The eldest son of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro says he's tested positive for coronavirus and is in isolation with no symptoms.

Senator Flavio&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;is the fourth member of President Jair Bolsonaro's direct family infected by&nbsp;coronavirus. The president, first lady Michelle Bolsonaro and Jair Renan Bolsonaro, another son, have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/journalists-are-wimps-more-likely-to-die-of-coronavirus-says-brazils-bolsonaro-322872" hreflang="en">Journalists are 'wimps'; more likely to die of coronavirus, says Brazil's Bolsonaro</a>

The Brazilian president has downplayed the severity of the virus, arguing against restrictions on economic activity he claims will prove far more damaging than the disease.

His approach to the pandemic runs counter to most recommendations by health experts.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-314020">Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics</a>

Flavio Bolsonaro says he's being treated with azithromycin and chloroquine, an anti-malarial drug touted both by Brazil's president and by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, despite clinical trials that found it ineffective or even dangerous.

Several members of Bolsonaro's staff have tested positive, among them eight Cabinet members.

Brazil has 3.6 million confirmed cases and more than 115,000 deaths, second in the world only to the United States.

The eldest son of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro says he's tested positive for coronavirus and is in isolation with no symptoms. Senator Flavio Bolsonaro is the fourth member of President Jair Bolsonaro's direct family infected by coronavirus.

The eldest son of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro says he's tested positive for coronavirus and is in isolation with no symptoms. Senator Flavio Bolsonaro is the fourth member of President Jair Bolsonaro's direct family infected by coronavirus. The president, first lady Michelle Bolsonaro and Jair Renan Bolsonaro, another son, have tested positive for the coronavirus. Also read: Journalists are 'wimps'; more likely to die of coronavirus, says Brazil's Bolsonaro The Brazilian president has downplayed the severity of the virus, arguing against restrictions on economic activity he claims will prove far more damaging than the disease. His approach to the pandemic runs counter to most recommendations by health experts. Also see: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics Flavio Bolsonaro says he's being treated with azithromycin and chloroquine, an anti-malarial drug touted both by Brazil's president and by US President Donald Trump, despite clinical trials that found it ineffective or even dangerous. Several members of Bolsonaro's staff have tested positive, among them eight Cabinet members. Brazil has 3.6 million confirmed cases and more than 115,000 deaths, second in the world only to the United States.

Eldest son of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro tests positive for coronavirus

More than four million Indian students will sit for admission tests to medical and engineering colleges&nbsp;next week, the government said on Wednesday, amid&nbsp;growing concern that the move could fuel a jump in coronavirus infections.

India's novel coronavirus tally rose to 32.34 lakh on Wednesday with 67,151 more people testing positive for the infection, while the recoveries have surged to 24,67,758, the health ministry said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-reports-over-67000-cases-death-toll-rises-to-59449-323152" hreflang="en">COVID-19: India reports over 67,000 cases; death toll rises to 59,449</a>

The Indian government is pushing for a return to normalcy to lessen the economic pain, after having imposed a strict early lockdown of India's 1.3 billion people in March.

"We are very mindful of the safety of our students, we will take full precautions," Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal told state radio, adding that the tests had to be held to ensure students did not lose a year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deeply-unfair-greta-thunberg-tweets-in-favour-of-postponing-jee-neet-322993" hreflang="en">'Deeply unfair': Greta Thunberg tweets in favour of postponing JEE, NEET</a>

Already twice postponed this year, the tests will be spread over several days and held at more centres than usual, to ensure there is no crowding.

But many students have to travel long distances and there was a risk of infections, said the All-India Students' Union, a leftist group that represents university students.

It urged students to wear black armbands and join online protests to put pressure on the government to delay the tests until infections fall.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thurnberg also waded into the dispute, urging a postponement.

"It’s deeply unfair that students of India are asked to sit national exams during the COVID-19 pandemic and while millions have also been impacted by the extreme floods," Thurnberg said on Twitter on Tuesday.

Parts of eastern India are also struggling with floods caused by annual monsoon rains.

More than four million Indian students will sit for admission tests to medical and engineering colleges next week, the government said on Wednesday, amid growing concern that the move could fuel a jump in coronavirus infections.

More than four million Indian students will sit for admission tests to medical and engineering colleges next week, the government said on Wednesday, amid growing concern that the move could fuel a jump in coronavirus infections. India's novel coronavirus tally rose to 32.34 lakh on Wednesday with 67,151 more people testing positive for the infection, while the recoveries have surged to 24,67,758, the health ministry said. Also read: COVID-19: India reports over 67,000 cases; death toll rises to 59,449 The Indian government is pushing for a return to normalcy to lessen the economic pain, after having imposed a strict early lockdown of India's 1.3 billion people in March. "We are very mindful of the safety of our students, we will take full precautions," Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal told state radio, adding that the tests had to be held to ensure students did not lose a year. Also read: 'Deeply unfair': Greta Thunberg tweets in favour of postponing JEE, NEET Already twice postponed this year, the tests will be spread over several days and held at more centres than usual, to ensure there is no crowding. But many students have to travel long distances and there was a risk of infections, said the All-India Students' Union, a leftist group that represents university students. It urged students to wear black armbands and join online protests to put pressure on the government to delay the tests until infections fall. Swedish climate activist Greta Thurnberg also waded into the dispute, urging a postponement. "It’s deeply unfair that students of India are asked to sit national exams during the COVID-19 pandemic and while millions have also been impacted by the extreme floods," Thurnberg said on Twitter on Tuesday. Parts of eastern India are also struggling with floods caused by annual monsoon rains.

