Schools all around the world are facing problems in reopening due to the situation created by coronavirus crisis.

According to one estimate, 1.5 billion children are out of school.&nbsp;165 countries have shut their schools, leaving 87 per cent&nbsp;of our students without a definite academic calendar.

Reopening the schools right now can be disastrous. The biggest example is the United States of America&nbsp;which tried to do it. As a result,&nbsp;97,000 students have tested positive in the last two&nbsp;weeks itself.

Some 43 per cent of schools worldwide entered the COVID-19 pandemic lacking basic&nbsp;soap-and-water hand-washing facilities, the UN said on Thursday, deeming it a key condition for schools to reopen safely.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said that 818 million children were affected&nbsp;putting them at increased risk of being infected with COVID-19 and other transmittable diseases.

Of those, 355 million went to schools which had facilities like&nbsp;water but no&nbsp;soap, while the rest had no facilities or water available for hand-washing at all, the UN agencies said in a joint report.

In the 60 countries at highest risk of health and humanitarian crises due to COVID-19, the report said three in four children lacked basic hand-washing facilities at school at the start of the pandemic.

In the least developed countries, seven out of 10 schools lack basic hand washing facilities, the agencies said.

The agencies' report lists measures necessary for COVID-19 prevention and control in schools&nbsp;with guidelines on cleaning and disinfection, as well as hand washing stations and safe toilets.

In countries such as India, schools face the problem of over-population because an average class has a strength of 30 students and the scope of social distancing is zero.

India's tally of COVID-19 cases has crossed&nbsp;24 lakh-mark with 64,553 new cases in last 24-hours.

Even if schools are reopened, their is no guarantee that children will follow the specified guidelines. However, their are numerous children who are struggling to cope up with their studies because of the digital divide that still prevails in the country.

Needless to say, the Wuhan virus has wasted a whole year of academics for all students across the globe.

Schools all around the world are facing problems in reopening due to the situation created by coronavirus crisis. According to one estimate, 1.5 billion children are out of school.

Schools all around the world are facing problems in reopening due to the situation created by coronavirus crisis. According to one estimate, 1.5 billion children are out of school. 165 countries have shut their schools, leaving 87 per cent of our students without a definite academic calendar. Reopening the schools right now can be disastrous. The biggest example is the United States of America which tried to do it. As a result, 97,000 students have tested positive in the last two weeks itself. Some 43 per cent of schools worldwide entered the COVID-19 pandemic lacking basic soap-and-water hand-washing facilities, the UN said on Thursday, deeming it a key condition for schools to reopen safely. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said that 818 million children were affected putting them at increased risk of being infected with COVID-19 and other transmittable diseases. Of those, 355 million went to schools which had facilities like water but no soap, while the rest had no facilities or water available for hand-washing at all, the UN agencies said in a joint report. In the 60 countries at highest risk of health and humanitarian crises due to COVID-19, the report said three in four children lacked basic hand-washing facilities at school at the start of the pandemic. In the least developed countries, seven out of 10 schools lack basic hand washing facilities, the agencies said. The agencies' report lists measures necessary for COVID-19 prevention and control in schools with guidelines on cleaning and disinfection, as well as hand washing stations and safe toilets. In countries such as India, schools face the problem of over-population because an average class has a strength of 30 students and the scope of social distancing is zero. India's tally of COVID-19 cases has crossed 24 lakh-mark with 64,553 new cases in last 24-hours. Even if schools are reopened, their is no guarantee that children will follow the specified guidelines. However, their are numerous children who are struggling to cope up with their studies because of the digital divide that still prevails in the country. Needless to say, the Wuhan virus has wasted a whole year of academics for all students across the globe.

Why reopening schools can be disastrous during COVID-19 crisis

European Union foreign ministers on Friday&nbsp;took the first step towards imposing new sanctions on&nbsp;Belarus by agreeing to drawing up a list of individuals to be blacklisted&nbsp;in response to strongman Alexander Lukashenko's post-election crackdown.

At a videoconference hosted by Brussels' diplomatic chief Josep Borrell, the foreign ministers also agreed to take up the stand-off between Greece and Turkey at their next face-to-face talks.

As Lukashenko's main opposition challenger called for mass weekend rallies to denounce the long-standing leader's disputed claim of re-election, his western neighbours are stepping up pressure. &nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thousands-stage-flower-protest-in-belarus-as-eu-weighs-sanctions-320218">Thousands stage flower protest in Belarus as EU weighs sanctions</a>

"The foreign ministers agreed to impose sanctions on those responsible for the repression and a list of names will be drawn up," one European official said.

Sweden's Foreign Minister Ann Linde said in a tweet that the "EU will now initiate a process of sanctions against those responsible for the violence, arrests and fraud in connection with the election."

Once the list is finalised, each individual or entity on it will have to be approved unanimously by member states, but officials said none of the 27 raised objections to the idea of sanctions.

At least six other European Union states are broadly in favour of imposing sanctions.&nbsp;While Austria, Sweden and Germany lead the hawkish camp, Poland, the Czech Republic, Denmark and the Baltic states have also called for mediation between Lukashenko and the opposition.

