Pakistan on Tuesday claimed "success" against the coronavirus pandemic, saying the virus outbreak was controlled in the country due to "concrete measures" taken by the government through its trace, test and quarantine (TTQ) strategy and "smart lockdown" policy.

Planning Minister Asad Umar, talking to the media, said the TTQ strategy was effectively used to reduce the new cases and fatalities.

However, he warned that the threat was not over and people should follow instruction as all sectors were reopened in the country except educational institutions and marriage halls.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-rolls-back-social-distancing-restrictions-as-virus-counts-drop-319617" hreflang="en">Pakistan rolls back social distancing restrictions as virus counts drop</a>

''Till now, we have traced 1.1 million people through this system and tested more than one million. More than 100,000 cases of the country's positive cases were identified through it. These people benefited from early treatment and took precautions so the virus did not spread,''&nbsp;he said.

Umar said that the government on average reached 10.8 people from one contact and contained the spread. He said the TTQ system of Pakistan was truly, world-class,&nbsp;and can be compared to South Korea's system.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-over-6000-trees-were-uprooted-post-pak-pms-biggest-planting-campaign-319550" hreflang="en">Why over 6,000 trees were uprooted post Pak PM's 'biggest planting campaign'</a>

Pakistan has recorded 285,620 coronavirus cases and 6,120 fatalities due to COVID-19 so far.

Sindh province registered maximum 124,556 cases, Punjab 94,586, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 34,755, Islamabad 15,281, Balochistan 11,921, Gilgit-Baltistan 2,371 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 2,150 cases.

The minister said that the smart lockdown strategy had been helpful to reduce the spread of the infection. He said now the policy was to move towards ?micro smart lockdowns?, which aimed to put under lockdown only a small group of houses.

Our government enforced more than 2,350 smart lockdowns. At least 85 smart lockdowns in 20 districts are still in place. We are going towards micro smart lockdowns," he said.

The minister also thanked the people for helping the government to combat the threat of the virus but asked them to follow the standard operating procedures as resurgence of the virus would badly impact the economy

Pakistan on Tuesday claimed "success" against the coronavirus pandemic, saying the virus outbreak was controlled in the country due to "concrete measures" taken by the government through its trace, test and quarantine (TTQ) strategy and "smart lockdown" policy.

Pakistan on Tuesday claimed "success" against the coronavirus pandemic, saying the virus outbreak was controlled in the country due to "concrete measures" taken by the government through its trace, test and quarantine (TTQ) strategy and "smart lockdown" policy. Planning Minister Asad Umar, talking to the media, said the TTQ strategy was effectively used to reduce the new cases and fatalities. However, he warned that the threat was not over and people should follow instruction as all sectors were reopened in the country except educational institutions and marriage halls. Also read: Pakistan rolls back social distancing restrictions as virus counts drop ''Till now, we have traced 1.1 million people through this system and tested more than one million. More than 100,000 cases of the country's positive cases were identified through it. These people benefited from early treatment and took precautions so the virus did not spread,'' he said. Umar said that the government on average reached 10.8 people from one contact and contained the spread. He said the TTQ system of Pakistan was truly, world-class, and can be compared to South Korea's system. Also read: Why over 6,000 trees were uprooted post Pak PM's 'biggest planting campaign' Pakistan has recorded 285,620 coronavirus cases and 6,120 fatalities due to COVID-19 so far. Sindh province registered maximum 124,556 cases, Punjab 94,586, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 34,755, Islamabad 15,281, Balochistan 11,921, Gilgit-Baltistan 2,371 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 2,150 cases. The minister said that the smart lockdown strategy had been helpful to reduce the spread of the infection. He said now the policy was to move towards ?micro smart lockdowns?, which aimed to put under lockdown only a small group of houses. Our government enforced more than 2,350 smart lockdowns. At least 85 smart lockdowns in 20 districts are still in place. We are going towards micro smart lockdowns," he said. The minister also thanked the people for helping the government to combat the threat of the virus but asked them to follow the standard operating procedures as resurgence of the virus would badly impact the economy

Pak claims 'concrete' measures lead to 'success' against coronavirus pandemic

A powerful bomb targeting an anti-drug force ripped through a market in a restive Pakistani town bordering Afghanistan, killing six people, including a paramilitary soldier, and injuring 22 others.

The blast occurred on Monday evening at the Haji Nida market of Chaman town in the volatile Balochistan province, according to police.

Six to seven kilogram of explosives were planted in a motorcycle parked on the roadside and set off by a remote control device, a police official said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-rolls-back-social-distancing-restrictions-as-virus-counts-drop-319617" hreflang="en">Pakistan rolls back social distancing restrictions as virus counts drop</a>

At least six people, including a Frontier Corps soldier, were killed and 22 others injured in the blast, the official said.

