Pakistan's aviation authority has suspended 15 more pilots for possessing dubious licenses, taking the number of those taken off duty for flying with fake credentials in the country to 93, according to a media report on Saturday.

They were suspended by the Aviation Division on Friday. These are among the 262 pilots, who were grounded and put under investigation by the aviation ministry last month, for possessing suspicious licences, according to a Pakistani newspaper. The licences of 28 other pilots have already been cancelled.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/european-union-bans-pakistan-international-airlines-from-flying-to-europe-for-six-months-309757">European Union bans Pakistan International Airlines from flying to Europe for six months</a>

Abdul Sattar Khokhar, Spokesman for the Aviation Division, said a total of 262 pilots were identified as possessing fake licences by the Board of Inquiry and grounded immediately after identification on the instructions of the government.

He said out of these 262 pilots, the federal Cabinet had approved cancellation of the licences of 28.

These 28 pilots will not be able to undertake any flying duty and their licences have been cancelled after proper legal procedures under which the pilots were given an opportunity of hearing.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-lost-50-million-from-airspace-restrictions-aviation-minister-237004">Pakistan lost $50 million from airspace restrictions: Aviation minister</a>

The matter was twice deliberated by the Cabinet before the decision. The process of verification of licences of 93 pilots has been initiated, while the investigation of the remaining 141 cases is expected to be completed within one week.

Khokhar, who is also the senior joint secretary, said the entire process of scrutiny and validation followed by necessary disciplinary action was being closely monitored and personally supervised by Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan.

Meanwhile, Serene Air, a private airliner, has stopped paying salary to its pilots and first officers who have been identified as possessing fake licences.

The human resource department of the airline informed them that they would not be paid from June 29 till the issue was resolved.

Earlier, the Aviation Division had provided a list of 10 pilots of the private airline having fake licences. 
Of the 10 pilots, three had already left the airline, while the remaining have been grounded, the report said.

Pakistan's aviation authority has suspended 15 more pilots for possessing dubious licenses, taking the number of those taken off duty for flying with fake credentials in the country to 93, according to a media report on Saturday.

Pakistan's aviation authority has suspended 15 more pilots for possessing dubious licenses, taking the number of those taken off duty for flying with fake credentials in the country to 93, according to a media report on Saturday. They were suspended by the Aviation Division on Friday. These are among the 262 pilots, who were grounded and put under investigation by the aviation ministry last month, for possessing suspicious licences, according to a Pakistani newspaper. The licences of 28 other pilots have already been cancelled. Also read: European Union bans Pakistan International Airlines from flying to Europe for six months Abdul Sattar Khokhar, Spokesman for the Aviation Division, said a total of 262 pilots were identified as possessing fake licences by the Board of Inquiry and grounded immediately after identification on the instructions of the government. He said out of these 262 pilots, the federal Cabinet had approved cancellation of the licences of 28. These 28 pilots will not be able to undertake any flying duty and their licences have been cancelled after proper legal procedures under which the pilots were given an opportunity of hearing. Also read| Pakistan lost $50 million from airspace restrictions: Aviation minister The matter was twice deliberated by the Cabinet before the decision. The process of verification of licences of 93 pilots has been initiated, while the investigation of the remaining 141 cases is expected to be completed within one week. Khokhar, who is also the senior joint secretary, said the entire process of scrutiny and validation followed by necessary disciplinary action was being closely monitored and personally supervised by Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan. Meanwhile, Serene Air, a private airliner, has stopped paying salary to its pilots and first officers who have been identified as possessing fake licences. The human resource department of the airline informed them that they would not be paid from June 29 till the issue was resolved. Earlier, the Aviation Division had provided a list of 10 pilots of the private airline having fake licences. Of the 10 pilots, three had already left the airline, while the remaining have been grounded, the report said.

Pakistan aviation authority suspends 15 more pilots having fake licenses

Fire erupted Saturday inside a gothic cathedral in the western French city of Nantes, but firefighters brought the blaze under control within hours, emergency services said.

Officials said the cathedral's organ was destroyed and its platform could collapse, but added that the damage was not comparable to last year's fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Fire crews were alerted just before 08:00 am (0600 GMT) to the blaze at the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul and around 100 personnel rushed to the scene.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/consensus-that-notre-dame-spire-should-be-rebuilt-in-its-original-form-311931">'Consensus' that Notre-Dame spire should be rebuilt in its original form</a>

After two hours, emergency teams managed to contain the fire at the gothic structure, built between 15th and 19th centuries, said regional fire chief General Laurent Ferlay.

Prime Minister Jean Castex said he would visit the scene later on Saturday.

"I want to know what happened but first I'm going to show my solidarity with the people of Nantes," Castex told reporters.