Ahead of the meeting there had been calls for action from several EU members, especially Belarus' neighbours Poland and Lithuania, which is now hosting exiled opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya.

Poland, Latvia and Lithuania say they are ready to act as mediators to try to resolve the post-election crisis, after a poll that Brussels has already said was "neither free nor fair".

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has spoken to Tikhanovskaya and, according to his spokesman, she is ready to help him implement a plan for "peaceful dialogue" to resolve the crisis.

Lithuania also on Friday offered to treat Belarusians injured during the protests and suggested setting up the EU fund to support "the victims of repression".

European Union foreign ministers on Friday took the first step towards imposing new sanctions on Belarus by agreeing to drawing up a list of individuals to be blacklisted in response to strongman Alexander Lukashenko's post-election crackdown.

European Union foreign ministers on Friday took the first step towards imposing new sanctions on Belarus by agreeing to drawing up a list of individuals to be blacklisted in response to strongman Alexander Lukashenko's post-election crackdown. At a videoconference hosted by Brussels' diplomatic chief Josep Borrell, the foreign ministers also agreed to take up the stand-off between Greece and Turkey at their next face-to-face talks. As Lukashenko's main opposition challenger called for mass weekend rallies to denounce the long-standing leader's disputed claim of re-election, his western neighbours are stepping up pressure. Also see: Thousands stage flower protest in Belarus as EU weighs sanctions "The foreign ministers agreed to impose sanctions on those responsible for the repression and a list of names will be drawn up," one European official said. Sweden's Foreign Minister Ann Linde said in a tweet that the "EU will now initiate a process of sanctions against those responsible for the violence, arrests and fraud in connection with the election." Once the list is finalised, each individual or entity on it will have to be approved unanimously by member states, but officials said none of the 27 raised objections to the idea of sanctions. At least six other European Union states are broadly in favour of imposing sanctions. While Austria, Sweden and Germany lead the hawkish camp, Poland, the Czech Republic, Denmark and the Baltic states have also called for mediation between Lukashenko and the opposition. Ahead of the meeting there had been calls for action from several EU members, especially Belarus' neighbours Poland and Lithuania, which is now hosting exiled opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. Poland, Latvia and Lithuania say they are ready to act as mediators to try to resolve the post-election crisis, after a poll that Brussels has already said was "neither free nor fair". Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has spoken to Tikhanovskaya and, according to his spokesman, she is ready to help him implement a plan for "peaceful dialogue" to resolve the crisis. Lithuania also on Friday offered to treat Belarusians injured during the protests and suggested setting up the EU fund to support "the victims of repression".

European Union takes first step to slap new sanctions on Belarus, debates Turkey crisis

France has stepped up its probe into the massive Beirut port blast last week by handing it to investigating magistrates, prosecution sources said Friday, as it was confirmed two French citizens were among the 171 people killed.

The investigation has now been entrusted to two magistrates who can ultimately decide whether to press charges over the August 4 blast, a source in the office of the Paris prosecutor told AFP.

Another source, who asked not to be named, said two French citizens were now confirmed to have been killed in the explosion.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-blasts-protesters-in-beirut-want-france-to-intervene-in-lebanon-318922">After blasts, protesters in Beirut want France to intervene in Lebanon</a>

The death of one French victim,&nbsp;prominent Lebanon-based architect Jean-Marc Bonfils, had already been confirmed but the second victim has yet to be publicly identified.

French prosecutors on August 5 opened a probe into "involuntary injury" using their jurisdiction to investigate acts committed abroad when French people are among the victims.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/60-heritage-sites-risk-collapse-after-beirut-blast-320546" hreflang="en">60 heritage sites risk collapse after Beirut blast</a>

Investigators and police from France have already been at the scene in Beirut for several days to reconstruct the chain of events that led to the explosion.

The FBI will also join Lebanese investigators at the invitation of the Lebanese government, the US State Department said Thursday.

The explosion has been blamed on a vast stock of ammonium nitrate left for years in a warehouse at the port despite repeated warnings.

Lebanon's government under Prime Minister Hassan Diab resigned this week following days of demonstrations demanding accountability over the disaster.

Lebanese authorities have pledged a swift investigation and judicial officials said Wednesday the prosecution would question ministers and former ministers.

President Michel Aoun has rejected calls from world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, and many Lebanese for an independent international investigation as a "waste of time." &nbsp;

France has stepped up its probe into the massive Beirut port blast last week by handing it to investigating magistrates, prosecution sources said Friday, as it was confirmed two French citizens were among the 171 people killed.