India to hold national admission tests for medical and engineering colleges next week

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel views with "great gravity" the latest flare-up on the Lebanese border and pledged a tough response in the event of further incidents.

"We shall react forcefully to any attack against us," Netanyahu said in a statement. "I advise Hezbollah not to test Israel's strength. Hezbollah is once again endangering Lebanon due to its aggression."

Earlier, Israeli aircraft struck posts belonging to the Lebanese Shi'ite group Hezbollah&nbsp;after shots were fired from&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;towards its troops, Israel's military said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rival-israels-aid-offer-to-lebanon-in-wake-of-explosion-unlikely-to-find-a-taker-319059">Rival Israel's aid offer to Lebanon in wake of explosion, unlikely to find a taker</a>

The border flare-up came hours after Lebanon rejected an Israeli call to reform the UN peacekeeping force which patrols the border ahead of a UN Security Council vote to renew its mandate.

No Israeli troops were wounded in the firing, the military said. Soldiers deployed illumination flares, smoke shells and live fire after the shots from the Lebanese side of the frontier, it said.

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"In response, overnight, IDF attack helicopters and aircraft struck observation posts belonging to the Hezbollah terror organization in the border area," the military said in a statement, referring to the Israel Defense Forces.

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah.

Tension has been running high on the border. Last month, Israel said Hezbollah carried out an infiltration attempt, which the Iran-backed group denied.

The Israeli military said it lifted a curfew it had imposed overnight.&nbsp;Israel and Hezbollah fought a devastating month-long war in 2006 as well.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel views with "great gravity" the latest flare-up on the Lebanese border and pledged a tough response in the event of further incidents.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel views with "great gravity" the latest flare-up on the Lebanese border and pledged a tough response in the event of further incidents. "We shall react forcefully to any attack against us," Netanyahu said in a statement. "I advise Hezbollah not to test Israel's strength. Hezbollah is once again endangering Lebanon due to its aggression." Earlier, Israeli aircraft struck posts belonging to the Lebanese Shi'ite group Hezbollah after shots were fired from Lebanon towards its troops, Israel's military said. Also read: Rival Israel's aid offer to Lebanon in wake of explosion, unlikely to find a taker The border flare-up came hours after Lebanon rejected an Israeli call to reform the UN peacekeeping force which patrols the border ahead of a UN Security Council vote to renew its mandate. No Israeli troops were wounded in the firing, the military said. Soldiers deployed illumination flares, smoke shells and live fire after the shots from the Lebanese side of the frontier, it said. "In response, overnight, IDF attack helicopters and aircraft struck observation posts belonging to the Hezbollah terror organization in the border area," the military said in a statement, referring to the Israel Defense Forces. There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah. Tension has been running high on the border. Last month, Israel said Hezbollah carried out an infiltration attempt, which the Iran-backed group denied. The Israeli military said it lifted a curfew it had imposed overnight. Israel and Hezbollah fought a devastating month-long war in 2006 as well.

Netanyahu vows 'forceful' response if more attacks from Lebanon

Two people were shot dead on Tuesday night in the US city of Kenosha, police said, as groups clashed during protests over the shooting of a black man.

"The shooting resulted in two fatalities and a third gunshot victim was transported to a hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries," the Kenosha police department said in a tweet

Social media videos posted early Wednesday showed a gun battle involving civilians, with several people rushing a man with a long gun who apparently had been knocked to the ground. The video shows him firing at the people rushing towards him, one of whom falls to the ground. Other shots are heard in the background.

Police in riot gear fired rubber bullets, tear gas and flash-bang rounds as they skirmished after dark with 300 to 400 demonstrators defying a dawn-to-dusk curfew outside a courthouse and adjacent park in downtown Kenosha.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wisconsin-governor-calls-national-guard-after-protesters-clash-with-police-over-shooting-of-jacob-blake-322910" hreflang="en">Blake shooting: Wisconsin calls National Guard as protesters, police clash</a>

The Kenosha County Sheriff's Department also deployed at least four armored patrol vehicles fitted with roof turrets from which deputies fired tear gas canisters into the crowd, many of whom hurled water bottles, bricks, firecrackers and other objects back at police.

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People hold placards as they gather for a protest outside the Kenosha County Courthouse after a Black man, identified as Jacob Blake, was shot several times by police last night in Kenosha, Wisconsin

But there was no immediate sign of buildings or cars being set ablaze, as happened on Monday night.

About three hours after declaring the protest an unlawful assembly, authorities had managed to push Tuesday night's crowd out of the downtown park, with demonstrators scattering down streets.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-man-shot-injured-by-us-police-in-wisconsin-protests-break-out-322672">&nbsp;Black man shot, injured by US police in Wisconsin; protests break out</a>

The disturbances came hours after Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency and vowed to deploy additional National Guard troops in a bid to restore order in the town, while the mother of the man who was shot, Jacob Blake Jr, publicly appealed for calm.

Blake, 29, a father of six, was struck from behind at point-blank range in a hail of bullets fired on Sunday by police who were following him with guns drawn as he walked away from officers to his car and opened a door to the vehicle.

Three of his young sons inside the automobile - aged 3, 5 and 8 - witnessed their father being gunned down, according to civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the Blake family.

A bystander captured the encounter in video footage that immediately went viral, unleashing outrage over the latest in a long series of instances in which police have been accused of using indiscriminate lethal force against African Americans.

