California drastically rolled back its reopening plans Monday as coronavirus cases surged across dozens of US states and the World Health Organization warned that too many nations are mismanaging their pandemic response.

California's governor on Monday clamped new restrictions on businesses, and the state's two largest school districts, Los Angeles and San Diego, said children would not return to class for the new term as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations soared.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/many-countries-headed-in-wrong-mixed-messages-from-leaders-undermining-covid-19-response-who-chief-tedros-313072" hreflang="en">Mixed messages from leaders undermining COVID-19 response: WHO chief Tedros</a>

Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, ordered bars closed and restaurants, movie theaters, zoos and museums statewide to cease indoor operations. Newsom said churches, gyms and hair salons must close in the 30 hardest-hit counties.

"We're moving back into a modification mode of our original 'stay-at-home' order," said Newsom, whose state was the first to close down in March, but began easing restrictions in May.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-takes-swipes-at-fauci-cdc-as-coronavirus-cases-rise-313057" hreflang="en">Trump takes swipes at Fauci, CDC as coronavirus cases rise</a>

The governor called the move critical to stemming a new surge in COVID-19 cases that have strained hospitals in several of&nbsp;California's rural counties.

The move came as California reported 8,358 new daily coronavirus cases, bringing its total to nearly 330,000 including more than 7,000 deaths.&nbsp;

Like the governors of Texas, Arizona, and Florida, which were also hit hard in the virus' second spike, California initially declined to issue a statewide mask order and allowed counties to reopen&nbsp;indoor dining, gyms, and&nbsp;bars.

California drastically rolled back its reopening plans Monday as coronavirus cases surged across dozens of US states and the World Health Organization warned that too many nations are mismanaging their pandemic response.

California drastically rolled back its reopening plans Monday as coronavirus cases surged across dozens of US states and the World Health Organization warned that too many nations are mismanaging their pandemic response. California's governor on Monday clamped new restrictions on businesses, and the state's two largest school districts, Los Angeles and San Diego, said children would not return to class for the new term as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations soared. Also read: Mixed messages from leaders undermining COVID-19 response: WHO chief Tedros Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, ordered bars closed and restaurants, movie theaters, zoos and museums statewide to cease indoor operations. Newsom said churches, gyms and hair salons must close in the 30 hardest-hit counties. "We're moving back into a modification mode of our original 'stay-at-home' order," said Newsom, whose state was the first to close down in March, but began easing restrictions in May. Also read: Trump takes swipes at Fauci, CDC as coronavirus cases rise The governor called the move critical to stemming a new surge in COVID-19 cases that have strained hospitals in several of California's rural counties. The move came as California reported 8,358 new daily coronavirus cases, bringing its total to nearly 330,000 including more than 7,000 deaths. Like the governors of Texas, Arizona, and Florida, which were also hit hard in the virus' second spike, California initially declined to issue a statewide mask order and allowed counties to reopen indoor dining, gyms, and bars.

California rolls back reopening; reimposes restrictions as US coronavirus crisis expands

In a&nbsp;first&nbsp;for the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;Navy, an&nbsp;all-female&nbsp;navy&nbsp;crew&nbsp;carried out&nbsp;patrols on the&nbsp;Black&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;on Friday in preparation for Russia's&nbsp;Navy&nbsp;Day celebrations later this month.

The&nbsp;crew, on board a&nbsp;patrol&nbsp;boat, fulfilled a broad array of drills on their maiden voyage, simulating how they would react to an incursion by saboteurs including by tossing RGD-5 hand grenades into the&nbsp;sea.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fact-check-has-russia-really-found-coronavirus-vaccine-313073">Fact-check: Has Russia really found coronavirus vaccine?</a>

Olga Chelkova, a senior engine mechanic said she&nbsp;decided to become a member of the&nbsp;crew&nbsp;because it's ''very interesting''.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/all-female-crew-embarks-on-black-sea-patrol-in-first-for-russian-navy-313212/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It's promising and, most of&nbsp;all, it's an experiment that women have never taken part in before."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-bounties-pompeo-speaks-with-russias-lavrov-about-afghanistan-313112">Russian bounties: Pompeo speaks with Russia's Lavrov about Afghanistan</a>

The voyage marks a symbolic step in&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;women's quest to play a more active role in the armed forces, an institution dominated by men.

The&nbsp;navy&nbsp;still holds barriers to entry for women. A decree signed by President Vladimir Putin in 2000 lists 456 jobs in 38 industries which women are barred from doing because they would entail "heavy work and work in harmful working conditions".

The role of captain is not on the list but&nbsp;seaman is, and serving a&nbsp;seaman's apprenticeship is standard practice for male cadets and a necessary step to take on a command role.

The&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;government plans next year to shorten the list of jobs women are barred from holding.

In a first for the Russian Navy, an all-female navy crew carried out patrols on the Black Sea on Friday in preparation for Russia's Navy Day celebrations later this month.

In a first for the Russian Navy, an all-female navy crew carried out patrols on the Black Sea on Friday in preparation for Russia's Navy Day celebrations later this month. The crew, on board a patrol boat, fulfilled a broad array of drills on their maiden voyage, simulating how they would react to an incursion by saboteurs including by tossing RGD-5 hand grenades into the sea. Also read| Fact-check: Has Russia really found coronavirus vaccine? Olga Chelkova, a senior engine mechanic said she decided to become a member of the crew because it's ''very interesting''. "It's promising and, most of all, it's an experiment that women have never taken part in before." Also read| Russian bounties: Pompeo speaks with Russia's Lavrov about Afghanistan The voyage marks a symbolic step in Russian women's quest to play a more active role in the armed forces, an institution dominated by men. The navy still holds barriers to entry for women. A decree signed by President Vladimir Putin in 2000 lists 456 jobs in 38 industries which women are barred from doing because they would entail "heavy work and work in harmful working conditions". The role of captain is not on the list but seaman is, and serving a seaman's apprenticeship is standard practice for male cadets and a necessary step to take on a command role. The Russian government plans next year to shorten the list of jobs women are barred from holding.