France has stepped up its probe into the massive Beirut port blast last week by handing it to investigating magistrates, prosecution sources said Friday, as it was confirmed two French citizens were among the 171 people killed. The investigation has now been entrusted to two magistrates who can ultimately decide whether to press charges over the August 4 blast, a source in the office of the Paris prosecutor told AFP. Another source, who asked not to be named, said two French citizens were now confirmed to have been killed in the explosion. Also read: After blasts, protesters in Beirut want France to intervene in Lebanon The death of one French victim, prominent Lebanon-based architect Jean-Marc Bonfils, had already been confirmed but the second victim has yet to be publicly identified. French prosecutors on August 5 opened a probe into "involuntary injury" using their jurisdiction to investigate acts committed abroad when French people are among the victims. Also see: 60 heritage sites risk collapse after Beirut blast Investigators and police from France have already been at the scene in Beirut for several days to reconstruct the chain of events that led to the explosion. The FBI will also join Lebanese investigators at the invitation of the Lebanese government, the US State Department said Thursday. The explosion has been blamed on a vast stock of ammonium nitrate left for years in a warehouse at the port despite repeated warnings. Lebanon's government under Prime Minister Hassan Diab resigned this week following days of demonstrations demanding accountability over the disaster. Lebanese authorities have pledged a swift investigation and judicial officials said Wednesday the prosecution would question ministers and former ministers. President Michel Aoun has rejected calls from world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, and many Lebanese for an independent international investigation as a "waste of time."

Two French nationals confirmed dead in Beirut blast as France steps up probe

India will give a befitting reply if an enemy country attacks it, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday, sending a clear message to China in the midst of the border row in eastern Ladakh.

Without naming any country, the defence minister, in a message to armed forces on the eve of the Independence Day, said anyone daring to occupy India's land has to suffer heavy consequences.

He said India believes in winning hearts and not land, but it does not mean the country will let hurt its self-esteem.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/independence-day-in-covid-19-times-invites-only-no-school-children-6-feet-distance-320525" hreflang="en">Independence Day in COVID-19 times: Invites only, no school children &amp; 6 feet distance</a>

"Today the country is confident that no force can occupy even one inch of land while you are deployed. If anyone dares to do it, then he has to suffer heavy consequences and will continue to suffer," Singh said.

He said whatever India does in the realm of national security is always for self-defence and not to attack other countries. 
"If enemy country attacks us, then we will give a befitting reply like every time," he said.

"History is a witness to the fact that India never attacked anyone or tried to capture land of another country," Singh added.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-itbp-troops-responded-fiercely-to-chinas-army-at-galwan-recommended-for-gallantry-medals-320496" hreflang="en">India-China standoff: When ITBP responded fiercely to China's army at Galwan</a>

He assured the armed forces that government is doing all that is required to maintain their operational requirement.

Singh also paid "special tributes" to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15.

"This country can never forget their bravery and their supreme sacrifice. I want to assure their families that they are not alone, the whole country stands with them," he said.

Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in a violent clash with Chinese armies in Galwan Valley. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out the details.

"Our forces are pioneers in the defending the nation. I assure you that the government is doing all that is necessary to keep your morale high and fulfill your operational requirement," Singh said.

Referring to development of infrastructure in border areas, he also mentioned about the construction of a 80-km-long strategically crucial road in Uttarakhand.

India's ties with Nepal came under strain after Singh inaugurated the road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand on May 8.

Nepal protested the inauguration of the road claiming that it passed through its territory.

Singh said the 8.8-km-long Rohtang tunnel is likely to be completed by September.

The tunnel at Rohtang pass in Himachal Pradesh is located at a height of over 10,000 feet.

The defence minister also said that the arrival of five Rafale jets to India marked the beginning of a new era in the country's military history.

India will give a befitting reply if an enemy country attacks it, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday, sending a clear message to China in the midst of the border row in eastern Ladakh.

India will give a befitting reply if an enemy country attacks it, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday, sending a clear message to China in the midst of the border row in eastern Ladakh. Without naming any country, the defence minister, in a message to armed forces on the eve of the Independence Day, said anyone daring to occupy India's land has to suffer heavy consequences. He said India believes in winning hearts and not land, but it does not mean the country will let hurt its self-esteem. Also see: Independence Day in COVID-19 times: Invites only, no school children & 6 feet distance "Today the country is confident that no force can occupy even one inch of land while you are deployed. If anyone dares to do it, then he has to suffer heavy consequences and will continue to suffer," Singh said. He said whatever India does in the realm of national security is always for self-defence and not to attack other countries. "If enemy country attacks us, then we will give a befitting reply like every time," he said. "History is a witness to the fact that India never attacked anyone or tried to capture land of another country," Singh added. Also read- India-China standoff: When ITBP responded fiercely to China's army at Galwan He assured the armed forces that government is doing all that is required to maintain their operational requirement. Singh also paid "special tributes" to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15. "This country can never forget their bravery and their supreme sacrifice. I want to assure their families that they are not alone, the whole country stands with them," he said. Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in a violent clash with Chinese armies in Galwan Valley. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out the details. "Our forces are pioneers in the defending the nation. I assure you that the government is doing all that is necessary to keep your morale high and fulfill your operational requirement," Singh said. Referring to development of infrastructure in border areas, he also mentioned about the construction of a 80-km-long strategically crucial road in Uttarakhand. India's ties with Nepal came under strain after Singh inaugurated the road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand on May 8. Nepal protested the inauguration of the road claiming that it passed through its territory. Singh said the 8.8-km-long Rohtang tunnel is likely to be completed by September. The tunnel at Rohtang pass in Himachal Pradesh is located at a height of over 10,000 feet. The defence minister also said that the arrival of five Rafale jets to India marked the beginning of a new era in the country's military history.

