Australia needs to boost its cyber security in cooperation with the United States in order&nbsp;to ''counter'' China, according to a recent report.

According to the report released Tuesday by the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, the allies should jointly develop health care and digital infrastructure in developing Pacific nations and increase military cooperation amid ''immense global disruption and unprecedented domestic pressures''&nbsp;exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-threatens-retaliation-for-us-curbs-on-propaganda-outlets-307922">China threatens retaliation for US curbs on 'propaganda' outlets</a>

The report, titled 'Bolstering resilience in the Indo-Pacific: Policy options for Ausmin after Covid-19', describes a ''strategic environment''&nbsp;that has dramatically worsened amid a shifting balance of power resulting from declining US influence and an increase in China’s use of ''coercive statecraft.''

''These developments threaten to bring about the establishment of a Chinese sphere of influence by reducing the access and influence the US, Australia and others have enjoyed,''&nbsp;said the report, the release of which comes ahead of the annual Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (Ausmin) at an undetermined date later this year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-sees-china-as-main-suspect-in-state-based-cyberattacks-says-report-307077">Australia sees China as main suspect in state-based cyberattacks, says report</a>

Canberra and Washington, allies under a mutual defence treaty signed in the aftermath of Word War II, should cooperate in Pacific nations ''on joint projects which support the immediate pandemic response while advancing broader development outcomes in the region.''

''Bilateral cooperation provides an opportunity for continued American engagement in the region with a comparatively smaller investment of resources, which can leverage Australia’s pre-existing experience and relationships in the Pacific,''&nbsp;it said.

The report, produced with funding by the Australian Department of Defence and arms manufacturers Northrop Grumman and Thales, also calls on the countries to improve their capabilities to counter state-backed disinformation, which it describes as an ''urgent priority in light of China’s aggressive use of disinformation during Covid-19.''

Its release comes at a particularly difficult time for Australia-China relations, which have been strained in recent years by disputes over issues including the origin of the coronavirus, alleged Chinese cyber attack&nbsp;on Australia&nbsp;and Beijing’s assertive moves in the South China Sea.

Australia needs to boost its cyber security in cooperation with the United States in order to ''counter'' China, according to a recent report. According to the report released Tuesday by the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, the allies should jointly develop health care and digital infrastructure in developing Pacific nations and increase military cooperation amid ''immense global disruption and unprecedented domestic pressures'' exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.

Australia needs to boost its cyber security in cooperation with the United States in order to ''counter'' China, according to a recent report. According to the report released Tuesday by the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, the allies should jointly develop health care and digital infrastructure in developing Pacific nations and increase military cooperation amid ''immense global disruption and unprecedented domestic pressures'' exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: China threatens retaliation for US curbs on 'propaganda' outlets The report, titled 'Bolstering resilience in the Indo-Pacific: Policy options for Ausmin after Covid-19', describes a ''strategic environment'' that has dramatically worsened amid a shifting balance of power resulting from declining US influence and an increase in China’s use of ''coercive statecraft.'' ''These developments threaten to bring about the establishment of a Chinese sphere of influence by reducing the access and influence the US, Australia and others have enjoyed,'' said the report, the release of which comes ahead of the annual Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (Ausmin) at an undetermined date later this year. Also read: Australia sees China as main suspect in state-based cyberattacks, says report Canberra and Washington, allies under a mutual defence treaty signed in the aftermath of Word War II, should cooperate in Pacific nations ''on joint projects which support the immediate pandemic response while advancing broader development outcomes in the region.'' ''Bilateral cooperation provides an opportunity for continued American engagement in the region with a comparatively smaller investment of resources, which can leverage Australia’s pre-existing experience and relationships in the Pacific,'' it said. The report, produced with funding by the Australian Department of Defence and arms manufacturers Northrop Grumman and Thales, also calls on the countries to improve their capabilities to counter state-backed disinformation, which it describes as an ''urgent priority in light of China’s aggressive use of disinformation during Covid-19.'' Its release comes at a particularly difficult time for Australia-China relations, which have been strained in recent years by disputes over issues including the origin of the coronavirus, alleged Chinese cyber attack on Australia and Beijing’s assertive moves in the South China Sea.