In a first for Russian Navy, all-female crew embarks on Black Sea patrol

The US&nbsp;Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has downgraded&nbsp;Pakistan's air safety rating after the agency raised concerns about pilot certifications.

The decision, disclosed on an FAA spreadsheet dated July 15 that was posted on an agency website and confirmed by an agency official, means the US&nbsp;air safety agency determined&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;does not achieve international standards and now has a Category 2 rating.

Pakistan&nbsp;last month grounded almost a third of its pilots after discovering they may have falsified their qualifications. The&nbsp;Pakistani embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The new rating means&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;airlines could be subject to additional inspections at US&nbsp;airports and could not add additional flights.

A company spokesman told Reuters last week the airline was planning to expand the current special flights arrangements to re-initiate a regular schedule from&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;to the United States to provide direct flights.

On Friday, the US&nbsp;Department of Transportation said it has revoked permission for&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;International Airlines (PIA) to conduct charter flights to the United States.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has suspended PIA's authorization to fly to the bloc for six months in a blow to the carrier's operations.

Pakistan's grounding of pilots with dubious credentials followed the crash of a PIA jet in May that killed 97 people.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has downgraded Pakistan's air safety rating after the agency raised concerns about pilot certifications. The decision, disclosed on an FAA spreadsheet dated July 15 that was posted on an agency website and confirmed by an agency official, means the US air safety agency determined Pakistan does not achieve international standards and now has a Category 2 rating.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has downgraded Pakistan's air safety rating after the agency raised concerns about pilot certifications. The decision, disclosed on an FAA spreadsheet dated July 15 that was posted on an agency website and confirmed by an agency official, means the US air safety agency determined Pakistan does not achieve international standards and now has a Category 2 rating. Pakistan last month grounded almost a third of its pilots after discovering they may have falsified their qualifications. The Pakistani embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The new rating means Pakistan airlines could be subject to additional inspections at US airports and could not add additional flights. A company spokesman told Reuters last week the airline was planning to expand the current special flights arrangements to re-initiate a regular schedule from Pakistan to the United States to provide direct flights. On Friday, the US Department of Transportation said it has revoked permission for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to conduct charter flights to the United States. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has suspended PIA's authorization to fly to the bloc for six months in a blow to the carrier's operations. Pakistan's grounding of pilots with dubious credentials followed the crash of a PIA jet in May that killed 97 people.

US regulators downgrade Pakistan's air safety rating

The war between North and South Korea broke out exactly&nbsp;70 years ago&nbsp;and ended with a ceasefire rather than a peace treaty, leaving the two Koreas still technically at war.

As well as pitting North against South, the Korean War embroiled each side's communist and Western allies with the Soviet Union and China backing Pyongyang, and a US-led coalition under a United Nations banner supporting Seoul.

While leaders have come and gone, calendars have changed, the war between the two nations is still on.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/70-years-of-korean-war-how-power-games-kept-the-peninsula-divided-308464">70 years of Korean War: How power games kept the peninsula divided</a>

The Korean Demilitarized Zone has become one of the most tensed borders on&nbsp;the Earth.

And the fight between the two sides have evolved from war of bombs to one of balloons and leaflets.

The&nbsp;modern world's longest war&nbsp;that began in 1950 and&nbsp;it never really ended. In the wake of world war 2, the Korean peninsula&nbsp;was divided into two parts.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-and-us-ask-north-korea-to-implement-pre-planned-denuclearisation-plans-308433">South Korea and US ask North Korea to implement pre-planned denuclearisation plans</a>

While the north had the Soviet Union's backing and the south leaned towards the west.

In 1948 the two Koreas were re-named. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the north and the Republic of Korea in the South. The war broke out two years later.

North Korean Leader Kim il Sung wanted to reunite the Korean peninsula. So, the communist north invaded the south and Seoul was captured within days.

The North Korean army was advancing further south when a U.N. Coalition intervened.

The coalition was led by the US and it pushed North Korean troops as far as the Sino-Korean border.

China launched a counter-offensive and U.N. Forces relatiated. By 1953, 4 million people had either died or disappeared and lost 520,000&nbsp;South Koreans, 137,000 North Koreans died while America lost 37,000 troops.

Cities were ravaged on both sides of the divided peninsuala.

In july 1953, North Korea signed an armistice with the US due to which the fighting ended, but the war did not. There have been numerous flare-ups over the years.

In 1968, the North sent 31 commandos to kill then-South Korean president Park Chung Hee. However, the assassination plot failed.

In 1987, North Korea allegedly planted a bomb onboard a South Korean airliner. The flight from Baghdad to Seoul exploded over the Bay of Bengal and 115 people were killed.

In 1996, North Korea deployed thousands of troops into the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

In 1999, the two sides clashed on the Yellow Sea. The turn of the millenium saw a landmark summit.&nbsp;

In 2000, North Korea's Kim Jong-il met South Korean President Kim Dae-Jung in Pyongyang.

Soon, border liaison offices were reopened and family reunions were given a nod.

It was followed by some historic meets including those between Kim Jong and Trump during a summit, Kim's sister in South Korea for winter olympics and diplomatic overtures.

Although it is 2020 but&nbsp;North Korea has decided to walk backwards.

Earlier this month, Pyongyang blew up its inter-korean liaison office on June 16 which&nbsp;severed all hotlines with the south.

Today, the 38th parallel continues to divide the two koreas in more ways than one.

An authoritarian North versis a democratic South,&nbsp;restricted and isolated North versis a liberal South.

One side is poverty striken, the other is uber-development.