President Emmanuel Macron tweeted his "support for our firefighters who are taking all the risks to save this gothic jewel".

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Après Notre-Dame, la cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, au cœur de Nantes, est en flammes. Soutien à nos sapeurs-pompiers qui prennent tous les risques pour sauver ce joyau gothique de la cité des Ducs.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1284403307331674113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The building was last hit by fire in 1972. Its roof took more than 13 years to repair.

Another religious building in Nantes, he Basilica of St Donatian and St Rogatian, was struck by a fire in 2015 that destroyed three-quarters of its roof.

In April last year, a fire engulfed Paris's 13th century Notre-Dame cathedral, causing its steeple to collapse and sending billowing fumes containing toxic molten lead into the air. The structure will take years to repair.

Fire erupted Saturday inside a gothic cathedral in the western French city of Nantes, but firefighters brought the blaze under control within hours, emergency services said.

Fire erupted Saturday inside a gothic cathedral in the western French city of Nantes, but firefighters brought the blaze under control within hours, emergency services said. Officials said the cathedral's organ was destroyed and its platform could collapse, but added that the damage was not comparable to last year's fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Fire crews were alerted just before 08:00 am (0600 GMT) to the blaze at the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul and around 100 personnel rushed to the scene. Also read: 'Consensus' that Notre-Dame spire should be rebuilt in its original form After two hours, emergency teams managed to contain the fire at the gothic structure, built between 15th and 19th centuries, said regional fire chief General Laurent Ferlay. Prime Minister Jean Castex said he would visit the scene later on Saturday. "I want to know what happened but first I'm going to show my solidarity with the people of Nantes," Castex told reporters. President Emmanuel Macron tweeted his "support for our firefighters who are taking all the risks to save this gothic jewel". Après Notre-Dame, la cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, au cœur de Nantes, est en flammes. Soutien à nos sapeurs-pompiers qui prennent tous les risques pour sauver ce joyau gothique de la cité des Ducs. — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 18, 2020 × The building was last hit by fire in 1972. Its roof took more than 13 years to repair. Another religious building in Nantes, he Basilica of St Donatian and St Rogatian, was struck by a fire in 2015 that destroyed three-quarters of its roof. In April last year, a fire engulfed Paris's 13th century Notre-Dame cathedral, causing its steeple to collapse and sending billowing fumes containing toxic molten lead into the air. The structure will take years to repair.

Fire damages cathedral in French city of Nantes

A massive 50-mile-wide swarm of flying ants was spotted from space over the United Kingdom.

The Met Office's weather radar picked up by the enormous cloud of insects over Kent and Sussex, on England's southeast coast.

Smaller swarms could be seen over London, according to the the weather service said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-officer-suspended-after-video-showed-him-kneeling-on-black-mans-neck-314163">UK officer suspended after video showed him kneeling on Black man's neck</a>

Along side a tweet a video was released by the Met Office saying: "It's not raining in London, Kent or Sussex, but our radar says otherwise...

"The radar is actually picking up a swarm of #flyingants across the southeast.

"During the summer ants can take to the skies in a mass emergence usually on warm, humid and windless days #flyingantday'."

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It's not raining in London, Kent or Sussex, but our radar says otherwise...📡 
 
The radar is actually picking up a swarm of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/flyingants?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#flyingants</a> across the southeast 🐜 
 
During the summer ants can take to the skies in a mass emergence usually on warm, humid and windless days <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/flyingantday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#flyingantday</a> <a href="https://t.co/aMF6RxR943">pic.twitter.com/aMF6RxR943</a>
— Met Office (@metoffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/metoffice/status/1284075613331038208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A spokesman for the Met Office said there were likely to be "thousands" of ants within the swarm. 
&nbsp;

A massive 50-mile-wide swarm of flying ants was spotted from space over the United Kingdom. The Met Office's weather radar picked up by the enormous cloud of insects over Kent and Sussex, on England's southeast coast.

A massive 50-mile-wide swarm of flying ants was spotted from space over the United Kingdom. The Met Office's weather radar picked up by the enormous cloud of insects over Kent and Sussex, on England's southeast coast. Smaller swarms could be seen over London, according to the the weather service said. Also read: UK officer suspended after video showed him kneeling on Black man's neck Along side a tweet a video was released by the Met Office saying: "It's not raining in London, Kent or Sussex, but our radar says otherwise... "The radar is actually picking up a swarm of #flyingants across the southeast. "During the summer ants can take to the skies in a mass emergence usually on warm, humid and windless days #flyingantday'." It's not raining in London, Kent or Sussex, but our radar says otherwise...📡 The radar is actually picking up a swarm of #flyingants across the southeast 🐜 During the summer ants can take to the skies in a mass emergence usually on warm, humid and windless days #flyingantday pic.twitter.com/aMF6RxR943 — Met Office (@metoffice) July 17, 2020 × A spokesman for the Met Office said there were likely to be "thousands" of ants within the swarm.