We will give befitting reply if enemy attacks us: Rajnath Singh

Israel&nbsp;and the United States are&nbsp;nearing a&nbsp;deal&nbsp;whereby&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;would commit not to use Chinese technology for its next generation&nbsp;5G&nbsp;mobile telecoms&nbsp;networks, a&nbsp;US&nbsp;official&nbsp;said.

The&nbsp;official&nbsp;told Reuters on Friday that a memorandum of understanding would likely be signed "within weeks" and confirmed quotes in an earlier Jerusalem Post report.

The newspaper quoted an unnamed&nbsp;US&nbsp;official&nbsp;as saying that the United States was "optimistic that&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;will ... choose to only allow trusted vendors in its&nbsp;5G&nbsp;networks".

Washington has been alarmed by Beijing's dominance in the&nbsp;5G&nbsp;infrastructure market and has pressed its allies to&nbsp;exclude&nbsp;kit made by Huawei Technologies&nbsp;from&nbsp;their&nbsp;networks.

This is partly being done through the&nbsp;US&nbsp;State Department's Clean Network initiative, which says it seeks to eliminate the "long-term threat to data privacy, security, and human rights posed to the free world&nbsp;from&nbsp;authoritarian malign actors, such as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)".

Last month, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered Huawei equipment to be purged completely&nbsp;from&nbsp;Britain's&nbsp;5G&nbsp;network by the end of 2027, risking the ire of&nbsp;China&nbsp;by signalling that the world's biggest telecoms equipment maker is not welcome in the West.

Israel, Australia, Canada, Japan, Taiwan and European nations are among Washington's partners in The Clean Network initiative, according to the State Department's website.

Israel's communications ministry on Thursday concluded a tender to award frequencies to operate&nbsp;5G&nbsp;networks&nbsp;in the country, with licences awarded to several domestic mobile phone operators.

Israel and the United States are nearing a deal whereby Israel would commit not to use Chinese technology for its next generation 5G mobile telecoms networks, a US official said.

Israel and the United States are nearing a deal whereby Israel would commit not to use Chinese technology for its next generation 5G mobile telecoms networks, a US official said. The official told Reuters on Friday that a memorandum of understanding would likely be signed "within weeks" and confirmed quotes in an earlier Jerusalem Post report. The newspaper quoted an unnamed US official as saying that the United States was "optimistic that Israel will ... choose to only allow trusted vendors in its 5G networks". Washington has been alarmed by Beijing's dominance in the 5G infrastructure market and has pressed its allies to exclude kit made by Huawei Technologies from their networks. This is partly being done through the US State Department's Clean Network initiative, which says it seeks to eliminate the "long-term threat to data privacy, security, and human rights posed to the free world from authoritarian malign actors, such as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)". Last month, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered Huawei equipment to be purged completely from Britain's 5G network by the end of 2027, risking the ire of China by signalling that the world's biggest telecoms equipment maker is not welcome in the West. Israel, Australia, Canada, Japan, Taiwan and European nations are among Washington's partners in The Clean Network initiative, according to the State Department's website. Israel's communications ministry on Thursday concluded a tender to award frequencies to operate 5G networks in the country, with licences awarded to several domestic mobile phone operators.

Israel, US near deal to exclude China from Israeli 5G networks

The Sri Lankan government on Friday appointed an ex-commander of the Navy and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's key aide Admiral Jayanath Colombage as the new Foreign Secretary, becoming the first non-foreign service person to hold the top diplomatic post.

His appointment came days after the new Cabinet took the oath with President Rajapaksa retaining the key defence ministry.

The&nbsp;62-year-old headed the Sri Lanka Navy between 2012 and 2014, and since November last year, he has been the foreign affairs advisor to President Rajapaksa.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-strengthens-rajapaksa-dynasty-in-new-government-319952" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka president strengthens Rajapaksa dynasty in new government</a>

This is the first time that a non-foreign service person has been appointed as the Secretary of the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry.

Colombage is one of the four ex-military officers appointed by the president to key positions in the bureaucracy after the Rajapaksa-led Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) won a landslide victory in the parliamentary elections held on August 5 that allowed the influential family to consolidate power for the next five years.

The SLPP and its allies won a record 150 seats in the 225-member Parliament.

Since Rajapaksa assumed the presidency, many ex-service personnel have been picked for key positions.

President Gotabaya administered the oath of office to the 28-member Cabinet which is two less than the 30 allowed by the Constitution on Wednesday. He retained the Ministry of Defence while his elder brother and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa were assigned finance, urban development and Buddhist affairs ministries.

Colombage served the Sri Lanka Navy for 36 years and retired as the Commander of the Navy in 2014. Under the repatriation programme initiated by him, nearly 19,000 stranded Sri Lankans were repatriated from 94 countries.

The Sri Lankan government on Friday appointed an ex-commander of the Navy and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's key aide Admiral Jayanath Colombage as the new Foreign Secretary, becoming the first non-foreign service person to hold the top diplomatic post.

