United National Party deputy general secretary Ruwan Wijewardene&nbsp;has expressed his desire to lead the party after his cousin and Sri Lanka's former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe decided to resign from the UNP leadership after 26 years at the helm following its crushing defeat in the parliamentary election.

The UNP, the oldest party in the country, suffered a humiliating defeat in the August 5 election won by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa-led Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP). The party polled only 2 per cent of the total votes and failed to win a seat in the 225-member Parliament from any of the 22 electoral districts.

UNP chief and former prime minister Wickremesinghe also failed to become a member of parliament for the first time since 1977. 
"Following demands from many, I have decided to step in to lead UNP with the blessings of the party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe," 45-year-old Wijewardena told reporters in the north central town of Anuradhapura on Saturday.

Wickremesinghe, 71, has been leading UNP since December 1994. During his 26-year tenure, Wickremesinghe was blamed for repeated election losses. He was accused of being aloof with the common man and being too West oriented in his policies.

UNP's political fortunes further nosedived after its deputy leader Sajith Premadasa formed his own party to contest the August parliamentary polls. His Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party won 54 seats in the election and emerged as the largest Opposition party, relegating the UNP to fifth position.

Earlier this month, Wickremesinghe's announced his decision to resign from the UNP leadership following his party's crushing defeat. 
Following the announcement, party general secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam named himself and three others as possible contenders to the post.

Former Assembly speaker Karu Jayasuriya, a former UNP deputy leader, last week also announced his desire to lead the party. 
Wijewardena said though several party members have already staked a claim for UNP leadership, he is ready to take over the party leadership.

"I am confident that we can lead the UNP to victory by restructuring and strengthening the party," he said, adding that UNP's election defeat is an opportunity to identify the loopholes in the party and to restore confidence in party supporters.

Wijewardene said Sri Lanka is likely to face an economic crisis in the coming years, resulting in a need for an alternative force for the people.

"We must be prepared to come forward as an alternative for the people," he said.

Wijewardena is the son of Lankan media mogul Ranjith Wijewardena who owned the English dailies -- Sunday Times, Daily Mirror and Financial Times -- as well as the largest Sinhala language daily 'Lankadeepa'.&nbsp;

United National Party deputy general secretary Ruwan Wijewardene has expressed his desire to lead the party after his cousin and Sri Lanka's former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe decided to resign from the UNP leadership after 26 years at the helm following its crushing defeat in the parliamentary election.

United National Party deputy general secretary Ruwan Wijewardene has expressed his desire to lead the party after his cousin and Sri Lanka's former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe decided to resign from the UNP leadership after 26 years at the helm following its crushing defeat in the parliamentary election. The UNP, the oldest party in the country, suffered a humiliating defeat in the August 5 election won by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa-led Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP). The party polled only 2 per cent of the total votes and failed to win a seat in the 225-member Parliament from any of the 22 electoral districts. UNP chief and former prime minister Wickremesinghe also failed to become a member of parliament for the first time since 1977. "Following demands from many, I have decided to step in to lead UNP with the blessings of the party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe," 45-year-old Wijewardena told reporters in the north central town of Anuradhapura on Saturday. Wickremesinghe, 71, has been leading UNP since December 1994. During his 26-year tenure, Wickremesinghe was blamed for repeated election losses. He was accused of being aloof with the common man and being too West oriented in his policies. UNP's political fortunes further nosedived after its deputy leader Sajith Premadasa formed his own party to contest the August parliamentary polls. His Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party won 54 seats in the election and emerged as the largest Opposition party, relegating the UNP to fifth position. Earlier this month, Wickremesinghe's announced his decision to resign from the UNP leadership following his party's crushing defeat. Following the announcement, party general secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam named himself and three others as possible contenders to the post. Former Assembly speaker Karu Jayasuriya, a former UNP deputy leader, last week also announced his desire to lead the party. Wijewardena said though several party members have already staked a claim for UNP leadership, he is ready to take over the party leadership. "I am confident that we can lead the UNP to victory by restructuring and strengthening the party," he said, adding that UNP's election defeat is an opportunity to identify the loopholes in the party and to restore confidence in party supporters. Wijewardene said Sri Lanka is likely to face an economic crisis in the coming years, resulting in a need for an alternative force for the people. "We must be prepared to come forward as an alternative for the people," he said. Wijewardena is the son of Lankan media mogul Ranjith Wijewardena who owned the English dailies -- Sunday Times, Daily Mirror and Financial Times -- as well as the largest Sinhala language daily 'Lankadeepa'.

Sri Lanka's former PM Wickremesinghe's cousin expresses desire to lead UNP

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday&nbsp;approved 48 members of the High Council for National Reconciliation, led by Abdullah Abdullah, in a major development towards preparing for the much-anticipated intra-Afghan negotiations between the government and Taliban to end the two-decades-old war in the country.

In a decree, Ghani asked religious scholars, Parliament, private sector, provincial councils and media to introduce their picks for the membership of the council within a week, TOLOnews reported.

Members of council named in the decree are -- former president Hamid Karzai, former mujahideen leader Abdul Rab Rasul Sayyaf, Hizb-e-Islami leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, former vice president Mohammad Karim Khalili, former deputy chief executive Mohammad Mohaqiq, former vice president Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum, former vice president Mohammad Yunus Qanooni, former foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani, former mujahideen leader and former minister of energy and water Mohammad Ismalil Khan, former Balkh governor and CEO of Jamiat-e-Islami Atta Mohammad Noor, head of Maaz-e-Milli party Sayed Hamid Gailani, Zabihullah Mujaddedi, political and religious figure Sayed Mansoor Nadery, political and religious figure Enayatullah Shahrani, former deputy chief executive and political figure Engineer Mohammad Khan, head of Afghanistan`s Ulema Council, former head of the Administrative Office of the President Sadiq Modabir, Mohammad Ismail Ghazanfar and Mawlawi Khodaidad Saleh.

