Two former US soldiers have been sentenced to 20 years in prison in Venezuela on charges including terrorism, after a failed bid to invade the Caribbean country last May, Attorney General Tarek William Saab said.

Luke Alexander Denman, 34, and Airan Berry, 41, "admitted" to "conspiracy, association (to commit crimes), illicit trafficking of war weapons and terrorism" over the attempted invasion, allegedly aimed at toppling President Nicolas Maduro, Saab said on Twitter around midnight Friday. They were sentenced during a court hearing, he said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-state-tv-airs-confession-video-of-alleged-american-mercenary-297133/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

They were sentenced during a court hearing, he said, and posted photographs of vehicles, weapons and identity documents.

Denman and Berry are among the 91 people Venezuela says it captured in thwarting the botched incursion from the sea on May 3, which saw armed men land in Macuto, less than an hour from Caracas.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-citizens-confess-failed-coup-in-venezuela-after-trump-denies-involvement-297126">US citizens confess 'failed coup' in Venezuela after Trump denies involvement</a>

Maduro claimed it was a plot to assassinate him, and Caracas has accused US President Donald Trump of being directly responsible for the raid, in which eight attackers were allegedly killed. The US has denied any involvement.

Maduro has also accused Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido,&nbsp;who in January 2019 declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority, of planning the invasion, a charge Guaido denies.

Trump has long opposed Maduro, a leftist who presides over a crumbling economy and whose re-election was widely seen as marred by irregularities.

Two former US soldiers have been sentenced to 20 years in prison in Venezuela on charges including terrorism, after a failed bid to invade the Caribbean country last May, Attorney General Tarek William Saab said.

Two former US soldiers have been sentenced to 20 years in prison in Venezuela on charges including terrorism, after a failed bid to invade the Caribbean country last May, Attorney General Tarek William Saab said. Luke Alexander Denman, 34, and Airan Berry, 41, "admitted" to "conspiracy, association (to commit crimes), illicit trafficking of war weapons and terrorism" over the attempted invasion, allegedly aimed at toppling President Nicolas Maduro, Saab said on Twitter around midnight Friday. They were sentenced during a court hearing, he said. They were sentenced during a court hearing, he said, and posted photographs of vehicles, weapons and identity documents. Denman and Berry are among the 91 people Venezuela says it captured in thwarting the botched incursion from the sea on May 3, which saw armed men land in Macuto, less than an hour from Caracas. Also read: US citizens confess 'failed coup' in Venezuela after Trump denies involvement Maduro claimed it was a plot to assassinate him, and Caracas has accused US President Donald Trump of being directly responsible for the raid, in which eight attackers were allegedly killed. The US has denied any involvement. Maduro has also accused Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido, who in January 2019 declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority, of planning the invasion, a charge Guaido denies. Trump has long opposed Maduro, a leftist who presides over a crumbling economy and whose re-election was widely seen as marred by irregularities.

Venezuela jails two Americans over failed 'invasion'

With the arrest of six accused, police have busted a Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terror financing network in Jammu, Mukesh Singh, Inspector General of Police, Jammu said on Saturday.

According to the police, the arrested accused have been identified as Mudasir Farooq Bhat, Tauqil Ahmad Bhat, Asif Bhat, Khalid Latif Bhat, Gazi Iqbal and Tariq Hussain Mir.

Singh told a press conference, "We got information that a terror financing network is operating in Jammu. Special Operations Group (SOG), Jammu, called up Mudasir Farooq Bhat, resident of Doda, for interrogation and subsequently arrested him after his confession about links with Lashkar-e-Toiba financing network."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/collective-action-against-lashkar-jaish-terror-groups-will-serve-humankind-well-says-india-at-unsc-318898" hreflang="en">Collective action against Lashkar, Jaish terror groups will serve humankind well, says India at UNSC</a>

"On July 19, police seized a tiffin box containing Rs 1.5 lakh. On further interrogation, he disclosed other details on the basis of which, we arrested five more people having links with LeT. A case has been registered under section 38 (Membership of LeT) and 40 (Financing and other support activities) of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act," said Singh.

He said that all these accused were working for Haroon Ilias Khubeb (Mohammad Naveen Bhat), resident of Doda. Haroon was trained with the LeT in Pakistan in 1997.

"Haroon came back to Doda and was involved in LeT activities. He then went back to Pakistan in 2006. Since then he has been working for the organisation and is active there," Singh said.

"Haroon has created this network in Jammu which had been taking part in LeT activities for the last two-three years. A man named Abid Ahmad Bhat was recruited and was killed in an encounter in 2018. Another person named Jamaldin was recruited and had been arrested in 2019 and is in jail at present," said the Inspector General.

They were being paid for performing terror activities and a total of Rs 12.5 lakh has been transferred to them through Attari Border and other channels.

Hawala transactions were made through Mumbai and some of the money was transferred through electronic mode.Singh said they were planning something bigger in future.

"We don`t have specific information regarding any activity that they were planning on August 5 or 15, but yes the attempt was to reactivate and probably, they were planning something bigger in future," Mukesh Singh said.

With the arrest of six accused, police have busted a Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terror financing network in Jammu, Mukesh Singh, Inspector General of Police, Jammu said on Saturday.

With the arrest of six accused, police have busted a Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terror financing network in Jammu, Mukesh Singh, Inspector General of Police, Jammu said on Saturday. According to the police, the arrested accused have been identified as Mudasir Farooq Bhat, Tauqil Ahmad Bhat, Asif Bhat, Khalid Latif Bhat, Gazi Iqbal and Tariq Hussain Mir. Singh told a press conference, "We got information that a terror financing network is operating in Jammu. Special Operations Group (SOG), Jammu, called up Mudasir Farooq Bhat, resident of Doda, for interrogation and subsequently arrested him after his confession about links with Lashkar-e-Toiba financing network." Also read: Collective action against Lashkar, Jaish terror groups will serve humankind well, says India at UNSC "On July 19, police seized a tiffin box containing Rs 1.5 lakh. On further interrogation, he disclosed other details on the basis of which, we arrested five more people having links with LeT. A case has been registered under section 38 (Membership of LeT) and 40 (Financing and other support activities) of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act," said Singh. He said that all these accused were working for Haroon Ilias Khubeb (Mohammad Naveen Bhat), resident of Doda. Haroon was trained with the LeT in Pakistan in 1997. "Haroon came back to Doda and was involved in LeT activities. He then went back to Pakistan in 2006. Since then he has been working for the organisation and is active there," Singh said. "Haroon has created this network in Jammu which had been taking part in LeT activities for the last two-three years. A man named Abid Ahmad Bhat was recruited and was killed in an encounter in 2018. Another person named Jamaldin was recruited and had been arrested in 2019 and is in jail at present," said the Inspector General. They were being paid for performing terror activities and a total of Rs 12.5 lakh has been transferred to them through Attari Border and other channels. Hawala transactions were made through Mumbai and some of the money was transferred through electronic mode.Singh said they were planning something bigger in future. "We don`t have specific information regarding any activity that they were planning on August 5 or 15, but yes the attempt was to reactivate and probably, they were planning something bigger in future," Mukesh Singh said.

Lashkar-e-Toiba terror financing network busted in Jammu, 6 held

Chinese tech giant Huawei Huawei said production of its most advanced smartphone chips would stop in September due to US sanctions, causing a "huge loss".

It is running out of processor chips to make smartphones due to US sanctions and will be forced to stop production of its own most advanced chips, a company executive says, in a sign of growing damage to Huawei's business from American pressure.

Huawei, the world's biggest producer of telecoms networking equipment, has become a pivotal issue in the geopolitical standoff between Beijing and Washington, which claims the firm poses a significant cybersecurity threat.