The wounded have been shifted to the Civil Hospital. Ten of the injured were in critical condition, he said. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

"It appears to be an act of terrorism and is aimed at creating panic and fear in Chaman,&nbsp;the official said.

According to a report in the Dawn newspaper, the explosion targetted a vehicle of the Anti-Narcotics Force.

Window panes of several shops and houses in the vicinity were shattered due to the impact of the explosion.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a statement posted on the PM Office's Twitter account, condemned the incident and expressed grief for the lives lost.

Meanwhile, in another incident in Hub town in Balochistan province on Monday, an explosion at a gas station left eight people including, four FC soldiers, injured.

Militants and separatists belonging to the banned outfits have stepped up terror attacks in Balochistan in recent weeks.

At least one person was killed and six others were injured after an explosion in Turbat bazaar on July 21.

Earlier in May, seven soldiers, including a junior commissioned officer, were killed in a bomb blast and an exchange of fire with militants.

In April, two Pakistan Army soldiers were killed and two others injured in a bomb blast that took place in Toba Achakzai area of Qila Abdullah, a district bordering Afghanistan.

A powerful bomb targeting an anti-drug force ripped through a market in a restive Pakistani town bordering Afghanistan, killing six people, including a paramilitary soldier, and injuring 22 others.

A powerful bomb targeting an anti-drug force ripped through a market in a restive Pakistani town bordering Afghanistan, killing six people, including a paramilitary soldier, and injuring 22 others. The blast occurred on Monday evening at the Haji Nida market of Chaman town in the volatile Balochistan province, according to police. Six to seven kilogram of explosives were planted in a motorcycle parked on the roadside and set off by a remote control device, a police official said. Also read: Pakistan rolls back social distancing restrictions as virus counts drop At least six people, including a Frontier Corps soldier, were killed and 22 others injured in the blast, the official said. The wounded have been shifted to the Civil Hospital. Ten of the injured were in critical condition, he said. No group claimed responsibility for the attack. "It appears to be an act of terrorism and is aimed at creating panic and fear in Chaman, the official said. According to a report in the Dawn newspaper, the explosion targetted a vehicle of the Anti-Narcotics Force. Window panes of several shops and houses in the vicinity were shattered due to the impact of the explosion. Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a statement posted on the PM Office's Twitter account, condemned the incident and expressed grief for the lives lost. Meanwhile, in another incident in Hub town in Balochistan province on Monday, an explosion at a gas station left eight people including, four FC soldiers, injured. Militants and separatists belonging to the banned outfits have stepped up terror attacks in Balochistan in recent weeks. At least one person was killed and six others were injured after an explosion in Turbat bazaar on July 21. Earlier in May, seven soldiers, including a junior commissioned officer, were killed in a bomb blast and an exchange of fire with militants. In April, two Pakistan Army soldiers were killed and two others injured in a bomb blast that took place in Toba Achakzai area of Qila Abdullah, a district bordering Afghanistan.

6 killed, 22 injured in blast in Pakistan town bordering Afghanistan

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has lauded Russia's efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine and is willing to personally participate in trials, as he welcomed a supply offer from Moscow that he expects will be free of charge.

Russia on Tuesday became the first country in the world to grant regulatory approval for a COVID-19 vaccine, paving the way for mass domestic inoculation even as the final stage of clinical trials continue.

Russia has offered to supply or co-manufacture the vaccine in the Philippines, which said it was ready to work with Moscow on trials, supply and production.

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>

The Philippines has among Asia's highest case numbers, which rose by 2,987 to 139,538 on Tuesday.

"I will tell President (Vladimir) Putin that I have huge trust in your studies in combating COVID and I believe that the vaccine that you have produced is really good for humanity," Duterte said late on Monday.

The global race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine has raised concern that speed and national prestige could compromise safety.

To allay public fears, Duterte offered to be a guinea pig and said: "I can be the first they can experiment on."

In July, he made a plea to his Chinese counterpart to make the Philippines a priority if it develops a vaccine, amid concern in developing countries about availability.

He has restored a strict lockdown in and around the capital Manila as medical frontliners sought a "timeout" to control surging infections.

Speaking on Monday, when a record 6,958 new infections were reported, Duterte said he would deploy soldiers to enforce the lockdown if the situation becomes a "runaway contagion".

The lockdown has been among the world's longest and toughest and Duterte's opponents and rights groups have voiced concern about his security-centred approach and the conduct of police.

Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday said a comprehensive health-centred strategy should be adopted urgently, otherwise "our health infrastructure could collapse".