To 'counter' China, US and Australia need to boost cyber security: Report

The United States&nbsp;has shared a draft resolution with members of the United Nations Security Council that would extend an arms&nbsp;embargo&nbsp;on Iran indefinitely, according to diplomats.

The embargo, put in place as part of a nuclear accord signed with Tehran in 2015, is set to expire in October, but Washington has been working to extend the ban as tensions with its arch-rival remain high.

On Friday, France, the UK&nbsp;and Germany, all signatories to the deal, issued a joint statement arguing against lifting the ban as scheduled, saying it could have ''major implications for regional security and stability.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-britain-and-germany-regret-us-end-to-iran-nuclear-waivers-301999">France, Britain and Germany regret US end to Iran nuclear waivers</a>

With the ban on arms transactions with Iran set to expire in October under terms of the 2015 nuclear deal, the US&nbsp;draft calls on all countries to ''prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale, or transfer''&nbsp;of weapons to and from the Islamic Republic unless a Security Council committee approves it at least 30 days in advance on a case-by-case basis.

The US&nbsp;proposal Monday came after Russia and China, two veto-wielding members of the council, have already said they won’t support extending the&nbsp;embargo&nbsp;because they blame President Donald Trump for exiting the nuclear accord unilaterally. Diplomats expect a clash at the council over the next few months because the&nbsp;US&nbsp;is threatening&nbsp;that it will invoke a ''snapback''&nbsp;provision in the 2015 deal if it doesn’t get its way, which would reimpose all UN sanctions against Tehran.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-germany-uk-accessories-to-trump-netanyahu-iran-foreign-minister-zarif-307236">France, Germany, UK 'accessories' to Trump, Netanyahu: Iran Foreign Minister Zarif</a>

The Security Council is set to begin negotiations on the resolution on Wednesday, diplomats said. Earlier this month, US&nbsp;Ambassador Kelly Craft told reporters that the resolution had already been shared with close allies and Russia, and that the text would be circulated among the rest of the council soon.

<aside data-state="ready">
The American resolution cites the conclusion by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his most recent report that missiles and drones used in several attacks against Saudi Arabia in 2019&nbsp;originated&nbsp;in Iran.

The draft expresses ''grave concern about the risk that these attacks posed to global energy supplies, to freedom of navigation in the region, to the safety of persons working in the energy and maritime transportation sectors and to the environment.''

It adds that ''such attacks and continued proliferation of arms and related material by Iran constitute a threat to international peace and security.''
</aside>

Iran ''categorically''&nbsp;rejected the UN findings, saying in a&nbsp;statement&nbsp;earlier this month that the secretariat ''lacks the capacity, expertise, and knowledge to conduct such a sophisticated and sensitive investigation.''

The expiration of the arms&nbsp;embargo&nbsp;theoretically would let Iran move ahead with purchases of conventional weapons from Russia and China. Iran could modernize its forces by buying advanced weapons systems that it has mostly been unable to acquire for decades, including fighter aircraft and main battle tanks, the Pentagon warned in November.

The issue takes on added political emphasis for Trump, with the October expiration coming just weeks before the US&nbsp;presidential election.

The United States has shared a draft resolution with members of the United Nations Security Council that would extend an arms embargo on Iran indefinitely, according to diplomats.