Members of the council from the government include -- First Vice President Amrullah Saleh, Second Vice President Mohammad Sarwar Danesh, Acting Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar, National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib, Meshrano Jirga Speaker Fazl Hadi Muslimyar, Wolesi Jirga Speaker Mir Rahman Rahmani, presidential adviser Almas Zahid, state minister for peace affairs (that has not been appointed so far) and presidential advisor Mawlawi Jora Tahiri, according to the decree.

Women members of the council are -- civil society activist Safia Sediqqi, former MP Najiba Ayubi, a member of the Afghan Women`s Network Mari Akrami, civil society activist Zia Gul Rezaee, member of the Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission Alia Yulmaz, former higher education minister Farida Mohmand, chairperson of medical council of Afghanistan Nasrin Oryakhil and civil society activist Zarqa Yaftali.

The leadership members of the council include -- Abdullah Abdullah, head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, Abdul Salam Rahimi deputy head of the council, Enayatullah Farahmand deputy head of the council, Asadullah Saadati deputy head of the council, Zuhra Mutahari former deputy governor of Paktia, member of Afghanistan Ulema Council Atta-Ur-Rahman Salim, head of Hizb-e-Islami Nawin Din Mohammad, political figure Akram Khpulwak, head of the negotiation team Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai, special presidential envoy Noor-Ul-Haq Olumi, the decree said.

Ghani authorised&nbsp;members of the High Council for National Reconciliation by issuing a decree, according to a political agreement signed between the Afghan President and Abdullah in May.

Based on the agreement, the High Council of Government will be established for ensuring political consensus in Afghanistan. Political leaders and national figures will be the members, according to TOLOnews.

The development comes after Abdullah said on Thursday that intra-Afghan talks are expected to start this week. The first round of negotiations is scheduled to be held in Doha in Qatar.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday approved 48 members of the High Council for National Reconciliation, led by Abdullah Abdullah, in a major development towards preparing for the much-anticipated intra-Afghan negotiations between the government and Taliban to end the two-decades-old war in the country.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday approved 48 members of the High Council for National Reconciliation, led by Abdullah Abdullah, in a major development towards preparing for the much-anticipated intra-Afghan negotiations between the government and Taliban to end the two-decades-old war in the country. In a decree, Ghani asked religious scholars, Parliament, private sector, provincial councils and media to introduce their picks for the membership of the council within a week, TOLOnews reported. Members of council named in the decree are -- former president Hamid Karzai, former mujahideen leader Abdul Rab Rasul Sayyaf, Hizb-e-Islami leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, former vice president Mohammad Karim Khalili, former deputy chief executive Mohammad Mohaqiq, former vice president Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum, former vice president Mohammad Yunus Qanooni, former foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani, former mujahideen leader and former minister of energy and water Mohammad Ismalil Khan, former Balkh governor and CEO of Jamiat-e-Islami Atta Mohammad Noor, head of Maaz-e-Milli party Sayed Hamid Gailani, Zabihullah Mujaddedi, political and religious figure Sayed Mansoor Nadery, political and religious figure Enayatullah Shahrani, former deputy chief executive and political figure Engineer Mohammad Khan, head of Afghanistan`s Ulema Council, former head of the Administrative Office of the President Sadiq Modabir, Mohammad Ismail Ghazanfar and Mawlawi Khodaidad Saleh. Members of the council from the government include -- First Vice President Amrullah Saleh, Second Vice President Mohammad Sarwar Danesh, Acting Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar, National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib, Meshrano Jirga Speaker Fazl Hadi Muslimyar, Wolesi Jirga Speaker Mir Rahman Rahmani, presidential adviser Almas Zahid, state minister for peace affairs (that has not been appointed so far) and presidential advisor Mawlawi Jora Tahiri, according to the decree. Women members of the council are -- civil society activist Safia Sediqqi, former MP Najiba Ayubi, a member of the Afghan Women`s Network Mari Akrami, civil society activist Zia Gul Rezaee, member of the Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission Alia Yulmaz, former higher education minister Farida Mohmand, chairperson of medical council of Afghanistan Nasrin Oryakhil and civil society activist Zarqa Yaftali. The leadership members of the council include -- Abdullah Abdullah, head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, Abdul Salam Rahimi deputy head of the council, Enayatullah Farahmand deputy head of the council, Asadullah Saadati deputy head of the council, Zuhra Mutahari former deputy governor of Paktia, member of Afghanistan Ulema Council Atta-Ur-Rahman Salim, head of Hizb-e-Islami Nawin Din Mohammad, political figure Akram Khpulwak, head of the negotiation team Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai, special presidential envoy Noor-Ul-Haq Olumi, the decree said. Ghani authorised members of the High Council for National Reconciliation by issuing a decree, according to a political agreement signed between the Afghan President and Abdullah in May. Based on the agreement, the High Council of Government will be established for ensuring political consensus in Afghanistan. Political leaders and national figures will be the members, according to TOLOnews. The development comes after Abdullah said on Thursday that intra-Afghan talks are expected to start this week. The first round of negotiations is scheduled to be held in Doha in Qatar.

In boost for intra-Afghan talks, Ghani approves 48 reconciliation council members

New research suggests that children can shed SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, even if they never develop symptoms or for long after symptoms have cleared. 
 
The study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, provides important insight on the role children might play in the spread of coronavirus&nbsp;as communities continue to develop public health strategies to reign in this disease. 
 
The study that sparked this commentary focused on 91 pediatric patients followed at 22 hospitals throughout South Korea.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-coronavirus-impact-may-be-catastrophic-for-children-296055">Children face greater risk from coronavirus than previously expected, says study</a>

"Unlike in the American health system, those who test positive for Covid-19 in South Korea stay at the hospital until they clear their infections even if they aren`t symptomatic," said study researcher Roberta L. DeBiasi from Children`s National Hospital in the US. 
 
The patients here were identified for testing through contact tracing or developing symptoms.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-could-be-tied-to-a-rare-but-serious-illness-in-children-295199">Coronavirus could be tied to a rare but serious illness in children</a>

About 22 per cent never developed symptoms, 20 per cent were initially asymptomatic but developed symptoms later, and 58 per cent were symptomatic at their initial test. 
 