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has lauded Russia's efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine and is willing to personally participate in trials, as he welcomed a supply offer from Moscow that he expects will be free of charge.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has lauded Russia's efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine and is willing to personally participate in trials, as he welcomed a supply offer from Moscow that he expects will be free of charge. Russia on Tuesday became the first country in the world to grant regulatory approval for a COVID-19 vaccine, paving the way for mass domestic inoculation even as the final stage of clinical trials continue. Russia has offered to supply or co-manufacture the vaccine in the Philippines, which said it was ready to work with Moscow on trials, supply and production. Also read: Russia has developed world's 'first' coronavirus vaccine: Putin The Philippines has among Asia's highest case numbers, which rose by 2,987 to 139,538 on Tuesday. "I will tell President (Vladimir) Putin that I have huge trust in your studies in combating COVID and I believe that the vaccine that you have produced is really good for humanity," Duterte said late on Monday. The global race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine has raised concern that speed and national prestige could compromise safety. To allay public fears, Duterte offered to be a guinea pig and said: "I can be the first they can experiment on." In July, he made a plea to his Chinese counterpart to make the Philippines a priority if it develops a vaccine, amid concern in developing countries about availability. He has restored a strict lockdown in and around the capital Manila as medical frontliners sought a "timeout" to control surging infections. Speaking on Monday, when a record 6,958 new infections were reported, Duterte said he would deploy soldiers to enforce the lockdown if the situation becomes a "runaway contagion". The lockdown has been among the world's longest and toughest and Duterte's opponents and rights groups have voiced concern about his security-centred approach and the conduct of police. Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday said a comprehensive health-centred strategy should be adopted urgently, otherwise "our health infrastructure could collapse".

Philippines' Duterte has 'huge trust' in Russia vaccine, volunteers for trial

An employee of&nbsp;BP&nbsp;Plc's&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;refinery who was&nbsp;fired&nbsp;last year for mocking management online using a well-known meme of Adolf&nbsp;Hitler&nbsp;has been awarded more than A$200,000 ($143,100) in&nbsp;compensation.

BP&nbsp;fired&nbsp;technician Scott Tracey from its Kwinana refinery in January 2019 for breaching its code of conduct after he posted a video to a staff Facebook group using a widely used clip from the movie Der Untergang (Downfall), showing&nbsp;Hitler&nbsp;ranting on the brink of losing World War Two.

Tracey appealed, and the Fair Work Commission (FWC) ruled earlier this year that he had been unfairly dismissed, paving the way for him to return to work. And in May,&nbsp;BP&nbsp;lost an appeal in the Federal Court against the FWC ruling.

<img alt="Hitler" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a3a40ffd-8f03-4433-9521-66206fe3a046" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_111069433_10819350-3x2-940x627-1.jpg" />

&nbsp;

In picture: Actor Bruno Ganz in the movie Downfall that Tracey's wife used to create her meme video.

The FWC, on Monday, awarded Tracey A$201,394 to cover lost earnings.

In a statement on Tuesday&nbsp;BP&nbsp;said it was reviewing the FWC decision.

The video, which the company had said it considered "highly offensive and inappropriate", had captions showing&nbsp;Hitler&nbsp;as an unnamed&nbsp;BP&nbsp;manager enraged about&nbsp;workers rejecting a pay deal.

Tracey had posted the video on a Facebook page for&nbsp;BP's refinery employees and shared it with some workmates.

The&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;Workers Union (AWU), which represented Tracey, welcomed the latest FWC decision.

"While it doesn't make up for the completely unnecessary drama and heartache Mr. Tracey has been dragged through, we are satisfied with the Commission's ruling," AWU Western Australia Secretary Brad&nbsp;Gandy&nbsp;said in a statement.

"In addition to winning the appeal and successfully gaining back our member's job, we have now secured the money our member deserves."

An employee of BP Plc's Australian refinery who was fired last year for mocking management online using a well-known meme of Adolf Hitler has been awarded more than A$200,000 ($143,100) in compensation.

An employee of BP Plc's Australian refinery who was fired last year for mocking management online using a well-known meme of Adolf Hitler has been awarded more than A$200,000 ($143,100) in compensation. BP fired technician Scott Tracey from its Kwinana refinery in January 2019 for breaching its code of conduct after he posted a video to a staff Facebook group using a widely used clip from the movie Der Untergang (Downfall), showing Hitler ranting on the brink of losing World War Two. Tracey appealed, and the Fair Work Commission (FWC) ruled earlier this year that he had been unfairly dismissed, paving the way for him to return to work. And in May, BP lost an appeal in the Federal Court against the FWC ruling. In picture: Actor Bruno Ganz in the movie Downfall that Tracey's wife used to create her meme video. The FWC, on Monday, awarded Tracey A$201,394 to cover lost earnings. In a statement on Tuesday BP said it was reviewing the FWC decision. The video, which the company had said it considered "highly offensive and inappropriate", had captions showing Hitler as an unnamed BP manager enraged about workers rejecting a pay deal. Tracey had posted the video on a Facebook page for BP's refinery employees and shared it with some workmates. The Australian Workers Union (AWU), which represented Tracey, welcomed the latest FWC decision. "While it doesn't make up for the completely unnecessary drama and heartache Mr. Tracey has been dragged through, we are satisfied with the Commission's ruling," AWU Western Australia Secretary Brad Gandy said in a statement. "In addition to winning the appeal and successfully gaining back our member's job, we have now secured the money our member deserves."

