaths and diseases due to air pollution in 2019 led to a loss of 1.

Toxic air killed in India last year led to 1.7 million deaths accounting for 18 per cent of all fatalities, according to a study published in The Lancet. The findings of the study by Lancet Planetary Health highlighted that “lost output from deaths and diseases due to air pollution in 2019 led to a loss of 1.4 per cent of the GDP of the country” which adds up to 2.6 lakh crore. According to the paper, the economic loss due to air pollution as a percentage of the state GDP was higher in the northern and central Indian states. The findings in this analysis show that while 40 per cent of the disease burden due to air pollution is from lung diseases, the remaining 60 per cent is from ischemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and neonatal deaths related to preterm birth, thus highlighting the broad-ranging impact of air pollution on human health. However, the paper noted that India has a good economic and development trajectory, which can improve further with the reduction of air pollution. The government schemes such as the ‘Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana’ and ‘Unnat Chulha Abhiyan’ have aided in reducing household air pollution in the country. Such success encourages to enhance efforts to reduce outdoor air pollution as well said ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava. The fatalities in 2019 led to a total loss of $36.8 billion, or 1.36 per cent of India's gross domestic product (GDP), with the poor and populous states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar experiencing the highest economic loss as a percentage of their GDP. Although the death rate due to household air pollution fell 64.2 per cent from 1990 to 2019, that due to ambient particulate matter pollution more than doubled, The Lancet said. "The improvements in air quality across India during the COVID-19 lockdown period, and its upsurge again with the easing of restrictions, provide interesting pointers to the extent of air pollution reduction that is possible with reduced human activity," it added. The government said in a statement that India would need to invest more in state-specific pollution control programmes if it were to meet its goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2024, from around $2.9 trillion now.

Air pollution in India led to 1.7 million deaths in 2019: Study

Australia’s grumpiest cat Chester has found a new home after being featured in media reports that focused on his “demonic” nature.

Returned to the&nbsp;Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)&nbsp;four&nbsp;times in seven years,&nbsp;Chester finally found a new home just in time for Christmas.

The grumpy eight-year-old moggie – described by his last owner as “anti-social” and “a real Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” – is off to live with Wilma, the RSPCA said on Wednesday evening.

“With Wilma, I feel confident that he’s going to get all the attention he wants – and no more,” shelter staff member Jenny Sherring said. “That’s a perfect outcome.”

Eight-year-old dark-striped cat Chester was back in familiar surroundings at the creature cover in Adelaide after another fruitless reception because of his infamous bad boy demeanour.

However,&nbsp;workers at a South Australian shelter were still determined to find him a home for Christmas – and they’ve succeeded.

RSPCA carers stayed confident of coordinating the tender yet frequently searing Chester with his ideal proprietor, guaranteeing the 'boomerang feline' is essentially misjudged.&nbsp;

'We're not going to shrink away from the real issue with this one, Chester has some genuine cattitude,' RSPCA South Australia posted on Facebook.&nbsp;

'In his extra time, Chester likes to torch towns, love the villain and swipe/chomp his human subordinates.'&nbsp;

'Notwithstanding his (ahem) qualms, Chester has an interesting and idiosyncratic character. At the point when you strip back his chilly, savage outside you locate a cherishing, loquacious feline, who adores a pat (on his own terms) and a companion to run the world close by.'&nbsp;

The RSPCA shared a video of Chester flaunting his assorted characters which range from inviting and lively to sensitive as he swipes and attempts to chomp staff.&nbsp;

'Chester came to us since he's had somewhat of an awful report card,' his carer Jenny Sherring clarified.&nbsp;

'He has somewhat of an awful kid disposition. He'll swipe at you however it's, for the most part, revealing to you he's had enough.'&nbsp;

'He is very food inspired so on the off chance that you need him to participate, treats will be your closes

Australia’s grumpiest cat Chester has found a new home after being featured in media reports that focused on his “demonic” nature. Returned to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) four times in seven years, Chester finally found a new home just in time for Christmas.

Australia’s grumpiest cat Chester has found a new home after being featured in media reports that focused on his “demonic” nature. Returned to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) four times in seven years, Chester finally found a new home just in time for Christmas. The grumpy eight-year-old moggie – described by his last owner as “anti-social” and “a real Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” – is off to live with Wilma, the RSPCA said on Wednesday evening. “With Wilma, I feel confident that he’s going to get all the attention he wants – and no more,” shelter staff member Jenny Sherring said. “That’s a perfect outcome.” Eight-year-old dark-striped cat Chester was back in familiar surroundings at the creature cover in Adelaide after another fruitless reception because of his infamous bad boy demeanour. However, workers at a South Australian shelter were still determined to find him a home for Christmas – and they’ve succeeded. RSPCA carers stayed confident of coordinating the tender yet frequently searing Chester with his ideal proprietor, guaranteeing the 'boomerang feline' is essentially misjudged. 'We're not going to shrink away from the real issue with this one, Chester has some genuine cattitude,' RSPCA South Australia posted on Facebook. 'In his extra time, Chester likes to torch towns, love the villain and swipe/chomp his human subordinates.' 'Notwithstanding his (ahem) qualms, Chester has an interesting and idiosyncratic character. At the point when you strip back his chilly, savage outside you locate a cherishing, loquacious feline, who adores a pat (on his own terms) and a companion to run the world close by.' The RSPCA shared a video of Chester flaunting his assorted characters which range from inviting and lively to sensitive as he swipes and attempts to chomp staff. 'Chester came to us since he's had somewhat of an awful report card,' his carer Jenny Sherring clarified. 'He has somewhat of an awful kid disposition. He'll swipe at you however it's, for the most part, revealing to you he's had enough.' 'He is very food inspired so on the off chance that you need him to participate, treats will be your closes

Australia’s grumpiest cat Chester labelled 'demonic' finds a new home

The entire supply chain of petroleum products in Pakistan suffered badly when Saudi Arabia cut off the country's oil supply.