While the South is winning the world with its talent and culture, the North is sliding back into its cocoon.

And amidst all of this, the korean war is very much on. It has progressed from a war of bombs to one of balloons and leaflets... 
&nbsp;

The war between North and South Korea broke out exactly 70 years ago and ended with a ceasefire rather than a peace treaty, leaving the two Koreas still technically at war.

The war between North and South Korea broke out exactly 70 years ago and ended with a ceasefire rather than a peace treaty, leaving the two Koreas still technically at war. As well as pitting North against South, the Korean War embroiled each side's communist and Western allies with the Soviet Union and China backing Pyongyang, and a US-led coalition under a United Nations banner supporting Seoul. While leaders have come and gone, calendars have changed, the war between the two nations is still on. Also see: 70 years of Korean War: How power games kept the peninsula divided The Korean Demilitarized Zone has become one of the most tensed borders on the Earth. And the fight between the two sides have evolved from war of bombs to one of balloons and leaflets. The modern world's longest war that began in 1950 and it never really ended. In the wake of world war 2, the Korean peninsula was divided into two parts. Also read: South Korea and US ask North Korea to implement pre-planned denuclearisation plans While the north had the Soviet Union's backing and the south leaned towards the west. In 1948 the two Koreas were re-named. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the north and the Republic of Korea in the South. The war broke out two years later. North Korean Leader Kim il Sung wanted to reunite the Korean peninsula. So, the communist north invaded the south and Seoul was captured within days. The North Korean army was advancing further south when a U.N. Coalition intervened. The coalition was led by the US and it pushed North Korean troops as far as the Sino-Korean border. China launched a counter-offensive and U.N. Forces relatiated. By 1953, 4 million people had either died or disappeared and lost 520,000 South Koreans, 137,000 North Koreans died while America lost 37,000 troops. Cities were ravaged on both sides of the divided peninsuala. In july 1953, North Korea signed an armistice with the US due to which the fighting ended, but the war did not. There have been numerous flare-ups over the years. In 1968, the North sent 31 commandos to kill then-South Korean president Park Chung Hee. However, the assassination plot failed. In 1987, North Korea allegedly planted a bomb onboard a South Korean airliner. The flight from Baghdad to Seoul exploded over the Bay of Bengal and 115 people were killed. In 1996, North Korea deployed thousands of troops into the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) In 1999, the two sides clashed on the Yellow Sea. The turn of the millenium saw a landmark summit. In 2000, North Korea's Kim Jong-il met South Korean President Kim Dae-Jung in Pyongyang. Soon, border liaison offices were reopened and family reunions were given a nod. It was followed by some historic meets including those between Kim Jong and Trump during a summit, Kim's sister in South Korea for winter olympics and diplomatic overtures. Although it is 2020 but North Korea has decided to walk backwards. Earlier this month, Pyongyang blew up its inter-korean liaison office on June 16 which severed all hotlines with the south. Today, the 38th parallel continues to divide the two koreas in more ways than one. An authoritarian North versis a democratic South, restricted and isolated North versis a liberal South. One side is poverty striken, the other is uber-development. While the South is winning the world with its talent and culture, the North is sliding back into its cocoon. And amidst all of this, the korean war is very much on. It has progressed from a war of bombs to one of balloons and leaflets...

Time line of Korean war: History reveals stark contrast between North and South

The United States on Saturday warned citizens of "heightened risk of arbitrary detention" in China as tensions between Beijing and Washington soared over issues including Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet.&nbsp;

''US&nbsp;citizens may be detained without access to US. consular services or information about their alleged crime,''&nbsp;the State Department said in a security alert issued to its citizens in China, adding that US&nbsp;citizens may face ''prolonged interrogations and extended detention''&nbsp;for reasons related to state security.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-warns-citizens-against-arbitrary-detention-risk-in-china-311511">Australia warns citizens against 'arbitrary detention' risk in China</a>

The State Department said Chinese authorities may also impose exit bans as part of "arbitrary enforcement of local laws for purposes other than maintaining law and order".

''Security personnel may detain and/or deport US&nbsp;citizens for sending private electronic messages critical of the Chinese government,''&nbsp;it added, without citing specific examples. The state department also did not say what prompted the security alert.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-can-do-both-canadian-detainees-wife-disappointed-after-trudeau-rejects-prisoner-swap-309236">We can do both: Canadian detainee's wife disappointed after Trudeau rejects 'prisoner swap'</a>

The security alert comes as bilateral tensions intensify over issues ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic, trade, the new Hong Kong security law and allegations of human rights violations against Uighurs in the Xinjiang region.

Beijing and Washington have traded barbs and sanctions on a slew of issues in recent months, including the coronavirus pandemic and Chinese policies in the far west regions of Tibet and Xinjiang, with Chinese authorities threatening retaliation this week for US sanctions on Chinese officials.&nbsp;

A controversial security law pushed on Hong Kong by China's central government in June has also&nbsp;caused international concern over the wording of the legislation, which bans subversive acts and speech against the Chinese government made anywhere in the world.

Australia and Canada have also issued travel warnings over fears of arbitrary detention by Beijing.

Last year China arrested Australian-Chinese writer Yang Hengjun, who was indicted earlier this year for espionage.

China has also arrested two Canadians after Canada detained a high-profile executive of Chinese telecom giant Huawei in late 2018.

The United States on Saturday warned citizens of "heightened risk of arbitrary detention" in China as tensions between Beijing and Washington soared over issues including Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet.