The feud has spread to include the popular Chinese-owned video app TikTok and China-based messaging service WeChat.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/china-cries-foul-as-social-media-giants-crackdown-on-spamouflage-intensifies-318945" hreflang="en">China cries foul as social media giants crackdown on 'spamouflage' intensifies</a>

Washington cut off Huawei's access to US&nbsp;Components and technology including Google's music and other smartphone services last year. Those penalties were tightened in May when the White House barred vendors worldwide from using US technology to produce components for Huawei.

Production of Kirin chips designed by Huawei's own engineers will stop September 15 because they are made by contractors that need US manufacturing technology, said Richard Yu, president of the company's consumer unit. He said Huawei lacks the ability to make its own chips.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-threatens-legal-action-in-us-court-over-trumps-executive-order-318834" hreflang="en">TikTok threatens legal action in US court over Trump's executive order</a>

This is a very big loss for us,&nbsp;Yu said Friday at an industry conference, China Info 100, according to a video recording of his comments posted on multiple websites.

Unfortunately, in the second round of US&nbsp;Sanctions, our chip producers only accepted orders until May 15. Production will close on September 15,&nbsp;Yu said. This year may be the last generation of Huawei Kirin high-end chips.&nbsp;More broadly, Huawei's smartphone production has no chips and no supply,&nbsp;Yu said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-accuses-us-of-political-manipulation-over-tiktok-wechat-ban-318816" hreflang="en">China accuses US of 'political manipulation' over TikTok, WeChat ban</a>

Yu said this year's smartphone sales probably will be lower than 2019's level of 240 million handsets but gave no details. The company didn't immediately respond to questions Saturday.

Huawei, founded in 1987 by a former military engineer, denies accusations it might facilitate Chinese spying. Chinese officials accuse Washington of using national security as an excuse to stop a competitor to US tech industries.

Huawei is a leader among emerging Chinese competitors in telecoms, electric cars, renewable energy and other fields in which the ruling Communist Party hopes China can become a global leader.

Huawei has 180,000 employees and one of the world's biggest research and development budgets at more than $15 billion a year. But, like most global tech brands, it relies on contractors to manufacture its products.

Earlier, Huawei announced its global sales rose 13.1 per cent&nbsp;over a year ago to $65 billion&nbsp;in the first half of 2020. Yu said that was due to strong sales of high-end products but gave no details.

Huawei became the world's top-selling smartphone brand in the three months ending in June, passing rival Samsung for the first time due to strong demand in China, according to Canalys. Sales abroad fell 27 per cent&nbsp;from a year earlier.

Washington also is lobbying European and other allies to exclude Huawei from planned next-generation networks as a security risk. 
In other US-Chinese clashes, TikTok's owner, ByteDance Ltd, is under White House pressure to sell the video app. That is due to fears its access to personal information about millions of American users might be a security risk.

On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced a ban on unspecified transactions with TikTok and the Chinese owner of WeChat, a popular messaging service.&nbsp;

Chinese tech giant Huawei Huawei said production of its most advanced smartphone chips would stop in September due to US sanctions, causing a "huge loss". It is running out of processor chips to make smartphones due to US sanctions and will be forced to stop production of its own most advanced chips, a company executive says, in a sign of growing damage to Huawei's business from American pressure.

Chinese tech giant Huawei Huawei said production of its most advanced smartphone chips would stop in September due to US sanctions, causing a "huge loss". It is running out of processor chips to make smartphones due to US sanctions and will be forced to stop production of its own most advanced chips, a company executive says, in a sign of growing damage to Huawei's business from American pressure. Huawei, the world's biggest producer of telecoms networking equipment, has become a pivotal issue in the geopolitical standoff between Beijing and Washington, which claims the firm poses a significant cybersecurity threat. The feud has spread to include the popular Chinese-owned video app TikTok and China-based messaging service WeChat. Also read: China cries foul as social media giants crackdown on 'spamouflage' intensifies Washington cut off Huawei's access to US Components and technology including Google's music and other smartphone services last year. Those penalties were tightened in May when the White House barred vendors worldwide from using US technology to produce components for Huawei. Production of Kirin chips designed by Huawei's own engineers will stop September 15 because they are made by contractors that need US manufacturing technology, said Richard Yu, president of the company's consumer unit. He said Huawei lacks the ability to make its own chips. Also read: TikTok threatens legal action in US court over Trump's executive order This is a very big loss for us, Yu said Friday at an industry conference, China Info 100, according to a video recording of his comments posted on multiple websites. Unfortunately, in the second round of US Sanctions, our chip producers only accepted orders until May 15. Production will close on September 15, Yu said. This year may be the last generation of Huawei Kirin high-end chips. More broadly, Huawei's smartphone production has no chips and no supply, Yu said. Also read: China accuses US of 'political manipulation' over TikTok, WeChat ban Yu said this year's smartphone sales probably will be lower than 2019's level of 240 million handsets but gave no details. The company didn't immediately respond to questions Saturday. Huawei, founded in 1987 by a former military engineer, denies accusations it might facilitate Chinese spying. Chinese officials accuse Washington of using national security as an excuse to stop a competitor to US tech industries. Huawei is a leader among emerging Chinese competitors in telecoms, electric cars, renewable energy and other fields in which the ruling Communist Party hopes China can become a global leader. Huawei has 180,000 employees and one of the world's biggest research and development budgets at more than $15 billion a year. But, like most global tech brands, it relies on contractors to manufacture its products. Earlier, Huawei announced its global sales rose 13.1 per cent over a year ago to $65 billion in the first half of 2020. Yu said that was due to strong sales of high-end products but gave no details. Huawei became the world's top-selling smartphone brand in the three months ending in June, passing rival Samsung for the first time due to strong demand in China, according to Canalys. Sales abroad fell 27 per cent from a year earlier. Washington also is lobbying European and other allies to exclude Huawei from planned next-generation networks as a security risk. In other US-Chinese clashes, TikTok's owner, ByteDance Ltd, is under White House pressure to sell the video app. That is due to fears its access to personal information about millions of American users might be a security risk. On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced a ban on unspecified transactions with TikTok and the Chinese owner of WeChat, a popular messaging service.

Huawei to halt smartphone chip production due to US sanctions

France and Germany have quit talks on reforming the World Health Organization in frustration at attempts by the United States to lead the negotiations, despite its decision to leave the WHO.

The move is a setback for President Donald Trump as Washington, which holds the rotating chair of the G7, had hoped to issue a common roadmap for a sweeping overhaul of the WHO in September, two months before the US&nbsp;presidential election.

The Trump administration, which holds the rotating presidency of the G-7 this year, has accused WHO of bowing to pressure from China in its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/race-plays-a-role-in-severe-covid-19-illness-among-kids-study-finds-319012" hreflang="en">Race plays a role in severe COVID-19 illness among kids, study finds</a>

The WHO has dismissed his accusations. European governments have also criticised the WHO but do not go as far as the United States in their criticism, and the decision by Paris and Berlin to leave the talks follows tensions over what they say are Washington’s attempts to dominate the negotiations.

Germany's Health Ministry said the issue was discussed during a call of health ministers from the Group of Seven leading economies Thursday.

In a statement Saturday, the ministry said that in view of the United States' withdrawal from WHO, Germany and France currently see no mandate for the US to lead the WHO reform process for the G-7.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-marks-160000-covid-19-deaths-as-economic-relief-talks-fail-in-washington-318965" hreflang="en">US marks 160,000 COVID-19 deaths as economic relief talks fail in Washington</a>

“Nobody wants to be dragged into a reform process and getting an outline for it from a country which itself just left the WHO,” a senior European official involved in the talks said.

The German and French health ministries confirmed&nbsp;that the two countries were opposed to the United States leading the talks after announcing their intention to leave the organisation.

A spokesman for the Italian health ministry said that work on the reform document was still underway, adding however that Italy’s position was in line with Paris and Berlin.