Giant swarm of flying ants spotted from space over Britain

China is not seeking to replace or to confront the United States as the world's top technological power,&nbsp;a foreign ministry spokesperson said Friday.

Responding to a litany of recent accusations from the Trump administration, Hua Chunying said China will fight back against "malicious slander" and attacks from Washington.

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''China's long-term economic growth fundamentals have remained unchanged after withstanding the impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak, despite what critics say is an increasingly aggressive foreign policy that looks to expand Chinese influence in the military, technology, economic and other spheres,'' Chunying said Friday at a regular press briefing.

"As an independent sovereign state, China has the right to safeguard its own sovereignty, security and development interests, to defend the achievements made by the Chinese people with hard work, to refuse any bullying and injustice against China, and to fight back against malicious slander and attacks by the US&nbsp;against China," Hua added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-attorney-general-blasts-american-firms-for-kowtowing-to-beijing-313919">US attorney general blasts American firms for 'kowtowing' to Beijing</a>

Her comments came in response to a speech Thursday by US Attorney General William Barr blasted American firms with Chinese links for 'kowtowing' to Beijing.

Barr took aim at Hollywood companies, including Walt Disney Co on Thursday as well as large technology firms like Apple, Alphabet's Google and Microsoft Corp over company actions with China.

"Corporations such as Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Apple have shown themselves all too willing to collaborate with the (Chinese Communist party)," Barr said.

He added that Hollywood has routinely caved into pressure and censored their films "to appease the Chinese Communist Party."

"I suspect Walt Disney would be disheartened to see how the company he founded deals with the foreign dictatorships of our day," Barr said in a speech at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Michigan.

Barr chided US companies for being too willing to take steps to ensure access to the large Chinese market.

In recent months, US-China ties have dipped to their lowest ebb in decades, strained over issues ranging from the global coronavirus pandemic and China's massive trade surpluses, to Beijing’s suppression of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, its military buildup in the South China Sea and treatment of minority Muslims.

China is not seeking to replace or to confront the United States as the world's top technological power, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Friday. Responding to a litany of recent accusations from the Trump administration, Hua Chunying said China will fight back against "malicious slander" and attacks from Washington.

China is not seeking to replace or to confront the United States as the world's top technological power, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Friday. Responding to a litany of recent accusations from the Trump administration, Hua Chunying said China will fight back against "malicious slander" and attacks from Washington. ''China's long-term economic growth fundamentals have remained unchanged after withstanding the impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak, despite what critics say is an increasingly aggressive foreign policy that looks to expand Chinese influence in the military, technology, economic and other spheres,'' Chunying said Friday at a regular press briefing. "As an independent sovereign state, China has the right to safeguard its own sovereignty, security and development interests, to defend the achievements made by the Chinese people with hard work, to refuse any bullying and injustice against China, and to fight back against malicious slander and attacks by the US against China," Hua added. Also read: US attorney general blasts American firms for 'kowtowing' to Beijing Her comments came in response to a speech Thursday by US Attorney General William Barr blasted American firms with Chinese links for 'kowtowing' to Beijing. Barr took aim at Hollywood companies, including Walt Disney Co on Thursday as well as large technology firms like Apple, Alphabet's Google and Microsoft Corp over company actions with China. "Corporations such as Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Apple have shown themselves all too willing to collaborate with the (Chinese Communist party)," Barr said. He added that Hollywood has routinely caved into pressure and censored their films "to appease the Chinese Communist Party." "I suspect Walt Disney would be disheartened to see how the company he founded deals with the foreign dictatorships of our day," Barr said in a speech at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Michigan. Barr chided US companies for being too willing to take steps to ensure access to the large Chinese market. In recent months, US-China ties have dipped to their lowest ebb in decades, strained over issues ranging from the global coronavirus pandemic and China's massive trade surpluses, to Beijing’s suppression of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, its military buildup in the South China Sea and treatment of minority Muslims.

Not trying to replace US as world's top technological power, says China

The capital of China's far-western Xinjiang region curtailed most flights into the city on Friday and has shut down subway and public bus services after several coronavirus infections were detected, government authorities and state-controlled media said.

Urumqi, the capital of China's far western region of Xinjiang, reported five new coronavirus cases by noon (0400 GMT) on Friday, the regional health commission said.

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The city also reported eight new asymptomatic cases, it added, taking Xinjiang's tally to six infections and 11 asymptomatic patients.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-time-to-push-back-against-challenge-posed-by-china-pompeo-313923" hreflang="en">It's time to push back against challenge posed by China: Pompeo</a>

The infections were detected beginning on Wednesday, and news of the cases prompted state media outlets in Urumqi to issue assurances on Friday that supermarkets had ample stocks of food, an apparent attempt to discourage panic-buying.