Over the course of the study, the hospitals where these children stayed continued to test them every three days on average, providing a picture of how long viral shedding continues over time. 
 
The study's findings show that the duration of symptoms varied widely, from three days to nearly three weeks. There was also a significant study in how long children continued to shed virus and could be potentially infectious. 
 
While the virus was detectable for an average of about two-and-a-half weeks in the entire group, a significant portion of the children,&nbsp;about a fifth of the asymptomatic patients and about half of the symptomatic ones,&nbsp;were still shedding virus at the three-week mark. 
 
The researchers wrote that the study makes several important points that add to the knowledge base about Covid-19 in children. 
 
One of these is a large number of asymptomatic patients, about a fifth of the group followed in this study. Another is that children, a group widely thought to develop a mostly mild disease that quickly passes, can retain symptoms for weeks. 
 
A third and important point, they said, is the duration of viral shedding. Even asymptomatic children continued to shed virus for a long time after initial testing, making them potential key vectors. 
 
Recently, a study published in The BMJ journal, revealed that children and young people have less severe COVID-19 than adults and death is exceptionally rare. 
 
Earlier, another research published this month in the Journal of Pediatrics, found that children play a larger role in the community spread of the Covid-19.

New research suggests that children can shed SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, even if they never develop symptoms or for long after symptoms have cleared.

New research suggests that children can shed SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, even if they never develop symptoms or for long after symptoms have cleared. The study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, provides important insight on the role children might play in the spread of coronavirus as communities continue to develop public health strategies to reign in this disease. The study that sparked this commentary focused on 91 pediatric patients followed at 22 hospitals throughout South Korea. Also read: Children face greater risk from coronavirus than previously expected, says study "Unlike in the American health system, those who test positive for Covid-19 in South Korea stay at the hospital until they clear their infections even if they aren`t symptomatic," said study researcher Roberta L. DeBiasi from Children`s National Hospital in the US. The patients here were identified for testing through contact tracing or developing symptoms. Also read: Coronavirus could be tied to a rare but serious illness in children About 22 per cent never developed symptoms, 20 per cent were initially asymptomatic but developed symptoms later, and 58 per cent were symptomatic at their initial test. Over the course of the study, the hospitals where these children stayed continued to test them every three days on average, providing a picture of how long viral shedding continues over time. The study's findings show that the duration of symptoms varied widely, from three days to nearly three weeks. There was also a significant study in how long children continued to shed virus and could be potentially infectious. While the virus was detectable for an average of about two-and-a-half weeks in the entire group, a significant portion of the children, about a fifth of the asymptomatic patients and about half of the symptomatic ones, were still shedding virus at the three-week mark. The researchers wrote that the study makes several important points that add to the knowledge base about Covid-19 in children. One of these is a large number of asymptomatic patients, about a fifth of the group followed in this study. Another is that children, a group widely thought to develop a mostly mild disease that quickly passes, can retain symptoms for weeks. A third and important point, they said, is the duration of viral shedding. Even asymptomatic children continued to shed virus for a long time after initial testing, making them potential key vectors. Recently, a study published in The BMJ journal, revealed that children and young people have less severe COVID-19 than adults and death is exceptionally rare. Earlier, another research published this month in the Journal of Pediatrics, found that children play a larger role in the community spread of the Covid-19.

Children need extensive testing to identify ‘silently shedding’ COVID-19: Study

China's new rules around tech exports mean ByteDance's sale of TikTok's US&nbsp;operations could need Beijing's approval, a Chinese trade expert told state media, a requirement that would complicate the forced and politically charged divestment.

ByteDance has been ordered by President Donald Trump to divest short video app TikTok, which is challenging the order,&nbsp;in the United States amid security concerns over the personal data it handles.

Microsoft Corp and Oracle Corp are among the suitors for the assets, which also includes TikTok's Canada, New Zealand and Australia operations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-says-it-has-not-received-a-bid-from-centricus-and-triller-323843" hreflang="en">TikTok says it has not received a bid from Centricus and Triller</a>

However, China late on Friday revised a list of technologies that are banned or restricted for export for the first time in 12 years and Cui Fan, a professor of international trade at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said the changes would apply to TikTok.

"If ByteDance plans to export related technologies, it should go through the licensing procedures," Cui said in an interview with Xinhua published on Saturday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/if-wechat-is-banned-no-reason-why-chinese-shall-keep-iphone-and-apple-products-foreign-ministry-323596">If WeChat is banned, no reason why Chinese shall keep iPhone and apple products: Foreign ministry</a>

China's Ministry of Commerce added 23 items,&nbsp;including technologies such as personal information push services based on data analysis and artificial intelligence interactive interface technology,&nbsp;to the restricted list.

It can take up to 30 days to obtain preliminary approval to export the technology.

TikTok's secret weapon is believed to be its recommendation engine that keeps users glued to their screens. This engine, or algorithm, powers TikTok's "For You" page, which recommends the next video to watch based on an analysis of your behaviour.

Cui noted that ByteDance's development overseas had relied on its domestic technology that provided the core algorithm and said the company may need to transfer software codes or usage rights to the new owner of TikTok from China to overseas.

"Therefore, it is recommended that ByteDance seriously studies the adjusted catalogue and carefully considers whether it is necessary to suspend" negotiations on a sale, he added.

ByteDance did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday.

China's foreign ministry has said that it opposes the executive orders Trump has placed on TikTok and that Beijing will defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses.

China's new rules around tech exports mean ByteDance's sale of TikTok's US operations could need Beijing's approval, a Chinese trade expert told state media, a requirement that would complicate the forced and politically charged divestment.