The United States on Saturday warned citizens of "heightened risk of arbitrary detention" in China as tensions between Beijing and Washington soared over issues including Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet. ''US citizens may be detained without access to US. consular services or information about their alleged crime,'' the State Department said in a security alert issued to its citizens in China, adding that US citizens may face ''prolonged interrogations and extended detention'' for reasons related to state security. Also read: Australia warns citizens against 'arbitrary detention' risk in China The State Department said Chinese authorities may also impose exit bans as part of "arbitrary enforcement of local laws for purposes other than maintaining law and order". ''Security personnel may detain and/or deport US citizens for sending private electronic messages critical of the Chinese government,'' it added, without citing specific examples. The state department also did not say what prompted the security alert. Also read| We can do both: Canadian detainee's wife disappointed after Trudeau rejects 'prisoner swap' The security alert comes as bilateral tensions intensify over issues ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic, trade, the new Hong Kong security law and allegations of human rights violations against Uighurs in the Xinjiang region. Beijing and Washington have traded barbs and sanctions on a slew of issues in recent months, including the coronavirus pandemic and Chinese policies in the far west regions of Tibet and Xinjiang, with Chinese authorities threatening retaliation this week for US sanctions on Chinese officials. A controversial security law pushed on Hong Kong by China's central government in June has also caused international concern over the wording of the legislation, which bans subversive acts and speech against the Chinese government made anywhere in the world. Australia and Canada have also issued travel warnings over fears of arbitrary detention by Beijing. Last year China arrested Australian-Chinese writer Yang Hengjun, who was indicted earlier this year for espionage. China has also arrested two Canadians after Canada detained a high-profile executive of Chinese telecom giant Huawei in late 2018.

US warns citizens of 'heightened risks of arbitrary detention' in China

Bulgarian President Roumen Radev on Saturday called for the resignation of the government, which he described as having a "mafia character", after police raids on his offices during the week which Radev blamed on the prime minister.

The president's legal affairs and anti-corruption secretary and his security and defence advisor were detained for questioning on Thursday and their offices searched&nbsp;as part of two separate probes into influence-peddling and disclosure of state secrets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bulgaria-opposes-greek-plans-for-refugee-camp-near-border-285481">Bulgaria opposes Greek plans for refugee camp near border</a>

The searches brought thousands of demonstrators onto the streets of Sofia to condemn the raids as an attack by the conservative government and the chief prosecutor against the Socialists-backed Radev.

Bulgarian police arrested 18 people late on Friday after scuffles during anti-corruption protests near a demonstration by government supporters in the centre of the capital Sofia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bulgaria-requests-eu-for-80-million-euros-more-for-border-control-186019">Bulgaria requests EU for 80 million euros more for border control</a>

Radev, who was elected in 2016 with the votes of the Socialist Party, is a vocal critic of prime minister Boyko Borissov’s centre-right government, accusing it of corruption, lack of justice and suppression of the freedom of speech.

Thousands of people took to the streets of the capital, Sofia, to demand the resignation of Borissov and chief prosecutor Ivan Gechev, accusing them of corruption and links to criminal groups.

The protests were sparked earlier this week after Geshev ordered raids of the president’s headquarters and the arrests of two of his aides on suspicion of influence peddling.

Borissov has been in power since 2009 and his third term is scheduled to end in March next year.

Bulgarian President Roumen Radev on Saturday called for the resignation of the government, which he described as having a "mafia character", after police raids on his offices during the week which Radev blamed on the prime minister.

Bulgarian President Roumen Radev on Saturday called for the resignation of the government, which he described as having a "mafia character", after police raids on his offices during the week which Radev blamed on the prime minister. The president's legal affairs and anti-corruption secretary and his security and defence advisor were detained for questioning on Thursday and their offices searched as part of two separate probes into influence-peddling and disclosure of state secrets. Also read: Bulgaria opposes Greek plans for refugee camp near border The searches brought thousands of demonstrators onto the streets of Sofia to condemn the raids as an attack by the conservative government and the chief prosecutor against the Socialists-backed Radev. Bulgarian police arrested 18 people late on Friday after scuffles during anti-corruption protests near a demonstration by government supporters in the centre of the capital Sofia. Also read: Bulgaria requests EU for 80 million euros more for border control Radev, who was elected in 2016 with the votes of the Socialist Party, is a vocal critic of prime minister Boyko Borissov’s centre-right government, accusing it of corruption, lack of justice and suppression of the freedom of speech. Thousands of people took to the streets of the capital, Sofia, to demand the resignation of Borissov and chief prosecutor Ivan Gechev, accusing them of corruption and links to criminal groups. The protests were sparked earlier this week after Geshev ordered raids of the president’s headquarters and the arrests of two of his aides on suspicion of influence peddling. Borissov has been in power since 2009 and his third term is scheduled to end in March next year.

Bulgaria's Borissov demands resignation of 'mafia' type government amid anti-corruption protests

Heavy rains triggered flash floods and landslides that killed at least 40 people and displaced thousands in western&nbsp;Nepal, officials said on Saturday.

Twenty people were killed and at least 13 others were missing in Myagdi district, 200 km (125 miles) northwest of the capital Kathmandu, where several houses were destroyed on Friday, district administrator Gyan Nath Dhakal said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepali-pm-oli-vows-to-protect-national-territorial-integrity-in-televised-address-312375" hreflang="en">Nepali PM Oli vows to protect 'national, territorial integrity' in televised address</a>

"Rescuers are looking for those who are still missing in Myagdi," Dhakal said, adding that 50 people had been plucked to safety using helicopters. "Eleven people who were injured in the landslides have been moved to nearby hospitals," he said.

In neighbouring Kaski district, seven people were killed, said a second government official in the tourist town of Pokhara.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/land-of-myths-and-hypocrisy-nepal-turns-blind-eye-towards-own-mistakes-312370" hreflang="en">Land of myths and hypocrisy: Nepal turns blind eye towards own mistakes</a>

Another seven were killed in Jajarkot district in the far west.

"We are searching for eight people who are still missing," said Kishore Shrestha, a senior police official, said.

