Israel said on Wednesday it thwarted a cyber attack on its defence industry by a hacking group known as Lazarus, which the United States says is run by North Korean intelligence.

Israel’s Defence Ministry said hackers posing as potential employers sent job offers to defence workers trying to infiltrate their networks and gather sensitive information.

The group built fake profiles on the LinkedIn network to disguise its hackers and separately attempted to hack Israeli defence firms via their websites, the ministry statement 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 attacks were identified in real time and thwarted with no disruption to the companies’ networks, it added, without identifying the firms or saying when the incidents took place.

Israel said the group was backed by a foreign country, but did not name it. Washington has said Lazarus operates for the RGB, North Korea’s primary intelligence bureau.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-two-people-convicted-of-spying-for-israel-germany-britain-319703">Iran: Two people convicted of spying for Israel, Germany, Britain</a>

US&nbsp;prosecutors have accused the group of orchestrating the leak of emails from Sony Pictures in 2014 and stealing tens of millions of dollars from the Central Bank of Bangladesh in 2016.

North Korea’s mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Pyongyang has in the past denied allegations of cyber-attacks and accused the United States of spreading rumours.

Since the start of the year, Israel has reported attempted cyber attacks on power stations and water utilities, with officials pointing the finger at Iran or Iranian-backed groups.

A fire last month at Iran’s Natanz nuclear site prompted some Iranian officials to say it was the result of cyber sabotage. Israel’s defence minister said his country was not “necessarily” behind every mysterious incident in Iran.

Israel said on Wednesday it thwarted a cyber attack on its defence industry by a hacking group known as Lazarus, which the United States says is run by North Korean intelligence.

Israel said on Wednesday it thwarted a cyber attack on its defence industry by a hacking group known as Lazarus, which the United States says is run by North Korean intelligence. Israel’s Defence Ministry said hackers posing as potential employers sent job offers to defence workers trying to infiltrate their networks and gather sensitive information. The group built fake profiles on the LinkedIn network to disguise its hackers and separately attempted to hack Israeli defence firms via their websites, the ministry statement said. Also read: Rival Israel's aid offer to Lebanon in wake of explosion, unlikely to find a taker The attacks were identified in real time and thwarted with no disruption to the companies’ networks, it added, without identifying the firms or saying when the incidents took place. Israel said the group was backed by a foreign country, but did not name it. Washington has said Lazarus operates for the RGB, North Korea’s primary intelligence bureau. Also read: Iran: Two people convicted of spying for Israel, Germany, Britain US prosecutors have accused the group of orchestrating the leak of emails from Sony Pictures in 2014 and stealing tens of millions of dollars from the Central Bank of Bangladesh in 2016. North Korea’s mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Pyongyang has in the past denied allegations of cyber-attacks and accused the United States of spreading rumours. Since the start of the year, Israel has reported attempted cyber attacks on power stations and water utilities, with officials pointing the finger at Iran or Iranian-backed groups. A fire last month at Iran’s Natanz nuclear site prompted some Iranian officials to say it was the result of cyber sabotage. Israel’s defence minister said his country was not “necessarily” behind every mysterious incident in Iran.

Israel thwarts cyber attack from North Korean cyber group on defence industry

Thailand's government has threatened&nbsp;legal action against social media giant Facebook over posts criticising monarchy.

Digital Economy Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta ordered authorities to identify “inappropriate” material and singled out 114 posts mostly made to Facebook but also Twitter and YouTube that may be in breach of the Computer Crimes Act.

“All evidence will be gathered and submitted to court tomorrow.&nbsp;Once the court has issued an order, it will be forwarded to the three platforms. If within 15 days, the accounts are not closed or posts deleted, we’ll immediately take legal action.”

Meanwhile, the country's King Maha Vajiralongkorn swore in a new cabinet on Wednesday, calling for "order and peace" but without mentioning recent anti-government student protests that have urged reforms of the powerful monarchy.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thai-students-protest-against-you-know-who-in-harry-potter-style-318035">Thai students protest against 'you-know-who' in Harry Potter style</a>

The ceremony marked the king's first public appearance since the nearly unprecedented calls in two student-led protests for curbing the new powers King Vajiralongkorn has amassed since taking the throne after the death of his father in 2016.

So far, two organisers of the anti-government movement have been arrested on charges of violating emergency coronavirus bans on large gatherings. Human rights lawyer Anon Nampa, 35, and student activist Panupong Jadnok, 23, are now free on bail.

Protests have been held nearly every day since July 18, calling for the resignation of Prayuth, who first took power in a 2014 coup, and an end to military domination of politics.

Thailand's government has threatened legal action against social media giant Facebook over posts criticising monarchy. Digital Economy Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta ordered authorities to identify “inappropriate” material and singled out 114 posts mostly made to Facebook but also Twitter and YouTube that may be in breach of the Computer Crimes Act.