The Sri Lankan government on Friday appointed an ex-commander of the Navy and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's key aide Admiral Jayanath Colombage as the new Foreign Secretary, becoming the first non-foreign service person to hold the top diplomatic post. His appointment came days after the new Cabinet took the oath with President Rajapaksa retaining the key defence ministry. The 62-year-old headed the Sri Lanka Navy between 2012 and 2014, and since November last year, he has been the foreign affairs advisor to President Rajapaksa. Also read: Sri Lanka president strengthens Rajapaksa dynasty in new government This is the first time that a non-foreign service person has been appointed as the Secretary of the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry. Colombage is one of the four ex-military officers appointed by the president to key positions in the bureaucracy after the Rajapaksa-led Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) won a landslide victory in the parliamentary elections held on August 5 that allowed the influential family to consolidate power for the next five years. The SLPP and its allies won a record 150 seats in the 225-member Parliament. Since Rajapaksa assumed the presidency, many ex-service personnel have been picked for key positions. President Gotabaya administered the oath of office to the 28-member Cabinet which is two less than the 30 allowed by the Constitution on Wednesday. He retained the Ministry of Defence while his elder brother and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa were assigned finance, urban development and Buddhist affairs ministries. Colombage served the Sri Lanka Navy for 36 years and retired as the Commander of the Navy in 2014. Under the repatriation programme initiated by him, nearly 19,000 stranded Sri Lankans were repatriated from 94 countries.

Sri Lanka appoints Admiral Jayanath Colombage as new Foreign Secretary

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday that his country will do&nbsp;everything in its power to extend the international arms embargo on Iran under discussion at the United Nations.

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The Trump Administration remains committed to bringing home all U.S. citizens held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas. Austin Tice’s release and return home are long, long overdue. We will do our utmost to achieve that goal.
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The U.N. Security Council has started voting on a US&nbsp;bid to renew the embargo, expiring in mid-October. Veto-powers Russia and China are opposed, and results are due within hours.

Visiting Austria as part of a tour of central Europe, Pompeo said Iran must also provide full and immediate cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear watchdog, whose head he met in Vienna.

"It makes no sense to permit the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism to purchase and sell weapons systems," Pompeo told a news conference. "I mean, that's just nuts."

Iran denies promoting terrorism.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-ships-or-cargoes-have-been-seized-by-us-says-iranian-official-320486" hreflang="en">No ships or cargoes have been seized by US, says Iranian official</a>

Pompeo said Washington would "do everything that we can within our diplomatic toolset to ensure that arms embargo doesn't expire".

"The voting will be in the next handful of hours and we are hoping that we will be successful. When we see the results, we will make the decision about how to move forward.

"We have been unambiguous about the fact we have no intention of allowing this arms embargo to expire. None whatsoever."

The embargo is set to end mid-October under Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, which US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's administration quit in 2018.

IAEA head Rafael Grossi, whose agency is policing Iran's nuclear deal with major powers, told reporters after meeting Pompeo that talks with Tehran on full access to all sites continued.

"We have requested Iran to grant access. That hasn't happened yet. We are working on that," he said.

"Our objective is to get access to continue the verification work which is essential for the international community."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday that his country will do everything in its power to extend the international arms embargo on Iran under discussion at the United Nations.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday that his country will do everything in its power to extend the international arms embargo on Iran under discussion at the United Nations. The Trump Administration remains committed to bringing home all U.S. citizens held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas. Austin Tice’s release and return home are long, long overdue. We will do our utmost to achieve that goal. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) August 14, 2020 × The U.N. Security Council has started voting on a US bid to renew the embargo, expiring in mid-October. Veto-powers Russia and China are opposed, and results are due within hours. Visiting Austria as part of a tour of central Europe, Pompeo said Iran must also provide full and immediate cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear watchdog, whose head he met in Vienna. "It makes no sense to permit the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism to purchase and sell weapons systems," Pompeo told a news conference. "I mean, that's just nuts." Iran denies promoting terrorism. Also read: No ships or cargoes have been seized by US, says Iranian official Pompeo said Washington would "do everything that we can within our diplomatic toolset to ensure that arms embargo doesn't expire". "The voting will be in the next handful of hours and we are hoping that we will be successful. When we see the results, we will make the decision about how to move forward. "We have been unambiguous about the fact we have no intention of allowing this arms embargo to expire. None whatsoever." The embargo is set to end mid-October under Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, which US President Donald Trump's administration quit in 2018. IAEA head Rafael Grossi, whose agency is policing Iran's nuclear deal with major powers, told reporters after meeting Pompeo that talks with Tehran on full access to all sites continued. "We have requested Iran to grant access. That hasn't happened yet. We are working on that," he said. "Our objective is to get access to continue the verification work which is essential for the international community."

US will do 'everything in its power' to extend Iran arms embargo, says Pompeo

The Afghan government has begun releasing the last Taliban prisoners from a final batch of 400 who the militants want freed before they agree to start peace negotiations, a security agency spokesman said on Friday.

The government agreed on Sunday to release the 400 "hard-core" prisoners after consulting a grand assembly of elders and other community leaders, known as a Loya Jirga.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/policewoman-two-govt-staff-killed-in-targeted-attacks-in-afghanistan-320484" hreflang="en">Policewoman, two govt staff killed in targeted attacks in Afghanistan</a>

"The government ... yesterday released 80 Taliban convicts out of the 400 that the Consultative Loya Jirga sanctioned for release to speed up efforts for direct talks and a lasting, nationwide ceasefire," said Javid Faisal, spokesman for the National Security Council.