The new cases illustrate the continuing difficulty China faces in stamping out the contagion, which emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year before spreading throughout the country and globally.

China has reported a total of more than 83,000 infections and 4,634 deaths.

Around half of Xinjiang's population of more than 21 million is composed of ethnic Uighurs and other Turkic Muslims, many of whom complain of decades of political and religious oppression by China's ruling Communist Party, which the government denies.

The capital of China's far-western Xinjiang region curtailed most flights into the city on Friday and has shut down subway and public bus services after several coronavirus infections were detected, government authorities and state-controlled media said.

The capital of China's far-western Xinjiang region curtailed most flights into the city on Friday and has shut down subway and public bus services after several coronavirus infections were detected, government authorities and state-controlled media said. Urumqi, the capital of China's far western region of Xinjiang, reported five new coronavirus cases by noon (0400 GMT) on Friday, the regional health commission said. The city also reported eight new asymptomatic cases, it added, taking Xinjiang's tally to six infections and 11 asymptomatic patients. Also read: It's time to push back against challenge posed by China: Pompeo The infections were detected beginning on Wednesday, and news of the cases prompted state media outlets in Urumqi to issue assurances on Friday that supermarkets had ample stocks of food, an apparent attempt to discourage panic-buying. The new cases illustrate the continuing difficulty China faces in stamping out the contagion, which emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year before spreading throughout the country and globally. China has reported a total of more than 83,000 infections and 4,634 deaths. Around half of Xinjiang's population of more than 21 million is composed of ethnic Uighurs and other Turkic Muslims, many of whom complain of decades of political and religious oppression by China's ruling Communist Party, which the government denies.

Five new coronavirus cases spark alarm in China's Xinjiang

A pair of notorious Russian pranksters fooled Poland's president Andrzej Duda by posing as U.N. secretary-general General Antonio Guterres.

The duo called as Vovan and Lexus, is&nbsp;known for posing as foreign officials in prank calls with European politicians have hoodwinked Duda after they were able to reach his telephone.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prankster-puts-putins-portrait-in-trumps-place-in-colorado-155458">Prankster replaces Trump portrait with Putin's in Colorado capitol building</a>

Vovan, whose real name is Vladimir Kuznetsov, posted a recording of the 11-minute call on YouTube. Duda's office confirmed that it was authentic.

The imposters referred to him as ''Your Excellency''. Initially, they congratulated him on eking out a second presidential term but took the president to task for his hostile campaign comments about the LGBT community, drawing Duda's assurance that he has ''huge respect for every human being.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-reveals-agony-of-megxit-on-phone-call-from-fake-greta-thunberg-285603">Prince Harry reveals agony of Megxit on phone call from fake Greta Thunberg</a>

At various points in the conversation, conducted in English, Duda sounds surprised at the line of questioning. But soon rendered him speechless with questions about Ukraine, Russia, and his re-election on Sunday.

He also rejected a provocative suggestion that Poland would seek to claim back the Ukrainian city of Lviv, which was part of Poland before World War II.

In a tweet, Duda said he realized ''something was not right''&nbsp;during the conversation and was suspicious because the real Antonio Guterres does not pronounce the name of Polish vodka brand Zubrowka as well as the caller did.&nbsp; 
But he agreed that the ''voice was very similar''.

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W trakcie rozmowy zorientowałem się, że coś chyba jest nie tak. Sekretarz Generalny nie wymawia aż tak dobrze słowa „żubrówka”, choć głos był bardzo podobny. 😂
— Andrzej Duda (@AndrzejDuda) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrzejDuda/status/1283370856316624901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Polish state security is investigating how the prankster got through to the president and whether Russia's secret services were involved.

The Internal Security Agency said in a statement the call had been authorized by an official with Poland's mission to the United Nations and that his actions are under investigation.

Vovan and Lexus have previously embarrassed a host of world leaders and celebrities, including Prince Harry, Boris Johnson, Elton John and French President Emmanuel Macron.&nbsp;

Russia and Poland's relationship is tense these days, especially over Poland's support for Ukraine's drive for closer links with the European Union.

Duda also rejected a provocative suggestion that Poland would seek to claim back the Ukrainian city of Lviv, which was part of Poland before World War II.

“No! No! This is Ukraine,” Duda emphasized, adding that no political group in Poland harbored such an idea.

The president also said that Poland has a “discussion about history” with Russian President Vladimir Putin about World War II and the Soviet “occupation” of Poland after the war.