Six people were killed in Gulmi, Lamjung and Sindhupalchowk in central&nbsp;Nepal.

In the southern plains bordering India, the Koshi river, which causes deadly floods in Bihar almost every year, was flowing above the danger level, police said.

Landslides and flash floods are a common occurrence in mountainous&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;during the June-September monsoon every year.

Heavy rains triggered flash floods and landslides that killed at least 40 people and displaced thousands in western Nepal, officials said on Saturday. Twenty people were killed and at least 13 others were missing in Myagdi district, 200 km (125 miles) northwest of the capital Kathmandu, where several houses were destroyed on Friday, district administrator Gyan Nath Dhakal said.

Heavy rains triggered flash floods and landslides that killed at least 40 people and displaced thousands in western Nepal, officials said on Saturday. Twenty people were killed and at least 13 others were missing in Myagdi district, 200 km (125 miles) northwest of the capital Kathmandu, where several houses were destroyed on Friday, district administrator Gyan Nath Dhakal said. Also read: Nepali PM Oli vows to protect 'national, territorial integrity' in televised address "Rescuers are looking for those who are still missing in Myagdi," Dhakal said, adding that 50 people had been plucked to safety using helicopters. "Eleven people who were injured in the landslides have been moved to nearby hospitals," he said. In neighbouring Kaski district, seven people were killed, said a second government official in the tourist town of Pokhara. Also read: Land of myths and hypocrisy: Nepal turns blind eye towards own mistakes Another seven were killed in Jajarkot district in the far west. "We are searching for eight people who are still missing," said Kishore Shrestha, a senior police official, said. Six people were killed in Gulmi, Lamjung and Sindhupalchowk in central Nepal. In the southern plains bordering India, the Koshi river, which causes deadly floods in Bihar almost every year, was flowing above the danger level, police said. Landslides and flash floods are a common occurrence in mountainous Nepal during the June-September monsoon every year.

Floods, landslides kill 40 in Nepal, many missing

Sri Lanka's top election official has expressed concern over the delay in enforcing the COVID-19 health guidelines for the August 5 parliamentary elections, warning that candidates and supporters were defying measures to contain the spread of the disease which could endanger public safety.

Mahinda Deshapriya, Chairman of the National Election Commission, said that the health guidelines for conducting the elections were announced on June 2 but they have not been legalised through a gazette notification.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-turns-quarantine-centre-into-hospital-as-virus-spikes-312399" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka turns quarantine centre into hospital as virus spikes</a>

The guidelines have been sent by the health authorities to the Attorney General's Department, which would give a nod for them to be gazetted.

What we see now is candidates and their supporters campaigning shoulder to shoulder, they do not keep the required one metre distancing, they do not even wear face masks,&nbsp;Deshapriya said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/who-says-sri-lanka-and-maldives-eliminate-measles-rubella-311616">WHO says Sri Lanka and Maldives eliminate measles, rubella</a>

The health guidelines require wearing face masks, frequent hand washing and maintaining one-metre distance. The number of people at poll campaign gatherings has also been reduced to a bare minimum.

The parliamentary elections in the country are scheduled for August 5 and the campaigning has been at a very low scale due to the COVID-19 pandemic compared to previous elections.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on March 2 dissolved the Parliament, six months ahead of schedule, and called for snap polls on April 25. However, the election commission in mid-April postponed the elections by nearly two months to June 20 due to the coronavirus outbreak in the island nation.

The commission last month informed the apex court that the polls cannot be held on June 20 because of the coronavirus pandemic and the new date was decided following a unanimous decision reached between the members of the commission.

The election commission held several mock polls to put into practice health guidelines and on Monday extended the poll time by one hour in view of the pandemic.

There are over 16 million eligible voters in the country. The August 5 poll will elect a 225-member Parliament for a five-year term.

Deshapriya's comments came as Sri Lanka recorded its highest spike for a single day on Friday. As many as 300 cases were reported from a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts from the north central region of the country.

Sri Lanka has reported 2,454 COVID-19 cases with 11 deaths.

Sri Lanka's top election official has expressed concern over the delay in enforcing the COVID-19 health guidelines for the August 5 parliamentary elections, warning that candidates and supporters were defying measures to contain the spread of the disease which could endanger public safety.

Sri Lanka's top election official has expressed concern over the delay in enforcing the COVID-19 health guidelines for the August 5 parliamentary elections, warning that candidates and supporters were defying measures to contain the spread of the disease which could endanger public safety. Mahinda Deshapriya, Chairman of the National Election Commission, said that the health guidelines for conducting the elections were announced on June 2 but they have not been legalised through a gazette notification. Also read: Sri Lanka turns quarantine centre into hospital as virus spikes The guidelines have been sent by the health authorities to the Attorney General's Department, which would give a nod for them to be gazetted. What we see now is candidates and their supporters campaigning shoulder to shoulder, they do not keep the required one metre distancing, they do not even wear face masks, Deshapriya said. Also read: WHO says Sri Lanka and Maldives eliminate measles, rubella The health guidelines require wearing face masks, frequent hand washing and maintaining one-metre distance. The number of people at poll campaign gatherings has also been reduced to a bare minimum. The parliamentary elections in the country are scheduled for August 5 and the campaigning has been at a very low scale due to the COVID-19 pandemic compared to previous elections. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on March 2 dissolved the Parliament, six months ahead of schedule, and called for snap polls on April 25. However, the election commission in mid-April postponed the elections by nearly two months to June 20 due to the coronavirus outbreak in the island nation. The commission last month informed the apex court that the polls cannot be held on June 20 because of the coronavirus pandemic and the new date was decided following a unanimous decision reached between the members of the commission. The election commission held several mock polls to put into practice health guidelines and on Monday extended the poll time by one hour in view of the pandemic. There are over 16 million eligible voters in the country. The August 5 poll will elect a 225-member Parliament for a five-year term. Deshapriya's comments came as Sri Lanka recorded its highest spike for a single day on Friday. As many as 300 cases were reported from a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts from the north central region of the country. Sri Lanka has reported 2,454 COVID-19 cases with 11 deaths.