Thailand's government has threatened legal action against social media giant Facebook over posts criticising monarchy. Digital Economy Minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta ordered authorities to identify “inappropriate” material and singled out 114 posts mostly made to Facebook but also Twitter and YouTube that may be in breach of the Computer Crimes Act. “All evidence will be gathered and submitted to court tomorrow. Once the court has issued an order, it will be forwarded to the three platforms. If within 15 days, the accounts are not closed or posts deleted, we’ll immediately take legal action.” Meanwhile, the country's King Maha Vajiralongkorn swore in a new cabinet on Wednesday, calling for "order and peace" but without mentioning recent anti-government student protests that have urged reforms of the powerful monarchy. Also see: Thai students protest against 'you-know-who' in Harry Potter style The ceremony marked the king's first public appearance since the nearly unprecedented calls in two student-led protests for curbing the new powers King Vajiralongkorn has amassed since taking the throne after the death of his father in 2016. So far, two organisers of the anti-government movement have been arrested on charges of violating emergency coronavirus bans on large gatherings. Human rights lawyer Anon Nampa, 35, and student activist Panupong Jadnok, 23, are now free on bail. Protests have been held nearly every day since July 18, calling for the resignation of Prayuth, who first took power in a 2014 coup, and an end to military domination of politics.

Thai government threatens legal action against Facebook over posts criticising monarchy

Thousands stage flower protest in Belarus as EU weighs sanctions

Hong Kong media tycoon&nbsp;Jimmy&nbsp;Lai&nbsp;said on Thursday he was overwhelmed by the support he got after becoming the most high-profile person to be arrested under a new national security law and urged patience in a "long-term fight" for democracy.

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".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-pro-democracy-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-released-on-bail-319811">Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai released on bail</a>

In a #LiveChatWithJimmy&nbsp;video appearance on Twitter,&nbsp;Lai&nbsp;thanked his supporters and said their action showed the police raid was a "violation of Hong Kong people's belief" in wide-ranging freedoms, which he likened to oxygen.

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The show must go on! <a href="https://t.co/oU4HwIx8lQ">https://t.co/oU4HwIx8lQ</a>
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He also said that China fails to understand ''how precious Hong Kong is because of its freedom institution of the rule of law, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and private property and all that the freedom of assembly, all that us, all that the British government left as a legacy for us, is a great protection of this city's freedom and also the foundation of international financial center.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-democracy-media-tycoon-jimmy-lais-company-skyrocketed-788-since-his-arrest-319687">Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai's company skyrocketed 788% since his arrest</a>

Lai, 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. Lai&nbsp;said pro-democracy activists had to play a long game.

"We cannot be radical, we cannot confront them face-to-face because we're just like an egg and they are a high wall. We have to flexible, and innovative and patient, but persist,"&nbsp;he said.

The law punishes whatever China considers subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

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.

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% at its peak.

Lai&nbsp;called the rise in share price an "ephemeral phenomenon" and urged people "not to touch it".

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai said on Thursday he was overwhelmed by the support he got after becoming the most high-profile person to be arrested under a new national security law and urged patience in a "long-term fight" for democracy.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai said on Thursday he was overwhelmed by the support he got after becoming the most high-profile person to be arrested under a new national security law and urged patience in a "long-term fight" for democracy. 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". Also read: Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai released on bail In a #LiveChatWithJimmy video appearance on Twitter, Lai thanked his supporters and said their action showed the police raid was a "violation of Hong Kong people's belief" in wide-ranging freedoms, which he likened to oxygen. The show must go on! https://t.co/oU4HwIx8lQ — Jimmy Lai (@JimmyLaiApple) August 13, 2020 × He also said that China fails to understand ''how precious Hong Kong is because of its freedom institution of the rule of law, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and private property and all that the freedom of assembly, all that us, all that the British government left as a legacy for us, is a great protection of this city's freedom and also the foundation of international financial center.'' Also read: Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai's company skyrocketed 788% since his arrest Lai, 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. Lai said pro-democracy activists had to play a long game. "We cannot be radical, we cannot confront them face-to-face because we're just like an egg and they are a high wall. We have to flexible, and innovative and patient, but persist," he said. The law punishes whatever China considers subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. 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. 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% at its peak. Lai called the rise in share price an "ephemeral phenomenon" and urged people "not to touch it".

Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai says Hong Kong needs patient campaign

Russia has successfully developed the world’s “first” coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik V, the country’s President Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday.

"This morning, for the first time in the world, a vaccine against the new coronavirus was registered&nbsp;in Russia," Putin&nbsp;said during a televised video conference call with government ministers.

While there is a lot of talk about a Wuhan virus vaccine, an important&nbsp;question that has been raised is that&nbsp;is it a vaccine or a stunt?

Russia&nbsp;says it has been given regulatory approval and&nbsp;has been cleared for mass use in the country.&nbsp;Putin said it is ''very important step for the world''.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-has-developed-worlds-first-coronavirus-vaccine-putin-319696" hreflang="en">Russia has developed world's 'first' coronavirus vaccine: Putin</a>

Health minister Mikhail Albertovich Murashko said:&nbsp;''Although I know, it works fairly effectively, forms stable immunity, and it has gone through all the necessary checks."