He did not say when the remaining 320 would be set free.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-authorities-begin-release-of-dangerous-taliban-prisoners-320396" hreflang="en">Afghan authorities begin release of 'dangerous' Taliban prisoners</a>

Disagreement over the release of the prisoners, who include some of those accused in connection with some of Afghanistan's bloodiest attacks, has delayed negotiations for months as the United States withdraws troops under a deal signed with the Taliban in February.

President Ashraf Ghani on Monday issued a decree to release the final batch of prisoners.

The Taliban did not immediately respond to request for comment. They have previously said they would sit down for peace talks with the US-backed government in Qatar within a week of the release of the last of the prisoners.

The Taliban have always refused to talk to the government, dismissing it as a US&nbsp;"puppet".

But they agreed to power-sharing talks under the deal struck with the United States, on the withdrawal of its troops in exchange for Taliban security guarantees.

The Afghan government has begun releasing the last Taliban prisoners from a final batch of 400 who the militants want freed before they agree to start peace negotiations, a security agency spokesman said on Friday.

The Afghan government has begun releasing the last Taliban prisoners from a final batch of 400 who the militants want freed before they agree to start peace negotiations, a security agency spokesman said on Friday. The government agreed on Sunday to release the 400 "hard-core" prisoners after consulting a grand assembly of elders and other community leaders, known as a Loya Jirga. Also read: Policewoman, two govt staff killed in targeted attacks in Afghanistan "The government ... yesterday released 80 Taliban convicts out of the 400 that the Consultative Loya Jirga sanctioned for release to speed up efforts for direct talks and a lasting, nationwide ceasefire," said Javid Faisal, spokesman for the National Security Council. He did not say when the remaining 320 would be set free. Also read: Afghan authorities begin release of 'dangerous' Taliban prisoners Disagreement over the release of the prisoners, who include some of those accused in connection with some of Afghanistan's bloodiest attacks, has delayed negotiations for months as the United States withdraws troops under a deal signed with the Taliban in February. President Ashraf Ghani on Monday issued a decree to release the final batch of prisoners. The Taliban did not immediately respond to request for comment. They have previously said they would sit down for peace talks with the US-backed government in Qatar within a week of the release of the last of the prisoners. The Taliban have always refused to talk to the government, dismissing it as a US "puppet". But they agreed to power-sharing talks under the deal struck with the United States, on the withdrawal of its troops in exchange for Taliban security guarantees.

Afghan government releases 80 of final 400 Taliban prisoners

Sixteen bodies were recovered Friday after a landslide tore down a village central Nepal's Sindhupalchok district on Friday, police said, as rescuers dug through mud to find nearly 40 missing.

Mud and stone came hurtling down from uphill Lama Tole village in Sindhupalchowk district in early Friday morning.&nbsp;

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Agni Prasad Sapkota, had reached the spot and was inspecting the damages and rescue works.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/press-unions-demand-fair-probe-following-death-of-nepalese-journalist-320161" hreflang="en">Press unions demand fair probe following death of Nepalese journalist</a>

At least 37 houses have been damaged by the disaster, said local Deputy Superintendent of Police Madhav Prasad Kafle.

"Search and rescue is under way in coordination between the army, police and armed police force," Kafle said.&nbsp;

Helicopters are being used to reach the remote site after the landslide blocked roads.&nbsp;

The Himalayan nation has been badly hit by landslides and floods, with at least 191 people killed and 54 missing since monsoon began mid-June, according to the home ministry.&nbsp;

The number of deadly landslides has increased this year, with experts saying the massive 2015 earthquake and more road construction could be triggering the deadly slips.

Sixteen bodies were recovered Friday after a landslide tore down a village central Nepal's Sindhupalchok district on Friday, police said, as rescuers dug through mud to find nearly 40 missing.

Sixteen bodies were recovered Friday after a landslide tore down a village central Nepal's Sindhupalchok district on Friday, police said, as rescuers dug through mud to find nearly 40 missing. Mud and stone came hurtling down from uphill Lama Tole village in Sindhupalchowk district in early Friday morning. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Agni Prasad Sapkota, had reached the spot and was inspecting the damages and rescue works. Also read: Press unions demand fair probe following death of Nepalese journalist At least 37 houses have been damaged by the disaster, said local Deputy Superintendent of Police Madhav Prasad Kafle. "Search and rescue is under way in coordination between the army, police and armed police force," Kafle said. Helicopters are being used to reach the remote site after the landslide blocked roads. The Himalayan nation has been badly hit by landslides and floods, with at least 191 people killed and 54 missing since monsoon began mid-June, according to the home ministry. The number of deadly landslides has increased this year, with experts saying the massive 2015 earthquake and more road construction could be triggering the deadly slips.

16 dead, 40 missing after powerful landslides in Nepal

Legendary Pakistan batsman Javed Miandad has lashed out at his former teammate Imran Khan, saying the current Pakistan Prime Minister has ruined cricket in the country. 
 