Asked about the position of France and Germany, a senior Trump administration official said: “All members of the G7 explicitly supported the substance of the WHO reform ideas.”

“Notwithstanding, it is regrettable that Germany and France ultimately chose not to join the group in endorsing the roadmap,” he said.

A spokesman for the British government declined to comment on the latest developments but added that Britain supported the WHO and urged a reform of the body “to ensure it remains flexible and responsive”.

The talks on WHO reform began about four months ago. There have been nearly 20 teleconferences between health ministers from the Group of Seven industrialised nations, and dozens of meetings of diplomats and other officials.

A deal by the G7, which also includes Japan and Canada, would facilitate talks at the G20 and United Nations, where any changes would have to be agreed with China, Russia and other major governments not in the G7.

It is unclear whether a G7 summit in the United States, at which Trump hopes leaders will endorse the roadmap, will now go ahead in September as planned.

US&nbsp;officials have not said what reforms Washington has sought. But an initial reform roadmap proposed by Washington was seen by many of its allies as too critical, with one European official involved in the negotiations describing it as “rude”.

Despite changes to the original text, Washington’s push remained unacceptable, mainly to Germany, sources familiar with the negotiations said.

France and Germany have quit talks on reforming the World Health Organization in frustration at attempts by the United States to lead the negotiations, despite its decision to leave the WHO.

France and Germany have quit talks on reforming the World Health Organization in frustration at attempts by the United States to lead the negotiations, despite its decision to leave the WHO. The move is a setback for President Donald Trump as Washington, which holds the rotating chair of the G7, had hoped to issue a common roadmap for a sweeping overhaul of the WHO in September, two months before the US presidential election. The Trump administration, which holds the rotating presidency of the G-7 this year, has accused WHO of bowing to pressure from China in its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Race plays a role in severe COVID-19 illness among kids, study finds The WHO has dismissed his accusations. European governments have also criticised the WHO but do not go as far as the United States in their criticism, and the decision by Paris and Berlin to leave the talks follows tensions over what they say are Washington’s attempts to dominate the negotiations. Germany's Health Ministry said the issue was discussed during a call of health ministers from the Group of Seven leading economies Thursday. In a statement Saturday, the ministry said that in view of the United States' withdrawal from WHO, Germany and France currently see no mandate for the US to lead the WHO reform process for the G-7. Also read: US marks 160,000 COVID-19 deaths as economic relief talks fail in Washington “Nobody wants to be dragged into a reform process and getting an outline for it from a country which itself just left the WHO,” a senior European official involved in the talks said. The German and French health ministries confirmed that the two countries were opposed to the United States leading the talks after announcing their intention to leave the organisation. A spokesman for the Italian health ministry said that work on the reform document was still underway, adding however that Italy’s position was in line with Paris and Berlin. Asked about the position of France and Germany, a senior Trump administration official said: “All members of the G7 explicitly supported the substance of the WHO reform ideas.” “Notwithstanding, it is regrettable that Germany and France ultimately chose not to join the group in endorsing the roadmap,” he said. A spokesman for the British government declined to comment on the latest developments but added that Britain supported the WHO and urged a reform of the body “to ensure it remains flexible and responsive”. The talks on WHO reform began about four months ago. There have been nearly 20 teleconferences between health ministers from the Group of Seven industrialised nations, and dozens of meetings of diplomats and other officials. A deal by the G7, which also includes Japan and Canada, would facilitate talks at the G20 and United Nations, where any changes would have to be agreed with China, Russia and other major governments not in the G7. It is unclear whether a G7 summit in the United States, at which Trump hopes leaders will endorse the roadmap, will now go ahead in September as planned. US officials have not said what reforms Washington has sought. But an initial reform roadmap proposed by Washington was seen by many of its allies as too critical, with one European official involved in the negotiations describing it as “rude”. Despite changes to the original text, Washington’s push remained unacceptable, mainly to Germany, sources familiar with the negotiations said.

Germany, France quit WHO reform talks amid tension with Washington

Police said they detained 48 people after protesters tried to stop them arresting an LGBT activist accused of hanging rainbow flags over statues in Warsaw and damaging a pro-life campaigner's van.

The activist, who was referred to officially in court as Michal Sz. but who identifies as a woman with the name Margo, is suspected of causing criminal damage to a van carrying homophobic slogans in Warsaw in June.

The activist is also accused of pushing a volunteer from the Pro-Right to Life Foundation which owned the van.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lgbt-activist-jailed-for-two-months-in-poland-protests-ensue-318963">LGBT activist jailed for two months in Poland, protests ensue</a>

Margo was detained at the offices of Campaign Against Homophobia but dozens of protesters then blocked the police car, prompting a stand-off before officers cleared the way to allow it to pass.

"During the arrest of the activist, the crowd impeded the actions of the police. Interventions are being made against the most aggressive people. There will be zero tolerance for breaking the law," Warsaw police wrote on Twitter.

"Due to yesterday's active gathering, 48 people were detained," they added. Warsaw police force&nbsp;later said they had made arrests.

Members of the anti-homophobia group "Stop Bzdurom" have said they hung flag on statues of Jesus and other figures last week as part of a fight for LGBT rights, an issue thrust into the heart of public debate in Poland during last month's presidential election.

The ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party has said LGBT rights are part of what it calls an invasive foreign ideology that undermines Polish values and the traditional family.

Government spokesman Piotr Muller said he would not comment on police actions.

Stop Bzdurom and other groups have called for a protest in Warsaw on Saturday in solidarity with LGBT people.

Police said they detained 48 people after protesters tried to stop them arresting an LGBT activist accused of hanging rainbow flags over statues in Warsaw and damaging a pro-life campaigner's van.

Police said they detained 48 people after protesters tried to stop them arresting an LGBT activist accused of hanging rainbow flags over statues in Warsaw and damaging a pro-life campaigner's van. The activist, who was referred to officially in court as Michal Sz. but who identifies as a woman with the name Margo, is suspected of causing criminal damage to a van carrying homophobic slogans in Warsaw in June. The activist is also accused of pushing a volunteer from the Pro-Right to Life Foundation which owned the van. Also read: LGBT activist jailed for two months in Poland, protests ensue Margo was detained at the offices of Campaign Against Homophobia but dozens of protesters then blocked the police car, prompting a stand-off before officers cleared the way to allow it to pass. "During the arrest of the activist, the crowd impeded the actions of the police. Interventions are being made against the most aggressive people. There will be zero tolerance for breaking the law," Warsaw police wrote on Twitter. "Due to yesterday's active gathering, 48 people were detained," they added. Warsaw police force later said they had made arrests. Members of the anti-homophobia group "Stop Bzdurom" have said they hung flag on statues of Jesus and other figures last week as part of a fight for LGBT rights, an issue thrust into the heart of public debate in Poland during last month's presidential election. The ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party has said LGBT rights are part of what it calls an invasive foreign ideology that undermines Polish values and the traditional family. Government spokesman Piotr Muller said he would not comment on police actions. Stop Bzdurom and other groups have called for a protest in Warsaw on Saturday in solidarity with LGBT people.

Poland LGBT protests: Police detain 48 people amid crackdown on activists

<section>
Israel's offer of humanitarian aid to Lebanon after the massive Beirut blast is unlikely to be taken up.

Israel on Friday offered aid and support to Lebanon following Tuesday's&nbsp;devastating port explosion in Beirut, a quick turn of sentiment after a recent exchange of attacks with Lebanese militants along a tense border in recent days.

The two neighbours are still technically at war, have no diplomatic ties and mutual suspicion, even animosity, defines their relations.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/satellite-images-capture-beirut-before-vs-after-devastating-blast-318562">Satellite images capture Beirut before vs after devastating blast</a>

As Beirut reeled Tuesday after the monster blast at the port ripped across the city, many eyes were on Israel.