President Putin answered several questions like an expert on Tuesday. He also said&nbsp;that his&nbsp;daughter was inoculated with new Russian coronavirus vaccine.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/all-you-want-to-know-about-russias-coronavirus-vaccine-sputnik-319775" hreflang="en">All you want to know about Russia's coronavirus vaccine 'Sputnik'</a>

The Association of Clinical Trials Organizations (ACTO), a body that&nbsp;represents organisations conducting&nbsp;clinical trials in Russia had reportedly urged more trials&nbsp;before its registration as an official vaccine.

Russian deputy Prime Minsiter Golikava has promised to start industrial production in September. According&nbsp;the website of Russia's state register of pharamaceuticals, then the vaccine is expected to appear in circulation by January 2021.

Russia's health minister said that the vaccine will first be administered to risk groups such as medical workers, and teachers.

Russia has not said anything about the price. Now, there is a very important question that is being asked.&nbsp;The trial for Sputnik V started on June 18.&nbsp;The number of volunteers were&nbsp;less than 100.&nbsp;

Many in Russia, do not agree that it is safe.&nbsp;Similar sentiments are being echoed outside the country.&nbsp;Anthony Fauci, America's top infectious disease expert&nbsp;questioned Russia's fast track approach.

Last week he said: ''I&nbsp;do hope the Chinese and the Russians are actually testing a vaccine before they are administering the vaccine to anyone."

The World Economic Forum says that an effective vaccine takes 10 years and over $500 million to develop.&nbsp;A decade is not an option given the urgency of the situation. So, countries fast tracked the process.&nbsp;The cycle of vaccine production has many stages.

Phase 1 which involves&nbsp;small groups of people receive the trial vaccine.&nbsp;Phase 2 when&nbsp;hundreds of people are given the vaccine to determine the dose.&nbsp;Phase 3 where thousands of people are tested for any possible side effects. Then it is cleared by regulators and given for manufacturing.

But the Russian vaccine, Sputnik 5 has not yet cleared stage 3,&nbsp;meaning, it is yet to be mass-tested for for efficacy and safety.

The Russians say desperate times call for desperate measures. Their experts have cleared it and there is nothing wrong with mass production.

Countries want to make a political statement&nbsp;amid&nbsp;vaccine nationalism. While during the Cold War, it was the race to the space in 2020, it is the race to find a vaccine.

Over the last few months, there have been accusations of snooping and stealing vaccine-related data and now&nbsp;Russia claims it has won the race&nbsp;by developing the world's first vaccine.

Russia, very interestingly, has named its vaccine Sputnik V&nbsp;after its&nbsp;first space&nbsp;ship.&nbsp;The country had defeated America&nbsp;in the space race and is thus making that statement again by insinuating that it has defeated again.

The political point-scoring is evident and then there's potentially a lot of money to be made.

So what does this vaccine announcement mean for people outside Russia?&nbsp;For the vaccine to reach them, the authorities of any country should clear it first.&nbsp;Russia says it has received foreign requests for 1 billion doses.&nbsp;Reports say that the vaccine will also be produced in Brazil.

Clinical trials are reportedly expected to start in the UAE and the Philippines soon.&nbsp;President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines has volunterred to take the first shot as a sign of gratitude and trust.

But Sputnik 5 has not been stamped by the World Health Organisation. The health body says&nbsp;it is in talks with Russian authorities&nbsp;and that it will rigorously review and assess the safety and efficacy data.&nbsp;

Russia has successfully developed the world’s “first” coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik V, the country’s President Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday. "This morning, for the first time in the world, a vaccine against the new coronavirus was registered in Russia," Putin said during a televised video conference call with government ministers.