A pair of notorious Russian pranksters fooled Poland's president Andrzej Duda by posing as U.N. secretary-general General Antonio Guterres. The duo called as Vovan and Lexus, is known for posing as foreign officials in prank calls with European politicians have hoodwinked Duda after they were able to reach his telephone.

A pair of notorious Russian pranksters fooled Poland's president Andrzej Duda by posing as U.N. secretary-general General Antonio Guterres. The duo called as Vovan and Lexus, is known for posing as foreign officials in prank calls with European politicians have hoodwinked Duda after they were able to reach his telephone. Also read: Prankster replaces Trump portrait with Putin's in Colorado capitol building Vovan, whose real name is Vladimir Kuznetsov, posted a recording of the 11-minute call on YouTube. Duda's office confirmed that it was authentic. The imposters referred to him as ''Your Excellency''. Initially, they congratulated him on eking out a second presidential term but took the president to task for his hostile campaign comments about the LGBT community, drawing Duda's assurance that he has ''huge respect for every human being.'' Also read: Prince Harry reveals agony of Megxit on phone call from fake Greta Thunberg At various points in the conversation, conducted in English, Duda sounds surprised at the line of questioning. But soon rendered him speechless with questions about Ukraine, Russia, and his re-election on Sunday. He also rejected a provocative suggestion that Poland would seek to claim back the Ukrainian city of Lviv, which was part of Poland before World War II. In a tweet, Duda said he realized ''something was not right'' during the conversation and was suspicious because the real Antonio Guterres does not pronounce the name of Polish vodka brand Zubrowka as well as the caller did. But he agreed that the ''voice was very similar''. W trakcie rozmowy zorientowałem się, że coś chyba jest nie tak. Sekretarz Generalny nie wymawia aż tak dobrze słowa „żubrówka”, choć głos był bardzo podobny. 😂 — Andrzej Duda (@AndrzejDuda) July 15, 2020 × Polish state security is investigating how the prankster got through to the president and whether Russia's secret services were involved. The Internal Security Agency said in a statement the call had been authorized by an official with Poland's mission to the United Nations and that his actions are under investigation. Vovan and Lexus have previously embarrassed a host of world leaders and celebrities, including Prince Harry, Boris Johnson, Elton John and French President Emmanuel Macron. Russia and Poland's relationship is tense these days, especially over Poland's support for Ukraine's drive for closer links with the European Union. Duda also rejected a provocative suggestion that Poland would seek to claim back the Ukrainian city of Lviv, which was part of Poland before World War II. “No! No! This is Ukraine,” Duda emphasized, adding that no political group in Poland harbored such an idea. The president also said that Poland has a “discussion about history” with Russian President Vladimir Putin about World War II and the Soviet “occupation” of Poland after the war.

Notorious Russian pranksters trick Polish President by claiming to be UN secretary general

Malaysia's Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Mohamad has sparked outrage after introducing a proposal to arrest and “educate” transgender people.

The announcement prompted an outcry from activists, who pointed out that in just four months since coming to power the Perikatan Nasional coalition had already clamped down on union members and journalists and banned a book on the 2018 general election in which the previous administration, the Pakatan Harapan, toppled the Barisan Nasional after 61 years.

The proposal&nbsp;is bound to deliver another blow to the already shaky human rights records of the government.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-malaysias-surgical-glove-maker-over-forced-labour-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-313836">US sanctions Malaysia's surgical glove maker over forced labour amid coronavirus pandemic</a>

Earlier, Zulkifli said he had given ''full license to Islamic authorities to ensure transgender people came back to the right path''.

In a Facebook post, he said ''Islam is a religion that wants to educate. We will work towards coordinated efforts from all agencies under the religious affairs wing in the prime minister’s department''.

According to Mitch Yusmar Yusof, executive director of the trans-led community organisation Seed Foundation.This will encourage vigilante violence. We saw this happen during the Barisan Nasional government and no action was taken then''.

“We know what this is all about – it’s about power. Identify the easiest scapegoat or target, make a statement, gaining public trust and votes. We have become their punching bags too many times, we know when the threat is serious.''

The LGBT community has been a popular target for Malaysian politicians attempting to shore up support from the conservative vote bank because the country's Islamic laws prohibit homosexuality while its secular laws criminalise “unnatural” sex. Corporal punishment for same-sex sexual relationsi is allowed as per state-level laws while conversion therapy – including religious counselling – is commonplace.

Malaysia's Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Mohamad has sparked outrage after introducing a proposal to arrest and “educate” transgender people. The announcement prompted an outcry from activists, who pointed out that in just four months since coming to power the Perikatan Nasional coalition had already clamped down on union members and journalists and banned a book on the 2018 general election in which the previous administration, the Pakatan Harapan, toppled the Barisan Nasional after 61 years.