The military initially offered a traditional "no comment" to queries about the possible source of the explosion, until later a government source added: "Israel has nothing to do with this incident". Hours later the government offered humanitarian aid to Lebanon.

"Israel has turned to Lebanon through international security and political contacts to offer humanitarian and medical aid to the Lebanese government," a statement said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-rare-show-of-support-israeli-square-bathed-in-lebanese-colors-over-beirut-blast-318473">In rare show of support, Israeli square bathed in Lebanese colors over Beirut blast</a>

As Beirut hospitals became overwhelmed by the influx of thousands of injured, Lebanon's government did not comment.

Aid has been streaming in from elsewhere, including from former power France and Iran, an ally of Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah movement and key Israeli rival.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanons-hezbollah-leader-denies-storing-arms-at-beirut-blast-site-318967" hreflang="en">Lebanon's Hezbollah leader denies storing arms at Beirut blast site</a>

Israel and Hezbollah last fought a 33-day war in the summer of 2006 that devastated parts of the Lebanese capital and killed hundreds.

Government and diplomatic sources in Jerusalem say Israel has tried unsuccessfully since Tuesday to send medical equipment to Lebanon via the United Nations, which monitors a buffer zone between the two countries.

Israel even sought to dispatch medical personnel to Cyprus, where Beirut victims could be treated, according to the sources.

"It is a very human gesture," Amos Yadlin, former head of Israeli military intelligence, told reporters. "It is a gesture that can bring the two nations together."

Yadlin blamed Hezbollah's backers in Tehran for the continuing air of hostility between Israel and Lebanon, insisting there was "no real dispute" between the neighbours.

"The only reason that there is no peace between Israel and Lebanon is the fact that Iran took over this small country through its proxy Hezbollah and they are inventing excuses to keep the conflict going," he claimed.

In Beirut, many have bitter memories of Israel's invasion of Lebanon in 1982, its occupation of the country's south until 2000 and the 2006 war that killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians.

The fate of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees stuck in Lebanon for decades after fleeing or being driven out of their homes in waves following Israel's creation in 1948 is another thorny issue.

Longstanding demands for their return has remained a sticking point.

Traumatised by the blast that devastated their capital killing more than 150 people, injuring at least 5,000 and leaving some 300,000 homeless, the Lebanese paid little attention to Israel's offer, other than to ridicule it.&nbsp;
</section>

Israel's offer of humanitarian aid to Lebanon after the massive Beirut blast is unlikely to be taken up. Israel on Friday offered aid and support to Lebanon following Tuesday's devastating port explosion in Beirut, a quick turn of sentiment after a recent exchange of attacks with Lebanese militants along a tense border in recent days.

Israel's offer of humanitarian aid to Lebanon after the massive Beirut blast is unlikely to be taken up. Israel on Friday offered aid and support to Lebanon following Tuesday's devastating port explosion in Beirut, a quick turn of sentiment after a recent exchange of attacks with Lebanese militants along a tense border in recent days. The two neighbours are still technically at war, have no diplomatic ties and mutual suspicion, even animosity, defines their relations. Also see: Satellite images capture Beirut before vs after devastating blast As Beirut reeled Tuesday after the monster blast at the port ripped across the city, many eyes were on Israel. The military initially offered a traditional "no comment" to queries about the possible source of the explosion, until later a government source added: "Israel has nothing to do with this incident". Hours later the government offered humanitarian aid to Lebanon. "Israel has turned to Lebanon through international security and political contacts to offer humanitarian and medical aid to the Lebanese government," a statement said. Also read: In rare show of support, Israeli square bathed in Lebanese colors over Beirut blast As Beirut hospitals became overwhelmed by the influx of thousands of injured, Lebanon's government did not comment. Aid has been streaming in from elsewhere, including from former power France and Iran, an ally of Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah movement and key Israeli rival. Also read: Lebanon's Hezbollah leader denies storing arms at Beirut blast site Israel and Hezbollah last fought a 33-day war in the summer of 2006 that devastated parts of the Lebanese capital and killed hundreds. Government and diplomatic sources in Jerusalem say Israel has tried unsuccessfully since Tuesday to send medical equipment to Lebanon via the United Nations, which monitors a buffer zone between the two countries. Israel even sought to dispatch medical personnel to Cyprus, where Beirut victims could be treated, according to the sources. "It is a very human gesture," Amos Yadlin, former head of Israeli military intelligence, told reporters. "It is a gesture that can bring the two nations together." Yadlin blamed Hezbollah's backers in Tehran for the continuing air of hostility between Israel and Lebanon, insisting there was "no real dispute" between the neighbours. "The only reason that there is no peace between Israel and Lebanon is the fact that Iran took over this small country through its proxy Hezbollah and they are inventing excuses to keep the conflict going," he claimed. In Beirut, many have bitter memories of Israel's invasion of Lebanon in 1982, its occupation of the country's south until 2000 and the 2006 war that killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians. The fate of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees stuck in Lebanon for decades after fleeing or being driven out of their homes in waves following Israel's creation in 1948 is another thorny issue. Longstanding demands for their return has remained a sticking point. Traumatised by the blast that devastated their capital killing more than 150 people, injuring at least 5,000 and leaving some 300,000 homeless, the Lebanese paid little attention to Israel's offer, other than to ridicule it.

Rival Israel's aid offer to Lebanon in wake of explosion, unlikely to find a taker

Nepal Communist Party's executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda&nbsp;has asked the party workers to prepare for the "worst" as the ongoing power tussle between him and Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has intensified with no solution in sight.

Oli and Prachanda have held at least ten meetings in recent weeks to sort out the differences between them. But, as the Prime Minister did not accept the condition of a one-man-one-post, the talks failed. Oli has refused to give up his post as prime minister as well as a co-chairman of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-nepal-may-see-remittance-contraction-of-287-in-2020-says-adb-318569" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Nepal may see remittance contraction of 28.7% in 2020, says ADB</a>

A bitter internal feud has been brewing in the ruling NCP since the last few weeks after top party leaders, including Prachanda, demanded Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate." The opponents of Oli are also against his autocratic style of functioning.

"Our main concern is not about gaining power, what we want is to follow the proper procedure while running the NCP. We are not focusing on gaining any position, but our fight is against the wrong trend developing in the party," Prachanda told a select group of journalists during a special briefing on Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-kp-oli-prachanda-meeting-postponed-for-a-day-318442" hreflang="en">Nepal: KP Oli-Prachanda meeting postponed for a day</a>

The dissident group accused Oli of trying to damage the image of other senior leaders of the party, the daily reported. 
Prachanda and Nepal have claimed that the majority of the powerful Central Working Committee members have supported them while raising voice against Oli.

Prachanda also alleged that while the Standing Committee meeting was in progress, at the initiative of Prime Minister Oli a new party was registered under the name of a lesser-known person at the Election Commission with the intention to split the ruling party. 
"If one chairman (PM Oli) does not follow the proper procedure of the party then how can the unity of the party remain intact," he wondered.

Prachanda claimed that he and other senior leaders of the party were trying to save the party by creating a favourable situation. 
"We are trying for the best outcome but the communists of this country should also be prepared for the worst thing to happen," Prachanda told media persons, indicating a possible split in the ruling party.

"I had agreed to make Oli Prime Minister for a full 5 years term and enjoy the executive chairman's position in the party for creating a better environment within the party," said Prachanda.

"Oli has dragged the party towards anarchism by calling separate gatherings," Prachanda said.

During the press briefing, the senior leaders also accused Prime Oli of making political appointments on his own choice without consulting with the party.

Madhav Nepal accused Oli of working in the vested interest of a certain group and encouraging corrupt people while making appointments.

Meanwhile, PM Oli's chief advisor Bishnu Rimal has slammed Shrestha.