Russia has successfully developed the world’s “first” coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik V, the country’s President Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday. "This morning, for the first time in the world, a vaccine against the new coronavirus was registered in Russia," Putin said during a televised video conference call with government ministers. While there is a lot of talk about a Wuhan virus vaccine, an important question that has been raised is that is it a vaccine or a stunt? Russia says it has been given regulatory approval and has been cleared for mass use in the country. Putin said it is ''very important step for the world''. Also read: Russia has developed world's 'first' coronavirus vaccine: Putin Health minister Mikhail Albertovich Murashko said: ''Although I know, it works fairly effectively, forms stable immunity, and it has gone through all the necessary checks." President Putin answered several questions like an expert on Tuesday. He also said that his daughter was inoculated with new Russian coronavirus vaccine. Also see: All you want to know about Russia's coronavirus vaccine 'Sputnik' The Association of Clinical Trials Organizations (ACTO), a body that represents organisations conducting clinical trials in Russia had reportedly urged more trials before its registration as an official vaccine. Russian deputy Prime Minsiter Golikava has promised to start industrial production in September. According the website of Russia's state register of pharamaceuticals, then the vaccine is expected to appear in circulation by January 2021. Russia's health minister said that the vaccine will first be administered to risk groups such as medical workers, and teachers. Russia has not said anything about the price. Now, there is a very important question that is being asked. The trial for Sputnik V started on June 18. The number of volunteers were less than 100. Many in Russia, do not agree that it is safe. Similar sentiments are being echoed outside the country. Anthony Fauci, America's top infectious disease expert questioned Russia's fast track approach. Last week he said: ''I do hope the Chinese and the Russians are actually testing a vaccine before they are administering the vaccine to anyone." The World Economic Forum says that an effective vaccine takes 10 years and over $500 million to develop. A decade is not an option given the urgency of the situation. So, countries fast tracked the process. The cycle of vaccine production has many stages. Phase 1 which involves small groups of people receive the trial vaccine. Phase 2 when hundreds of people are given the vaccine to determine the dose. Phase 3 where thousands of people are tested for any possible side effects. Then it is cleared by regulators and given for manufacturing. But the Russian vaccine, Sputnik 5 has not yet cleared stage 3, meaning, it is yet to be mass-tested for for efficacy and safety. The Russians say desperate times call for desperate measures. Their experts have cleared it and there is nothing wrong with mass production. Countries want to make a political statement amid vaccine nationalism. While during the Cold War, it was the race to the space in 2020, it is the race to find a vaccine. Over the last few months, there have been accusations of snooping and stealing vaccine-related data and now Russia claims it has won the race by developing the world's first vaccine. Russia, very interestingly, has named its vaccine Sputnik V after its first space ship. The country had defeated America in the space race and is thus making that statement again by insinuating that it has defeated again. The political point-scoring is evident and then there's potentially a lot of money to be made. So what does this vaccine announcement mean for people outside Russia? For the vaccine to reach them, the authorities of any country should clear it first. Russia says it has received foreign requests for 1 billion doses. Reports say that the vaccine will also be produced in Brazil. Clinical trials are reportedly expected to start in the UAE and the Philippines soon. President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines has volunterred to take the first shot as a sign of gratitude and trust. But Sputnik 5 has not been stamped by the World Health Organisation. The health body says it is in talks with Russian authorities and that it will rigorously review and assess the safety and efficacy data.

Russia's Sputnik V: Coronavirus vaccine or publicity stunt?

The massive blast at Beirut port on August 4 caused more than $15 billion in damages, Lebanese President Michel Aoun said Wednesday.

Also read- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beirut-death-toll-rises-to-171-as-lebanon-marks-one-week-since-deadly-blast-319819">Beirut: Death toll rises to 171 as Lebanon marks one week since deadly blast</a>

"Preliminary estimates of the losses suffered following the port explosion top 15 billion," he was quoted as telling Spain's King Felipe in a phone call, in a message on the presidency's Twitter account.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;French President Emmanuel Macron warned Iran against interference in Lebanon.&nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/beirut-blast-places-where-ammonium-nitrate-is-being-stored-around-the-world-319744" hreflang="en">Beirut blast: Places where ammonium nitrate is being stored around the world</a>

During a telephone call to President Hassan Rouhani, the French president said "necessity for all the powers concerned... to avoid any outside interference and to support the putting in place of a government which can manage the emergency."&nbsp;

The death toll from the explosion has reached&nbsp;171, while&nbsp;more than 6,000 have been wounded and 300,000 people have been temporarily displaced&nbsp;from&nbsp;their homes.&nbsp;

It was caused by the ignition of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate that had been sitting at Beirut port for more than six years.

The explosion has fuelled popular outrage against the country's top political leaders and security agencies, and led to the resignation of the government on Monday.

An international donor conference on Sunday&nbsp;raised pledges worth nearly $298 million for immediate humanitarian relief, but foreign countries are demanding transparency over how the aid is used.

The massive blast at Beirut port on August 4 caused more than $15 billion in damages, Lebanese President Michel Aoun said Wednesday. Also read- Beirut: Death toll rises to 171 as Lebanon marks one week since deadly blast "Preliminary estimates of the losses suffered following the port explosion top 15 billion," he was quoted as telling Spain's King Felipe in a phone call, in a message on the presidency's Twitter account.

The massive blast at Beirut port on August 4 caused more than $15 billion in damages, Lebanese President Michel Aoun said Wednesday. Also read- Beirut: Death toll rises to 171 as Lebanon marks one week since deadly blast "Preliminary estimates of the losses suffered following the port explosion top 15 billion," he was quoted as telling Spain's King Felipe in a phone call, in a message on the presidency's Twitter account. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron warned Iran against interference in Lebanon. Also see: Beirut blast: Places where ammonium nitrate is being stored around the world During a telephone call to President Hassan Rouhani, the French president said "necessity for all the powers concerned... to avoid any outside interference and to support the putting in place of a government which can manage the emergency." The death toll from the explosion has reached 171, while more than 6,000 have been wounded and 300,000 people have been temporarily displaced from their homes. It was caused by the ignition of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate that had been sitting at Beirut port for more than six years. The explosion has fuelled popular outrage against the country's top political leaders and security agencies, and led to the resignation of the government on Monday. An international donor conference on Sunday raised pledges worth nearly $298 million for immediate humanitarian relief, but foreign countries are demanding transparency over how the aid is used.