However, Pakistan is illegally smuggling oil from the Iran-Pakistan border via different routes to complete its deficit, according to a recent report.

For years, diesel smuggled from Iran has supplemented the 2.7 million to 3 million tons (20 million to 22 million barrels) of diesel that Pakistan’s state oil company buys from the Kuwait Petroleum Corp each year.

The illegal trade cooled in late 2010 when Iran cut fuel subsidies, narrowing profit margins for importers. But smugglers have gone into overdrive since late September.

Now, Iran has been requested&nbsp;to take serious measures to stop the smuggling of oil into Pakistan.

Speaking at a meeting of the Pak-Iran Joint Border Commission, Balochistan Chief Secretary retired Capt Fazeel Asghar said that the smuggled Iranian oil had been affecting Pakistan’s economy.

He said the Balochistan government and security forces had been taking action to stop oil smuggling and seized 348 million litres of Iranian diesel and petrol during last year.

The findings of an inquiry commission on the shortage of petroleum products state that the smuggling of Iranian oil is a reality. “The quantum of smuggling through the land route [is] approximated at Rupees 250 billion.”

The report said the government must sensitise the concerned agency to take strict measures at the Pak-Iran border to curb this huge evasion of tax revenue.

Likewise, it said, smuggling through the sea route continues. Only in the month of July this year, two huge consignments of Iranian contraband oil were apprehended on the information of international agencies. In this regard, the PakistanCoast Guards assisted by the Pakistan Customs have to play their effective role and they may be directed as such, the report says.

The report recommended that the government must set up additional quality control laboratories across Pakistan. There is also a dire need of mobile testing units. In coordination with the district administration, such units should routinely check the quality of petroleum products in retail outlets and depots in their area of jurisdiction to curb this menace.

Two case studies, quoted by the report, said that the Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HIDP) tested two imported oil consignments and concluded that to the extent of tests carried out, the sample results fall under the typical characteristics of Oman/Iranian crude oil.

During the course of the inquiry, the report said, the commission was taken aback at the decision of the so-called ban on petroleum products in March-April 2020. This was an irrational decision driven by the inertia that prevailed both in the ministry of energy, petroleum department (MoEPD) and Oil &amp; Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra).

The report pointed out that India had filled its tanks/storages with 37 million metric tons of petroleum products when prices fell. Starting from a failure to develop strategic storage coupled with not getting the refinery stock lifted by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) (in Feb, March and April), Pakistan lost out on a great opportunity. As long as the refinery stocks are lifted as per the quota allocation mandated by law, why should the private OMCs not be allowed to import as much as they can afford? Even if OMCs make money on the import of cheap oil cargo, it is a fair proposition in any free business environment, the report said.

The commission recommended that in future product review meetings (PRMs), only quotas of local refineries should be fixed as per the market shares of the OMCs (or as decided by mutual deliberation of the OMCs). The OMCs should only give their import plans and MoEPD should be content with a minimum stock of 20 days by each OMC. Had this practice been in vogue, all OMCs and the Pakistan government would have saved millions in foreign exchange through cheap procurement in April and May 2020.

It was also recommended that all illegal outlets must immediately be shut down while simultaneously initiating action not only against their owners but also against those who allowed them to prosper. In the same vein, the practice of unlawful regularisation of retail outlets built in violation of rules must be put to an end. No one knows the exact number of retail outlets operating in Pakistan be it MoEPD, department of explosives or Ogra. With he help of the district administration, the MoEPD, department of explosives and a representative of the OMCs, the exact number should be reconciled. Standard operating procedures should be developed so that this data is updated every month. The exact number and OMC-wise location of such retail outlets would thus be known to all concerned.

The report said both Ogra and MoEPD had been using an archaic formula of price fixing, dependent on the retrospective purchase prices of Pakistan State Oil. Though acceptable in normal times, this formula could not withstand the price volatility of the international market. During the course of this inquiry, the price fixing formula has been changed and is made dependent on fortnightly Platts rates. The average of 15 days Platts rates serves as the base of the ex-refinery price. This was a long-awaited correction. The commission, however, is of the view that this mechanism may be appraised after six months and the government might consider the same formula with an average of 30 days instead of 15 days. Such a step would decrease the number of frequent price changes bringing it to 12 instead of 24.

As Western powers tighten sanctions on Iran, an unexpected set of beneficiaries has emerged in the hard-scrabble Pakistani province of Baluchistan - smugglers lured by surging profits for black market fuel.

Diesel smuggling has long been a part of the illicit trade in Baluchistan, where a thriving commerce in goods from guns and narcotics to duty free cigarettes and second hand Toyotas constitutes one the arteries of the globalised criminal economy.

The entire supply chain of petroleum products in Pakistan suffered badly when Saudi Arabia cut off the country's oil supply. However, Pakistan is illegally smuggling oil from the Iran-Pakistan border via different routes to complete its deficit, according to a recent report.