"Don't encourage groupism in the party at a time when the country is passing through a crisis. Enough is enough," he wrote on Twitter.

On July 28, Prime Minister Oli postponed the crucial Standing Committee meeting for the ninth time.

While Oli wants to call the Secretariat meeting to resolve the differences, Prachanda says it would be inappropriate to call the Secretariat meeting as the Standing Committee meeting that was put off on July 28 is yet to be over.

Prime Minister Oli wants the Secretariat meeting to resolve the key issues of an intra-party dispute as he now commands a majority in the nine-member body.

Prachanda, who is backed by senior party leader and former prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, believes that the Standing Committee could take decisions favourable to him as their faction commands a comfortable majority, according to reports.

Nepal Communist Party's executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has asked the party workers to prepare for the "worst" as the ongoing power tussle between him and Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has intensified with no solution in sight.

Nepal Communist Party's executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has asked the party workers to prepare for the "worst" as the ongoing power tussle between him and Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has intensified with no solution in sight. Oli and Prachanda have held at least ten meetings in recent weeks to sort out the differences between them. But, as the Prime Minister did not accept the condition of a one-man-one-post, the talks failed. Oli has refused to give up his post as prime minister as well as a co-chairman of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP). Also read: COVID-19: Nepal may see remittance contraction of 28.7% in 2020, says ADB A bitter internal feud has been brewing in the ruling NCP since the last few weeks after top party leaders, including Prachanda, demanded Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate." The opponents of Oli are also against his autocratic style of functioning. "Our main concern is not about gaining power, what we want is to follow the proper procedure while running the NCP. We are not focusing on gaining any position, but our fight is against the wrong trend developing in the party," Prachanda told a select group of journalists during a special briefing on Wednesday. Also read: Nepal: KP Oli-Prachanda meeting postponed for a day The dissident group accused Oli of trying to damage the image of other senior leaders of the party, the daily reported. Prachanda and Nepal have claimed that the majority of the powerful Central Working Committee members have supported them while raising voice against Oli. Prachanda also alleged that while the Standing Committee meeting was in progress, at the initiative of Prime Minister Oli a new party was registered under the name of a lesser-known person at the Election Commission with the intention to split the ruling party. "If one chairman (PM Oli) does not follow the proper procedure of the party then how can the unity of the party remain intact," he wondered. Prachanda claimed that he and other senior leaders of the party were trying to save the party by creating a favourable situation. "We are trying for the best outcome but the communists of this country should also be prepared for the worst thing to happen," Prachanda told media persons, indicating a possible split in the ruling party. "I had agreed to make Oli Prime Minister for a full 5 years term and enjoy the executive chairman's position in the party for creating a better environment within the party," said Prachanda. "Oli has dragged the party towards anarchism by calling separate gatherings," Prachanda said. During the press briefing, the senior leaders also accused Prime Oli of making political appointments on his own choice without consulting with the party. Madhav Nepal accused Oli of working in the vested interest of a certain group and encouraging corrupt people while making appointments. Meanwhile, PM Oli's chief advisor Bishnu Rimal has slammed Shrestha. "Don't encourage groupism in the party at a time when the country is passing through a crisis. Enough is enough," he wrote on Twitter. On July 28, Prime Minister Oli postponed the crucial Standing Committee meeting for the ninth time. While Oli wants to call the Secretariat meeting to resolve the differences, Prachanda says it would be inappropriate to call the Secretariat meeting as the Standing Committee meeting that was put off on July 28 is yet to be over. Prime Minister Oli wants the Secretariat meeting to resolve the key issues of an intra-party dispute as he now commands a majority in the nine-member body. Prachanda, who is backed by senior party leader and former prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, believes that the Standing Committee could take decisions favourable to him as their faction commands a comfortable majority, according to reports.

Prachanda tells party workers to prepare for worst as power tussle with PM Oli intensifies

The Centre did not hold discussions with West Bengal before framing the New Education Policy (NEP), said State Education Minister Partha Chatterjee said on Friday.

He said discussions might have been held with others, but not with anybody from the West Bengal government.

"To my knowledge, nothing has happened; not even a single time with respect to PM Modi. I can say emphatically that no one from Bengal was part of the discussions," he told reporters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-education-policy-focusses-on-how-to-think-pm-modi-318796" hreflang="en">New Education Policy focusses on how to think: PM Modi</a>

Chatterjee said, "We gave our thoughts on the draft resolution of national education policy but nothing was discussed."

Earlier, PM Narendra Modi said, "Till now our focus was on 'what to think'&nbsp;but the NEP focuses on 'how to think'. There is a flood of information in today's age. We need the ability to decide which information to accept. NEP has stressed on inquiry-based, discussion-based, and analysis-based thinking."

"Some people said that implementation of NEP would be a challenge. We have to implement it together. I am committed to this cause," he said.&nbsp;

The Centre did not hold discussions with West Bengal before framing the New Education Policy (NEP), said State Education Minister Partha Chatterjee said on Friday.

The Centre did not hold discussions with West Bengal before framing the New Education Policy (NEP), said State Education Minister Partha Chatterjee said on Friday. He said discussions might have been held with others, but not with anybody from the West Bengal government. "To my knowledge, nothing has happened; not even a single time with respect to PM Modi. I can say emphatically that no one from Bengal was part of the discussions," he told reporters. Also read: New Education Policy focusses on how to think: PM Modi Chatterjee said, "We gave our thoughts on the draft resolution of national education policy but nothing was discussed." Earlier, PM Narendra Modi said, "Till now our focus was on 'what to think' but the NEP focuses on 'how to think'. There is a flood of information in today's age. We need the ability to decide which information to accept. NEP has stressed on inquiry-based, discussion-based, and analysis-based thinking." "Some people said that implementation of NEP would be a challenge. We have to implement it together. I am committed to this cause," he said.

Not consulted before New Education Policy, says West Bengal minister

The Indian Army and the IAF will maintain a very high-level of operational readiness in all areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, North Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh till a "satisfactory" resolution to the border row with China is arrived at, people familiar with the developments said on Friday.

Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane has already conveyed to all the senior commanders of the Army overseeing the operation of the frontline formations along the LAC to keep up a significantly high state of alertness and maintain the aggressive posturing to deal with any Chinese "misadventure", they said.

Also read-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-indian-security-officials-seek-four-to-six-dedicated-satellites-along-lac-to-keep-an-eye-on-china-report-318634" hreflang="en">India-China standoff: Indian security officials seek four to six dedicated satellites along LAC to keep an eye on China: Report</a>

In the last three weeks, the Chief of Army Staff held long and elaborate discussions with all the senior commanders responsible for overseeing the Army's operational readiness and deployment along the nearly 3,500 KM-long LAC, the de-facto border between India and China.

The fresh directive to maintain a very high-level of alertness came in the wake of lack of forward movement in implementation of the disengagement process by China's People's Liberation Army(PLA) in several friction points in eastern Ladakh including Pangong Tso, Depsang and Gogra.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-report-claiming-chinese-aggression-on-lac-vanishes-from-defence-ministry-website-318599" hreflang="en">India-China standoff: Report claiming 'Chinese aggression on LAC' vanishes from defence ministry website</a>

India has already conveyed to China that there is no option but to restore status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh to end the row, the people familiar with the developments said.

While Gen Naravane visited eastern Ladakh in mid-July with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Thursday he held wide-ranging deliberations with senior commanders of the eastern command in Tezpur-based 4 Corps headquarters.

The Indian Air Force(IAF) is also preparing to maintain a relatively very high state of alertness in eastern Ladakh and other sensitive areas.

Vice Chief of IAF Air Marshal H S Arora visited a number of air bases in Ladakh on Friday to take stock of the operational preparedness of the force.

Following the Galwan Valley clashes, the IAF deployed almost all its frontline fighter jets like Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar and Mirage 2000 aircraft in the key frontier air bases in eastern Ladakh and elsewhere along the LAC.