Macron warns Iran over interference as Lebanon President claims blast damage cost $15 billion

The Nepal government has given local administrations the authority to decide on restrictions and lockdown measures as the country's coronavirus tally on Wednesday jumped to 24,432 with 484 new cases.

Finance and Information and Communication Minister Yubaraj Khatiwada said the districts with more than 200 active cases of coronavirus can impose necessary restrictions, the Kathmandu Post reported.

The government has extended the suspension of domestic and international flights until August 31 due to the spike in coronavirus cases in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-nepal-should-support-each-others-core-interests-chinese-official-320051" hreflang="en">China, Nepal should support each other's core interests: Chinese official</a>

It had partially lifted the lockdown 120 days after it was first enforced on March 24 to contain the spread of COVID-19.

All educational institutions, including schools, colleges, tuition centres and training centres will remain closed. No date for their opening has been announced.

The government on July 20 had said schools could take admissions from August 17 but according to the announcement on Tuesday this has been pushed back by 15 days.

Restaurants have been limited to takeaway services and all non-essential services like salons, shopping malls, theatres must remain closed, according to the new government directive after a Cabinet meeting on Monday.

The Cabinet meeting also decided to reduce the designated entry points for people entering Nepal from India to 10 from existing 20 in view of the spread of COVID-19 due to unchecked cross-border movement.

According to the Health Ministry, there are currently 7,613 coronavirus patients undergoing treatment at different isolation centres across the country.

The country's coronavirus death toll has reached 91 as eight more patients died in the past 24 hours, the Health Ministry said.

The Nepal government has given local administrations the authority to decide on restrictions and lockdown measures as the country's coronavirus tally on Wednesday jumped to 24,432 with 484 new cases.

The Nepal government has given local administrations the authority to decide on restrictions and lockdown measures as the country's coronavirus tally on Wednesday jumped to 24,432 with 484 new cases. Finance and Information and Communication Minister Yubaraj Khatiwada said the districts with more than 200 active cases of coronavirus can impose necessary restrictions, the Kathmandu Post reported. The government has extended the suspension of domestic and international flights until August 31 due to the spike in coronavirus cases in the country. Also read: China, Nepal should support each other's core interests: Chinese official It had partially lifted the lockdown 120 days after it was first enforced on March 24 to contain the spread of COVID-19. All educational institutions, including schools, colleges, tuition centres and training centres will remain closed. No date for their opening has been announced. The government on July 20 had said schools could take admissions from August 17 but according to the announcement on Tuesday this has been pushed back by 15 days. Restaurants have been limited to takeaway services and all non-essential services like salons, shopping malls, theatres must remain closed, according to the new government directive after a Cabinet meeting on Monday. The Cabinet meeting also decided to reduce the designated entry points for people entering Nepal from India to 10 from existing 20 in view of the spread of COVID-19 due to unchecked cross-border movement. According to the Health Ministry, there are currently 7,613 coronavirus patients undergoing treatment at different isolation centres across the country. The country's coronavirus death toll has reached 91 as eight more patients died in the past 24 hours, the Health Ministry said.

Nepal's coronavirus tally jumps to 24,432 with 484 new cases

China and Nepal should firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns, a senior Chinese official said on Wednesday as the two countries held their annual diplomatic consultations.

The 13th round of diplomatic consultations between China's Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui and Nepal's Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi via video conferencing came amidst Beijing's deepening political and diplomatic influence in the Himalayan nation, including shoring-up support for pro-China Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli in the backdrop of intra-party feud in the ruling communist party.

Luo said that the two sides should focus on implementing the outcomes of last year's Nepal visit of President Xi Jinping, strengthening cooperation in fighting COVID-19 and jointly building the "One Belt One Road" initiative.

A pet project of Xi, the initiative focuses on improving connectivity and cooperation among Asian countries, Africa, China and Europe.

The two sides should firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns, strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs, and promote greater development of bilateral relations in such areas as connectivity, development assistance, defence, law enforcement and security, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

China's investments under its multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) include the building of the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network through Tibet.

China's high-profile projects include the construction of tunnels along the road from Jilong in Tibet to Kathmandu, establishment of a science and technology university in Nepal, development of the three North-South corridors in Nepal and the Nepal-China electric power cooperation.

According to a recent article by Nepal's ambassador to China Mahendra Bahadur Pandey in Chinese official media, plans are afoot on some of the landmark projects in the areas of infrastructure, industry and education that were agreed to be initiated in Nepal during Xi's visit.

Last month for the first-time, China held its first foreign ministers level meeting with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal during which they discussed cooperation to contain COVID-19, economic recovery and resumption of the BRI projects.

Bairagi said Nepal will continue to firmly adhere to the ?One-China' policy and support China's positions on issues concerning Taiwan, Tibet and Hong Kong, the statement added.&nbsp;

China and Nepal should firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns, a senior Chinese official said on Wednesday as the two countries held their annual diplomatic consultations.