The entire supply chain of petroleum products in Pakistan suffered badly when Saudi Arabia cut off the country's oil supply. However, Pakistan is illegally smuggling oil from the Iran-Pakistan border via different routes to complete its deficit, according to a recent report. For years, diesel smuggled from Iran has supplemented the 2.7 million to 3 million tons (20 million to 22 million barrels) of diesel that Pakistan’s state oil company buys from the Kuwait Petroleum Corp each year. The illegal trade cooled in late 2010 when Iran cut fuel subsidies, narrowing profit margins for importers. But smugglers have gone into overdrive since late September. Now, Iran has been requested to take serious measures to stop the smuggling of oil into Pakistan. Speaking at a meeting of the Pak-Iran Joint Border Commission, Balochistan Chief Secretary retired Capt Fazeel Asghar said that the smuggled Iranian oil had been affecting Pakistan’s economy. He said the Balochistan government and security forces had been taking action to stop oil smuggling and seized 348 million litres of Iranian diesel and petrol during last year. The findings of an inquiry commission on the shortage of petroleum products state that the smuggling of Iranian oil is a reality. “The quantum of smuggling through the land route [is] approximated at Rupees 250 billion.” The report said the government must sensitise the concerned agency to take strict measures at the Pak-Iran border to curb this huge evasion of tax revenue. Likewise, it said, smuggling through the sea route continues. Only in the month of July this year, two huge consignments of Iranian contraband oil were apprehended on the information of international agencies. In this regard, the PakistanCoast Guards assisted by the Pakistan Customs have to play their effective role and they may be directed as such, the report says. The report recommended that the government must set up additional quality control laboratories across Pakistan. There is also a dire need of mobile testing units. In coordination with the district administration, such units should routinely check the quality of petroleum products in retail outlets and depots in their area of jurisdiction to curb this menace. Two case studies, quoted by the report, said that the Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HIDP) tested two imported oil consignments and concluded that to the extent of tests carried out, the sample results fall under the typical characteristics of Oman/Iranian crude oil. During the course of the inquiry, the report said, the commission was taken aback at the decision of the so-called ban on petroleum products in March-April 2020. This was an irrational decision driven by the inertia that prevailed both in the ministry of energy, petroleum department (MoEPD) and Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra). The report pointed out that India had filled its tanks/storages with 37 million metric tons of petroleum products when prices fell. Starting from a failure to develop strategic storage coupled with not getting the refinery stock lifted by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) (in Feb, March and April), Pakistan lost out on a great opportunity. As long as the refinery stocks are lifted as per the quota allocation mandated by law, why should the private OMCs not be allowed to import as much as they can afford? Even if OMCs make money on the import of cheap oil cargo, it is a fair proposition in any free business environment, the report said. The commission recommended that in future product review meetings (PRMs), only quotas of local refineries should be fixed as per the market shares of the OMCs (or as decided by mutual deliberation of the OMCs). The OMCs should only give their import plans and MoEPD should be content with a minimum stock of 20 days by each OMC. Had this practice been in vogue, all OMCs and the Pakistan government would have saved millions in foreign exchange through cheap procurement in April and May 2020. It was also recommended that all illegal outlets must immediately be shut down while simultaneously initiating action not only against their owners but also against those who allowed them to prosper. In the same vein, the practice of unlawful regularisation of retail outlets built in violation of rules must be put to an end. No one knows the exact number of retail outlets operating in Pakistan be it MoEPD, department of explosives or Ogra. With he help of the district administration, the MoEPD, department of explosives and a representative of the OMCs, the exact number should be reconciled. Standard operating procedures should be developed so that this data is updated every month. The exact number and OMC-wise location of such retail outlets would thus be known to all concerned. The report said both Ogra and MoEPD had been using an archaic formula of price fixing, dependent on the retrospective purchase prices of Pakistan State Oil. Though acceptable in normal times, this formula could not withstand the price volatility of the international market. During the course of this inquiry, the price fixing formula has been changed and is made dependent on fortnightly Platts rates. The average of 15 days Platts rates serves as the base of the ex-refinery price. This was a long-awaited correction. The commission, however, is of the view that this mechanism may be appraised after six months and the government might consider the same formula with an average of 30 days instead of 15 days. Such a step would decrease the number of frequent price changes bringing it to 12 instead of 24. As Western powers tighten sanctions on Iran, an unexpected set of beneficiaries has emerged in the hard-scrabble Pakistani province of Baluchistan - smugglers lured by surging profits for black market fuel. Diesel smuggling has long been a part of the illicit trade in Baluchistan, where a thriving commerce in goods from guns and narcotics to duty free cigarettes and second hand Toyotas constitutes one the arteries of the globalised criminal economy.

Pakistan illegally smuggling oil from Iran after Saudi Arabia cuts its supply

Russia's leading media holding, which is controlled by state energy giant Gazprom, will launch an app similar to the video-sharing social network TikTok, the group's CEO said Wednesday.

The Kommersant business daily cited Gazprom-Media CEO Alexander Zharov as saying the holding had purchased a service called "Ya Molodets" ("I am great").

Zharov said the app was developed with the support of the Innopraktika foundation, an organisation run by Katerina Tikhonova -- one of President Vladimir Putin's alleged daughters.

Gazprom-Media will "use the project's software to speed up the creation of a new video service for Russian bloggers," Zharov said, adding that it will be launched within two years.&nbsp;

The app will support the sharing of short vertical videos, similar to the Chinese social network TikTok.&nbsp;

Zharov took charge of Gazprom-Media earlier this year after leaving his post as head of the Russian media watchdog Roskomnadzor that was behind the failed blocking of the Telegram messaging service.&nbsp;

Gazprom-Media is one of Russia's largest media organisations, owning some of its most-watched television channels and a range of radio stations.&nbsp;

Earlier this month Zharov announced that Gazprom-Media will launch two websites similar to YouTube in the next two years, with one being an improved version of the Rutube streaming service -- a platform targeted at Russian speakers that Gazprom-Media acquired in 2008.

On Wednesday Zharov said the holding had been working for "about a year to modernise it and make it no worse than YouTube in terms of tools".&nbsp;

In recent years YouTube has become an increasingly popular platform for young Russians, with some of the most-watched channels racking in tens of millions of views.&nbsp;

It has also become a source of independent news and an alternative to the main TV channels that are mostly under state control.&nbsp;

Authorities have continuously stepped up efforts to tighten control over the Russian segment of the internet under the pretext of fighting online extremism.&nbsp;

Earlier Wednesday the lower house of parliament passed legislation that would make it possible to block internet platforms, including YouTube, if they are found guilty of "censorship" and "discrimination".&nbsp;

Russia's leading media holding, which is controlled by state energy giant Gazprom, will launch an app similar to the video-sharing social network TikTok, the group's CEO said Wednesday.