China's new rules around tech exports mean ByteDance's sale of TikTok's US operations could need Beijing's approval, a Chinese trade expert told state media, a requirement that would complicate the forced and politically charged divestment. ByteDance has been ordered by President Donald Trump to divest short video app TikTok, which is challenging the order, in the United States amid security concerns over the personal data it handles. Microsoft Corp and Oracle Corp are among the suitors for the assets, which also includes TikTok's Canada, New Zealand and Australia operations. Also read: TikTok says it has not received a bid from Centricus and Triller However, China late on Friday revised a list of technologies that are banned or restricted for export for the first time in 12 years and Cui Fan, a professor of international trade at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said the changes would apply to TikTok. "If ByteDance plans to export related technologies, it should go through the licensing procedures," Cui said in an interview with Xinhua published on Saturday. Also read: If WeChat is banned, no reason why Chinese shall keep iPhone and apple products: Foreign ministry China's Ministry of Commerce added 23 items, including technologies such as personal information push services based on data analysis and artificial intelligence interactive interface technology, to the restricted list. It can take up to 30 days to obtain preliminary approval to export the technology. TikTok's secret weapon is believed to be its recommendation engine that keeps users glued to their screens. This engine, or algorithm, powers TikTok's "For You" page, which recommends the next video to watch based on an analysis of your behaviour. Cui noted that ByteDance's development overseas had relied on its domestic technology that provided the core algorithm and said the company may need to transfer software codes or usage rights to the new owner of TikTok from China to overseas. "Therefore, it is recommended that ByteDance seriously studies the adjusted catalogue and carefully considers whether it is necessary to suspend" negotiations on a sale, he added. ByteDance did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday. China's foreign ministry has said that it opposes the executive orders Trump has placed on TikTok and that Beijing will defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses.

China's new tech export controls could give Beijing a say in TikTok sale

Belarus has revoked the accreditations of some journalists working for foreign media and covering anti-government protests that erupted after a disputed presidential election, news organisations and a journalist association said on Saturday.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, is facing unprecedented protests since the disputed August 9 election in which he claimed a landslide victory with 80 percent of the vote.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/we-come-in-peace-belarusian-women-dressed-in-white-protest-against-corrupt-leadership-321060">We come in peace: Belarusian women dressed in white protest against corrupt leadership</a>

The opposition has rejected the results as manipulated, organised two major demonstrations this month and called for a large-scale protest on Sunday.

Government spokesman Anatoly Glaz said the decision to revoke the media accreditations was taken on the recommendation of the country's counter-terrorism unit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-work-if-we-cant-do-honest-journalism-belarus-media-goes-on-strike-over-election-result-and-censorship-321354">Won’t work, if we can’t do honest journalism: Belarus media goes on strike over election result and censorship</a>

In comments at a government meeting on July 23, President Alexander Lukashenko threatened to expel foreign journalists, accusing them of inciting protests against him before the&nbsp;election.

Lukashenko denies opposition accusations that he rigged the election to prolong his 26-year rule. Thousands of people have taken to the streets to demand he step down.

The US&nbsp;Embassy in Minsk issued a statement on Saturday that did not refer specifically to the revocation of accreditations, but said, "We are concerned by the continued targeting of journalists, the blocking of independent media and opposition websites" as well as intermittent internet blackouts and detentions of citizens exercising their rights of free assembly and speech.

The results of the presidential election have been rejected by the European Union, which is preparing sanctions against high-ranking Belarusian officials and has urged Lukashenko to set up a dialogue with the opposition.

Lukashenko, for his part, has refused to make any concessions and has alleged a Western plot to bring him down.

The demonstrations have sparked a violent police crackdown condemned by rights groups and Western leaders.

At least three people have died and hundreds have been wounded in the violence while nearly 7,000 have been arrested.

Several journalists working in Belarus have been briefly detained since the election.

Belarus has revoked the accreditations of some journalists working for foreign media and covering anti-government protests that erupted after a disputed presidential election, news organisations and a journalist association said on Saturday.

Belarus has revoked the accreditations of some journalists working for foreign media and covering anti-government protests that erupted after a disputed presidential election, news organisations and a journalist association said on Saturday. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, is facing unprecedented protests since the disputed August 9 election in which he claimed a landslide victory with 80 percent of the vote. Also see: We come in peace: Belarusian women dressed in white protest against corrupt leadership The opposition has rejected the results as manipulated, organised two major demonstrations this month and called for a large-scale protest on Sunday. Government spokesman Anatoly Glaz said the decision to revoke the media accreditations was taken on the recommendation of the country's counter-terrorism unit. Also read: Won’t work, if we can’t do honest journalism: Belarus media goes on strike over election result and censorship In comments at a government meeting on July 23, President Alexander Lukashenko threatened to expel foreign journalists, accusing them of inciting protests against him before the election. Lukashenko denies opposition accusations that he rigged the election to prolong his 26-year rule. Thousands of people have taken to the streets to demand he step down. The US Embassy in Minsk issued a statement on Saturday that did not refer specifically to the revocation of accreditations, but said, "We are concerned by the continued targeting of journalists, the blocking of independent media and opposition websites" as well as intermittent internet blackouts and detentions of citizens exercising their rights of free assembly and speech. The results of the presidential election have been rejected by the European Union, which is preparing sanctions against high-ranking Belarusian officials and has urged Lukashenko to set up a dialogue with the opposition. Lukashenko, for his part, has refused to make any concessions and has alleged a Western plot to bring him down. The demonstrations have sparked a violent police crackdown condemned by rights groups and Western leaders. At least three people have died and hundreds have been wounded in the violence while nearly 7,000 have been arrested. Several journalists working in Belarus have been briefly detained since the election.

Belarus revokes accreditations of journalists covering protests for foreign media

President Donald Trump on Saturday visited Louisiana and Texas, pummeled this week by Hurricane Laura though the storm did not inflict the catastrophic damage and death toll of Hurricane Katrina 15 years ago.

The massive storm hit Louisiana early on Thursday with 150 mile-per-hour&nbsp;winds, damaging buildings, knocking down trees and cutting power to more than 650,000 people in Louisiana and Texas.&nbsp;The category four&nbsp;hurricane killed at least 15 people, with some of those killed by carbon monoxide poisoning from the unsafe operation of generators.