Blake, who had been attempting to break up a quarrel between two women, was struck by four of seven gunshots fired at him, all by one officer, and there was "no indication he was armed," Crump said in an ABC News interview on Tuesday.

The police have not explained why Blake was shot.

At an afternoon news conference, Blake's parents voiced anguish over the shooting while decrying two previous nights of looting, vandalism and arson that overshadowed peaceful protests in Kenosha, a city of about 100,000 people 40 miles south of Milwaukee.

"They shot my son seven times. Seven times! Like he didn't matter," Jacob Blake Sr., trembling with emotion, told reporters. "My son matters. He's a human being and he matters."

Julia Jackson, Blake's mother, said her son "has been fighting for his life," but called for unity, saying she was praying for police officers. She also said her son would disapprove of damage done to the city, declaring, "It doesn't reflect my son or my family."

Officials, blaming outside agitators or much of the lawlessness surrounding demonstrations, said some three dozen fires were set on Monday night, mostly in an uptown, predominantly minority neighborhood where numerous businesses were burned.

Seeking to restrict an influx of traffic, authorities blocked off all exit ramps leading from Interstate-94 into Kenosha County from the nearby city of Racine south to the Illinois border along Lake Michigan.

Traffic barriers and heavy fencing were also erected on Tuesday around a downtown cluster of public buildings, including the courthouse, police department and sheriff's headquarters, to protect them from attack.

Crump and another lawyer for the Blake family, Patrick Salvi II, said bullets shattered some of Blake's vertebrae, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down - possibly permanently. He also suffered gunshot wounds to his stomach and gastrointestinal tract, requiring surgeons to remove most of his colon and small intestine, and sustained damage to his kidney, liver and an arm, they said.

"It's going to take a miracle for Jacob Blake Jr to ever walk again," Crump said, adding that the family intended to bring a lawsuit "to hold wrongdoers accountable."

Family and protesters are demanding that the officers involved in the shooting, who have been placed on administrative leave, be fired and prosecuted.

Video captured by a neighbor shows Blake walking toward the driver's side door of his SUV, away from two officers who were pointing guns at his back. After he opens the door and leans into the car, seven shots ring out, with one of the officers tugging at his shirt.

The shooting is under investigation by the Wisconsin Justice Department, which has released no details. Kenosha police have referred all questions to state investigators.

The shooting occurred three months after George Floyd's death in Minneapolis sparked nationwide protests against police brutality and racism.

Two people were shot dead on Tuesday night in the US city of Kenosha, police said, as groups clashed during protests over the shooting of a black man. "The shooting resulted in two fatalities and a third gunshot victim was transported to a hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries," the Kenosha police department said in a tweet Social media videos posted early Wednesday showed a gun battle involving civilians, with several people rushing a man with a long gun who apparently had been knocked to the ground.

Two people were shot dead on Tuesday night in the US city of Kenosha, police said, as groups clashed during protests over the shooting of a black man. "The shooting resulted in two fatalities and a third gunshot victim was transported to a hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries," the Kenosha police department said in a tweet Social media videos posted early Wednesday showed a gun battle involving civilians, with several people rushing a man with a long gun who apparently had been knocked to the ground. The video shows him firing at the people rushing towards him, one of whom falls to the ground. Other shots are heard in the background. Police in riot gear fired rubber bullets, tear gas and flash-bang rounds as they skirmished after dark with 300 to 400 demonstrators defying a dawn-to-dusk curfew outside a courthouse and adjacent park in downtown Kenosha. Also read: Blake shooting: Wisconsin calls National Guard as protesters, police clash The Kenosha County Sheriff's Department also deployed at least four armored patrol vehicles fitted with roof turrets from which deputies fired tear gas canisters into the crowd, many of whom hurled water bottles, bricks, firecrackers and other objects back at police. People hold placards as they gather for a protest outside the Kenosha County Courthouse after a Black man, identified as Jacob Blake, was shot several times by police last night in Kenosha, Wisconsin But there was no immediate sign of buildings or cars being set ablaze, as happened on Monday night. About three hours after declaring the protest an unlawful assembly, authorities had managed to push Tuesday night's crowd out of the downtown park, with demonstrators scattering down streets. Also Read: Black man shot, injured by US police in Wisconsin; protests break out The disturbances came hours after Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency and vowed to deploy additional National Guard troops in a bid to restore order in the town, while the mother of the man who was shot, Jacob Blake Jr, publicly appealed for calm. Blake, 29, a father of six, was struck from behind at point-blank range in a hail of bullets fired on Sunday by police who were following him with guns drawn as he walked away from officers to his car and opened a door to the vehicle. Three of his young sons inside the automobile - aged 3, 5 and 8 - witnessed their father being gunned down, according to civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the Blake family. A bystander captured the encounter in video footage that immediately went viral, unleashing outrage over the latest in a long series of instances in which police have been accused of using indiscriminate lethal force against African Americans. Blake, who had been attempting to break up a quarrel between two women, was struck by four of seven gunshots fired at him, all by one officer, and there was "no indication he was armed," Crump said in an ABC News interview on Tuesday. The police have not explained why Blake was shot. At an afternoon news conference, Blake's parents voiced anguish over the shooting while decrying two previous nights of looting, vandalism and arson that overshadowed peaceful protests in Kenosha, a city of about 100,000 people 40 miles south of Milwaukee. "They shot my son seven times. Seven times! Like he didn't matter," Jacob Blake Sr., trembling with emotion, told reporters. "My son matters. He's a human being and he matters." Julia Jackson, Blake's mother, said her son "has been fighting for his life," but called for unity, saying she was praying for police officers. She also said her son would disapprove of damage done to the city, declaring, "It doesn't reflect my son or my family." Officials, blaming outside agitators or much of the lawlessness surrounding demonstrations, said some three dozen fires were set on Monday night, mostly in an uptown, predominantly minority neighborhood where numerous businesses were burned. Seeking to restrict an influx of traffic, authorities blocked off all exit ramps leading from Interstate-94 into Kenosha County from the nearby city of Racine south to the Illinois border along Lake Michigan. Traffic barriers and heavy fencing were also erected on Tuesday around a downtown cluster of public buildings, including the courthouse, police department and sheriff's headquarters, to protect them from attack. Crump and another lawyer for the Blake family, Patrick Salvi II, said bullets shattered some of Blake's vertebrae, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down - possibly permanently. He also suffered gunshot wounds to his stomach and gastrointestinal tract, requiring surgeons to remove most of his colon and small intestine, and sustained damage to his kidney, liver and an arm, they said. "It's going to take a miracle for Jacob Blake Jr to ever walk again," Crump said, adding that the family intended to bring a lawsuit "to hold wrongdoers accountable." Family and protesters are demanding that the officers involved in the shooting, who have been placed on administrative leave, be fired and prosecuted. Video captured by a neighbor shows Blake walking toward the driver's side door of his SUV, away from two officers who were pointing guns at his back. After he opens the door and leans into the car, seven shots ring out, with one of the officers tugging at his shirt. The shooting is under investigation by the Wisconsin Justice Department, which has released no details. Kenosha police have referred all questions to state investigators. The shooting occurred three months after George Floyd's death in Minneapolis sparked nationwide protests against police brutality and racism.