Russia's leading media holding, which is controlled by state energy giant Gazprom, will launch an app similar to the video-sharing social network TikTok, the group's CEO said Wednesday. The Kommersant business daily cited Gazprom-Media CEO Alexander Zharov as saying the holding had purchased a service called "Ya Molodets" ("I am great"). Zharov said the app was developed with the support of the Innopraktika foundation, an organisation run by Katerina Tikhonova -- one of President Vladimir Putin's alleged daughters. Gazprom-Media will "use the project's software to speed up the creation of a new video service for Russian bloggers," Zharov said, adding that it will be launched within two years. The app will support the sharing of short vertical videos, similar to the Chinese social network TikTok. Zharov took charge of Gazprom-Media earlier this year after leaving his post as head of the Russian media watchdog Roskomnadzor that was behind the failed blocking of the Telegram messaging service. Gazprom-Media is one of Russia's largest media organisations, owning some of its most-watched television channels and a range of radio stations. Earlier this month Zharov announced that Gazprom-Media will launch two websites similar to YouTube in the next two years, with one being an improved version of the Rutube streaming service -- a platform targeted at Russian speakers that Gazprom-Media acquired in 2008. On Wednesday Zharov said the holding had been working for "about a year to modernise it and make it no worse than YouTube in terms of tools". In recent years YouTube has become an increasingly popular platform for young Russians, with some of the most-watched channels racking in tens of millions of views. It has also become a source of independent news and an alternative to the main TV channels that are mostly under state control. Authorities have continuously stepped up efforts to tighten control over the Russian segment of the internet under the pretext of fighting online extremism. Earlier Wednesday the lower house of parliament passed legislation that would make it possible to block internet platforms, including YouTube, if they are found guilty of "censorship" and "discrimination".

Russia to launch own TikTok developed with Putin's alleged daughter

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release Rs 18,000 crore in the accounts of over nine crore farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which is celebrated as Sushashan Diwas.

He said the event will be held at every development block across the country and two crore farmers have already registered for it."On December 25, we celebrate Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s birth anniversary and we celebrate it as Sushashan Diwas (good governance day). After Modiji became PM, many steps have been taken to promote good governance, transparency and DBT is an important scheme. There was a time when a PM said we send Rs 100 from the Centre, only Rs 15 reaches villages. But we managed to send Rs 100 to them," Tomar told the media on Kisan Diwas.

Tomar said that the programme will start at 12 pm on December 25 and six farmers from six states, who are beneficiaries, will interact with the Prime Minister.

He said PM Kisan Samman Nidhi is an ambitious scheme of government and through this, an instalment of Rs 2000 gets transferred to the account of farmers thrice in a year and a farmer gets Rs 6000 in a year in his or her account.

"We have estimated that there were 14 crore farmers who are eligible for this scheme but so far 11.04 lakh farmers have registered for the scheme and Rs 96,000 crore has been sent to 10. 59 lakh farmers."There is a provision of Rs 75,000 crore under this scheme. When we will be celebrating Sushashan Diwas on December 25, Prime Minister will send Rs 18,000 crore to nine crore farmers by pressing a button. Within two hours, the money will be credited into farmers` accounts," he said.

Tomar said Modi government is committed to strengthening the agriculture sector.

"On Kisan Diwas, I want to congratulate farmers of the country. We know that the agriculture field is crucial for us and our economy. Modi government is committed to strengthening it. In the past six years, we have tried to do many reforms in the field of agriculture. Agriculture contribution should rise in GDP and youth should also get attracted towards agriculture," he said.

The minister said the government gets recommendations from time to time and tries to implement it and the farm laws have been based on suggestions of wise men.

He said there have been suggestions in the past that agriculture should take a leap towards the free market but could not be made into laws.

"Those protesting against the farm laws should look at those supporting them. Three lakh farmers have signed in support of farm laws," he said."We will fill all gaps in the agriculture sector, which will benefit farmers and ensure they get the right price. Even during COVID-19 pandemic, we saw that work related to farming and agriculture wasn`t affected," he added.

Representatives of the Confederation of NGOs of Rural India met Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and MoS Agriculture Kailash Choudhary on Kisan Diwas. They submitted 3,13,363 signatures taken across one lakh villages in support of the three farm laws enacted by the Centre recently.

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release Rs 18,000 crore in the accounts of over nine crore farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which is celebrated as Sushashan Diwas.

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release Rs 18,000 crore in the accounts of over nine crore farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which is celebrated as Sushashan Diwas. He said the event will be held at every development block across the country and two crore farmers have already registered for it."On December 25, we celebrate Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s birth anniversary and we celebrate it as Sushashan Diwas (good governance day). After Modiji became PM, many steps have been taken to promote good governance, transparency and DBT is an important scheme. There was a time when a PM said we send Rs 100 from the Centre, only Rs 15 reaches villages. But we managed to send Rs 100 to them," Tomar told the media on Kisan Diwas. Tomar said that the programme will start at 12 pm on December 25 and six farmers from six states, who are beneficiaries, will interact with the Prime Minister. He said PM Kisan Samman Nidhi is an ambitious scheme of government and through this, an instalment of Rs 2000 gets transferred to the account of farmers thrice in a year and a farmer gets Rs 6000 in a year in his or her account. "We have estimated that there were 14 crore farmers who are eligible for this scheme but so far 11.04 lakh farmers have registered for the scheme and Rs 96,000 crore has been sent to 10. 59 lakh farmers."There is a provision of Rs 75,000 crore under this scheme. When we will be celebrating Sushashan Diwas on December 25, Prime Minister will send Rs 18,000 crore to nine crore farmers by pressing a button. Within two hours, the money will be credited into farmers` accounts," he said. Tomar said Modi government is committed to strengthening the agriculture sector. "On Kisan Diwas, I want to congratulate farmers of the country. We know that the agriculture field is crucial for us and our economy. Modi government is committed to strengthening it. In the past six years, we have tried to do many reforms in the field of agriculture. Agriculture contribution should rise in GDP and youth should also get attracted towards agriculture," he said. The minister said the government gets recommendations from time to time and tries to implement it and the farm laws have been based on suggestions of wise men. He said there have been suggestions in the past that agriculture should take a leap towards the free market but could not be made into laws. "Those protesting against the farm laws should look at those supporting them. Three lakh farmers have signed in support of farm laws," he said."We will fill all gaps in the agriculture sector, which will benefit farmers and ensure they get the right price. Even during COVID-19 pandemic, we saw that work related to farming and agriculture wasn`t affected," he added. Representatives of the Confederation of NGOs of Rural India met Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and MoS Agriculture Kailash Choudhary on Kisan Diwas. They submitted 3,13,363 signatures taken across one lakh villages in support of the three farm laws enacted by the Centre recently.