Downfall: BP worker sacked for Hitler meme wins $200,000 in compensation

Iranian authorities have arrested five&nbsp;Iranians on charges of spying for Israel, Britain and Germany, convicting and handing down prison sentences on at least two of them, the judiciary said on Tuesday.

"In recent months, five&nbsp;Iranians who were spying for foreign intelligence services have been arrested," judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said in a virtual news conference.

One of the convicts, Massud Mossaheb, had been "spying for (Israeli spy agency) Mossad and Germany in the guise" of the general secretary of the Austrian-Iranian Society.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-nuclear-deal-at-risk-as-un-council-prepares-to-vote-on-arms-embargo-319607" hreflang="en">Iran nuclear deal at risk as UN council prepares to vote on arms embargo</a>

Speaking to state television, he said the second man, Shahram Shirkhani, spied for British intelligence services and tried to recruit some&nbsp;Iranian officials for Britain's MI6 agency.

Shirkhani had passed on classified information about&nbsp;Iran's Central Bank and Defence Ministry contracts, he said. He has been convicted and received a prison sentence.&nbsp;He gave no details on the other three detainees.

In July, Iran executed Reza Asgari, a former defense ministry employee convicted of spying on behalf of the Central Intelligence Agency, and also Mahmoud Mousavi Majd, a member of the Revolutionary Guard convicted of providing information to the United States and Israel about the top Guard general who was later killed in a US&nbsp;Drone strike in Baghdad in January.

In June, Iran hanged Jalal Hajizavar, also a former staffer of the defense ministry, after he had admitted in court he was paid to spy for the CIA.

And in 2016, Iran executed a nuclear scientist convicted of spying for the United States.&nbsp;

Iranian authorities have arrested five Iranians on charges of spying for Israel, Britain and Germany, convicting and handing down prison sentences on at least two of them, the judiciary said on Tuesday.

Iranian authorities have arrested five Iranians on charges of spying for Israel, Britain and Germany, convicting and handing down prison sentences on at least two of them, the judiciary said on Tuesday. "In recent months, five Iranians who were spying for foreign intelligence services have been arrested," judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said in a virtual news conference. One of the convicts, Massud Mossaheb, had been "spying for (Israeli spy agency) Mossad and Germany in the guise" of the general secretary of the Austrian-Iranian Society. Also read: Iran nuclear deal at risk as UN council prepares to vote on arms embargo Speaking to state television, he said the second man, Shahram Shirkhani, spied for British intelligence services and tried to recruit some Iranian officials for Britain's MI6 agency. Shirkhani had passed on classified information about Iran's Central Bank and Defence Ministry contracts, he said. He has been convicted and received a prison sentence. He gave no details on the other three detainees. In July, Iran executed Reza Asgari, a former defense ministry employee convicted of spying on behalf of the Central Intelligence Agency, and also Mahmoud Mousavi Majd, a member of the Revolutionary Guard convicted of providing information to the United States and Israel about the top Guard general who was later killed in a US Drone strike in Baghdad in January. In June, Iran hanged Jalal Hajizavar, also a former staffer of the defense ministry, after he had admitted in court he was paid to spy for the CIA. And in 2016, Iran executed a nuclear scientist convicted of spying for the United States.

Iran: Two people convicted of spying for Israel, Germany, Britain

'Unspeakable horror': The tale of attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

The family of a French woman murdered in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;said Saturday they could not accept the release of her killers as Kabul and the Taliban discuss freeing 400 prisoners as part of a peace deal.

Bettina Goislard was working for the UN refugee agency when she was killed in 2003 in Ghazni, south of Kabul, by two men who are on the list of Taliban prisoners held by the Afghan government and may be set free.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chaos-erupts-as-afghanistan-holds-meeting-to-decide-fate-of-talibani-prisoners-318905" hreflang="en">Chaos erupts as Afghanistan holds meeting to decide fate of Talibani prisoners</a>

"Such a decision to free (them) made on the basis of horse-trading would be, to us, her family, inconceivable," Bettina's parents, brother and sister said in a statement to AFP.

"It would be a denial of the judicial process which saw her killers, arrested in the act and whose guilt has never been in doubt, convicted in an Afghan court," the statement said.

On Friday, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani urged thousands of prominent citizens gathered in a Loya Jirga assembly to decide whether to release about 400 Taliban prisoners, including many involved in attacks that killed scores of Afghans and foreigners.

The prisoners' fate is a crucial hurdle in launching peace talks between the two warring sides, which have committed to completing a prisoner exchange beforehand.