Two dead, three shot as gunfire breaks out at Wisconsin protest over police shooting of Jacob Blake

At least 30 people have been killed and hundreds of houses destroyed as flash floods caused by torrential rains lashed a city north of the Afghan capital Kabul, officials said on Wednesday.

Many children were among the dead in the city of Charikar, which was hit by heavy rains overnight, the ministry of disaster management said in a statement.

About 20 people were also injured and more than 300 houses destroyed.

A local government hospital in the province of Parwan said it had received the bodies of 17 people killed in the floods.

A relief operation was under way to help those affected.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/brave-face-of-afghanistan-led-by-female-cyclists-breaking-taboos-322919">Brave face of Afghanistan led by female cyclists breaking taboos</a> 
 
Torrential downpours and flash floods kill scores of people annually in Afghanistan.

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&nbsp;

Many poorly built homes, mostly in rural areas, are at risk of collapse during the rains in the impoverished country.

Earlier this month, 16 people, including 15 children, were killed and dozens of houses were destroyed when flash floods ravaged a village in the eastern province of Nangarhar.

At least 30 people have been killed and hundreds of houses destroyed as flash floods caused by torrential rains lashed a city north of the Afghan capital Kabul, officials said on Wednesday.

At least 30 people have been killed and hundreds of houses destroyed as flash floods caused by torrential rains lashed a city north of the Afghan capital Kabul, officials said on Wednesday. Many children were among the dead in the city of Charikar, which was hit by heavy rains overnight, the ministry of disaster management said in a statement. About 20 people were also injured and more than 300 houses destroyed. A local government hospital in the province of Parwan said it had received the bodies of 17 people killed in the floods. A relief operation was under way to help those affected. Also Read: Brave face of Afghanistan led by female cyclists breaking taboos Torrential downpours and flash floods kill scores of people annually in Afghanistan. × Many poorly built homes, mostly in rural areas, are at risk of collapse during the rains in the impoverished country. Earlier this month, 16 people, including 15 children, were killed and dozens of houses were destroyed when flash floods ravaged a village in the eastern province of Nangarhar.

Flash floods ravage region around Kabul, at least 46 dead in Afghanistan

Turkey&nbsp;said on Tuesday it was ready for talks with Greece in their growing row over eastern Mediterranean natural gas without any preconditions.

The olive branch came as the two uneasy NATO allies' navies conducted separate exercises close to each other just south of Crete in a mutual show of force.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-greece-announce-rival-military-exercises-in-tense-east-mediterranean-322869" hreflang="en">Turkey, Greece announce rival military exercises in tense east Mediterranean</a>

"We are in favour of negotiations for fair sharing but nobody should lay down preconditions. This cannot happen with preconditions laid down by Greece," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said after talks with his German counterpart Heiko Maas in Ankara.

Greece said it will launch military exercises Wednesday with France, Italy and Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean, the focus of escalating tensions between Athens and Ankara.

The joint exercises south of Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete will last three days, the defence ministry said.

The discovery of major gas deposits in waters surrounding Crete and Cyprus has triggered a scramble for energy riches and revived old rivalries between NATO members Greece and Turkey.

Tensions ratched up another notch when Turkey sent the Oruc Reis research vessel accompanied by warships to disputed waters on August 10.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-greece-turkey-are-fighting-over-hydrocarbons-in-mediterranean-sea-320304">Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea</a>

EU powerhouse Germany is spearheading efforts to avoid an outright military conflict that could imperil Europe's future access to newly-discovered energy reserves.

Greece's maritime claims are backed by the entire European Union, but the bloc has so far held back from heavily sanctioning&nbsp;Turkey, fearing possible retaliation from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Maas shuttled between Athens and Ankara on Tuesday in a bid to get the sides to temper the rhetoric and re-enter direct talks.

After both visits were over, Maas conceded that the dispute had entered a "very critical" phase.