PM Modi to release PM-KISAN instalment on Vajpayee's birth anniversary to over 9 crore farmers

Turkish police on Wednesday seized 2.5 kilograms of cocaine at Istanbul airport nested in portraits of Argentine football legend&nbsp;Diego Armando&nbsp;Maradona.

The dubious conduct of a 72-year-old German national of Croatian origin who showed up at the air terminal from Colombia caught the attention of Turkey's Directorate of Customs.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/diego-maradona-unabashed-and-outspoken-most-famous-quotes-by-argentine-legend-345634">Diego Maradona, unabashed and outspoken: Most famous quotes by Argentine legend</a>

As a precaution, the officers ran an X-ray scan of his luggage. A further probe with sniffer dogs raised suspicion of an “unusual density” inside the paintings. When officers removed the backs of the paintings, they found cocaine hidden in tiny plates inside.&nbsp;

He was&nbsp;arrested at the airport after busting plates of cocaine with a street value of 2 million Turkish liras ($250,000).

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ciao-diego-argentina-and-napoli-fans-mourn-maradonas-death-345538">'Ciao Diego': Argentina and Napoli fans mourn Maradona's death</a>

World soccer great&nbsp;Maradona&nbsp;was known for his wild lifestyle and struggled with cocaine addiction for years before passing away on&nbsp;November 25 due to a&nbsp;heart attack.&nbsp;He is widely considered one of the greatest football players of all time.

One of the most gifted soccer players in history,&nbsp;Maradona's pinnacle of glory came when he captained Argentina to win the World Cup in 1986 before plunging to misery when he was kicked out of the 1994 World Cup for doping.

Years of drug use, overeating, and alcoholism truncated a stellar career and altered his appearance from the lithe athlete who could slalom effortlessly through teams to a bloated addict who nearly died of cocaine-induced heart failure in 2000.

Turkish police on Wednesday seized 2.5 kilograms of cocaine at Istanbul airport nested in portraits of Argentine football legend Diego Armando Maradona. The dubious conduct of a 72-year-old German national of Croatian origin who showed up at the air terminal from Colombia caught the attention of Turkey's Directorate of Customs.

Turkish police on Wednesday seized 2.5 kilograms of cocaine at Istanbul airport nested in portraits of Argentine football legend Diego Armando Maradona. The dubious conduct of a 72-year-old German national of Croatian origin who showed up at the air terminal from Colombia caught the attention of Turkey's Directorate of Customs. Also see: Diego Maradona, unabashed and outspoken: Most famous quotes by Argentine legend As a precaution, the officers ran an X-ray scan of his luggage. A further probe with sniffer dogs raised suspicion of an “unusual density” inside the paintings. When officers removed the backs of the paintings, they found cocaine hidden in tiny plates inside. He was arrested at the airport after busting plates of cocaine with a street value of 2 million Turkish liras ($250,000). Also see: 'Ciao Diego': Argentina and Napoli fans mourn Maradona's death World soccer great Maradona was known for his wild lifestyle and struggled with cocaine addiction for years before passing away on November 25 due to a heart attack. He is widely considered one of the greatest football players of all time. One of the most gifted soccer players in history, Maradona's pinnacle of glory came when he captained Argentina to win the World Cup in 1986 before plunging to misery when he was kicked out of the 1994 World Cup for doping. Years of drug use, overeating, and alcoholism truncated a stellar career and altered his appearance from the lithe athlete who could slalom effortlessly through teams to a bloated addict who nearly died of cocaine-induced heart failure in 2000.

Turkish police seizes drug trafficker using Maradona portraits to smuggle cocaine

A prominent Afghan activist who led an independent election monitoring organisation died Wednesday after being ambushed by gunmen in Kabul, an aide and police said, the latest targeted killing in the restive capital.

Mohammad Yousuf Rasheed's driver also died from wounds received in the ambush in a southern suburb of the capital as&nbsp;they drove to work.

Rasheed's murder follows a similar pattern of recent weeks, where prominent Afghans have been ambushed during the often-chaotic morning traffic.

Rasheed was head of the Free and Fair Election Forum of Afghanistan (FEFA) which, according to its website, has worked since 2004 to promote democracy, good governance, and human resource management.

FEFA staffer Abdul Wahab Qarizada told AFP that Rasheed and driver Samiullah died from gunshot wounds at a city hospital.

Kabul police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz confirmed the attack on Rasheed.

High-profile figures including journalists, politicians, and rights activists have increasingly been targeted as violence surges in Afghanistan despite peace talks between the government and Taliban.

The top US envoy in Kabul condemned Rasheed's murder, saying the activist had worked for years to promote "free and transparent elections" in Afghanistan.