Malaysia's Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Mohamad has sparked outrage after introducing a proposal to arrest and “educate” transgender people. The announcement prompted an outcry from activists, who pointed out that in just four months since coming to power the Perikatan Nasional coalition had already clamped down on union members and journalists and banned a book on the 2018 general election in which the previous administration, the Pakatan Harapan, toppled the Barisan Nasional after 61 years. The proposal is bound to deliver another blow to the already shaky human rights records of the government. Also read: US sanctions Malaysia's surgical glove maker over forced labour amid coronavirus pandemic Earlier, Zulkifli said he had given ''full license to Islamic authorities to ensure transgender people came back to the right path''. In a Facebook post, he said ''Islam is a religion that wants to educate. We will work towards coordinated efforts from all agencies under the religious affairs wing in the prime minister’s department''. According to Mitch Yusmar Yusof, executive director of the trans-led community organisation Seed Foundation.This will encourage vigilante violence. We saw this happen during the Barisan Nasional government and no action was taken then''. “We know what this is all about – it’s about power. Identify the easiest scapegoat or target, make a statement, gaining public trust and votes. We have become their punching bags too many times, we know when the threat is serious.'' The LGBT community has been a popular target for Malaysian politicians attempting to shore up support from the conservative vote bank because the country's Islamic laws prohibit homosexuality while its secular laws criminalise “unnatural” sex. Corporal punishment for same-sex sexual relationsi is allowed as per state-level laws while conversion therapy – including religious counselling – is commonplace.

Malaysian minister sparks outrage after targeting transgender people for arrest

US attorney general William Barr has blasted American firms with Chinese links for 'kowtowing' to Beijing.

Barr took aim at Hollywood companies, including Walt Disney Co on Thursday as well as large technology firms like Apple, Alphabet's Google and Microsoft Corp over company actions with China.

The companies and the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately comment. Apple declined to comment.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mulls-travel-ban-on-92-million-members-of-communist-party-of-china-report-313607">US mulls travel ban on 92 million members of Communist Party of China : Report</a>

"Corporations such as Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Apple have shown themselves all too willing to collaborate with the (Chinese Communist party)," Barr said.

He added that Hollywood has routinely caved into pressure and censored their films "to appease the Chinese Communist Party."

"I suspect Walt Disney would be disheartened to see how the company he founded deals with the foreign dictatorships of our day," Barr said in a speech at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Michigan.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-action-on-risks-posed-by-tiktok-likely-in-weeks-white-house-313604">Trump administration action on risks posed by TikTok likely 'in weeks': White House</a>

Barr chided US companies for being too willing to take steps to ensure access to the large Chinese market.

"The Chinese Communist Party thinks in terms of decades and centuries, while we tend to focus on the next quarterly earnings report," Barr said. "America’s big tech companies have also allowed themselves to become pawns of Chinese influence."

Barr’s was the latest attack on China from President Donald Trump’s administration before his November re-election bid.

In recent months, US-China ties have dipped to their lowest ebb in decades, strained over issues ranging from the global coronavirus pandemic and China's massive trade surpluses, to Beijing’s suppression of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, its military buildup in the South China Sea and treatment of minority Muslims.

Barr suggested that Apple iPhones "wouldn't be sold (in China) if they were impervious to penetration by Chinese authorities." He suggested American tech companies were imposing a "double standard."

"If they stand together, they will provide a worthy example for other American companies in resisting the Chinese Communist Party’s corrupt and dictatorial rule."

Barr noted after China imposed a new national security law on Hong Kong, Facebook, Google, Twitter In and LinkedIn, announced that they would temporarily suspend compliance with governmental requests for user data.

US attorney general William Barr has blasted American firms with Chinese links for 'kowtowing' to Beijing. Barr took aim at Hollywood companies, including Walt Disney Co on Thursday as well as large technology firms like Apple, Alphabet's Google and Microsoft Corp over company actions with China.