The Afghan government has already released almost 5,000 Taliban inmates but has baulked at freeing the final prisoners demanded by the Taliban.

As well as Bettina's two killers, there are some 150 others who have been sentenced to death for serious crimes, according to the list seen by AFP.

Five of the men, for example, played a role in the 2018 attack on the Intercontinental hotel in Kabul which left 40 people dead, including 14 foreigners.

The family said they could never accept a decision to release the prisoners "which would not show respect to their victims or their relatives and we hope the Loya Jirga will carefully consider the case of those who have carried out such crimes and not release them."

The Loya Jirga is expected to announce a decision on Sunday. Its findings are not legally binding but carry significant political weight.

The family of a French woman murdered in Afghanistan said Saturday they could not accept the release of her killers as Kabul and the Taliban discuss freeing 400 prisoners as part of a peace deal.

The family of a French woman murdered in Afghanistan said Saturday they could not accept the release of her killers as Kabul and the Taliban discuss freeing 400 prisoners as part of a peace deal. Bettina Goislard was working for the UN refugee agency when she was killed in 2003 in Ghazni, south of Kabul, by two men who are on the list of Taliban prisoners held by the Afghan government and may be set free. Also read: Chaos erupts as Afghanistan holds meeting to decide fate of Talibani prisoners "Such a decision to free (them) made on the basis of horse-trading would be, to us, her family, inconceivable," Bettina's parents, brother and sister said in a statement to AFP. "It would be a denial of the judicial process which saw her killers, arrested in the act and whose guilt has never been in doubt, convicted in an Afghan court," the statement said. On Friday, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani urged thousands of prominent citizens gathered in a Loya Jirga assembly to decide whether to release about 400 Taliban prisoners, including many involved in attacks that killed scores of Afghans and foreigners. The prisoners' fate is a crucial hurdle in launching peace talks between the two warring sides, which have committed to completing a prisoner exchange beforehand. The Afghan government has already released almost 5,000 Taliban inmates but has baulked at freeing the final prisoners demanded by the Taliban. As well as Bettina's two killers, there are some 150 others who have been sentenced to death for serious crimes, according to the list seen by AFP. Five of the men, for example, played a role in the 2018 attack on the Intercontinental hotel in Kabul which left 40 people dead, including 14 foreigners. The family said they could never accept a decision to release the prisoners "which would not show respect to their victims or their relatives and we hope the Loya Jirga will carefully consider the case of those who have carried out such crimes and not release them." The Loya Jirga is expected to announce a decision on Sunday. Its findings are not legally binding but carry significant political weight.

Family of French woman killed in Afghanistan oppose prisoner release

France on Saturday dispatched a naval vessel and military aircraft from Reunion to Mauritius, where desperate efforts are underway to contain an oil spill polluting the archipelago's iconic reefs and protected ecosystems.

Rough seas have thwarted efforts to stop fuel leaking from the cargo vessel MV Wakashio, which ran aground two weeks ago and is staining pristine waters in an ecologically-protected marine area off the southeast coast.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-show-mv-wakashio-leaking-oil-off-the-coast-of-mauritius-319057" hreflang="en">Satellite images show MV Wakashio leaking oil off the coast of Mauritius</a>

Attempts to stabilise the bulk carrier and pump 4,000 tonnes of fuel from the hold have failed, prompting Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth to declare "a state of environmental emergency" as oil seeped unabated from a crack in the hull.&nbsp;

Volunteers have marshalled along the shores where dark pools of oil now coat the coral reefs, lagoons and white-sand beaches upon which Mauritius has built its reputation as a green tourism destination.

Jugnauth asked France for urgent assistance to mitigate what Mauritian authorities are calling an unprecedented environmental disaster beyond the scope of the tiny Indian Ocean nation.

President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday said expert teams and specialised equipment were being deployed from nearby Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean, to assist with the crisis.

"When biodiversity is at risk, there is an urgent need for action. France is there. At the side of the Mauritian people," Macron posted on Twitter.

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Lorsque la biodiversité est en péril, il y a urgence d’agir. La France est là. Aux côtés du peuple mauricien. Vous pouvez compter sur notre soutien cher <a href="https://twitter.com/PKJugnauth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PKJugnauth</a>. Nous déployons dès à présent des équipes et du matériel depuis La Réunion. <a href="https://t.co/uxoNhAQWfS">https://t.co/uxoNhAQWfS</a>
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1292026358516908032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The French navy ship Le Champlain sailed for Mauritius on Saturday while a military aircraft was scheduled to make two rotations over the spill site, both equipped with specialist pollution control equipment and experts aboard.

The tanker, belonging to a Japanese company but Panamanian-flagged, was carrying 3,800 tonnes of fuel and 200 tonnes of diesel when it struck a reef at Pointe d'Esny, an ecological jewel famed for internationally-listed conservation sites, turquoise waters and protected wetlands.&nbsp;

The environment ministry announced this week that oil had begun seeping from the hull, confirming the worst.&nbsp;

Aerial images show the enormous scale of the damage, with huge stretches of azure seas around the marooned ship stained a deep inky black.