China and Nepal should firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns, a senior Chinese official said on Wednesday as the two countries held their annual diplomatic consultations. The 13th round of diplomatic consultations between China's Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui and Nepal's Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi via video conferencing came amidst Beijing's deepening political and diplomatic influence in the Himalayan nation, including shoring-up support for pro-China Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli in the backdrop of intra-party feud in the ruling communist party. Luo said that the two sides should focus on implementing the outcomes of last year's Nepal visit of President Xi Jinping, strengthening cooperation in fighting COVID-19 and jointly building the "One Belt One Road" initiative. A pet project of Xi, the initiative focuses on improving connectivity and cooperation among Asian countries, Africa, China and Europe. The two sides should firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns, strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs, and promote greater development of bilateral relations in such areas as connectivity, development assistance, defence, law enforcement and security, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement. China's investments under its multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) include the building of the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network through Tibet. China's high-profile projects include the construction of tunnels along the road from Jilong in Tibet to Kathmandu, establishment of a science and technology university in Nepal, development of the three North-South corridors in Nepal and the Nepal-China electric power cooperation. According to a recent article by Nepal's ambassador to China Mahendra Bahadur Pandey in Chinese official media, plans are afoot on some of the landmark projects in the areas of infrastructure, industry and education that were agreed to be initiated in Nepal during Xi's visit. Last month for the first-time, China held its first foreign ministers level meeting with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal during which they discussed cooperation to contain COVID-19, economic recovery and resumption of the BRI projects. Bairagi said Nepal will continue to firmly adhere to the ?One-China' policy and support China's positions on issues concerning Taiwan, Tibet and Hong Kong, the statement added.

China, Nepal should support each other's core interests: Chinese official

An ecological catastrophe is unfolding in Mauritius and at the centre of it is a Japanese bulk carrier which has spilt more than a 1,000 tonnes of oil into the waters of the&nbsp;island nation.

Mauritius avoided a second catastrophic oil spill Wednesday after salvage crews pumped the remaining fuel from the tanks of a cargo ship that ran aground off its coast.

On Tuesday, volunteers fished out scores of dead eels dripping in oil in a bid to skim the oil off the surface in what is&nbsp;considered the most pristine beaches in the Indian Ocean. An estimated 1,000 tonnes of oil is currently in the ocean, and more expected to flow in as the ship nears breaking point.

The country had declared a “state of environmental emergency” last week after the incident. Satellite images released showed a thick oil slick appear all around the area where the ship is currently lying.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-show-mv-wakashio-leaking-oil-off-the-coast-of-mauritius-319057">Satellite images show MV Wakashio leaking oil off the coast of Mauritius</a>

The latest data analysis has revealed that the oil slick has expanded 10 times its originals size&nbsp;spreading over 11 and a half kilometers.

Volunteers and environmentalists have intensified rescue efforts. France has dispatched a naval vessel and military aircraft to&nbsp;stabilise the bulk carrier and pump 4,000 tonnes of fuel from the Indian ocean.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-deploys-teams-to-mauritius-as-oil-spill-disaster-worsens-319105">France deploys teams to Mauritius as oil spill disaster worsens</a>

The archipelago is preparing for the worst after the ship's operator, Mitsui Osk Lines confirmed that the crack in the ship's hull has widened. It now risks breaking into two, resulting in an environmental catastrophe.

He said&nbsp;"the ship is about to break and we expected. It could have broken up already last night but it's still holding. But what we've learned is that it is still been held back by only the top metal plate that covers the surface of the ship and that this is fully cracked on the sides.''

''So there are still 600 tones of heavy fuel oil inside of it. And should the ship break, we would need to be prepared to absorb all this oil,'' he added.

If sufficent and necessary measures are not taken to rectify the situation, the oil spill is bound to go out of hands.

An ecological catastrophe is unfolding in Mauritius and at the centre of it is a Japanese bulk carrier which has spilt more than a 1,000 tonnes of oil into the waters of the island nation.

An ecological catastrophe is unfolding in Mauritius and at the centre of it is a Japanese bulk carrier which has spilt more than a 1,000 tonnes of oil into the waters of the island nation. Mauritius avoided a second catastrophic oil spill Wednesday after salvage crews pumped the remaining fuel from the tanks of a cargo ship that ran aground off its coast. On Tuesday, volunteers fished out scores of dead eels dripping in oil in a bid to skim the oil off the surface in what is considered the most pristine beaches in the Indian Ocean. An estimated 1,000 tonnes of oil is currently in the ocean, and more expected to flow in as the ship nears breaking point. The country had declared a “state of environmental emergency” last week after the incident. Satellite images released showed a thick oil slick appear all around the area where the ship is currently lying. Also see: Satellite images show MV Wakashio leaking oil off the coast of Mauritius The latest data analysis has revealed that the oil slick has expanded 10 times its originals size spreading over 11 and a half kilometers. Volunteers and environmentalists have intensified rescue efforts. France has dispatched a naval vessel and military aircraft to stabilise the bulk carrier and pump 4,000 tonnes of fuel from the Indian ocean. Also read: France deploys teams to Mauritius as oil spill disaster worsens The archipelago is preparing for the worst after the ship's operator, Mitsui Osk Lines confirmed that the crack in the ship's hull has widened. It now risks breaking into two, resulting in an environmental catastrophe. He said "the ship is about to break and we expected. It could have broken up already last night but it's still holding. But what we've learned is that it is still been held back by only the top metal plate that covers the surface of the ship and that this is fully cracked on the sides.'' ''So there are still 600 tones of heavy fuel oil inside of it. And should the ship break, we would need to be prepared to absorb all this oil,'' he added. If sufficent and necessary measures are not taken to rectify the situation, the oil spill is bound to go out of hands.