The IAF has been carrying out night time combat air patrols over the eastern Ladakh region in an apparent message to China that it was ready to deal with any eventualities in the mountainous region.

The IAF has also deployed Apache attack choppers as well as Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to transport troops to various forward locations in eastern Ladakh.

The Army has already made elaborate plans to maintain current strength of troops and weapons along the LAC during the harsh winter months in eastern Ladakh and all other sensitive areas along the LAC.

The temperature in some of the high-altitude areas along the LAC drops to minus 25 degree celsius in the winter months. 
The Army is in the process of procuring a number of weapons, ammunition and winter gears for the frontline troops.

India and China have held several rounds of diplomatic and military talks aimed at disengagement of troops from friction points in eastern Ladakh.

On August 2, the two armies held the fifth round of Corps commander-level talks in an effort to expedite the disengagement process. 
At the talks, the Indian side insisted on complete disengagement of Chinese troops at the earliest, and immediate restoration of status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh prior to May 5 when the standoff began following a clash between the two armies in Pangong Tso.

The Chinese PLA has pulled back from Galwan Valley and certain other friction points but the withdrawal of troops has not moved forward from the Finger areas in Pangong Tso since mid-July, according to sources.

India has been insisting that China must withdraw its forces from areas between Finger Four and Eight. The mountain spurs in the area are referred to as Fingers.

The formal process of disengagement of troops began on July 6, a day after a nearly two-hour telephonic conversation between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on ways to bring down tensions in the area.

In the first round of the Corp commander-level talks on June 6, both sides finalised an agreement to disengage gradually from all the standoff points beginning with Galwan Valley.

However, the situation deteriorated following the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 in which 20 Indian army personnel were killed. China has not released information on casualties on its side but according to an American intelligence report it was 35.

The second round of talks took place on June 22.

In the third round of military talks on June 30, both sides agreed on an "expeditious, phased and step wise" de-escalation as a "priority" to end the standoff.

After the Galwan Valley incident, the government has given the armed forces "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure along the LAC.

The Army has sent thousands of additional troops to forward locations along the border following the deadly clashes. The IAF has also moved air defence systems as well as a sizable number of its frontline combat jets and attack helicopters to several key air bases.

The Indian Army and the IAF will maintain a very high-level of operational readiness in all areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, North Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh till a "satisfactory" resolution to the border row with China is arrived at, people familiar with the developments said on Friday.

The Indian Army and the IAF will maintain a very high-level of operational readiness in all areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, North Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh till a "satisfactory" resolution to the border row with China is arrived at, people familiar with the developments said on Friday. Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane has already conveyed to all the senior commanders of the Army overseeing the operation of the frontline formations along the LAC to keep up a significantly high state of alertness and maintain the aggressive posturing to deal with any Chinese "misadventure", they said. Also read-India-China standoff: Indian security officials seek four to six dedicated satellites along LAC to keep an eye on China: Report In the last three weeks, the Chief of Army Staff held long and elaborate discussions with all the senior commanders responsible for overseeing the Army's operational readiness and deployment along the nearly 3,500 KM-long LAC, the de-facto border between India and China. The fresh directive to maintain a very high-level of alertness came in the wake of lack of forward movement in implementation of the disengagement process by China's People's Liberation Army(PLA) in several friction points in eastern Ladakh including Pangong Tso, Depsang and Gogra. Also read: India-China standoff: Report claiming 'Chinese aggression on LAC' vanishes from defence ministry website India has already conveyed to China that there is no option but to restore status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh to end the row, the people familiar with the developments said. While Gen Naravane visited eastern Ladakh in mid-July with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Thursday he held wide-ranging deliberations with senior commanders of the eastern command in Tezpur-based 4 Corps headquarters. The Indian Air Force(IAF) is also preparing to maintain a relatively very high state of alertness in eastern Ladakh and other sensitive areas. Vice Chief of IAF Air Marshal H S Arora visited a number of air bases in Ladakh on Friday to take stock of the operational preparedness of the force. Following the Galwan Valley clashes, the IAF deployed almost all its frontline fighter jets like Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar and Mirage 2000 aircraft in the key frontier air bases in eastern Ladakh and elsewhere along the LAC. The IAF has been carrying out night time combat air patrols over the eastern Ladakh region in an apparent message to China that it was ready to deal with any eventualities in the mountainous region. The IAF has also deployed Apache attack choppers as well as Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to transport troops to various forward locations in eastern Ladakh. The Army has already made elaborate plans to maintain current strength of troops and weapons along the LAC during the harsh winter months in eastern Ladakh and all other sensitive areas along the LAC. The temperature in some of the high-altitude areas along the LAC drops to minus 25 degree celsius in the winter months. The Army is in the process of procuring a number of weapons, ammunition and winter gears for the frontline troops. India and China have held several rounds of diplomatic and military talks aimed at disengagement of troops from friction points in eastern Ladakh. On August 2, the two armies held the fifth round of Corps commander-level talks in an effort to expedite the disengagement process. At the talks, the Indian side insisted on complete disengagement of Chinese troops at the earliest, and immediate restoration of status quo ante in all areas of eastern Ladakh prior to May 5 when the standoff began following a clash between the two armies in Pangong Tso. The Chinese PLA has pulled back from Galwan Valley and certain other friction points but the withdrawal of troops has not moved forward from the Finger areas in Pangong Tso since mid-July, according to sources. India has been insisting that China must withdraw its forces from areas between Finger Four and Eight. The mountain spurs in the area are referred to as Fingers. The formal process of disengagement of troops began on July 6, a day after a nearly two-hour telephonic conversation between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on ways to bring down tensions in the area. In the first round of the Corp commander-level talks on June 6, both sides finalised an agreement to disengage gradually from all the standoff points beginning with Galwan Valley. However, the situation deteriorated following the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 in which 20 Indian army personnel were killed. China has not released information on casualties on its side but according to an American intelligence report it was 35. The second round of talks took place on June 22. In the third round of military talks on June 30, both sides agreed on an "expeditious, phased and step wise" de-escalation as a "priority" to end the standoff. After the Galwan Valley incident, the government has given the armed forces "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure along the LAC. The Army has sent thousands of additional troops to forward locations along the border following the deadly clashes. The IAF has also moved air defence systems as well as a sizable number of its frontline combat jets and attack helicopters to several key air bases.

Indian Army, IAF to maintain very high-level of alertness along LAC: Sources

A day before the port blast that killed more than 150 people and ravaged parts of Beirut, the country's Foreign Minister&nbsp;Nassif Hitti&nbsp;resigned after&nbsp;warning that it&nbsp;is ''siding towards becoming a failed state''.

The&nbsp;doomsday prediction&nbsp;began taking shape within hours and came true a day later. The blast zone is now a wasteland of blackened ruins, while whole neighbourhoods were largely destroyed.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun said Friday the explosion&nbsp;was caused either by negligence or a missile attack.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/satellite-images-capture-beirut-before-vs-after-devastating-blast-318562">Satellite images capture Beirut before vs after devastating blast</a>

It could have been "negligence or foreign interference through a missile or bomb," the president said in a televised interview, three days after the explosion.

He&nbsp;rejected calls for an international probe&nbsp;after world leaders and Lebanese nationals abroad and at home pressed for an impartial investigation.

However, experts believe that the incident was&nbsp;designed by years of dysfunction, corruption and incompetence.

It is a warning for the rest of the world as well as the&nbsp;disaster could happen anywhere.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/explosion-decimates-beiruts-port-disrupting-the-struggling-countrys-lifeline-318312">Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting the struggling country's lifeline</a>

The storage of&nbsp;ammonium&nbsp;nitrate, the substance behind the deadly explosion in the port of Beirut on Tuesday, has come under increased regulation in recent years to avoid involvement of the ubiquitous product in accidents which, although rare, can be devastating.&nbsp;Since 1916, it&nbsp;has been responsible for at least 30 major disasters.