The United States has shared a draft resolution with members of the United Nations Security Council that would extend an arms embargo on Iran indefinitely, according to diplomats. The embargo, put in place as part of a nuclear accord signed with Tehran in 2015, is set to expire in October, but Washington has been working to extend the ban as tensions with its arch-rival remain high. On Friday, France, the UK and Germany, all signatories to the deal, issued a joint statement arguing against lifting the ban as scheduled, saying it could have ''major implications for regional security and stability.'' Also read: France, Britain and Germany regret US end to Iran nuclear waivers With the ban on arms transactions with Iran set to expire in October under terms of the 2015 nuclear deal, the US draft calls on all countries to ''prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale, or transfer'' of weapons to and from the Islamic Republic unless a Security Council committee approves it at least 30 days in advance on a case-by-case basis. The US proposal Monday came after Russia and China, two veto-wielding members of the council, have already said they won’t support extending the embargo because they blame President Donald Trump for exiting the nuclear accord unilaterally. Diplomats expect a clash at the council over the next few months because the US is threatening that it will invoke a ''snapback'' provision in the 2015 deal if it doesn’t get its way, which would reimpose all UN sanctions against Tehran. Also read: France, Germany, UK 'accessories' to Trump, Netanyahu: Iran Foreign Minister Zarif The Security Council is set to begin negotiations on the resolution on Wednesday, diplomats said. Earlier this month, US Ambassador Kelly Craft told reporters that the resolution had already been shared with close allies and Russia, and that the text would be circulated among the rest of the council soon. The American resolution cites the conclusion by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his most recent report that missiles and drones used in several attacks against Saudi Arabia in 2019 originated in Iran. The draft expresses ''grave concern about the risk that these attacks posed to global energy supplies, to freedom of navigation in the region, to the safety of persons working in the energy and maritime transportation sectors and to the environment.'' It adds that ''such attacks and continued proliferation of arms and related material by Iran constitute a threat to international peace and security.'' Iran ''categorically'' rejected the UN findings, saying in a statement earlier this month that the secretariat ''lacks the capacity, expertise, and knowledge to conduct such a sophisticated and sensitive investigation.'' The expiration of the arms embargo theoretically would let Iran move ahead with purchases of conventional weapons from Russia and China. Iran could modernize its forces by buying advanced weapons systems that it has mostly been unable to acquire for decades, including fighter aircraft and main battle tanks, the Pentagon warned in November. The issue takes on added political emphasis for Trump, with the October expiration coming just weeks before the US presidential election.

US seeking indefinite extension in Iran arms embargo via UN Resolution

Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday&nbsp;said that climate change is as ''urgent'' as the coronavirus crisis that has been ravaging the world.

She doesn't think any "green recovery plan" will solve the crisis alone and she says the world is now passing a "social tipping point" on climate and issues such as Black Lives Matter.

"People are starting to realise that we cannot keep looking away from these things", says Ms Thunberg, "we cannot keep sweeping these injustices under the carpet".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-pushes-legal-complaint-against-five-countries-at-un-296921">Greta Thunberg pushes legal complaint against five countries at UN</a>

She says lockdown has given her time to relax and reflect away from the public gaze.

Preparing for her appearance before the UN&nbsp;General Assembly last fall, Greta Thunberg found herself constantly interrupted by world leaders, including U.N. chief Antonio Guterres and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who had formed a queue to speak to her and take selfies.

“Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, waits in line but doesn’t quite make it before it’s time for the event to start,” Thunberg recalls.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedish-lawmakers-nominate-greta-thunberg-for-nobel-peace-prize-277600">Swedish lawmakers nominate Greta Thunberg for Nobel Peace Prize</a>

Such surreal memories for a teenager form the opening to a 75-minute monologue broadcast on Swedish public radio Saturday that soon shifts to the serious matter of climate change that’s at the heart of Thunberg’s work.

The 17-year-old has become a global figurehead of the youth climate movement since she started her one-woman protests outside the Swedish parliament in 2018.

Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday said that climate change is as ''urgent'' as the coronavirus crisis that has been ravaging the world. She doesn't think any "green recovery plan" will solve the crisis alone and she says the world is now passing a "social tipping point" on climate and issues such as Black Lives Matter.

Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday said that climate change is as ''urgent'' as the coronavirus crisis that has been ravaging the world. She doesn't think any "green recovery plan" will solve the crisis alone and she says the world is now passing a "social tipping point" on climate and issues such as Black Lives Matter. "People are starting to realise that we cannot keep looking away from these things", says Ms Thunberg, "we cannot keep sweeping these injustices under the carpet". Also read: Greta Thunberg pushes legal complaint against five countries at UN She says lockdown has given her time to relax and reflect away from the public gaze. Preparing for her appearance before the UN General Assembly last fall, Greta Thunberg found herself constantly interrupted by world leaders, including U.N. chief Antonio Guterres and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who had formed a queue to speak to her and take selfies. “Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, waits in line but doesn’t quite make it before it’s time for the event to start,” Thunberg recalls. Also read: Swedish lawmakers nominate Greta Thunberg for Nobel Peace Prize Such surreal memories for a teenager form the opening to a 75-minute monologue broadcast on Swedish public radio Saturday that soon shifts to the serious matter of climate change that’s at the heart of Thunberg’s work. The 17-year-old has become a global figurehead of the youth climate movement since she started her one-woman protests outside the Swedish parliament in 2018.