Miandad said that Imran has ruined the state of affairs of cricket in Pakistan by appointing officials in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) who have zero knowledge of the sport.

Imran Khan was the captain of the Pakistan cricket team when it won the World Cup in 1992. Javed Miandad was also part of that squad as a key batsman. However, they are now each others political adversary. 
 
"All officials in the PCB do not know the ABC of the sport. I will talk to Imran Khan personally about the sad state of affairs. I will not leave anyone that is not right for our country," Miandad said in a video released on his YouTube channel.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/40BEOMZA4bc" width="560"></iframe> 
Indirectly referring to PCB CEO Wasim Khan, he said: "You have brought a person from abroad, if he steals from us, how you will even catch him?" 
 
"The players that are currently playing should have a big future in cricket. I don`t want these players to end as labourers in the future. They (PCB) have left players unemployed after dumping the departments and now they cannot offer employment themselves. I was saying this before as well but they didn't understand," he added. 
 
The 63-year-old further accused Pakistan`s World Cup-winning captain of not paying adequate attention on how the PCB functions. 
 
"I was your captain, you weren't my captain. I will come to politics and then I will talk to you. I was the one who led you all the time, but you act like God now. It is almost like you are the only intelligent person in this country as if no one has gone to Oxford or Cambridge or any other university in Pakistan. Think about the people," said Miandad. 
 
"You don't care about the country. You came to my home and went out as a Prime Minister. I challenge you to deny this," he said. 
 
"What's the meaning of being a Pakistani? To live and let live. Help your own. Be intelligent. I have echoed the nation's voice. I know it is difficult for common people to raise their voice, but I am at a position where I can raise their voice in front of the world," he added. 
 
Miandad played 124 Tests and 233 ODIs for Pakistan in which he scored 8832 and 7381 runs respectively.

Legendary Pakistan batsman Javed Miandad has lashed out at his former teammate Imran Khan, saying the current Pakistan Prime Minister has ruined cricket in the country.

Legendary Pakistan batsman Javed Miandad has lashed out at his former teammate Imran Khan, saying the current Pakistan Prime Minister has ruined cricket in the country. Miandad said that Imran has ruined the state of affairs of cricket in Pakistan by appointing officials in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) who have zero knowledge of the sport. Imran Khan was the captain of the Pakistan cricket team when it won the World Cup in 1992. Javed Miandad was also part of that squad as a key batsman. However, they are now each others political adversary. "All officials in the PCB do not know the ABC of the sport. I will talk to Imran Khan personally about the sad state of affairs. I will not leave anyone that is not right for our country," Miandad said in a video released on his YouTube channel. Indirectly referring to PCB CEO Wasim Khan, he said: "You have brought a person from abroad, if he steals from us, how you will even catch him?" "The players that are currently playing should have a big future in cricket. I don`t want these players to end as labourers in the future. They (PCB) have left players unemployed after dumping the departments and now they cannot offer employment themselves. I was saying this before as well but they didn't understand," he added. The 63-year-old further accused Pakistan`s World Cup-winning captain of not paying adequate attention on how the PCB functions. "I was your captain, you weren't my captain. I will come to politics and then I will talk to you. I was the one who led you all the time, but you act like God now. It is almost like you are the only intelligent person in this country as if no one has gone to Oxford or Cambridge or any other university in Pakistan. Think about the people," said Miandad. "You don't care about the country. You came to my home and went out as a Prime Minister. I challenge you to deny this," he said. "What's the meaning of being a Pakistani? To live and let live. Help your own. Be intelligent. I have echoed the nation's voice. I know it is difficult for common people to raise their voice, but I am at a position where I can raise their voice in front of the world," he added. Miandad played 124 Tests and 233 ODIs for Pakistan in which he scored 8832 and 7381 runs respectively.

You act like God, I will come into politics and talk to you: Javed Miandad to Imran Khan

Vaccine producers in China have warned the country's citizens not to to fall for fake advertisements online about coronavirus vaccine.

The warning came after a fake&nbsp;ad of a vaccine allegedly produced by&nbsp;Sinovac Biotech circulated on social media platform WeChat&nbsp;and only accepting advanced payment.&nbsp;

The promotional posts seem to have stolen photos from the vaccine developers' official websites.

<img alt="vaccine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4ba7e8c9-8c10-41a7-98d3-55df620c7e13" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1597375746-5f36050235514.jpg" />

Fraudulent promotions of Sinovac's vaccine candidate Coronavac (left) and Wuhan Institute of Biological Products vaccine

“Contact me if you need the coronavirus vaccine. It can be made for export and production volume is low so people must queue. It will be officially launched on September 2,” said one advertisement.

However,&nbsp;Sinovac spokesman Liu Peicheng denied selling any vaccine online in the country saying it&nbsp;was not ''authentic''.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sinopharms-potential-covid-19-vaccine-triggers-antibodies-in-clinical-trials-320438" hreflang="en">China Sinopharm's potential COVID-19 vaccine triggers antibodies in clinical trials</a>

The other vaccine being touted was claimed to be from the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products. It was advertised at $71&nbsp;a dose and potential buyers were advised they should take three doses.