Nevertheless, "no one wants to solve this issue in a militaristic way," Maas said through a translator, "and there is a willingness on both sides for dialogue."

Cavusoglu praised the German mediation effort but said Ankara made a good faith gesture by announcing a pause to its exploration activity last month.

He argued that&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;felt it had to resume its work when Greece signed an agreement with Egypt to set up an exclusive economic zone on August 6, violating a general sense of goodwill.

On Sunday,&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;announced a decision to extend its exploratory ship Oruc Reis's mission by an extra four days to Thursday, which prompted an immediate Greek response to carry out naval exercises nearby.&nbsp;

Turkey said on Tuesday it was ready for talks with Greece in their growing row over eastern Mediterranean natural gas without any preconditions. The olive branch came as the two uneasy NATO allies' navies conducted separate exercises close to each other just south of Crete in a mutual show of force.

Turkey said on Tuesday it was ready for talks with Greece in their growing row over eastern Mediterranean natural gas without any preconditions. The olive branch came as the two uneasy NATO allies' navies conducted separate exercises close to each other just south of Crete in a mutual show of force. Also read: Turkey, Greece announce rival military exercises in tense east Mediterranean "We are in favour of negotiations for fair sharing but nobody should lay down preconditions. This cannot happen with preconditions laid down by Greece," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said after talks with his German counterpart Heiko Maas in Ankara. Greece said it will launch military exercises Wednesday with France, Italy and Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean, the focus of escalating tensions between Athens and Ankara. The joint exercises south of Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete will last three days, the defence ministry said. The discovery of major gas deposits in waters surrounding Crete and Cyprus has triggered a scramble for energy riches and revived old rivalries between NATO members Greece and Turkey. Tensions ratched up another notch when Turkey sent the Oruc Reis research vessel accompanied by warships to disputed waters on August 10. Also read: Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea EU powerhouse Germany is spearheading efforts to avoid an outright military conflict that could imperil Europe's future access to newly-discovered energy reserves. Greece's maritime claims are backed by the entire European Union, but the bloc has so far held back from heavily sanctioning Turkey, fearing possible retaliation from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Maas shuttled between Athens and Ankara on Tuesday in a bid to get the sides to temper the rhetoric and re-enter direct talks. After both visits were over, Maas conceded that the dispute had entered a "very critical" phase. Nevertheless, "no one wants to solve this issue in a militaristic way," Maas said through a translator, "and there is a willingness on both sides for dialogue." Cavusoglu praised the German mediation effort but said Ankara made a good faith gesture by announcing a pause to its exploration activity last month. He argued that Turkey felt it had to resume its work when Greece signed an agreement with Egypt to set up an exclusive economic zone on August 6, violating a general sense of goodwill. On Sunday, Turkey announced a decision to extend its exploratory ship Oruc Reis's mission by an extra four days to Thursday, which prompted an immediate Greek response to carry out naval exercises nearby.

Mediterranean row: Turkey says ready for talks with Greece without 'preconditions'

More than half a million users joined a new&nbsp;Facebook group created by a critic of the powerful Thai king after the social media company blocked its predecessor under pressure from the government.

The "Royalist Marketplace" group, which had over 1 million members, was blocked within Thailand late on Monday after the digital ministry threatened legal action against&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;under the country's Computer Crime Act.

Facebook&nbsp;said it was compelled to comply but would mount a legal challenge to the Thai government.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-planning-to-challenge-thai-governments-demand-to-block-group-critical-of-monarchy-322913">Facebook planning to challenge Thai government's demand to block group critical of monarchy</a>

The tension came amid near daily youth-led protests against the government of a former military junta chief and unprecedented calls for reforms of the monarchy, which is illegal to insult in Thailand.

Hours before the restriction, Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a self-exiled academic and prominent critic of the monarchy, set up a new group with a similar name that has gained over half a million members in one day.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/down-with-the-dictatorship-thailand-witness-biggest-anti-government-protest-in-years-321005">'Down with the dictatorship': Thailand witness biggest anti-government protest in years</a>

"If you want to close it down again, then I'll set up another group. To promote freedom of expression, I would do it," Pavin said.

Pavin, who lives in Japan, created the original group in April, encouraging once-rare free discussion of the monarchy and royal family members, considered taboo subjects in Thailand.

Thailand's lese majeste laws forbid defaming the king with penalties of up to 15 years in prison, and often form the basis for requests to block or remove content on social media.

Thailand's digital minister said&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;was at risk of violating a different law, the Computer Crime Act, in not acting on court orders attached to government requests to block content.

Facebook&nbsp;said it would challenge the government in court over the legality of the orders related to the group and would seek to have them revoked.

"Requests like this are severe, contravene international human rights law, and have a chilling effect on people's ability to express themselves," a company spokesperson said.

"We work to protect and defend the rights of all internet users and are preparing to legally challenge this request."

It said such "excessive government actions" undermined its business in Thailand.

More than half a million users joined a new Facebook group created by a critic of the powerful Thai king after the social media company blocked its predecessor under pressure from the government.