Wearing a red "USA" cap, Trump landed in Lake Charles, a Louisiana city of 80,000 people that's home to petroleum refineries and chemical plants near the Gulf of Mexico.&nbsp;He toured a neighborhood with downed trees and damaged houses, as well as a warehouse.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paralysed-us-police-shooting-victim-jacob-blake-released-from-handcuffs-in-hospital-bed-323808" hreflang="en">Paralysed US police shooting victim Jacob Blake released from handcuffs in hospital bed</a>

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has already distributed 2.6 million liters of water and 1.4 million meals, Trump said, as hundreds of thousands of storm victims are without electricity and running water.

"I haven't had one complaint," Trump said, congratulating federal and local officials at a news conference at a fire station.

"Louisiana has been through a lot with the Covid and with this, a couple other things. You've done a great job," he told the officials, who included the state's Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards.

It has been blamed for at least 14 deaths in Louisiana and Texas, with more than half of them due to improper use of portable generators, which produce toxic carbon monoxide gas.

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Trump later flew by helicopter to the nearby city of Orange, Texas, meeting with state officials to discuss their response to Laura.

At a briefing, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he believed the state got through Laura without spreading Covid-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-us-novel-coronavirus-reinfection-case-identified-in-study-323857" hreflang="en">First US novel coronavirus reinfection case identified in study</a>

"You are helping Texas to rebuild," Trump told the governor.&nbsp;

Hurricane Katrina, which hit Louisiana in August 2005, caused the widespread failure of the levee system protecting low-lying New Orleans. The storm killed at least 1,800 people.

Kenosha shootings

White House spokesman Judd Deere said Trump will travel next week to Kenosha on Tuesday&nbsp;to meet with law enforcement officials and view damage from unrest triggered by Blake's shooting last weekend.

After the announcement about 1,000 people joined a mile-long march in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Saturday, chanting "Black Lives Matter" and "No Justice, No Peace".

"Probably so," Trump told reporters in Texas, when asked if he would visit the city where the officer shot Jacob Blake, who is paralyzed from the waist down and remains in hospital. A 17-year-old is being held by authorities in Kenosha on suspicion of shooting three people who were protesting the shooting of Blake. Two of those people died.

President Donald Trump on Saturday visited Louisiana and Texas, pummeled this week by Hurricane Laura though the storm did not inflict the catastrophic damage and death toll of Hurricane Katrina 15 years ago.

President Donald Trump on Saturday visited Louisiana and Texas, pummeled this week by Hurricane Laura though the storm did not inflict the catastrophic damage and death toll of Hurricane Katrina 15 years ago. The massive storm hit Louisiana early on Thursday with 150 mile-per-hour winds, damaging buildings, knocking down trees and cutting power to more than 650,000 people in Louisiana and Texas. The category four hurricane killed at least 15 people, with some of those killed by carbon monoxide poisoning from the unsafe operation of generators. Wearing a red "USA" cap, Trump landed in Lake Charles, a Louisiana city of 80,000 people that's home to petroleum refineries and chemical plants near the Gulf of Mexico. He toured a neighborhood with downed trees and damaged houses, as well as a warehouse. Also read: Paralysed US police shooting victim Jacob Blake released from handcuffs in hospital bed The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has already distributed 2.6 million liters of water and 1.4 million meals, Trump said, as hundreds of thousands of storm victims are without electricity and running water. "I haven't had one complaint," Trump said, congratulating federal and local officials at a news conference at a fire station. "Louisiana has been through a lot with the Covid and with this, a couple other things. You've done a great job," he told the officials, who included the state's Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards. It has been blamed for at least 14 deaths in Louisiana and Texas, with more than half of them due to improper use of portable generators, which produce toxic carbon monoxide gas. Trump later flew by helicopter to the nearby city of Orange, Texas, meeting with state officials to discuss their response to Laura. At a briefing, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he believed the state got through Laura without spreading Covid-19. Also read: First US novel coronavirus reinfection case identified in study "You are helping Texas to rebuild," Trump told the governor. Hurricane Katrina, which hit Louisiana in August 2005, caused the widespread failure of the levee system protecting low-lying New Orleans. The storm killed at least 1,800 people. Kenosha shootings White House spokesman Judd Deere said Trump will travel next week to Kenosha on Tuesday to meet with law enforcement officials and view damage from unrest triggered by Blake's shooting last weekend. After the announcement about 1,000 people joined a mile-long march in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Saturday, chanting "Black Lives Matter" and "No Justice, No Peace". "Probably so," Trump told reporters in Texas, when asked if he would visit the city where the officer shot Jacob Blake, who is paralyzed from the waist down and remains in hospital. A 17-year-old is being held by authorities in Kenosha on suspicion of shooting three people who were protesting the shooting of Blake. Two of those people died.

Trump visits storm-damaged Louisiana, discusses Kenosha shootings

August 30 in history: Liberation Hong Kong from Japan, assassination of Iran's President Rajai and more

The head of the Czech Senate travelled to Taiwan on Saturday for a rare trip by a senior foreign official that has angered China, which considers the island a breakaway province ineligible for state-to-state relations.

Senate speaker&nbsp;Milos Vystrcil said his visit would promote business links with Taiwan, and that the Czech Republic would not bow to Beijing's objections.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-norway-against-granting-nobel-peace-prize-to-hong-kong-democracy-activists-323831" hreflang="en">China warns Norway against granting Nobel Peace Prize to Hong Kong democracy activists</a>

"You cannot accept being someone's servant, because if you do, then when you obey once, it's assumed that you obey every time," Vystrcil said&nbsp;ahead of the trip.

Vystrcil said his visit underscored the "values-based" foreign policy put in place by late President Vaclav Havel, an anti-communist dissident and personal friend of the exiled Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama.