What happened in Beirut was criminal negligence. It was a bomb that waited to go off for almost seven years and nobody bothered to defuse it.

The explosive ammonium nitrate arrived in Lebanon seven years ago, in 2013. Lebanese custom officials requested for the cargo’s disposal at least six times. But no one paid heed. It's as if they wanted this disaster to happen.

While corruption and incompetence is a deadly mix, adding&nbsp;ammonium nitrate makes it a ticking bomb waiting to explode.

Almost 700 tonnes of&nbsp;ammonium&nbsp;nitrate&nbsp;has been stuck in an Indian port since 2015, officials confirmed.

Indian authorities afterwards ordered a review of all potentially hazardous materials in its ports and were alerted to 690 tonnes of&nbsp;ammonium&nbsp;nitrate&nbsp;in Chennai in southern India.

Thirty-seven containers of the compound were imported from South Korea in 2015 by an Indian firm for use in fertilisers but were seized after the substance was found to be explosives-grade.

The local customs department on Thursday sought to allay concerns, saying that the chemicals posed no danger and that an auction process to sell it off was under way.

Although the mega-explosion happened in Beirut but entire Lebanon is now in ruins.

This a grim reminder for the world how corruption and incompetence created the perfect highway to hell.

A day before the port blast that killed more than 150 people and ravaged parts of Beirut, the country's Foreign Minister Nassif Hitti resigned after warning that it is ''siding towards becoming a failed state''.

A day before the port blast that killed more than 150 people and ravaged parts of Beirut, the country's Foreign Minister Nassif Hitti resigned after warning that it is ''siding towards becoming a failed state''. The doomsday prediction began taking shape within hours and came true a day later. The blast zone is now a wasteland of blackened ruins, while whole neighbourhoods were largely destroyed. Lebanese President Michel Aoun said Friday the explosion was caused either by negligence or a missile attack. Also see: Satellite images capture Beirut before vs after devastating blast It could have been "negligence or foreign interference through a missile or bomb," the president said in a televised interview, three days after the explosion. He rejected calls for an international probe after world leaders and Lebanese nationals abroad and at home pressed for an impartial investigation. However, experts believe that the incident was designed by years of dysfunction, corruption and incompetence. It is a warning for the rest of the world as well as the disaster could happen anywhere. Also see: Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting the struggling country's lifeline The storage of ammonium nitrate, the substance behind the deadly explosion in the port of Beirut on Tuesday, has come under increased regulation in recent years to avoid involvement of the ubiquitous product in accidents which, although rare, can be devastating. Since 1916, it has been responsible for at least 30 major disasters. What happened in Beirut was criminal negligence. It was a bomb that waited to go off for almost seven years and nobody bothered to defuse it. The explosive ammonium nitrate arrived in Lebanon seven years ago, in 2013. Lebanese custom officials requested for the cargo’s disposal at least six times. But no one paid heed. It's as if they wanted this disaster to happen. While corruption and incompetence is a deadly mix, adding ammonium nitrate makes it a ticking bomb waiting to explode. Almost 700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate has been stuck in an Indian port since 2015, officials confirmed. Indian authorities afterwards ordered a review of all potentially hazardous materials in its ports and were alerted to 690 tonnes of ammonium nitrate in Chennai in southern India. Thirty-seven containers of the compound were imported from South Korea in 2015 by an Indian firm for use in fertilisers but were seized after the substance was found to be explosives-grade. The local customs department on Thursday sought to allay concerns, saying that the chemicals posed no danger and that an auction process to sell it off was under way. Although the mega-explosion happened in Beirut but entire Lebanon is now in ruins. This a grim reminder for the world how corruption and incompetence created the perfect highway to hell.

How years of dysfunction, corruption and incompetence led to Beirut explosion

Mahinda Rajapaksa will be sworn in as Sri Lanka's Prime Minister for the fourth time on Sunday after his party 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.

The Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP), led by prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, won in 145 constituencies, bagging a total of 150 seats with its allies, a two-thirds majority in the 225-member Parliament, according to the results announced by the election commission on Friday. It won all but four of the 22 electoral districts on offer, polling 6.8 million votes (59.9 per cent).

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-the-rajapaksa-dynasty-patriarch-terminator-mr-ten-percent-bodyguard-and-scion-318857" hreflang="en">Meet the Rajapaksa dynasty: Patriarch, 'Terminator', 'Mr Ten Percent', 'bodyguard' and scion</a>

For Sri Lanka, this absolute majority means an absolutely powerful Rajapaksa brothers with Mahinda Rajapaksa as the prime minister&nbsp;and Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the&nbsp;president.

They will go ahead and usher in sweeping changes like making amendments in the&nbsp;constitution, waiving off&nbsp;president's term. This also means&nbsp;tighter control over the police force and the judiciary.

Going forward, the Rajapaksa's will control the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. However,&nbsp;a strong Rajapaksa duo means&nbsp;means balance and a more India-friendly Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first world leaders to congratulate Mahinda on the outcome of the elections and said the two sides will work together to further advance all areas of bilateral cooperation and to take their special ties to ever newer heights.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you, Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/PresRajapaksa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PresRajapaksa</a>! It was a pleasure to speak to you. Once again, many congratulations. We will work together to further advance all areas of bilateral cooperation and to take our special ties to ever newer heights. <a href="https://t.co/123ahoxlMo">https://t.co/123ahoxlMo</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1291395378563231745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Thank you PM @narendramodi for your congratulatory phone call. With the strong support of the people of #SriLanka, I look forward to working with you closely to further enhance the long-standing cooperation between our two countries. Sri Lanka &amp; India are friends &amp; relations," Mahinda tweeted.

Last November,&nbsp;India's external Jaishankar flew down to Colombo to wish Gotabaya right after his presidential win and he visited India 10 days after his election. This sense of prioritisation hints at strengthening of bilaternal ties.&nbsp;

Last year, the bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to 4.59 billion dollars. India is Sri Lanka's largest trading partner and&nbsp;also one of the largest contributors to FDI&nbsp;In Sri Lanka.

Colombo needs India not just for trade, but also for security, for counter-terrorism. Gotabaya Rajapaksa was the defence minister during Sri Lankan civil war because of which he understands India's importance.&nbsp;

India too benefits from a good bilateral relation with Sri Lanka and it needs to be in Colombo's good books more than ever.&nbsp;It is mainly because of three reasons:&nbsp;to balance a China-leaning neighbourhood, it plays&nbsp;an important part in India's ambitious ramayana circuit, and&nbsp;India cannot ignore the people-to-people relations between Colombo and New Delhi.

The southern belt of India is sentimentally attached to Sri Lankan Tamils.&nbsp;There are more than 22 lakh people in Sri Lanka who speak Tamil.&nbsp;The north and eastern belt of the country closely relate to India.&nbsp;

Therefore, the results of the Sri Lankan polls are an opportunity for India.

Mahinda Rajapaksa will be sworn in as Sri Lanka's Prime Minister for the fourth time on Sunday after his party 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.