"I am appalled by his murder, another in a cacophony of senseless and endless violence," Ross Wilson said on Twitter.&nbsp;

The United Nations Assistance Mission for Afghanistan (UNAMA) also condemned the latest bloodshed to rock Kabul.

"Targeted killings of civilians are taking place at a deeply disturbing rate in Afghanistan," UNAMA tweeted.

"Such dreadful acts are rarely claimed and frequently focus on those working for an open society. The UN repeats its call for a sustained reduction in violence."

The ambush comes a day after five people -- including two women doctors working for a prison on the outskirts of Kabul -- were killed by a bomb affixed to their vehicle.

It comes two days after a prominent Afghan journalist was shot dead in the eastern city of Ghazni.

Rahmatullah Nekzad was the fourth journalist to be killed in two months, and seventh media worker this year.

A prominent Afghan activist who led an independent election monitoring organisation died Wednesday after being ambushed by gunmen in Kabul, an aide and police said, the latest targeted killing in the restive capital.

A prominent Afghan activist who led an independent election monitoring organisation died Wednesday after being ambushed by gunmen in Kabul, an aide and police said, the latest targeted killing in the restive capital. Mohammad Yousuf Rasheed's driver also died from wounds received in the ambush in a southern suburb of the capital as they drove to work. Rasheed's murder follows a similar pattern of recent weeks, where prominent Afghans have been ambushed during the often-chaotic morning traffic. Rasheed was head of the Free and Fair Election Forum of Afghanistan (FEFA) which, according to its website, has worked since 2004 to promote democracy, good governance, and human resource management. FEFA staffer Abdul Wahab Qarizada told AFP that Rasheed and driver Samiullah died from gunshot wounds at a city hospital. Kabul police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz confirmed the attack on Rasheed. High-profile figures including journalists, politicians, and rights activists have increasingly been targeted as violence surges in Afghanistan despite peace talks between the government and Taliban. The top US envoy in Kabul condemned Rasheed's murder, saying the activist had worked for years to promote "free and transparent elections" in Afghanistan. "I am appalled by his murder, another in a cacophony of senseless and endless violence," Ross Wilson said on Twitter. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Afghanistan (UNAMA) also condemned the latest bloodshed to rock Kabul. "Targeted killings of civilians are taking place at a deeply disturbing rate in Afghanistan," UNAMA tweeted. "Such dreadful acts are rarely claimed and frequently focus on those working for an open society. The UN repeats its call for a sustained reduction in violence." The ambush comes a day after five people -- including two women doctors working for a prison on the outskirts of Kabul -- were killed by a bomb affixed to their vehicle. It comes two days after a prominent Afghan journalist was shot dead in the eastern city of Ghazni. Rahmatullah Nekzad was the fourth journalist to be killed in two months, and seventh media worker this year.

Afghan election activist dies after rush-hour Kabul ambush

French President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;is showing signs of improvement after testing positive for COVID-19 last week, his office said on Wednesday.

Earlier,&nbsp;Macron took to Twitter to post a video message in French and informed people that he is 'doing well' but is a little tired which has 'slowed down' his daily activities.

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— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1339963294908616711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-claims-he-is-doing-well-from-covid-19-and-concentrating-on-brexit-350846">Emmanuel Macron claims he is 'doing well' from COVID-19 and concentrating on Brexit</a>

Macron, 42, &nbsp;is currently residing in his presidential residence at La Lanterne in Versailles outside Paris. The French president's wife Brigitte Macron,67, tested negative for the virus. Macron had attended an EU summit last week, although it is still unclear how the French president contacted the virus.

On Wednesday, Macron had attended the dinner at a gathering at Elysee which was attended by several leaders Prime Minister&nbsp;Jean Castex, who is now also self-isolating.&nbsp;

Several top EU leaders went into self-isolation after Macron tested positive for the virus as they had come in contact with the French president during the summit including Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, European Council president Charles Michel and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

Medical experts have voiced concerns that the Christmas holidays could result in a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in&nbsp;France&nbsp;and Europe. Data published on Tuesday showed that&nbsp;France&nbsp;had reported a further 802 related deaths in the last 24 hours, and another 11,795 confirmed cases.

France&nbsp;will reopen its borders to passengers from England on Wednesday, ending a blockade intended to stop the spread of a new coronavirus variant, but which has held up thousands of lorries before Christmas.

Much of the world shut its borders to Britain after a significantly more transmissible mutated coronavirus variant was discovered spreading swiftly across southern England.

With queues of trucks snaking to the horizon in England and some supermarket shelves stripped just days before Christmas, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson scrambled to get French President Emmanuel Macron to lift a ban on freight from Britain.

French President Emmanuel Macron is showing signs of improvement after testing positive for COVID-19 last week, his office said on Wednesday. Earlier, Macron took to Twitter to post a video message in French and informed people that he is 'doing well' but is a little tired which has 'slowed down' his daily activities.

French President Emmanuel Macron is showing signs of improvement after testing positive for COVID-19 last week, his office said on Wednesday. Earlier, Macron took to Twitter to post a video message in French and informed people that he is 'doing well' but is a little tired which has 'slowed down' his daily activities. pic.twitter.com/MrfTQXpRBW — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 18, 2020 × Also read: Emmanuel Macron claims he is 'doing well' from COVID-19 and concentrating on Brexit Macron, 42, is currently residing in his presidential residence at La Lanterne in Versailles outside Paris. The French president's wife Brigitte Macron,67, tested negative for the virus. Macron had attended an EU summit last week, although it is still unclear how the French president contacted the virus. On Wednesday, Macron had attended the dinner at a gathering at Elysee which was attended by several leaders Prime Minister Jean Castex, who is now also self-isolating. Several top EU leaders went into self-isolation after Macron tested positive for the virus as they had come in contact with the French president during the summit including Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, European Council president Charles Michel and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Medical experts have voiced concerns that the Christmas holidays could result in a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in France and Europe. Data published on Tuesday showed that France had reported a further 802 related deaths in the last 24 hours, and another 11,795 confirmed cases. France will reopen its borders to passengers from England on Wednesday, ending a blockade intended to stop the spread of a new coronavirus variant, but which has held up thousands of lorries before Christmas. Much of the world shut its borders to Britain after a significantly more transmissible mutated coronavirus variant was discovered spreading swiftly across southern England. With queues of trucks snaking to the horizon in England and some supermarket shelves stripped just days before Christmas, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson scrambled to get French President Emmanuel Macron to lift a ban on freight from Britain.