“Health care workers and people going abroad can use it on a priority basis,” the advertisement said.

The news comes as&nbsp;China's&nbsp;Sinovac&nbsp;launched a&nbsp;Phase 3 trial for COVID-19 vaccine in Indonesia this week.

In&nbsp;Sinovac's mid-stage trial involving 600 participants in China, the rate of fever in patients was relatively lower than other COVID-19 candidates including one from AstraZeneca.

Sinovac&nbsp;is testing its vaccine abroad because China is no longer a satisfactory site for late-stage trials due to the low number of new infection cases.

Vaccine producers in China have warned the country's citizens not to to fall for fake advertisements online about coronavirus vaccine. The warning came after a fake ad of a vaccine allegedly produced by Sinovac Biotech circulated on social media platform WeChat and only accepting advanced payment.

Vaccine producers in China have warned the country's citizens not to to fall for fake advertisements online about coronavirus vaccine. The warning came after a fake ad of a vaccine allegedly produced by Sinovac Biotech circulated on social media platform WeChat and only accepting advanced payment. The promotional posts seem to have stolen photos from the vaccine developers' official websites. Fraudulent promotions of Sinovac's vaccine candidate Coronavac (left) and Wuhan Institute of Biological Products vaccine “Contact me if you need the coronavirus vaccine. It can be made for export and production volume is low so people must queue. It will be officially launched on September 2,” said one advertisement. However, Sinovac spokesman Liu Peicheng denied selling any vaccine online in the country saying it was not ''authentic''. Also read: China Sinopharm's potential COVID-19 vaccine triggers antibodies in clinical trials The other vaccine being touted was claimed to be from the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products. It was advertised at $71 a dose and potential buyers were advised they should take three doses. “Health care workers and people going abroad can use it on a priority basis,” the advertisement said. The news comes as China's Sinovac launched a Phase 3 trial for COVID-19 vaccine in Indonesia this week. In Sinovac's mid-stage trial involving 600 participants in China, the rate of fever in patients was relatively lower than other COVID-19 candidates including one from AstraZeneca. Sinovac is testing its vaccine abroad because China is no longer a satisfactory site for late-stage trials due to the low number of new infection cases.

Chinese warned to stay away from COVID-19 vaccine scams on social media

Pro-democracy&nbsp;media tycoon Jimmy Lai denies violating national security law&nbsp;calling accusations an ''excuse to clamp down''&nbsp;by Beijing.

Three days after he was released from police custody, Lai said in an interview ''I have never given one cent or dime to the movement and nobody has given us any money except moral support''.

Lai, a staunch supporter of the city's democracy movement, was arrested on Monday on suspicion of collusion with foreign forces as police raided the offices of his Apple Daily tabloid.

He was released on bail early on Wednesday, and greeted by a throng of supporters chanting "fight till the end".

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Thursday criticized the arrest of Hong Kong media tycoon saying "I think it's a terrible thing".

Since&nbsp;Lai's arrest people have been queuing up early in the morning to buy his Apple Daily, and many have also bought shares in Next Digital,&nbsp;Lai's media company that publishes his newspaper, sparking a rally of more than 2,000 per cent&nbsp;at its peak.

The 71-year-old,&nbsp;who China sees as a "traitor", was arrested under a new security law imposed by Beijing on June 30 in response to a year of pro-democracy unrest in the former British colony, which returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula aimed at preserving its autonomy.

Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, fuelled by fears Beijing has been eroding city freedoms, has enjoyed and sustained broad support in the city.

Critics say the law brings semi-autonomous Hong Kong closer to mainland China's authoritarianism, while its supporters say it will bring stability to the city and safeguard its prosperity.

Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai denies violating national security law calling accusations an ''excuse to clamp down'' by Beijing. Three days after he was released from police custody, Lai said in an interview ''I have never given one cent or dime to the movement and nobody has given us any money except moral support''.

Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai denies violating national security law calling accusations an ''excuse to clamp down'' by Beijing. Three days after he was released from police custody, Lai said in an interview ''I have never given one cent or dime to the movement and nobody has given us any money except moral support''. Lai, a staunch supporter of the city's democracy movement, was arrested on Monday on suspicion of collusion with foreign forces as police raided the offices of his Apple Daily tabloid. He was released on bail early on Wednesday, and greeted by a throng of supporters chanting "fight till the end". US President Donald Trump on Thursday criticized the arrest of Hong Kong media tycoon saying "I think it's a terrible thing". Since Lai's arrest people have been queuing up early in the morning to buy his Apple Daily, and many have also bought shares in Next Digital, Lai's media company that publishes his newspaper, sparking a rally of more than 2,000 per cent at its peak. The 71-year-old, who China sees as a "traitor", was arrested under a new security law imposed by Beijing on June 30 in response to a year of pro-democracy unrest in the former British colony, which returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula aimed at preserving its autonomy. Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, fuelled by fears Beijing has been eroding city freedoms, has enjoyed and sustained broad support in the city. Critics say the law brings semi-autonomous Hong Kong closer to mainland China's authoritarianism, while its supporters say it will bring stability to the city and safeguard its prosperity.

Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai denies violating national security law

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Vyomica Berry

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