The delegation is due to meet President Tsai Ing-wen and other top officials in Taiwan, where strict coronavirus measures will be observed during the meetings.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-must-build-an-impregnable-fortress-to-maintain-stability-in-tibet-xi-to-party-leaders-323908" hreflang="en">China must build an 'impregnable fortress' to maintain stability in Tibet: Xi to party leaders</a>

For Taiwan, the Czech visit is a welcome sign of support amid growing tensions with China.

"Taiwan and the Czech Republic both share the universal values of democracy, freedom and human rights," Johnson Chiang, head of the European Affairs Office at Taiwan's Foreign Ministry's, told reporters this week.

Earlier this month, US&nbsp;Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar went to Taiwan in the highest-level visit by a US&nbsp;official in four decades.

Vystrcil's trip has further complicated relations between China and the EU country.

Czech President Milos Zeman has sought closer business and political ties with China since taking office in 2013, but his efforts have been hit by failed investment plans and Czech wavering about allowing China's Huawei Technologies to play a role in developing next-generation telecoms networks.

China warned of possible consequences for Czech companies with Chinese operations when Vystrcil's predecessor started planning a trip to the self-ruled island.

"Such a visit is deliberately undermining the political foundation between China and the Czech Republic, we condemn such a despicable act," China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Thursday.

The head of the Czech Senate travelled to Taiwan on Saturday for a rare trip by a senior foreign official that has angered China, which considers the island a breakaway province ineligible for state-to-state relations.

The head of the Czech Senate travelled to Taiwan on Saturday for a rare trip by a senior foreign official that has angered China, which considers the island a breakaway province ineligible for state-to-state relations. Senate speaker Milos Vystrcil said his visit would promote business links with Taiwan, and that the Czech Republic would not bow to Beijing's objections. Also read: China warns Norway against granting Nobel Peace Prize to Hong Kong democracy activists "You cannot accept being someone's servant, because if you do, then when you obey once, it's assumed that you obey every time," Vystrcil said ahead of the trip. Vystrcil said his visit underscored the "values-based" foreign policy put in place by late President Vaclav Havel, an anti-communist dissident and personal friend of the exiled Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama. The delegation is due to meet President Tsai Ing-wen and other top officials in Taiwan, where strict coronavirus measures will be observed during the meetings. Also read: China must build an 'impregnable fortress' to maintain stability in Tibet: Xi to party leaders For Taiwan, the Czech visit is a welcome sign of support amid growing tensions with China. "Taiwan and the Czech Republic both share the universal values of democracy, freedom and human rights," Johnson Chiang, head of the European Affairs Office at Taiwan's Foreign Ministry's, told reporters this week. Earlier this month, US Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar went to Taiwan in the highest-level visit by a US official in four decades. Vystrcil's trip has further complicated relations between China and the EU country. Czech President Milos Zeman has sought closer business and political ties with China since taking office in 2013, but his efforts have been hit by failed investment plans and Czech wavering about allowing China's Huawei Technologies to play a role in developing next-generation telecoms networks. China warned of possible consequences for Czech companies with Chinese operations when Vystrcil's predecessor started planning a trip to the self-ruled island. "Such a visit is deliberately undermining the political foundation between China and the Czech Republic, we condemn such a despicable act," China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Thursday.

Czech Republic's Senate speaker leaves for Taiwan visit, angering China

The President of the United Arab Emirates&nbsp;Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan&nbsp;scrapped an economic boycott against Israel, allowing trade and financial agreements between the countries in another key step towards normal ties, the UAE's state news agency reported on Saturday.

Israel and the UAE said on August&nbsp;13 they would normalise diplomatic relations in a deal brokered by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump that reshapes the order of Middle East politics from the Palestinian issue to the fight against Iran.

Zayed Al Nahyan issued a decree abolishing a boycott law as part of "the UAE's efforts to expand diplomatic and commercial cooperation with Israel, leading to bilateral relations by stimulating economic growth and promoting technological innovation," the WAM news agency said.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-the-world-reacted-to-the-israel-uae-peace-agreement-320602">How the world reacted to the Israel-UAE peace agreement</a>

Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi said the UAE had taken "an important step towards peace, which will yield substantial economic and commercial achievements for both people while strengthening the stability in the region."

The announcement came as Israeli flag carrier El Al Israel Airlines Ltd prepared to operate the country's first direct flight between Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport and the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/israel-uae-deal-a-symbolic-peace-unlikely-to-address-the-conflict-triggers-in-middle-east-323520">Israel-UAE deal: A symbolic peace unlikely to address the conflict triggers in Middle East</a>

An Israeli government delegation and top aides to Trump, including his senior adviser Jared Kushner, are due to travel on the flight on August&nbsp;31, a US&nbsp;official said.

Before the August&nbsp;13 deal can be officially signed, details must be agreed on issues such as the opening of embassies, trade and travel links.

Israel’s Channel 13 TV said bilateral trade could initially be worth $4 billion a year, a figure it said could soon be tripled or quadrupled. Government officials did not immediately confirm that estimate.

Israeli Agriculture Minister Alon Schuster said Israel was working on potential joint projects that could help improve the oil-rich Gulf nation's food security, such as water desalination and crop cultivation in the desert.

"With their money and our experience, we could go a long way," he told Tel Aviv radio station 102 FM in an interview on Friday.

Officials from the two countries recently said they were looking at cooperation in defence, medicine, tourism and technology.

The decree announced on Saturday means UAE citizens and businesses will be free to do business with Israel.

The two countries do not yet have official air links, and it was unclear whether Monday's El Al flight would be able to fly over Saudi Arabia - which has no official ties with Israel - to cut down on flight time.

In May, an Etihad Airways plane flew from the UAE to Tel Aviv to deliver supplies to the Palestinians to help fight coronavirus, marking the first known flight by an UAE carrier to Israel

The President of the United Arab Emirates Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan scrapped an economic boycott against Israel, allowing trade and financial agreements between the countries in another key step towards normal ties, the UAE's state news agency reported on Saturday.