French President Macron showing improvement after coronavirus diagnosis

American fast-food restaurant chain KFC has finally introduced its gaming console called 'KFConsole' and it can do something the PS5 and Xbox Series X cannot, that is, it can also keep your chicken warm.

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The console wars are 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓. 
 
Introducing the KFConsole. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PowerYourHunger?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PowerYourHunger</a> <a href="https://t.co/k7AM6g61Ip">pic.twitter.com/k7AM6g61Ip</a>
— KFC Gaming (@kfcgaming) <a href="https://twitter.com/kfcgaming/status/1341428570388901891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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See it for yourself. Find out more about the new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KFConsole?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KFConsole</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoolerMaster?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoolerMaster</a>: <a href="https://t.co/omZWuIhBG8">https://t.co/omZWuIhBG8</a> <a href="https://t.co/6n5panSJIs">pic.twitter.com/6n5panSJIs</a>
— KFC Gaming (@kfcgaming) <a href="https://twitter.com/kfcgaming/status/1341431562999631879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The shape of the&nbsp;KFConsole is fundamentally the same as the famous KFC chicken container but it has&nbsp;a matte dark and red tones, and the support itself is partitioned into two particular chambers—one where all the figuring power lives and the second being where your chicken supper can remain warm while you play.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/microsoft-launches-worlds-most-powerful-next-generation-xbox-gaming-console-342103">Microsoft launches 'world's most powerful' next-generation Xbox gaming console</a>

The KFConsole has been made in a collaboration&nbsp;with PC equipment maker Cooler Master and as of now has a one-up over every other person in this comfort battle with that underlying chicken chamber.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G2xa7vabDkE" width="560"></iframe>

What's more, that is not all, this “bargain-bucket” shaped KFConsole can also handle the latest games. The particulars and subtleties for the KFConsole incorporate a specially fabricated Cooler Master NC100 case and is controlled by the Intel NUC 9 outrageous figuring pack, two Seagate BarraCuda 1TB PCIe NVMe SSDs and illustrations gave by Asus.

The KFConsole is evidently VR prepared, and can offer interactivity up to 240fps, upholds 4K and beam following tech. The cooling instrument is the thing that drives the warming chamber inside the support, and there is certifiably not a different grille or profound fryer component inside the comfort. Furthermore, since gaming consoles can get very warm, that should sufficiently be to keep your food warm while you do a spot of gaming.The reassure was prodded back in June this year and it is at long last here. The KFConsole is intended to keep your food hot, it has a uniquely fabricated cooling framework that concentrates heat from the support through the outside of the chicken chamber that keeps the equipment cool and the food hot.&nbsp;

KFC's gaming console is bound to give tough competition to Sony's PS5 and Microsoft's Xbox Series X.

As of now, there is no information on when you will have the option to purchase the KFConsole or the amount it will cost. Protected to state that it'll be delivered ahead of schedule one year from now, best-case scenario.&nbsp;

American fast-food restaurant chain KFC has finally introduced its gaming console called 'KFConsole' and it can do something the PS5 and Xbox Series X cannot, that is, it can also keep your chicken warm.

American fast-food restaurant chain KFC has finally introduced its gaming console called 'KFConsole' and it can do something the PS5 and Xbox Series X cannot, that is, it can also keep your chicken warm. The console wars are 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓. Introducing the KFConsole. #PowerYourHunger pic.twitter.com/k7AM6g61Ip — KFC Gaming (@kfcgaming) December 22, 2020 × See it for yourself. Find out more about the new #KFConsole @CoolerMaster: https://t.co/omZWuIhBG8 pic.twitter.com/6n5panSJIs — KFC Gaming (@kfcgaming) December 22, 2020 × The shape of the KFConsole is fundamentally the same as the famous KFC chicken container but it has a matte dark and red tones, and the support itself is partitioned into two particular chambers—one where all the figuring power lives and the second being where your chicken supper can remain warm while you play. Also read: Microsoft launches 'world's most powerful' next-generation Xbox gaming console The KFConsole has been made in a collaboration with PC equipment maker Cooler Master and as of now has a one-up over every other person in this comfort battle with that underlying chicken chamber. What's more, that is not all, this “bargain-bucket” shaped KFConsole can also handle the latest games. The particulars and subtleties for the KFConsole incorporate a specially fabricated Cooler Master NC100 case and is controlled by the Intel NUC 9 outrageous figuring pack, two Seagate BarraCuda 1TB PCIe NVMe SSDs and illustrations gave by Asus. The KFConsole is evidently VR prepared, and can offer interactivity up to 240fps, upholds 4K and beam following tech. The cooling instrument is the thing that drives the warming chamber inside the support, and there is certifiably not a different grille or profound fryer component inside the comfort. Furthermore, since gaming consoles can get very warm, that should sufficiently be to keep your food warm while you do a spot of gaming.The reassure was prodded back in June this year and it is at long last here. The KFConsole is intended to keep your food hot, it has a uniquely fabricated cooling framework that concentrates heat from the support through the outside of the chicken chamber that keeps the equipment cool and the food hot. KFC's gaming console is bound to give tough competition to Sony's PS5 and Microsoft's Xbox Series X. As of now, there is no information on when you will have the option to purchase the KFConsole or the amount it will cost. Protected to state that it'll be delivered ahead of schedule one year from now, best-case scenario.