Lanka's election chief concerned over delay in enforcing COVID-19 health guidelines for polls

Leaders of a minority Muslim sect in Bangladesh on Saturday accused "fanatics" of digging up the body of a baby girl from a cemetery grave just hours after being buried and dumping it by a roadside.

The incident, which has sparked outrage on social media, is the latest targeting Ahmadi Muslims who many mainstream Muslims consider "infidels".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-says-rohingya-refugees-cant-leave-island-312409" hreflang="en">Bangladesh says Rohingya refugees can't leave island</a>

The three-day-old girl was buried in a cemetery in Ghatura in the eastern district of Brahmanbaria on Thursday, local Ahmadi leader, S.M. Selim said.

"Fanatics" dug up the child's body shortly after and left it by a roadside, he added. A photo of the body laid on a straw mat on a road has been widely shared and drawn angry comments.

"Her crime is she was born to an Ahmadi Muslim family," said Selim.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/delhi-court-grants-bail-to-82-bangladeshi-tablighi-jamaat-congregation-attendees-312270" hreflang="en">Delhi court grants bail to 82 Bangladeshi Tablighi Jamaat congregation attendees</a>

Police in the district said no complaint had been made however and one officer said the incident had been resolved "peacefully".

A local councillor, Azad Hazari, said he had intervened with police and the child was finally buried another graveyard some 10 miles (16 kilometres) away.

A local cleric Munir Hossain denied the body had been exhumed but said local Muslims prevented the parents from burying the baby at the cemetery.

"It is against the Sharia to let an infidel be buried in a Muslim graveyard," he told AFP. "The pious Muslims of the village would never let it happen."

The Ahmadis are an offshoot of the mainstream Sunni Muslim branch but are controversial because they believe their founder was a prophet.

They have faced attacks and had religious rights taken away in some Muslim majority countries, including&nbsp;Pakistan. The 100,000 Ahmadis in Bangladesh have come under regular attack.

In recent months, hardline Muslims have threatened to hold protests demanding that the sect be declared "non-Muslims" by the authorities.

In 1999, a bomb at an Ahmadi mosque in the southern city of Khulna, killed at least eight worshippers.

A 2015 suicide blast at an Ahmadi mosque in the northwestern town of Bagmara injured three people.

Leaders of a minority Muslim sect in Bangladesh on Saturday accused "fanatics" of digging up the body of a baby girl from a cemetery grave just hours after being buried and dumping it by a roadside.

Leaders of a minority Muslim sect in Bangladesh on Saturday accused "fanatics" of digging up the body of a baby girl from a cemetery grave just hours after being buried and dumping it by a roadside. The incident, which has sparked outrage on social media, is the latest targeting Ahmadi Muslims who many mainstream Muslims consider "infidels". Also read: Bangladesh says Rohingya refugees can't leave island The three-day-old girl was buried in a cemetery in Ghatura in the eastern district of Brahmanbaria on Thursday, local Ahmadi leader, S.M. Selim said. "Fanatics" dug up the child's body shortly after and left it by a roadside, he added. A photo of the body laid on a straw mat on a road has been widely shared and drawn angry comments. "Her crime is she was born to an Ahmadi Muslim family," said Selim. Also read: Delhi court grants bail to 82 Bangladeshi Tablighi Jamaat congregation attendees Police in the district said no complaint had been made however and one officer said the incident had been resolved "peacefully". A local councillor, Azad Hazari, said he had intervened with police and the child was finally buried another graveyard some 10 miles (16 kilometres) away. A local cleric Munir Hossain denied the body had been exhumed but said local Muslims prevented the parents from burying the baby at the cemetery. "It is against the Sharia to let an infidel be buried in a Muslim graveyard," he told AFP. "The pious Muslims of the village would never let it happen." The Ahmadis are an offshoot of the mainstream Sunni Muslim branch but are controversial because they believe their founder was a prophet. They have faced attacks and had religious rights taken away in some Muslim majority countries, including Pakistan. The 100,000 Ahmadis in Bangladesh have come under regular attack. In recent months, hardline Muslims have threatened to hold protests demanding that the sect be declared "non-Muslims" by the authorities. In 1999, a bomb at an Ahmadi mosque in the southern city of Khulna, killed at least eight worshippers. A 2015 suicide blast at an Ahmadi mosque in the northwestern town of Bagmara injured three people.

Body of Bangladesh newborn dug from grave and dumped

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday rejected worldwide condemnation over Turkey's decision to convert the Byzantine-era monument Hagia Sophia back into a mosque, saying it represented his country's will to use its "sovereign rights".

Erdogan, who is accused by critics of chipping away at the Muslim-majority country's secular pillars, announced Friday that Muslim prayers would begin on July 24 at the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-prayers-in-hagia-sophia-to-be-held-on-july-24-turkish-president-erdogan-says-312481" hreflang="en">First prayers in Hagia Sophia to be held on July 24, Turkish President Erdogan says</a>

''Accusations against our country about Hagia Sophia directly target our sovereign rights,''&nbsp;said Erdogan, responding to concern over the proposal from the West, particularly Greece, France and the United States.

''We are determined to continue to protect the rights of Muslims, our country’s majority faith, as well as members of all other faiths and religions,''&nbsp;he added at the formal opening of another mosque in Istanbul.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-turkey-court-revokes-hagia-sophias-museum-status-paving-way-for-mosque-312332">Top Turkey court revokes Hagia Sophia's museum status, paving way for mosque</a>

In the past, he has repeatedly called for the stunning building to be renamed as a mosque.&nbsp;

"Those who do not take a step against Islamophobia in their own countries ... attack Turkey's will to use its sovereign rights," Erdogan said during a ceremony he attended via video-conference.