Amid environmental emergency, Mauritius oil spill expands 10 times its original size

A passenger train derailed in northeast&nbsp;Scotland&nbsp;on Wednesday, with reports of "serious injuries" in what First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described as "an extremely serious incident".

&nbsp;"I've had an initial report from Network Rail and the emergency services and am being kept updated. All my thoughts are with those involved,"&nbsp;she said.

<img alt="Nicola" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="71433c5c-fb85-4d0b-892c-aa292d0958da" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture%2054.PNG" />

The crash, close to the town of Stonehaven around 25 kilometres&nbsp;south of Aberdeen, followed severe flooding across parts of the region overnight.&nbsp;At least three people died after carriages overturned and piled on top of each other on a steep wooded slope

<img alt="Scotland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1222ceb0-64e2-4ada-abfe-a3fb77b65dc5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2830%29_8.jpg" />

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also took to twitter to express his grief and condolences to the victims of the accident.

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I am saddened to learn of the very serious incident in Aberdeenshire and my thoughts are with all of those affected. My thanks to the emergency services at the scene.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1293512901140123648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Video footage on social media showed smoke rising from the scene on the east coast of the country. Some 30 emergency vehicles were attending the scene of the derailment which happened at 9:40am.

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Firefighters and paramedics rushed after reports of serious injuries following a train derailment in near Stonehaven in Scotland. Over 30 emergency vehicles are at the scene. WION's London Bureau chief <a href="https://twitter.com/IntrepidMandy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IntrepidMandy</a> joins with the latest<a href="https://twitter.com/alysonle?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alysonle</a> <a href="https://t.co/bjYuGXKmId">pic.twitter.com/bjYuGXKmId</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1293551814348910592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Network Rail&nbsp;Scotland, the company which looks after the rail infrastructure, said it was working alongside emergency services.

"It is too early to confirm the exact nature and severity of the incident and more details will be made available once known," it said.

Local MP Andrew Bowie said a "major emergency service response" was underway and he had spoken to the British transport minister, Grant Shapps, about the incident.

"Thoughts with every single person involved," tweeted Bowie.

Thunderstorms and torrential rain had battered parts of central and eastern&nbsp;Scotland&nbsp;overnight.

A passenger train derailed in northeast Scotland on Wednesday, with reports of "serious injuries" in what First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described as "an extremely serious incident".

A passenger train derailed in northeast Scotland on Wednesday, with reports of "serious injuries" in what First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described as "an extremely serious incident". "I've had an initial report from Network Rail and the emergency services and am being kept updated. All my thoughts are with those involved," she said. The crash, close to the town of Stonehaven around 25 kilometres south of Aberdeen, followed severe flooding across parts of the region overnight. At least three people died after carriages overturned and piled on top of each other on a steep wooded slope British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also took to twitter to express his grief and condolences to the victims of the accident. I am saddened to learn of the very serious incident in Aberdeenshire and my thoughts are with all of those affected. My thanks to the emergency services at the scene. — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) August 12, 2020 × Video footage on social media showed smoke rising from the scene on the east coast of the country. Some 30 emergency vehicles were attending the scene of the derailment which happened at 9:40am. Firefighters and paramedics rushed after reports of serious injuries following a train derailment in near Stonehaven in Scotland. Over 30 emergency vehicles are at the scene. WION's London Bureau chief @IntrepidMandy joins with the latest@alysonle pic.twitter.com/bjYuGXKmId — WION (@WIONews) August 12, 2020 × Network Rail Scotland, the company which looks after the rail infrastructure, said it was working alongside emergency services. "It is too early to confirm the exact nature and severity of the incident and more details will be made available once known," it said. Local MP Andrew Bowie said a "major emergency service response" was underway and he had spoken to the British transport minister, Grant Shapps, about the incident. "Thoughts with every single person involved," tweeted Bowie. Thunderstorms and torrential rain had battered parts of central and eastern Scotland overnight.

Three deaths and 'serious injuries' reported after Scottish train derails during storms

Singapore began destroying nine tonnes of seized ivory Tuesday, the largest such action globally in recent years, including contraband tusks that came from more than 300 African elephants.

The destruction by an industrial rock crusher was held on the eve of World&nbsp;Elephant&nbsp;Day, and aims to prevent the items from re-entering the market and disrupt the global supply chain of illegally traded ivory, Singapore's National Parks Board said.