How KFConsole is better than Sony's PS5 and Microsoft's Xbox Series X

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday blasted the top European human rights court's call for Turkey to release Kurdish political leader Selahattin Demirtas after four years in jail.

Erdogan said the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) issued an "entirely political" ruling by publishing a judgement before Demirtas had used up all his legal challenges in Turkish courts.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-children-stood-trial-for-insulting-turkish-president-erdogan-351521" hreflang="en">Hundreds of children stood trial for ‘insulting’ Turkish President Erdogan</a>

The Grand Chamber of the ECHR said Demirtas - who is charged with terrorism-related offences - had had his rights violated under five different categories, including freedom of expression and liberty.

Lawyers for the former co-leader of&nbsp;Turkey's main Kurdish political party called the ruling "historic" and Western allies urged Ankara to act. But while such rulings are legally binding,&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;has not implemented them in several past instances.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-us-imposes-sanctions-on-turkey-350027/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Grand Chamber said Demirtas' pre-trial detention since November 2016 had sent "a dangerous message to the entire population" that sharply narrowed free democratic debate.

Demirtas faces a sentence of up to 142 years in prison if convicted of being the leader of a terrorist organisation over his actions during protests in 2014 that turned violent and led to the deaths of 37 people. He denies any wrongdoing.

Protesters in&nbsp;Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast that year accused the army of standing by as Islamic State militants besieged the Syrian Kurdish town Kobani, just across the border.

The ECHR said it saw no evidence in decisions on Demirtas' detention that linked his actions and the alleged offences.

"The Court concluded that the reasons put forward by the authorities for the applicant's pre-trial detention had merely been a cover for an ulterior political purpose, which was a matter of indisputable gravity for democracy," it said in its finding.

"It has now become certain," Demirtas said in a Twitter post responding to the ruling, "that the so-called judicial processes led against me and my friends for six years are all political, not lawful, (and) that we are innocent."

His lawyers said the ruling was one of the toughest judgments on rights violations in&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;and was "final and binding".

Ankara accuses Demirtas' Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) of ties to the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged an insurgency in the southeast since 1984 and is deemed a terrorist group by&nbsp;Turkey, the United States, and European Union. The HDP denies having any connections with terrorism.

The HDP, chaired by Demirtas from 2014 and 2018, has seen thousands of its officials and members arrested in recent years.

In 2018, a chamber of the ECHR ruled that Demirtas' right to a speedy trial had been violated.

President Tayyip Erdogan responded at the time that&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;would counter the ruling. Shortly afterward an appeals court approved a jail sentence against Demirtas for disseminating terrorist propaganda in a 2013 speech, sealing his conviction.

In 2019, a court lifted an arrest warrant related to the main case while another agreed to release Demirtas from the propaganda sentence given time already served. But a new arrest warrant related to the same events in 2014 kept him in jail.

The ECHR said Demirtas' continued detention on such similar grounds "would entail a prolongation of the violation of his rights".

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday blasted the top European human rights court's call for Turkey to release Kurdish political leader Selahattin Demirtas after four years in jail.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday blasted the top European human rights court's call for Turkey to release Kurdish political leader Selahattin Demirtas after four years in jail. Erdogan said the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) issued an "entirely political" ruling by publishing a judgement before Demirtas had used up all his legal challenges in Turkish courts. Also read: Hundreds of children stood trial for ‘insulting’ Turkish President Erdogan The Grand Chamber of the ECHR said Demirtas - who is charged with terrorism-related offences - had had his rights violated under five different categories, including freedom of expression and liberty. Lawyers for the former co-leader of Turkey's main Kurdish political party called the ruling "historic" and Western allies urged Ankara to act. But while such rulings are legally binding, Turkey has not implemented them in several past instances. The Grand Chamber said Demirtas' pre-trial detention since November 2016 had sent "a dangerous message to the entire population" that sharply narrowed free democratic debate. Demirtas faces a sentence of up to 142 years in prison if convicted of being the leader of a terrorist organisation over his actions during protests in 2014 that turned violent and led to the deaths of 37 people. He denies any wrongdoing. Protesters in Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast that year accused the army of standing by as Islamic State militants besieged the Syrian Kurdish town Kobani, just across the border. The ECHR said it saw no evidence in decisions on Demirtas' detention that linked his actions and the alleged offences. "The Court concluded that the reasons put forward by the authorities for the applicant's pre-trial detention had merely been a cover for an ulterior political purpose, which was a matter of indisputable gravity for democracy," it said in its finding. "It has now become certain," Demirtas said in a Twitter post responding to the ruling, "that the so-called judicial processes led against me and my friends for six years are all political, not lawful, (and) that we are innocent." His lawyers said the ruling was one of the toughest judgments on rights violations in Turkey and was "final and binding". Ankara accuses Demirtas' Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) of ties to the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged an insurgency in the southeast since 1984 and is deemed a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States, and European Union. The HDP denies having any connections with terrorism. The HDP, chaired by Demirtas from 2014 and 2018, has seen thousands of its officials and members arrested in recent years. In 2018, a chamber of the ECHR ruled that Demirtas' right to a speedy trial had been violated. President Tayyip Erdogan responded at the time that Turkey would counter the ruling. Shortly afterward an appeals court approved a jail sentence against Demirtas for disseminating terrorist propaganda in a 2013 speech, sealing his conviction. In 2019, a court lifted an arrest warrant related to the main case while another agreed to release Demirtas from the propaganda sentence given time already served. But a new arrest warrant related to the same events in 2014 kept him in jail. The ECHR said Demirtas' continued detention on such similar grounds "would entail a prolongation of the violation of his rights".

Erdogan slams European court's ruling to release Kurdish politician Demirtas

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