A magnet for tourists worldwide, the Hagia Sophia was first constructed as a cathedral in the Christian Byzantine Empire but was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.&nbsp;

Erdogan's announcement came after the cancellation by a top court of a 1934 cabinet decision under modern Turkey's secularising founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk to preserve the church-turned-mosque as a museum.

Erdogan went ahead with the plan despite an open appeal from the NATO ally the United States as well as Russia, with which Ankara has forged close relations in recent years.&nbsp;

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday rejected worldwide condemnation over Turkey's decision to convert the Byzantine-era monument Hagia Sophia back into a mosque, saying it represented his country's will to use its "sovereign rights".

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday rejected worldwide condemnation over Turkey's decision to convert the Byzantine-era monument Hagia Sophia back into a mosque, saying it represented his country's will to use its "sovereign rights". Erdogan, who is accused by critics of chipping away at the Muslim-majority country's secular pillars, announced Friday that Muslim prayers would begin on July 24 at the UNESCO World Heritage site. Also read: First prayers in Hagia Sophia to be held on July 24, Turkish President Erdogan says ''Accusations against our country about Hagia Sophia directly target our sovereign rights,'' said Erdogan, responding to concern over the proposal from the West, particularly Greece, France and the United States. ''We are determined to continue to protect the rights of Muslims, our country’s majority faith, as well as members of all other faiths and religions,'' he added at the formal opening of another mosque in Istanbul. Also read | Top Turkey court revokes Hagia Sophia's museum status, paving way for mosque In the past, he has repeatedly called for the stunning building to be renamed as a mosque. "Those who do not take a step against Islamophobia in their own countries ... attack Turkey's will to use its sovereign rights," Erdogan said during a ceremony he attended via video-conference. A magnet for tourists worldwide, the Hagia Sophia was first constructed as a cathedral in the Christian Byzantine Empire but was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. Erdogan's announcement came after the cancellation by a top court of a 1934 cabinet decision under modern Turkey's secularising founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk to preserve the church-turned-mosque as a museum. Erdogan went ahead with the plan despite an open appeal from the NATO ally the United States as well as Russia, with which Ankara has forged close relations in recent years.

Turkish President Erdogan rejects criticism over Hagia Sophia's conversion to mosque

Foxconn&nbsp;plans to invest up to $1 billion to expand a factory in southern India where the Taiwanese contract manufacturer assembles Apple iPhones, two sources said.

The move, the scale of which has not previously been reported, is part of a quiet and gradual production shift by Apple away from China as it navigates disruptions from a trade war between Beijing and Washington and the coronavirus crisis.

"There's a strong request from Apple to its clients to move part of the iPhone production out of China," one of the sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-apple-eyes-shift-to-india-from-china-smartphone-manufacturing-to-get-major-boost-298304">As Apple eyes shift to India from China, smartphone manufacturing to get major boost</a>

Foxconn&nbsp;said it does not comment on matters related to customers, while Apple did not respond to a request for comment.

Foxconn's planned investment in the Sriperumbur plant, where Apple's iPhone XR is made some 50 km west of Chennai, will take place over the course of three years, the second source said.

Some of Apple's other iPhones models, made by&nbsp;Foxconn&nbsp;in China, will be made at the plant, said both sources, who declined to be identified as the talks are private and details have yet to be finalised.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-growing-tensions-with-china-taiwans-foxconn-eyes-investment-in-india-308087">Amid growing tensions with China, Taiwan's Foxconn eyes investment in India</a>

Taipei-headquartered&nbsp;Foxconn&nbsp;will add some 6,000 jobs at the Sriperumbur plant in Tamil Nadu state under the plan, one of the sources said. It also operates a separate plant in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, where it makes smartphones for China's Xiaomi Corp, among others.

Foxconn&nbsp;Chairman Liu Young-way last month said it would ramp up its investment in India, without giving details.

STATUS SYMBOL

Apple accounts for about 1% of smartphone sales in India, the world's second-biggest smartphone market, where its pricey iPhones are often seen as a status symbol.

Building more phones in India will also help Apple save on import taxes that further push up its prices.

Apple assembles a few models through Taiwan's Wistron Corp in the southern tech hub of Bengaluru. Wistron is also set to open a new plant, where it plans to make more Apple devices, Reuters previously reported.

"With India's labour cheaper compared with China, and the gradual expansion of its supplier base here, Apple will be able to use the country as an export hub," Neil Shah of Hong Kong-based tech researcher Counterpoint said.

India is also working to boost electronics manufacturing by firms such as&nbsp;Foxconn&nbsp;and last month launched a $6.65 billion plan, offering five global smartphone makers incentives to establish or expand domestic production.

Having Apple widen its local presence is likely to be a boost for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship "Make In India" drive, aimed at creating new jobs.

South Korea's Samsung has already said it will make smartphones for export from its plant outside New Delhi.

Foxconn plans to invest up to $1 billion to expand a factory in southern India where the Taiwanese contract manufacturer assembles Apple iPhones, two sources said.