More than half a million users joined a new Facebook group created by a critic of the powerful Thai king after the social media company blocked its predecessor under pressure from the government. The "Royalist Marketplace" group, which had over 1 million members, was blocked within Thailand late on Monday after the digital ministry threatened legal action against Facebook under the country's Computer Crime Act. Facebook said it was compelled to comply but would mount a legal challenge to the Thai government. Also read: Facebook planning to challenge Thai government's demand to block group critical of monarchy The tension came amid near daily youth-led protests against the government of a former military junta chief and unprecedented calls for reforms of the monarchy, which is illegal to insult in Thailand. Hours before the restriction, Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a self-exiled academic and prominent critic of the monarchy, set up a new group with a similar name that has gained over half a million members in one day. Also see: 'Down with the dictatorship': Thailand witness biggest anti-government protest in years "If you want to close it down again, then I'll set up another group. To promote freedom of expression, I would do it," Pavin said. Pavin, who lives in Japan, created the original group in April, encouraging once-rare free discussion of the monarchy and royal family members, considered taboo subjects in Thailand. Thailand's lese majeste laws forbid defaming the king with penalties of up to 15 years in prison, and often form the basis for requests to block or remove content on social media. Thailand's digital minister said Facebook was at risk of violating a different law, the Computer Crime Act, in not acting on court orders attached to government requests to block content. Facebook said it would challenge the government in court over the legality of the orders related to the group and would seek to have them revoked. "Requests like this are severe, contravene international human rights law, and have a chilling effect on people's ability to express themselves," a company spokesperson said. "We work to protect and defend the rights of all internet users and are preparing to legally challenge this request." It said such "excessive government actions" undermined its business in Thailand.

After block, new Facebook group critical of Thai monarchy gains 500,000 members

With the recovery of two more bodies early on Wednesday, the death toll in the building collapse incident in Maharashtra's Raigad district mounted to 15, a police official said.

The authorities called off the rescue operation around 11.30 am on Wednesday as all the 19&nbsp;missing persons,&nbsp;15 deceased and two rescued, were traced, the official said.

At least nine others, who suffered injuries in the incident, are undergoing treatment in a hospital, he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-kovind-expresses-distress-over-raigad-building-collapse-322947" hreflang="en">President Kovind expresses distress over Raigad building collapse</a>

The five-storey building near Tareq Garden in Mahad town, around 170 kms from Mumbai, collapsed on Monday evening.

"The bodies of a 70-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman were recovered in the early hours of Wednesday. This took the death toll in the incident to 15," Superintendent of Police, Raigad, Anil Paraskar told PTI.

The teams comprising the personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and police, local disaster management team, trekkers and local residents, were engaged in the rescue operation.

"As all the 19&nbsp;persons who had gone missing after the incident, including 15 victims, were traced, the rescue operation was called off," Paraskar said.

Taking to Twitter, Director General of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) SN Pradhan informed that 19 people are missing as per the district administration.

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ʀᴀɪɢᴀᴅ ʙᴜɪʟᴅɪɴɢ ᴄᴏʟʟᴀᴘsᴇ Update 26/8/20 
🔶 𝟷𝟿 ᴍɪssɪɴɢ (as per dist Adm) 
🔶 ᴀʟʟ ᴀᴄᴄᴏᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ ғᴏʀ NOW 
🔶Last Body (63/F) 
🔶Recovered at 09:14 hrs today 
🔶teams on site 
🔶Ops to ensure COMPLETION <a href="https://twitter.com/ndrf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NDRF</a> @ WORK 24x7x365<a href="https://twitter.com/HMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBHomeAffairs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIBHomeAffairs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBMumbai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIBMumbai</a> <a href="https://t.co/k7JypQ4vnF">pic.twitter.com/k7JypQ4vnF</a>
— ѕαtчα prαdhαnसत्य नारायण प्रधान ସତ୍ଯପ୍ରଧାନ-DG NDRF (@satyaprad1) <a href="https://twitter.com/satyaprad1/status/1298477897921904640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Maharashtra Minister Vijay Wadettiwar has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the family of each person killed in the Raigad building collapse incident.

Till late Tuesday night, bodies of 13 victims had been recovered.

On Tuesday, a four-year-old boy was pulled out alive from under the rubble 19 hours after the incident. A 60-year- old woman was also rescued 26 hours after the building collapse.

"Both of them are safe and undergoing treatment at hospital," the official said.

Police had on Tuesday registered an offence against five persons, including the builder and architect of Tareq Garden in connection with the incident.

With the recovery of two more bodies early on Wednesday, the death toll in the building collapse incident in Maharashtra's Raigad district mounted to 15, a police official said.

With the recovery of two more bodies early on Wednesday, the death toll in the building collapse incident in Maharashtra's Raigad district mounted to 15, a police official said. The authorities called off the rescue operation around 11.30 am on Wednesday as all the 19 missing persons, 15 deceased and two rescued, were traced, the official said. At least nine others, who suffered injuries in the incident, are undergoing treatment in a hospital, he said. Also read: President Kovind expresses distress over Raigad building collapse The five-storey building near Tareq Garden in Mahad town, around 170 kms from Mumbai, collapsed on Monday evening. "The bodies of a 70-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman were recovered in the early hours of Wednesday. This took the death toll in the incident to 15," Superintendent of Police, Raigad, Anil Paraskar told PTI. The teams comprising the personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and police, local disaster management team, trekkers and local residents, were engaged in the rescue operation. "As all the 19 persons who had gone missing after the incident, including 15 victims, were traced, the rescue operation was called off," Paraskar said. Taking to Twitter, Director General of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) SN Pradhan informed that 19 people are missing as per the district administration. ʀᴀɪɢᴀᴅ ʙᴜɪʟᴅɪɴɢ ᴄᴏʟʟᴀᴘsᴇ Update 26/8/20 🔶 𝟷𝟿 ᴍɪssɪɴɢ (as per dist Adm) 🔶 ᴀʟʟ ᴀᴄᴄᴏᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ ғᴏʀ NOW 🔶Last Body (63/F) 🔶Recovered at 09:14 hrs today 🔶teams on site 🔶Ops to ensure COMPLETION @NDRF @ WORK 24x7x365@HMOIndia @PIBHomeAffairs @ANI @PIBMumbai pic.twitter.com/k7JypQ4vnF — ѕαtчα prαdhαnसत्य नारायण प्रधान ସତ୍ଯପ୍ରଧାନ-DG NDRF (@satyaprad1) August 26, 2020 × Maharashtra Minister Vijay Wadettiwar has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the family of each person killed in the Raigad building collapse incident. Till late Tuesday night, bodies of 13 victims had been recovered. On Tuesday, a four-year-old boy was pulled out alive from under the rubble 19 hours after the incident. A 60-year- old woman was also rescued 26 hours after the building collapse. "Both of them are safe and undergoing treatment at hospital," the official said. Police had on Tuesday registered an offence against five persons, including the builder and architect of Tareq Garden in connection with the incident.