The President of the United Arab Emirates Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan scrapped an economic boycott against Israel, allowing trade and financial agreements between the countries in another key step towards normal ties, the UAE's state news agency reported on Saturday. Israel and the UAE said on August 13 they would normalise diplomatic relations in a deal brokered by US President Donald Trump that reshapes the order of Middle East politics from the Palestinian issue to the fight against Iran. Zayed Al Nahyan issued a decree abolishing a boycott law as part of "the UAE's efforts to expand diplomatic and commercial cooperation with Israel, leading to bilateral relations by stimulating economic growth and promoting technological innovation," the WAM news agency said. Also see: How the world reacted to the Israel-UAE peace agreement Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi said the UAE had taken "an important step towards peace, which will yield substantial economic and commercial achievements for both people while strengthening the stability in the region." The announcement came as Israeli flag carrier El Al Israel Airlines Ltd prepared to operate the country's first direct flight between Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport and the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi. Also read: Israel-UAE deal: A symbolic peace unlikely to address the conflict triggers in Middle East An Israeli government delegation and top aides to Trump, including his senior adviser Jared Kushner, are due to travel on the flight on August 31, a US official said. Before the August 13 deal can be officially signed, details must be agreed on issues such as the opening of embassies, trade and travel links. Israel’s Channel 13 TV said bilateral trade could initially be worth $4 billion a year, a figure it said could soon be tripled or quadrupled. Government officials did not immediately confirm that estimate. Israeli Agriculture Minister Alon Schuster said Israel was working on potential joint projects that could help improve the oil-rich Gulf nation's food security, such as water desalination and crop cultivation in the desert. "With their money and our experience, we could go a long way," he told Tel Aviv radio station 102 FM in an interview on Friday. Officials from the two countries recently said they were looking at cooperation in defence, medicine, tourism and technology. The decree announced on Saturday means UAE citizens and businesses will be free to do business with Israel. The two countries do not yet have official air links, and it was unclear whether Monday's El Al flight would be able to fly over Saudi Arabia - which has no official ties with Israel - to cut down on flight time. In May, an Etihad Airways plane flew from the UAE to Tel Aviv to deliver supplies to the Palestinians to help fight coronavirus, marking the first known flight by an UAE carrier to Israel

UAE scraps Israel economic boycott after US-brokered deal

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has asked a judge to dismiss murder charges against him in the death of&nbsp;George Floyd.

According to the court papers submitted by Chauvin's attorney on Friday,&nbsp;there is not probable cause to support charges of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. They&nbsp;argued&nbsp;that Floyd's&nbsp;alleged drug use, not the improper use of force by the officer, was to blame for his death.

Prosecutors are seeking stiffer-than-usual sentences for four former US police officers charged over the killing of George Floyd, arguing that they showed "particular cruelty" to the handcuffed African American.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-really-played-out-between-the-police-and-george-floyd-in-his-final-moments-302473">What really played out between the police and George Floyd in his final moments</a>

The 46-year-old resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota died in May after being pinned to the pavement under the knee of white officer Derek Chauvin as Floyd gasped that he could not breathe.

The case is proceeding amid renewed fury over police violence against African Americans, galvanized by the shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin this week.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paralysed-us-police-shooting-victim-jacob-blake-released-from-handcuffs-in-hospital-bed-323808" hreflang="en">Paralysed US police shooting victim Jacob Blake released from handcuffs in hospital bed</a>

Court papers filed Friday in the Floyd case indicate that the Minnesota attorney general's office will argue there were a number of aggravating factors.

These include evidence that Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes as bystanders, including multiple children, pleaded for his life and then watched him die.

"George Floyd, the victim, was particularly vulnerable because officers had already handcuffed him behind his back and then placed him chest down on the pavement, and Mr. Floyd clearly and repeatedly told the officers he could not breathe," the court documents state.

Chauvin inflicted "particular cruelty," as well as "gratuitous pain" as he abused his position of authority, prosecutors allege.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/washington-thousands-march-to-denounce-racism-on-anniversary-of-kings-speech-323844/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Despite Mr. Floyd's pleas that he could not breathe and was going to die, as well as the pleas of eyewitnesses to get off Mr. Floyd and help him, (the) defendant and his co-defendants continued to restrain Mr. Floyd," the papers say.&nbsp;

Three or more suspects "actively participated" in the killing, prosecutors noted, saying this would justify longer sentences.

Groundswell of outrage

The charges against Chauvin include unintentional second-degree murder, while three ex-colleagues, J. Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao,&nbsp;are charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter.

The shockingly public nature of Floyd's death,&nbsp;which bystanders filmed and then posted on social media,&nbsp;sparked an enormous mobilization nationwide, as protesters took to the streets to denounce racism and police brutality.

The groundswell of outrage reached beyond American borders, prompting huge demonstrations around the world against the mistreatment of ethnic minorities and the rewriting of colonial history.

The face of Floyd, a father-of-three whose last job was as a security guard, has become a symbol brandished in anti-racist marches everywhere.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has asked a judge to dismiss murder charges against him in the death of George Floyd. According to the court papers submitted by Chauvin's attorney on Friday, there is not probable cause to support charges of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has asked a judge to dismiss murder charges against him in the death of George Floyd. According to the court papers submitted by Chauvin's attorney on Friday, there is not probable cause to support charges of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. They argued that Floyd's alleged drug use, not the improper use of force by the officer, was to blame for his death. Prosecutors are seeking stiffer-than-usual sentences for four former US police officers charged over the killing of George Floyd, arguing that they showed "particular cruelty" to the handcuffed African American. Also read: What really played out between the police and George Floyd in his final moments The 46-year-old resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota died in May after being pinned to the pavement under the knee of white officer Derek Chauvin as Floyd gasped that he could not breathe. The case is proceeding amid renewed fury over police violence against African Americans, galvanized by the shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin this week. Also read: Paralysed US police shooting victim Jacob Blake released from handcuffs in hospital bed Court papers filed Friday in the Floyd case indicate that the Minnesota attorney general's office will argue there were a number of aggravating factors. These include evidence that Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes as bystanders, including multiple children, pleaded for his life and then watched him die. "George Floyd, the victim, was particularly vulnerable because officers had already handcuffed him behind his back and then placed him chest down on the pavement, and Mr. Floyd clearly and repeatedly told the officers he could not breathe," the court documents state. Chauvin inflicted "particular cruelty," as well as "gratuitous pain" as he abused his position of authority, prosecutors allege. "Despite Mr. Floyd's pleas that he could not breathe and was going to die, as well as the pleas of eyewitnesses to get off Mr. Floyd and help him, (the) defendant and his co-defendants continued to restrain Mr. Floyd," the papers say. Three or more suspects "actively participated" in the killing, prosecutors noted, saying this would justify longer sentences. Groundswell of outrage The charges against Chauvin include unintentional second-degree murder, while three ex-colleagues, J. Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao, are charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter. The shockingly public nature of Floyd's death, which bystanders filmed and then posted on social media, sparked an enormous mobilization nationwide, as protesters took to the streets to denounce racism and police brutality. The groundswell of outrage reached beyond American borders, prompting huge demonstrations around the world against the mistreatment of ethnic minorities and the rewriting of colonial history. The face of Floyd, a father-of-three whose last job was as a security guard, has become a symbol brandished in anti-racist marches everywhere.