Foxconn plans to invest up to $1 billion to expand a factory in southern India where the Taiwanese contract manufacturer assembles Apple iPhones, two sources said. The move, the scale of which has not previously been reported, is part of a quiet and gradual production shift by Apple away from China as it navigates disruptions from a trade war between Beijing and Washington and the coronavirus crisis. "There's a strong request from Apple to its clients to move part of the iPhone production out of China," one of the sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Also read: As Apple eyes shift to India from China, smartphone manufacturing to get major boost Foxconn said it does not comment on matters related to customers, while Apple did not respond to a request for comment. Foxconn's planned investment in the Sriperumbur plant, where Apple's iPhone XR is made some 50 km west of Chennai, will take place over the course of three years, the second source said. Some of Apple's other iPhones models, made by Foxconn in China, will be made at the plant, said both sources, who declined to be identified as the talks are private and details have yet to be finalised. Also read: Amid growing tensions with China, Taiwan's Foxconn eyes investment in India Taipei-headquartered Foxconn will add some 6,000 jobs at the Sriperumbur plant in Tamil Nadu state under the plan, one of the sources said. It also operates a separate plant in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, where it makes smartphones for China's Xiaomi Corp, among others. Foxconn Chairman Liu Young-way last month said it would ramp up its investment in India, without giving details. STATUS SYMBOL Apple accounts for about 1% of smartphone sales in India, the world's second-biggest smartphone market, where its pricey iPhones are often seen as a status symbol. Building more phones in India will also help Apple save on import taxes that further push up its prices. Apple assembles a few models through Taiwan's Wistron Corp in the southern tech hub of Bengaluru. Wistron is also set to open a new plant, where it plans to make more Apple devices, Reuters previously reported. "With India's labour cheaper compared with China, and the gradual expansion of its supplier base here, Apple will be able to use the country as an export hub," Neil Shah of Hong Kong-based tech researcher Counterpoint said. India is also working to boost electronics manufacturing by firms such as Foxconn and last month launched a $6.65 billion plan, offering five global smartphone makers incentives to establish or expand domestic production. Having Apple widen its local presence is likely to be a boost for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship "Make In India" drive, aimed at creating new jobs. South Korea's Samsung has already said it will make smartphones for export from its plant outside New Delhi.

Apple supplier Foxconn to invest $1 billion in India: Sources

Security forces at India-Pakistan border have been put on high alert after an intelligence input revealed that terrorists are trying to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir to carry out 'action'.

According to the input, "There is likely presence of armed terrorists in Bhimber Gali and Naushera sectors with an intention to infiltrate to carry out BAT (Border Action Team) action."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pak-refuses-to-felicitate-india-after-its-election-as-non-permanent-unsc-member-306914">Pak refuses to felicitate India after its election as non-permanent UNSC member</a>

Sources in intelligence agencies have told ANI that input has been shared with forces and Border Security Force (BSF) to keep a close watch on activities in these areas.

Forces suspect that the BAT of Pakistan Army is facilitating terrorists to carry out action soon. There have been movements of terrorists towards the Indian side.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-slams-pakistan-for-linking-karachi-terror-attack-to-india-calls-remarks-absurd-309511">Govt slams Pakistan for linking Karachi terror attack to India, calls remarks ‘absurd’</a>

Pakistan's BAT consists of its army commandos and terrorists belonging to various terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Tayyaba etc.

BAT has started targeting civilians as well.In January, the group killed a civilian identified as Mohammad Aslam whose headless and mutilated body was found near the LoC in Poonch district.

"There was no such input over the past few weeks but after the input which has come hours back, forces have been alerted, especially in two sectors. Patrolling has been enhanced and there will be extra deployments during the night. Any misadventures of Pakistan will be responded effectively," a senior BSF official told ANI.

"During this season, BAT facilitates terrorists to infiltrate into India. After getting them trained at various known locations, BAT and other Pakistani agencies send them near the border and when they fail in multiple attempts, they plan action with these terrorists to facilitate them," a senior government official said.

Last week, the Indian Army on the basis of specific intelligence inputs from Jammu and Kashmir Police, in a joint operation, eliminated a terrorist close to the LoC in Keri area of Bhimber Gali sector in Jammu division`s Rajouri district.

Earlier today, two terrorists were killed in an ambush by the Indian Army at Nougam sector in north Kashmir along the LoC. The Army recovered arms and ammunition, along with Pakistani currency.

Security forces at India-Pakistan border have been put on high alert after an intelligence input revealed that terrorists are trying to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir to carry out 'action'.

Security forces at India-Pakistan border have been put on high alert after an intelligence input revealed that terrorists are trying to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir to carry out 'action'. According to the input, "There is likely presence of armed terrorists in Bhimber Gali and Naushera sectors with an intention to infiltrate to carry out BAT (Border Action Team) action." Also read: Pak refuses to felicitate India after its election as non-permanent UNSC member Sources in intelligence agencies have told ANI that input has been shared with forces and Border Security Force (BSF) to keep a close watch on activities in these areas. Forces suspect that the BAT of Pakistan Army is facilitating terrorists to carry out action soon. There have been movements of terrorists towards the Indian side. Also read: Govt slams Pakistan for linking Karachi terror attack to India, calls remarks ‘absurd’ Pakistan's BAT consists of its army commandos and terrorists belonging to various terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Tayyaba etc. BAT has started targeting civilians as well.In January, the group killed a civilian identified as Mohammad Aslam whose headless and mutilated body was found near the LoC in Poonch district. "There was no such input over the past few weeks but after the input which has come hours back, forces have been alerted, especially in two sectors. Patrolling has been enhanced and there will be extra deployments during the night. Any misadventures of Pakistan will be responded effectively," a senior BSF official told ANI. "During this season, BAT facilitates terrorists to infiltrate into India. After getting them trained at various known locations, BAT and other Pakistani agencies send them near the border and when they fail in multiple attempts, they plan action with these terrorists to facilitate them," a senior government official said. Last week, the Indian Army on the basis of specific intelligence inputs from Jammu and Kashmir Police, in a joint operation, eliminated a terrorist close to the LoC in Keri area of Bhimber Gali sector in Jammu division`s Rajouri district. Earlier today, two terrorists were killed in an ambush by the Indian Army at Nougam sector in north Kashmir along the LoC. The Army recovered arms and ammunition, along with Pakistani currency.

Intel warns of possible Pakistani BAT 'action' on Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir

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