Mahinda Rajapaksa will be sworn in as Sri Lanka's Prime Minister for the fourth time on Sunday after his party 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. The Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP), led by prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, won in 145 constituencies, bagging a total of 150 seats with its allies, a two-thirds majority in the 225-member Parliament, according to the results announced by the election commission on Friday. It won all but four of the 22 electoral districts on offer, polling 6.8 million votes (59.9 per cent). Also see: Meet the Rajapaksa dynasty: Patriarch, 'Terminator', 'Mr Ten Percent', 'bodyguard' and scion For Sri Lanka, this absolute majority means an absolutely powerful Rajapaksa brothers with Mahinda Rajapaksa as the prime minister and Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the president. They will go ahead and usher in sweeping changes like making amendments in the constitution, waiving off president's term. This also means tighter control over the police force and the judiciary. Going forward, the Rajapaksa's will control the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. However, a strong Rajapaksa duo means means balance and a more India-friendly Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first world leaders to congratulate Mahinda on the outcome of the elections and said the two sides will work together to further advance all areas of bilateral cooperation and to take their special ties to ever newer heights. Thank you, Prime Minister @PresRajapaksa! It was a pleasure to speak to you. Once again, many congratulations. We will work together to further advance all areas of bilateral cooperation and to take our special ties to ever newer heights. https://t.co/123ahoxlMo — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2020 × "Thank you PM @narendramodi for your congratulatory phone call. With the strong support of the people of #SriLanka, I look forward to working with you closely to further enhance the long-standing cooperation between our two countries. Sri Lanka & India are friends & relations," Mahinda tweeted. Last November, India's external Jaishankar flew down to Colombo to wish Gotabaya right after his presidential win and he visited India 10 days after his election. This sense of prioritisation hints at strengthening of bilaternal ties. Last year, the bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to 4.59 billion dollars. India is Sri Lanka's largest trading partner and also one of the largest contributors to FDI In Sri Lanka. Colombo needs India not just for trade, but also for security, for counter-terrorism. Gotabaya Rajapaksa was the defence minister during Sri Lankan civil war because of which he understands India's importance. India too benefits from a good bilateral relation with Sri Lanka and it needs to be in Colombo's good books more than ever. It is mainly because of three reasons: to balance a China-leaning neighbourhood, it plays an important part in India's ambitious ramayana circuit, and India cannot ignore the people-to-people relations between Colombo and New Delhi. The southern belt of India is sentimentally attached to Sri Lankan Tamils. There are more than 22 lakh people in Sri Lanka who speak Tamil. The north and eastern belt of the country closely relate to India. Therefore, the results of the Sri Lankan polls are an opportunity for India.

What does the result of Sri Lankan election mean for India

Former Prime Minister of Malaysia Mahathir Mohamad is often blamed for ruining the bilateral ties between his country and India.

In December last year, he slammed India by questioning the necessity of the the Indian Citizenship (Amendment) Act&nbsp;at Kuala Lumpur summit in Malaysia.

Indian foreign ministry had hit&nbsp;back by rejecting all claims and said that the&nbsp;Indian citizenship law was India's internal matter.&nbsp;

Mahathir went&nbsp;out of his way to take on India, merely to&nbsp;impress Pakistan.

As a result, India&nbsp;imposed&nbsp;a de facto ban on palm oil imports from Malaysia over a diplomatic row.&nbsp;In January this year, Malaysia palm oil export to india tanked 85 per cent&nbsp;year-on-year, the lowest since 2011.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-imposes-new-curbs-on-malaysia-as-mahathir-mohamad-continues-to-comment-on-caa-274344">India plans to impose new curbs on Malaysia as Mahathir Mohamad continues to comment on CAA</a>

The country's government&nbsp;also&nbsp;confined import of microchips amid signs that the trade issue was probably not going to be sifted through soon as the Southeast Asian country kept&nbsp;on irritating India over Kashmir and the Citizenship (Amendment Act).

But a month later, the political dynamic in Malaysia changed. Mahathir Mohamad resigned as Malaysia's prime minister in February this year.

The country is currently being headed by Muhyiddin Yassin. This has brought positive changes in&nbsp;rebuilding India-Malaysia bilateral ties.

For starters, the two countries are engaging with each other. India's external affairs minsiter S.Jaishankar spoke to his Malaysian counterpart after the Yassin government took charge.

India's high commissioner to Malaysia Mridul Kumar has held several rounds of talks with Malaysian foreign minister Hisha-Muddin. The Indian envoy was the first foreign official that he received on taking office.

On the trade front,&nbsp;India resumed the import of Malaysian palm oil in May this year. India also increased imports of rice, sugar and high-speed diesel.

New Delhi and Kuala Lumpur have been working closely through the Wuhan virus pandemic.

India's Vande Vharat flights have brought back at least 7000 Indians from Malaysia. India is also exporting hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol to malaysia.

On August 5, the&nbsp;anniversary of the abrogation of article 370, under&nbsp;Yassin's leadership,&nbsp;Malaysia refrained from making any comment despite the fact that its&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;tried&nbsp;its best to rake the issue of Kashmir.

Therefore, it can be said that there has been a noticeable change in Malaysia's attitude towards India. But the elephant in the room, that is Zakir Naik, remains unaddressed.

Naik is accused of terrorism, hate speech and money laundering but the man is still hiding in Malaysia.

India sent a formal extradition request on May 14 this year. But the response from Malaysia has not been positive.

So, going forward, if Yassin wants to continue improving ties with India. He must cooperate with New Delhi in Naik's extradition.

If Malaysia agrees to send the Naik back to India, that will be a defining moment in the India-Malaysia ties.

Former Prime Minister of Malaysia Mahathir Mohamad is often blamed for ruining the bilateral ties between his country and India. In December last year, he slammed India by questioning the necessity of the the Indian Citizenship (Amendment) Act at Kuala Lumpur summit in Malaysia.

Former Prime Minister of Malaysia Mahathir Mohamad is often blamed for ruining the bilateral ties between his country and India. In December last year, he slammed India by questioning the necessity of the the Indian Citizenship (Amendment) Act at Kuala Lumpur summit in Malaysia. Indian foreign ministry had hit back by rejecting all claims and said that the Indian citizenship law was India's internal matter. Mahathir went out of his way to take on India, merely to impress Pakistan. As a result, India imposed a de facto ban on palm oil imports from Malaysia over a diplomatic row. In January this year, Malaysia palm oil export to india tanked 85 per cent year-on-year, the lowest since 2011. Also read: India plans to impose new curbs on Malaysia as Mahathir Mohamad continues to comment on CAA The country's government also confined import of microchips amid signs that the trade issue was probably not going to be sifted through soon as the Southeast Asian country kept on irritating India over Kashmir and the Citizenship (Amendment Act). But a month later, the political dynamic in Malaysia changed. Mahathir Mohamad resigned as Malaysia's prime minister in February this year. The country is currently being headed by Muhyiddin Yassin. This has brought positive changes in rebuilding India-Malaysia bilateral ties. For starters, the two countries are engaging with each other. India's external affairs minsiter S.Jaishankar spoke to his Malaysian counterpart after the Yassin government took charge. India's high commissioner to Malaysia Mridul Kumar has held several rounds of talks with Malaysian foreign minister Hisha-Muddin. The Indian envoy was the first foreign official that he received on taking office. On the trade front, India resumed the import of Malaysian palm oil in May this year. India also increased imports of rice, sugar and high-speed diesel. New Delhi and Kuala Lumpur have been working closely through the Wuhan virus pandemic. India's Vande Vharat flights have brought back at least 7000 Indians from Malaysia. India is also exporting hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol to malaysia. On August 5, the anniversary of the abrogation of article 370, under Yassin's leadership, Malaysia refrained from making any comment despite the fact that its Pakistan tried its best to rake the issue of Kashmir. Therefore, it can be said that there has been a noticeable change in Malaysia's attitude towards India. But the elephant in the room, that is Zakir Naik, remains unaddressed. Naik is accused of terrorism, hate speech and money laundering but the man is still hiding in Malaysia. India sent a formal extradition request on May 14 this year. But the response from Malaysia has not been positive. So, going forward, if Yassin wants to continue improving ties with India. He must cooperate with New Delhi in Naik's extradition. If Malaysia agrees to send the Naik back to India, that will be a defining moment in the India-Malaysia ties.

How India-Malaysia ties have transformed since Mahathir's departure

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Vyomica Berry

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