US attorney general William Barr has blasted American firms with Chinese links for 'kowtowing' to Beijing. Barr took aim at Hollywood companies, including Walt Disney Co on Thursday as well as large technology firms like Apple, Alphabet's Google and Microsoft Corp over company actions with China. The companies and the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately comment. Apple declined to comment. Also read| US mulls travel ban on 92 million members of Communist Party of China : Report "Corporations such as Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Apple have shown themselves all too willing to collaborate with the (Chinese Communist party)," Barr said. He added that Hollywood has routinely caved into pressure and censored their films "to appease the Chinese Communist Party." "I suspect Walt Disney would be disheartened to see how the company he founded deals with the foreign dictatorships of our day," Barr said in a speech at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Michigan. Also read| Trump administration action on risks posed by TikTok likely 'in weeks': White House Barr chided US companies for being too willing to take steps to ensure access to the large Chinese market. "The Chinese Communist Party thinks in terms of decades and centuries, while we tend to focus on the next quarterly earnings report," Barr said. "America’s big tech companies have also allowed themselves to become pawns of Chinese influence." Barr’s was the latest attack on China from President Donald Trump’s administration before his November re-election bid. In recent months, US-China ties have dipped to their lowest ebb in decades, strained over issues ranging from the global coronavirus pandemic and China's massive trade surpluses, to Beijing’s suppression of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, its military buildup in the South China Sea and treatment of minority Muslims. Barr suggested that Apple iPhones "wouldn't be sold (in China) if they were impervious to penetration by Chinese authorities." He suggested American tech companies were imposing a "double standard." "If they stand together, they will provide a worthy example for other American companies in resisting the Chinese Communist Party’s corrupt and dictatorial rule." Barr noted after China imposed a new national security law on Hong Kong, Facebook, Google, Twitter In and LinkedIn, announced that they would temporarily suspend compliance with governmental requests for user data.

US attorney general blasts American firms for 'kowtowing' to Beijing

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday&nbsp;raised alarm against a growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and warned of an imminent shortage of funds to fight the deadly disease.

56 cases have been reported in Equator province, which is greater than the total number of cases recorded in the province's last outbreak in 2018 according to the organisation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/congo-reports-fresh-ebola-outbreak-three-weeks-before-plans-to-proclaim-the-country-disease-free-302415">Congo reports fresh Ebola outbreak three weeks before plans to proclaim the country disease-free</a>

According to Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO's regional director for Africa, ''Efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic have complicated the response to the Ebola outbreak.''

"We must not let Covid-19 distract us from tackling other pressing health threats. The current Ebola outbreak is running into headwinds because cases are scattered across remote areas in dense rainforests," Moeti said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-ebola-outbreak-in-congo-kills-5-people-says-unicef-302613">Fresh Ebola outbreak in Congo kills 5 people, says UNICEF</a>

$1.75 million&nbsp;has been mobilised to combat the Ebola outbreak by the WHO on June 1, but that will only last a few more weeks.

Additional funding to help with vaccinations, testing, contact tracing, treatment and health education. For this Moeti has called for help.

Another Ebola outbreak in the east of the country was declared over June 25 after two years. 2,280 people had died in the previous outbreak.

Executive director of the WHO's emergency health programme, Michael Ryan, who has worked extensively on Ebola, said Monday that as of Sunday there were 17 deaths from confirmed Ebola cases and three more from suspected cases.

''While the numbers may appear low, the threat of spread is worrisome, especially because of the extreme logistical problems for health care workers to access remote, affected communities'' said Ryan.

"Any one of those individual cases can result in amplification of the disease," he added.

Over 12,000 people have been vaccinated in Equator in the six weeks since the outbreak started, beginning four days after the outbreak was declared according to Moeti.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday raised alarm against a growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and warned of an imminent shortage of funds to fight the deadly disease.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday raised alarm against a growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and warned of an imminent shortage of funds to fight the deadly disease. 56 cases have been reported in Equator province, which is greater than the total number of cases recorded in the province's last outbreak in 2018 according to the organisation. Also read: Congo reports fresh Ebola outbreak three weeks before plans to proclaim the country disease-free According to Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO's regional director for Africa, ''Efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic have complicated the response to the Ebola outbreak.'' "We must not let Covid-19 distract us from tackling other pressing health threats. The current Ebola outbreak is running into headwinds because cases are scattered across remote areas in dense rainforests," Moeti said. Also read: Fresh Ebola outbreak in Congo kills 5 people, says UNICEF $1.75 million has been mobilised to combat the Ebola outbreak by the WHO on June 1, but that will only last a few more weeks. Additional funding to help with vaccinations, testing, contact tracing, treatment and health education. For this Moeti has called for help. Another Ebola outbreak in the east of the country was declared over June 25 after two years. 2,280 people had died in the previous outbreak. Executive director of the WHO's emergency health programme, Michael Ryan, who has worked extensively on Ebola, said Monday that as of Sunday there were 17 deaths from confirmed Ebola cases and three more from suspected cases. ''While the numbers may appear low, the threat of spread is worrisome, especially because of the extreme logistical problems for health care workers to access remote, affected communities'' said Ryan. "Any one of those individual cases can result in amplification of the disease," he added. Over 12,000 people have been vaccinated in Equator in the six weeks since the outbreak started, beginning four days after the outbreak was declared according to Moeti.

WHO raises alarm and asks for help fighting growing Ebola outbreak

Three&nbsp;unidentified terrorists have been killed on Friday morning in the encounter with the security forces at the Nagnad-Chimmer area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam.