Raigad building collapse: Death toll rises to 15, rescue ops called off

The Supreme Court on Wednesday disposed of a plea seeking payment of salary to doctors and healthcare workers on the ground that the Delhi High Court was already seized of the matter.

A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan said the high court had already taken suo motu cognizance of multiple media reports about the non payment of salary.

"In light of the suo motu proceedings being taken up by the Delhi High Court, we dispose of the plea with liberty to petitioner to raise issues, if any before the Delhi High Court," the bench also comprising Justices R Subhash Reddy and M R Shah, said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-reports-over-67000-cases-death-toll-rises-to-59449-323152" hreflang="en">COVID-19: India reports over 67,000 cases; death toll rises to 59,449</a>

The top court also noted that the North Delhi Municipal Corporation has started paying salary to doctors.

Senior Advocate K V Vishwanathan, appearing for the petitioner, raised the issue of ASHA Workers who have not been paid salaries. 
The court, however, said the issue does not fall within the purview of the petition before it.

The bench was hearing a plea of Arushi Jain, a private doctor, questioning the Centre's May 15 decision that 14-day quarantine was not mandatory for doctors.

Jain had also alleged in her plea that front line healthcare workers engaged in the fight against COVID-19 are not being paid salaries or their wages are being cut or delayed.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday disposed of a plea seeking payment of salary to doctors and healthcare workers on the ground that the Delhi High Court was already seized of the matter.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday disposed of a plea seeking payment of salary to doctors and healthcare workers on the ground that the Delhi High Court was already seized of the matter. A bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan said the high court had already taken suo motu cognizance of multiple media reports about the non payment of salary. "In light of the suo motu proceedings being taken up by the Delhi High Court, we dispose of the plea with liberty to petitioner to raise issues, if any before the Delhi High Court," the bench also comprising Justices R Subhash Reddy and M R Shah, said. Also read: COVID-19: India reports over 67,000 cases; death toll rises to 59,449 The top court also noted that the North Delhi Municipal Corporation has started paying salary to doctors. Senior Advocate K V Vishwanathan, appearing for the petitioner, raised the issue of ASHA Workers who have not been paid salaries. The court, however, said the issue does not fall within the purview of the petition before it. The bench was hearing a plea of Arushi Jain, a private doctor, questioning the Centre's May 15 decision that 14-day quarantine was not mandatory for doctors. Jain had also alleged in her plea that front line healthcare workers engaged in the fight against COVID-19 are not being paid salaries or their wages are being cut or delayed.

SC disposes of plea seeking payment of salary to doctors, healthcare workers

India's first multi-wavelength satellite,&nbsp;AstroSat,&nbsp;has detected an extreme ultraviolet (UV) light from a galaxy which is 9.3 billion light-years away from Earth, the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) said on Monday.

A release from the Pune-based Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics said a global team led by IUCAA scientists have achieved the major breakthrough.

The discovery was made by an international team of astronomers led by Dr Kanak Saha, associate professor of astronomy at the IUCAA, and published on August 24 by 'Nature Astronomy', the release said. This team comprised scientists from India, France, Switzerland, the USA, Japan and the Netherlands.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-heading-towards-earth-a-day-before-us-elections-nasa-322513" hreflang="en">Asteroid heading towards Earth a day before US elections: NASA</a>

Saha and his team observed the galaxy, which is located in the Hubble Extreme Deep field, through AstroSat. These observations lasted for more than 28 hours in October 2016, the release stated.

But it took nearly two years since then to carefully analyse the data to ascertain that the emission is indeed from the galaxy. Since UV radiation is absorbed by Earths atmosphere, it has to be observed from space, it said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/growing-dent-on-earths-magnetic-field-can-damage-satellites-and-navigation-321602">Growing dent on Earth’s magnetic field can damage satellites and navigation</a>

Earlier, NASAs Hubble Space Telescope (HST), a significantly larger than UVIT (UV imaging telescope), did not detect any UV emission (with energygreater than 13.6 eV) from this galaxy because it is too faint, it said.

AstroSat/UVIT was able to achieve this unique feat because the background noise in the UVITdetector is much less than the ones on HST," said the release quoting Saha.

Saha said they knew it would be an uphill task to convince the international community that UVIT has recorded extreme-UV emission from this galaxy when more powerful HST has not.

Dr Somak Raychaudhury, Director of IUCAA, said, "This is a very important clue to how the dark ages of the universe ended and there was light in the universe.

"We need to know when this started, but it has been very hard to find the earliest sources of light. I am very proud that my colleagues have made such an important discovery."