In the event, streamed online, workers in hard hats were seen emptying trolley-loads of tusks into a skip where they were then pulverised by an industrial rock crusher.

<img alt="Elephant" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="403079e4-e45d-4510-8f91-250c5a0ffe9a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2836%29_12.jpg" />

Ivory, seized from various shipments in past years, is crushed by the National Parks Board (NParks) at a facility in Singapore

The crushing process may take several days and the fragments will then be incinerated.

"The destruction of the ivory... will prevent it from re-entering the market and will disrupt the global supply chain of illegally traded ivory," the National Parks Board said of the event.

An estimated 100 African&nbsp;elephants are killed every day by poachers seeking ivory, meat and body parts, leaving only 400,000 remaining, environmentalists estimate. A large chunk of the demand for ivory comes from Asian countries such as China and Vietnam, where it is turned into jewels and ornaments.

As well as taking a tough stance on transited products, Singapore said last year it would ban the domestic trade in ivory from September 2021.

"Elephant&nbsp;poaching is at crisis levels in Asia and Africa due to the illegal trade," said R. Raghunathan, CEO of World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore.

Raghunathan said the city-state's ivory crush and other initiatives underlined its determination to "stamp out the illicit transit of wildlife products through Singapore".

Neighbouring Malaysia destroyed 9.55 tonnes of seized&nbsp;elephant&nbsp;tusks in 2016.

Singapore began destroying nine tonnes of seized ivory Tuesday, the largest such action globally in recent years, including contraband tusks that came from more than 300 African elephants.

Singapore began destroying nine tonnes of seized ivory Tuesday, the largest such action globally in recent years, including contraband tusks that came from more than 300 African elephants. The destruction by an industrial rock crusher was held on the eve of World Elephant Day, and aims to prevent the items from re-entering the market and disrupt the global supply chain of illegally traded ivory, Singapore's National Parks Board said. In the event, streamed online, workers in hard hats were seen emptying trolley-loads of tusks into a skip where they were then pulverised by an industrial rock crusher. Ivory, seized from various shipments in past years, is crushed by the National Parks Board (NParks) at a facility in Singapore The crushing process may take several days and the fragments will then be incinerated. "The destruction of the ivory... will prevent it from re-entering the market and will disrupt the global supply chain of illegally traded ivory," the National Parks Board said of the event. An estimated 100 African elephants are killed every day by poachers seeking ivory, meat and body parts, leaving only 400,000 remaining, environmentalists estimate. A large chunk of the demand for ivory comes from Asian countries such as China and Vietnam, where it is turned into jewels and ornaments. As well as taking a tough stance on transited products, Singapore said last year it would ban the domestic trade in ivory from September 2021. "Elephant poaching is at crisis levels in Asia and Africa due to the illegal trade," said R. Raghunathan, CEO of World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore. Raghunathan said the city-state's ivory crush and other initiatives underlined its determination to "stamp out the illicit transit of wildlife products through Singapore". Neighbouring Malaysia destroyed 9.55 tonnes of seized elephant tusks in 2016.

Singapore crushes massive ivory haul on eve of World Elephant Day

Viacom and CBS Chairman Emeritus Sumner Redstone, the media mogul who took his father's movie theater chain and built it into an empire that included Paramount Pictures, CBS and MTV, has died at 97, ViacomCBS and National Amusements said on Wednesday.

Redstone grew his company from a modest drive-in movie chain and maintained leadership of the enterprise and prominence in the media industry well into his 80s.

Redstone, as executive chairman of both Viacom Inc and CBS Corp, had controlled the two companies through privately held National Amusements. But in his early 90s, the state of Redstone's physical and mental health set off an avalanche of corporate maneuvering over his media holdings that resulted in him stepping down in 2016 as executive chairman of both companies.

CBS and Viacom were combined from 2000 to 2006, when Redstone separated them in an attempt to unleash the value of Viacom's cable channels.

Viacom and CBS Chairman Emeritus Sumner Redstone, the media mogul who took his father's movie theater chain and built it into an empire that included Paramount Pictures, CBS and MTV, has died at 97, ViacomCBS and National Amusements said on Wednesday.

Viacom and CBS Chairman Emeritus Sumner Redstone, the media mogul who took his father's movie theater chain and built it into an empire that included Paramount Pictures, CBS and MTV, has died at 97, ViacomCBS and National Amusements said on Wednesday. Redstone grew his company from a modest drive-in movie chain and maintained leadership of the enterprise and prominence in the media industry well into his 80s. Redstone, as executive chairman of both Viacom Inc and CBS Corp, had controlled the two companies through privately held National Amusements. But in his early 90s, the state of Redstone's physical and mental health set off an avalanche of corporate maneuvering over his media holdings that resulted in him stepping down in 2016 as executive chairman of both companies. CBS and Viacom were combined from 2000 to 2006, when Redstone separated them in an attempt to unleash the value of Viacom's cable channels.

Billionaire Sumner Redstone, media mogul who headed Viacom, dead at 97

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