France on Saturday dispatched a naval vessel and military aircraft from Reunion to Mauritius, where desperate efforts are underway to contain an oil spill polluting the archipelago's iconic reefs and protected ecosystems.

France on Saturday dispatched a naval vessel and military aircraft from Reunion to Mauritius, where desperate efforts are underway to contain an oil spill polluting the archipelago's iconic reefs and protected ecosystems. Rough seas have thwarted efforts to stop fuel leaking from the cargo vessel MV Wakashio, which ran aground two weeks ago and is staining pristine waters in an ecologically-protected marine area off the southeast coast. Also see: Satellite images show MV Wakashio leaking oil off the coast of Mauritius Attempts to stabilise the bulk carrier and pump 4,000 tonnes of fuel from the hold have failed, prompting Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth to declare "a state of environmental emergency" as oil seeped unabated from a crack in the hull. Volunteers have marshalled along the shores where dark pools of oil now coat the coral reefs, lagoons and white-sand beaches upon which Mauritius has built its reputation as a green tourism destination. Jugnauth asked France for urgent assistance to mitigate what Mauritian authorities are calling an unprecedented environmental disaster beyond the scope of the tiny Indian Ocean nation. President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday said expert teams and specialised equipment were being deployed from nearby Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean, to assist with the crisis. "When biodiversity is at risk, there is an urgent need for action. France is there. At the side of the Mauritian people," Macron posted on Twitter. Lorsque la biodiversité est en péril, il y a urgence d’agir. La France est là. Aux côtés du peuple mauricien. Vous pouvez compter sur notre soutien cher @PKJugnauth. Nous déployons dès à présent des équipes et du matériel depuis La Réunion. https://t.co/uxoNhAQWfS — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 8, 2020 × The French navy ship Le Champlain sailed for Mauritius on Saturday while a military aircraft was scheduled to make two rotations over the spill site, both equipped with specialist pollution control equipment and experts aboard. The tanker, belonging to a Japanese company but Panamanian-flagged, was carrying 3,800 tonnes of fuel and 200 tonnes of diesel when it struck a reef at Pointe d'Esny, an ecological jewel famed for internationally-listed conservation sites, turquoise waters and protected wetlands. The environment ministry announced this week that oil had begun seeping from the hull, confirming the worst. Aerial images show the enormous scale of the damage, with huge stretches of azure seas around the marooned ship stained a deep inky black.

France deploys teams to Mauritius as oil spill disaster worsens

A Minnesota judge ordered the release of body camera footage recorded by former officers charged in the death of George Floyd.

Judge Peter Cahill ruled Friday the that videos from the body cameras of Thomas Lane and J. Kueng taken on the night Floyd died will be made publicly available, though it is unclear how or when the footage will be released.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-really-played-out-between-the-police-and-george-floyd-in-his-final-moments-302473">What really played out between the police and George Floyd in his final moments</a>

The videos were filed with the court last month by Lane's attorney. Initially only transcripts of the audio were released, but a judge later allowed journalists and members of the public to view the footage by appointment.&nbsp;British tabloid 'The Daily Mail' on Monday published parts of the videos.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-sets-up-inquiry-into-racism-after-george-floyd-death-307164">UN sets up inquiry into racism after George Floyd death</a>

The body camera videos and transcripts were filed in court by Lane's attorney, Earl Gray, as part of a motion to have Lane's case dismissed. Attorneys for the coalition of media organizations, including The Associated Press, had asked the judge to allow them to be published.

Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, died May 25 after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, pressed his knee against Floyd's neck for nearly eight minutes as Floyd said he couldn't breathe.

Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter. Tou Thao, Lane and Kueng are charged with aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and manslaughter. All four officers were fired.

A Minnesota judge ordered the release of body camera footage recorded by former officers charged in the death of George Floyd. Judge Peter Cahill ruled Friday the that videos from the body cameras of Thomas Lane and J.

A Minnesota judge ordered the release of body camera footage recorded by former officers charged in the death of George Floyd. Judge Peter Cahill ruled Friday the that videos from the body cameras of Thomas Lane and J. Kueng taken on the night Floyd died will be made publicly available, though it is unclear how or when the footage will be released. Also read: What really played out between the police and George Floyd in his final moments The videos were filed with the court last month by Lane's attorney. Initially only transcripts of the audio were released, but a judge later allowed journalists and members of the public to view the footage by appointment. British tabloid 'The Daily Mail' on Monday published parts of the videos. Also read: UN sets up inquiry into racism after George Floyd death The body camera videos and transcripts were filed in court by Lane's attorney, Earl Gray, as part of a motion to have Lane's case dismissed. Attorneys for the coalition of media organizations, including The Associated Press, had asked the judge to allow them to be published. Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, died May 25 after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, pressed his knee against Floyd's neck for nearly eight minutes as Floyd said he couldn't breathe. Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter. Tou Thao, Lane and Kueng are charged with aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and manslaughter. All four officers were fired.