India's first multi-wavelength satellite, AstroSat, has detected an extreme ultraviolet (UV) light from a galaxy which is 9.3 billion light-years away from Earth, the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) said on Monday.

India's first multi-wavelength satellite, AstroSat, has detected an extreme ultraviolet (UV) light from a galaxy which is 9.3 billion light-years away from Earth, the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) said on Monday. A release from the Pune-based Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics said a global team led by IUCAA scientists have achieved the major breakthrough. The discovery was made by an international team of astronomers led by Dr Kanak Saha, associate professor of astronomy at the IUCAA, and published on August 24 by 'Nature Astronomy', the release said. This team comprised scientists from India, France, Switzerland, the USA, Japan and the Netherlands. Also read: Asteroid heading towards Earth a day before US elections: NASA Saha and his team observed the galaxy, which is located in the Hubble Extreme Deep field, through AstroSat. These observations lasted for more than 28 hours in October 2016, the release stated. But it took nearly two years since then to carefully analyse the data to ascertain that the emission is indeed from the galaxy. Since UV radiation is absorbed by Earths atmosphere, it has to be observed from space, it said. Also read: Growing dent on Earth’s magnetic field can damage satellites and navigation Earlier, NASAs Hubble Space Telescope (HST), a significantly larger than UVIT (UV imaging telescope), did not detect any UV emission (with energygreater than 13.6 eV) from this galaxy because it is too faint, it said. AstroSat/UVIT was able to achieve this unique feat because the background noise in the UVITdetector is much less than the ones on HST," said the release quoting Saha. Saha said they knew it would be an uphill task to convince the international community that UVIT has recorded extreme-UV emission from this galaxy when more powerful HST has not. Dr Somak Raychaudhury, Director of IUCAA, said, "This is a very important clue to how the dark ages of the universe ended and there was light in the universe. "We need to know when this started, but it has been very hard to find the earliest sources of light. I am very proud that my colleagues have made such an important discovery."

Indian satellite AstroSat detects UV light from galaxy 9.3 billion light-years away from Earth

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro continued his attack on journalists during a public event on Monday, describing reporters as "wimps" and saying they have a heightened chance of dying of COVID-19 because they are not athletic.

The right-wing leader has long had a fractious relationship with the media, frequently singling out specific newspapers and journalists for his ire. His followers have also attacked journalists at rallies and other public events.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-bolsonaro-threatens-to-punch-reporter-in-the-mouth-322626">Brazil President Bolsonaro threatens to punch reporter in the mouth</a>

On Sunday, Bolsonaro told a reporter, "I want to punch you in the face," after the reporter asked about thousands of dollars that were transferred into a bank account of the president's wife by a former aide who is now the target of a corruption probe.

During the Monday event, titled "Defeating COVID-19," Bolsonaro described his own experience battling the virus in July, crediting his use of unproven drug hydroxychloroquine and his self-described history as an athlete for his mild symptoms. He has previously said he believed his athletic past made him immune to the worst of the coronavirus.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-314020">Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics</a>

"That history of an athlete, the press feasted on it, but when (COVID-19) gets one of you wimps, your chance of surviving is quite a bit lower," Bolsonaro told reporters on Monday, using the Portuguese colloquial word 'bundao'.

"You only know how to do evil, to use a pen largely for evil. Your chance of surviving is quite a bit lower."

Earlier this month, local media reported that the aide, Fabricio Queiroz, deposited $12,900&nbsp;in checks into Michelle Bolsonaro's account between 2011 and 2018.

Queiroz was an aide to now Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the president's eldest son, when he was a Rio de Janeiro state legislator. The former aide has been arrested in an investigation into bank deposits made at the time, amounting to $2,13,835.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro continued his attack on journalists during a public event on Monday, describing reporters as "wimps" and saying they have a heightened chance of dying of COVID-19 because they are not athletic.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro continued his attack on journalists during a public event on Monday, describing reporters as "wimps" and saying they have a heightened chance of dying of COVID-19 because they are not athletic. The right-wing leader has long had a fractious relationship with the media, frequently singling out specific newspapers and journalists for his ire. His followers have also attacked journalists at rallies and other public events. Also read: Brazil President Bolsonaro threatens to punch reporter in the mouth On Sunday, Bolsonaro told a reporter, "I want to punch you in the face," after the reporter asked about thousands of dollars that were transferred into a bank account of the president's wife by a former aide who is now the target of a corruption probe. During the Monday event, titled "Defeating COVID-19," Bolsonaro described his own experience battling the virus in July, crediting his use of unproven drug hydroxychloroquine and his self-described history as an athlete for his mild symptoms. He has previously said he believed his athletic past made him immune to the worst of the coronavirus. Also see: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics "That history of an athlete, the press feasted on it, but when (COVID-19) gets one of you wimps, your chance of surviving is quite a bit lower," Bolsonaro told reporters on Monday, using the Portuguese colloquial word 'bundao'. "You only know how to do evil, to use a pen largely for evil. Your chance of surviving is quite a bit lower." Earlier this month, local media reported that the aide, Fabricio Queiroz, deposited $12,900 in checks into Michelle Bolsonaro's account between 2011 and 2018. Queiroz was an aide to now Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the president's eldest son, when he was a Rio de Janeiro state legislator. The former aide has been arrested in an investigation into bank deposits made at the time, amounting to $2,13,835.

Journalists are 'wimps'; more likely to die of coronavirus, says Brazil's Bolsonaro

August 25 in history: Demonstration of the first telescope, first spacecraft to enter Interstellar space and more

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