Derek Chauvin: Former officer in George Floyd killing asks judge to dismiss charges

A 35-year-old womanwas killed and three others were injuredwhen a house collapsed after heavy rains at Sehore in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday, while nearly 60 stranded people were airlifted from a village in the district by an IAF helicopter, officials said.

Following heavy showers in several parts of Madhya Pradesh in the last couple of days, nearly 7,000 people have so far been rescued across the state and 170 relief camps are set up in the affected districts, said Manish Rastogi, the principal secretary to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Water level of the Narmada river, which flows across various districts of the state, has not risen further on Sunday, he said.

In the last two days, heavy rains pounded nine districts of the state, including Hoshangabad, Sehore, Chhindwara and Narshinghpur, leading to a rise in the level of the Narmada river at some places.

A house in Ashta area of Sehore district collapsed around 3.10 am on Sunday, killing a woman, identified as Ruksar Bi, a police official said.

Three others who were trapped under the debris of the collapsed house were later pulled out and admitted to a hospital, he said.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter rescued 60 people from a village in the district, Rastogi said.

Three IAF helicopters have been pressed in evacuation works, he said, adding that one more chopper would join in the rescue operation shortly.

An Army column comprising 70 personnel is deployed in Hoshangabad and five more columns of the defence force are going to join in, said Rastogi, who is also the state's revenue commissioner.&nbsp;

A 35-year-old womanwas killed and three others were injuredwhen a house collapsed after heavy rains at Sehore in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday, while nearly 60 stranded people were airlifted from a village in the district by an IAF helicopter, officials said.

A 35-year-old womanwas killed and three others were injuredwhen a house collapsed after heavy rains at Sehore in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday, while nearly 60 stranded people were airlifted from a village in the district by an IAF helicopter, officials said. Following heavy showers in several parts of Madhya Pradesh in the last couple of days, nearly 7,000 people have so far been rescued across the state and 170 relief camps are set up in the affected districts, said Manish Rastogi, the principal secretary to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Water level of the Narmada river, which flows across various districts of the state, has not risen further on Sunday, he said. In the last two days, heavy rains pounded nine districts of the state, including Hoshangabad, Sehore, Chhindwara and Narshinghpur, leading to a rise in the level of the Narmada river at some places. A house in Ashta area of Sehore district collapsed around 3.10 am on Sunday, killing a woman, identified as Ruksar Bi, a police official said. Three others who were trapped under the debris of the collapsed house were later pulled out and admitted to a hospital, he said. An Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter rescued 60 people from a village in the district, Rastogi said. Three IAF helicopters have been pressed in evacuation works, he said, adding that one more chopper would join in the rescue operation shortly. An Army column comprising 70 personnel is deployed in Hoshangabad and five more columns of the defence force are going to join in, said Rastogi, who is also the state's revenue commissioner.

Madhya Pradesh rain: 1 killed in house collapse, 60 rescued by IAF chopper

The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra has submitted the layout of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, and other documents related to it, to Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) for approval.

Dr Anil Mishra, member of the Trust on Saturday handed over the documents to Neeraj Shukla, vice chairman and secretary of the ADA."The trustee of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth area, Dr Anil Mishra, handed over the layout and other necessary documents of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi temple to the Vice Chairman and Secretary of the Ayodhya Development Authority for approval so that the construction work can start after the approval of the map," Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra said in a tweet.

The Trust on August 20 had said that the construction of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir has "begun" and the engineers are now testing the soil at the site.

According to Trust, the shrine will be built by adhering to the country's ancient and traditional construction techniques. It will also be built to sustain earthquakes, storms and other natural calamities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ayodhya on August 5 to attend the 'Bhoomi pujan'&nbsp;at Ram Janmbhoomi site.In February this year, Prime Minister Modi announced the constitution of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, to oversee the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra has submitted the layout of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, and other documents related to it, to Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) for approval.

The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra has submitted the layout of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, and other documents related to it, to Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) for approval. Dr Anil Mishra, member of the Trust on Saturday handed over the documents to Neeraj Shukla, vice chairman and secretary of the ADA."The trustee of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth area, Dr Anil Mishra, handed over the layout and other necessary documents of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi temple to the Vice Chairman and Secretary of the Ayodhya Development Authority for approval so that the construction work can start after the approval of the map," Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra said in a tweet. The Trust on August 20 had said that the construction of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir has "begun" and the engineers are now testing the soil at the site. According to Trust, the shrine will be built by adhering to the country's ancient and traditional construction techniques. It will also be built to sustain earthquakes, storms and other natural calamities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ayodhya on August 5 to attend the 'Bhoomi pujan' at Ram Janmbhoomi site.In February this year, Prime Minister Modi announced the constitution of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, to oversee the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Ram Janmbhoomi Trust submits temple's layout to ADA for approval

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