George Floyd case: Judge orders release of Minneapolis police body camera video

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth declared a "state of environmental emergency" on Friday after bulk carrier ship MV Wakashio began spilling oil after running aground on a reef on the south east coast of the country.

Satellite images released on Friday&nbsp;showed a thick oil slick appear all around the area where the ship is currently lying.

<img alt="Mauritius" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d8ce4529-6967-4a7d-80c3-d9ac949e909f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_113856529_tv062817321.jpg" />

According to media reports, MV Wakashio is owned by a Japanese company and was making its way to Brazil from China. The ship is believed to have 4,000 tonnes of fuel aboard.

<img alt="Mauritius" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aaf62ebd-fb23-4333-afdb-8f05a545b4f5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_113856526_tv062817295.jpg" />

A satellite image shows the bulk carrier ship MV Wakashio and its oil spill after it ran aground off the southeast coast of Mauritius, August 7, 2020. Satellite image ?2020 Maxar Technologies/via REUTERS

Mauritius, an island lying east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its pristine environment and is a popular tourist destination.

Online ship trackers showed the Panama-flagged bulk carrier had been en route from China to Brazil.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mauritius-declares-environmental-emergency-after-oil-spill-318992" hreflang="en">Mauritius declares environmental emergency after oil spill</a>

After the cracks in the hull were detected, a salvage team that had been working on the ship was evacuated, Ramano told reporters Thursday. Some 400 sea booms have been deployed in an effort to contain the spill.

Government statements this week said the ship ran aground July 25 and the National Coast Guard received no distress call.

A police inquiry has been opened into issues such as possible negligence, a government statement said.

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth declared a "state of environmental emergency" on Friday after bulk carrier ship MV Wakashio began spilling oil after running aground on a reef on the south east coast of the country.

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth declared a "state of environmental emergency" on Friday after bulk carrier ship MV Wakashio began spilling oil after running aground on a reef on the south east coast of the country. Satellite images released on Friday showed a thick oil slick appear all around the area where the ship is currently lying. According to media reports, MV Wakashio is owned by a Japanese company and was making its way to Brazil from China. The ship is believed to have 4,000 tonnes of fuel aboard. A satellite image shows the bulk carrier ship MV Wakashio and its oil spill after it ran aground off the southeast coast of Mauritius, August 7, 2020. Satellite image ?2020 Maxar Technologies/via REUTERS Mauritius, an island lying east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its pristine environment and is a popular tourist destination. Online ship trackers showed the Panama-flagged bulk carrier had been en route from China to Brazil. Also read: Mauritius declares environmental emergency after oil spill After the cracks in the hull were detected, a salvage team that had been working on the ship was evacuated, Ramano told reporters Thursday. Some 400 sea booms have been deployed in an effort to contain the spill. Government statements this week said the ship ran aground July 25 and the National Coast Guard received no distress call. A police inquiry has been opened into issues such as possible negligence, a government statement said.

Satellite images show MV Wakashio leaking oil off the coast of Mauritius

The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were recovered from the site where an Indian passenger aircraft crashed, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed on Saturday.

Speaking at a news conference,&nbsp;Puri said the black boxes containing the data had been retrieved as he urged people not to speculate about what caused Friday's deadly crash.

The news of the black boxes' recovery came as the family of the plane's pilot Deepak Sathe, who was killed in the accident along with the co-pilot Akhilesh Sharma, gathered together in their home state of Maharashtra.

The death toll from the Air India plane crash accident rose to 18, with 16 people seriously injured, a senior government official said on Saturday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-in-air-india-plane-crash-rises-to-at-least-18-relief-work-underway-318970">Death toll in Air India plane crash rises to at least 18; relief work underway</a>

The Boeing 737, on a special flight from Dubai to bring back Indians stranded by the coronavirus pandemic, overshot the runway at Kozhikode in Kerala state, plunged down an embankment and broke up.

"Fuel had leaked out so it was a miracle that the plane did not catch fire, the toll could have been much higher," one senior emergency official at the scene said.

Aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri visited the site Saturday and announced that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders had been found, which will help the investigation into the cause of the crash.&nbsp;

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau was conducting the probe, he said.

Kozhikode is considered a tricky airport as it has a table-top runway with a steep drop at one end.

Kerala has been hit by severe floods in recent days and heavy rains had been falling for several hours at Kozhikode as the jet landed.

The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were recovered from the site where an Indian passenger aircraft crashed, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed on Saturday.