The information regarding the encounter was shared by the&nbsp;Kashmir Zone Police which tweeted:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulgamEncounterUpdate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulgamEncounterUpdate</a>: Another <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/unidentified?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#unidentified</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/terrorist?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#terrorist</a> killed (total 03). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Incriminating?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Incriminating</a> materials including <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/arms?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#arms</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ammunition?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ammunition</a> recovered. Search going on. Further details shall follow. <a href="https://twitter.com/JmuKmrPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JmuKmrPolice</a> <a href="https://t.co/L74a825FBw">https://t.co/L74a825FBw</a>
— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/KashmirPolice/status/1283961637855064065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation early Friday morning in Nagnad area of the district following information about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

He said the search operation turned into an encounter when the hiding militants opened fire on the security forces who retaliated. The identity and group affiliation of the slain militants was being ascertained. 
On July 5, two terrorists were killed in an encounter at Arreh village in Kulgam.

Three unidentified terrorists have been killed on Friday morning in the encounter with the security forces at the Nagnad-Chimmer area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam.

Three unidentified terrorists have been killed on Friday morning in the encounter with the security forces at the Nagnad-Chimmer area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam. The information regarding the encounter was shared by the Kashmir Zone Police which tweeted: #KulgamEncounterUpdate: Another #unidentified #terrorist killed (total 03). #Incriminating materials including #arms & #ammunition recovered. Search going on. Further details shall follow. @JmuKmrPolice https://t.co/L74a825FBw — Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) July 17, 2020 × Security forces launched a cordon and search operation early Friday morning in Nagnad area of the district following information about the presence of militants there, a police official said. He said the search operation turned into an encounter when the hiding militants opened fire on the security forces who retaliated. The identity and group affiliation of the slain militants was being ascertained. On July 5, two terrorists were killed in an encounter at Arreh village in Kulgam.

Three terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam; operation underway

July 17 in history: First post-World War II meeting, downing of Malaysian jet MH17 and more

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday&nbsp;said he hopes Republican US&nbsp;President Donald Trump will be re-elected in November.

However,&nbsp; he said the commercial relationship between the two countries is promising even if a Democrat wins.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-coronavirus-surges-trump-escalates-conflict-with-fauci-313876">As coronavirus surges, Trump escalates conflict with Fauci</a>

Bolsonaro has often lauded Trump, calling him a political role model and drawing parallels between their conservative agendas.

The Brazilian right-wing leader has been critical of left-leaning leaders in Latin America and further afield. On Thursday, he criticised&nbsp;Argentina's turn to the left by saying that the country opted for a "lie" in an election that pitted former conservative president Mauricio Macri against leftist victor President Alberto Fernandez.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-says-death-was-everyones-destiny-as-country-registers-1349-deaths-305715">Brazil president says death was 'everyone's destiny' as country registers 1,349 deaths</a>

In his address, Bolsonaro also hit out at critics that the country's Amazon rainforest is under threat.

Coronavirus&nbsp;positive Bolsonaro slammed&nbsp;lockdown policies by saying that they kill&nbsp;"more than the virus". His statment comes Brazil as&nbsp;topped two million coronavirus cases on Thursday, according to official data that put the number of deaths at more than 76,000.

Over the last two months,&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;has recorded more than 30,000 new cases in 24 hours 26 times, and on 11 of those occasions there were more than 40,000 infections.

Brazil&nbsp;is the second worst affected country in the world by the coronavirus after the United States.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday said he hopes Republican US President Donald Trump will be re-elected in November. However, he said the commercial relationship between the two countries is promising even if a Democrat wins.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday said he hopes Republican US President Donald Trump will be re-elected in November. However, he said the commercial relationship between the two countries is promising even if a Democrat wins. Also read: As coronavirus surges, Trump escalates conflict with Fauci Bolsonaro has often lauded Trump, calling him a political role model and drawing parallels between their conservative agendas. The Brazilian right-wing leader has been critical of left-leaning leaders in Latin America and further afield. On Thursday, he criticised Argentina's turn to the left by saying that the country opted for a "lie" in an election that pitted former conservative president Mauricio Macri against leftist victor President Alberto Fernandez. Also read: Brazil president says death was 'everyone's destiny' as country registers 1,349 deaths In his address, Bolsonaro also hit out at critics that the country's Amazon rainforest is under threat. Coronavirus positive Bolsonaro slammed lockdown policies by saying that they kill "more than the virus". His statment comes Brazil as topped two million coronavirus cases on Thursday, according to official data that put the number of deaths at more than 76,000. Over the last two months, Brazil has recorded more than 30,000 new cases in 24 hours 26 times, and on 11 of those occasions there were more than 40,000 infections. Brazil is the second worst affected country in the world by the coronavirus after the United States.

Hope US President Trump is re-elected, says Brazil President Bolsonaro

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