The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were recovered from the site where an Indian passenger aircraft crashed, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed on Saturday. Speaking at a news conference, Puri said the black boxes containing the data had been retrieved as he urged people not to speculate about what caused Friday's deadly crash. The news of the black boxes' recovery came as the family of the plane's pilot Deepak Sathe, who was killed in the accident along with the co-pilot Akhilesh Sharma, gathered together in their home state of Maharashtra. The death toll from the Air India plane crash accident rose to 18, with 16 people seriously injured, a senior government official said on Saturday. Also read: Death toll in Air India plane crash rises to at least 18; relief work underway The Boeing 737, on a special flight from Dubai to bring back Indians stranded by the coronavirus pandemic, overshot the runway at Kozhikode in Kerala state, plunged down an embankment and broke up. "Fuel had leaked out so it was a miracle that the plane did not catch fire, the toll could have been much higher," one senior emergency official at the scene said. Aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri visited the site Saturday and announced that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders had been found, which will help the investigation into the cause of the crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau was conducting the probe, he said. Kozhikode is considered a tricky airport as it has a table-top runway with a steep drop at one end. Kerala has been hit by severe floods in recent days and heavy rains had been falling for several hours at Kozhikode as the jet landed.

Black boxes of crashed Air India plane recovered, says Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri

Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaka will be sworn in as the country's new prime minister for the fourth time at a historic Buddhist temple on Sunday, consolidating the hard-line political dynasty's grip on power.

The 74-year-old Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) leader, who polled over 500,000 individual preference votes, the highest ever recorded by a candidate in the history of elections, will take the oath of office for the ninth Parliament at the sacred Rajamaha Viharaya in Kelaniya, a north Colombo suburb, according to an official statement.

The SLPP, led by Mahinda, registered a landslide victory in the general election, securing two-thirds majority in Parliament needed to amend the Constitution to further consolidate the powerful Rajapaksa family's grip on power.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/what-does-the-result-of-sri-lankan-election-mean-for-india-318918" hreflang="en">What does the result of Sri Lankan election mean for India</a>

It won in 145 constituencies, bagging a total of 150 seats with its allies, a two-thirds majority in the 225-member Parliament. It polled 6.8 million votes (59.9 per cent).

The Cabinet of Ministers will be sworn-in on Monday, followed by the swearing-in of the state and deputy ministers, the Daily Mirror newspaper reported.

The new government has decided to restrict the size of the Cabinet to 26, though it can be increased up to 30 in terms of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.

"We are likely to have a Cabinet limited to 24 or 25 members to set an example," Prasanna Ranatunga, a senior member of the SLPP, said on Saturday.

The Cabinet is appointed by the president on the advice from the prime minister, which is again a key change brought in by the 19A. However, the president remains the head of the Cabinet and the head of state.

The Rajapaksa family,&nbsp;including SLPP founder and its National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa, who is the younger brother of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa with the eldest being Mahinda,&nbsp;has dominated Sri Lankan politics for two decades. Mahinda previously served as the president for nearly a decade from 2005 to 2015.

Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaka will be sworn in as the country's new prime minister for the fourth time at a historic Buddhist temple on Sunday, consolidating the hard-line political dynasty's grip on power.

Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaka will be sworn in as the country's new prime minister for the fourth time at a historic Buddhist temple on Sunday, consolidating the hard-line political dynasty's grip on power. The 74-year-old Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) leader, who polled over 500,000 individual preference votes, the highest ever recorded by a candidate in the history of elections, will take the oath of office for the ninth Parliament at the sacred Rajamaha Viharaya in Kelaniya, a north Colombo suburb, according to an official statement. The SLPP, led by Mahinda, registered a landslide victory in the general election, securing two-thirds majority in Parliament needed to amend the Constitution to further consolidate the powerful Rajapaksa family's grip on power. Also read: What does the result of Sri Lankan election mean for India It won in 145 constituencies, bagging a total of 150 seats with its allies, a two-thirds majority in the 225-member Parliament. It polled 6.8 million votes (59.9 per cent). The Cabinet of Ministers will be sworn-in on Monday, followed by the swearing-in of the state and deputy ministers, the Daily Mirror newspaper reported. The new government has decided to restrict the size of the Cabinet to 26, though it can be increased up to 30 in terms of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. "We are likely to have a Cabinet limited to 24 or 25 members to set an example," Prasanna Ranatunga, a senior member of the SLPP, said on Saturday. The Cabinet is appointed by the president on the advice from the prime minister, which is again a key change brought in by the 19A. However, the president remains the head of the Cabinet and the head of state. The Rajapaksa family, including SLPP founder and its National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa, who is the younger brother of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa with the eldest being Mahinda, has dominated Sri Lankan politics for two decades. Mahinda previously served as the president for nearly a decade from 2005 to 2015.

Sri Lanka's strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa to take oath of Prime Minister on Sunday

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