Climate change as 'urgent' as coronavirus pandemic, says Greta Thunberg

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday morning shot down a Pakistani spy drone carrying weapons, at the border outpost (BoP) Pansar along the International Border in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.At about 5:10 am, the Pakistan spy drone was spotted in the area of responsibility (AoR) of BoP Pansar, Hiranagar of the BSF, as per initial reports.

SI Devender Singh fired 8 rounds and shot down the drone 250 meters inside the Indian territory on the Indian side of the International Border (IB), sources said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-chiefs-convene-at-isi-headquarters-for-an-unusual-meeting-india-to-keep-up-its-guard-306622">Pakistan's top chiefs convene at ISI headquarters for an unusual meeting; India to keep up its guard!</a>

The width of the drone from blade to blade was 8 feet.

"On examination of the payload of the shot down drone, a US made M-4 rifle, two magazines, 60 rounds of ammunition and seven grenades were found,&nbsp;police said. 
 
"The consignment was for some 'Ali Baba'&nbsp;as the payload carried his name. It seems the Pakistani outpost opposite our Panesar border outpost was controlling the drone", they added.

Multiple weapons have been recovered from the drone which was brought down by the security forces. Further details are awaited.&nbsp;

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday morning shot down a Pakistani spy drone carrying weapons, at the border outpost (BoP) Pansar along the International Border in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday morning shot down a Pakistani spy drone carrying weapons, at the border outpost (BoP) Pansar along the International Border in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.At about 5:10 am, the Pakistan spy drone was spotted in the area of responsibility (AoR) of BoP Pansar, Hiranagar of the BSF, as per initial reports. SI Devender Singh fired 8 rounds and shot down the drone 250 meters inside the Indian territory on the Indian side of the International Border (IB), sources said. Also read: Pakistan's top chiefs convene at ISI headquarters for an unusual meeting; India to keep up its guard! The width of the drone from blade to blade was 8 feet. "On examination of the payload of the shot down drone, a US made M-4 rifle, two magazines, 60 rounds of ammunition and seven grenades were found, police said. "The consignment was for some 'Ali Baba' as the payload carried his name. It seems the Pakistani outpost opposite our Panesar border outpost was controlling the drone", they added. Multiple weapons have been recovered from the drone which was brought down by the security forces. Further details are awaited.

Pakistani spy drone carrying weapons shot down by BSF at Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua

Chinese prosecutors said on Friday they have charged two detained Canadians for suspected espionage, indictments that could result in life imprisonment, in a case that has driven a diplomatic wedge between Ottawa and Beijing.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was "very disappointed" and would keep pressing China to release the duo.

Asked what his government would do to secure the release of these Canadian nationals, Trudeau said Canada would continue to work "behind the scenes in very direct and firm ways."

<section id="inread-wrapper-id-62043314">"We take very, very seriously the situation of Canadians in difficulty overseas. Over the past years, we've had a number of successes in liberating Canadians," he said at a press conference in Chelsea, Que.</section>

"We will continue to use all of our expertise to return these two Michaels to Canada."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-meng-wanzhou-loses-court-fight-against-extradition-to-united-states-301652">Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou loses court fight against extradition to United States</a>

Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were arrested in late 2018 on state security charges,&nbsp;shortly after Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Canada on a US warrant, in what is widely believed to have been a retaliatory move.

<img alt="Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ce627dab-aed1-4527-b9c7-0d4b3d08d532" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2890%29_1.jpg" /> 
People hold signs calling for China to release Canadian detainees Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig during an extradition hearing for Huawei Technologies Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou at the B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, March 6, 2019|&nbsp;REUTERS

While China maintains the detentions are not linked to Meng, former diplomats and experts have said they are being used to pressure Canada.

China has repeatedly called for Meng's release, and has warned Canada it could face consequences for aiding the United States in her case.

Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular briefing on Friday that the indictments were "of particularly serious circumstances which violated Article 111 of the Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China," which pertains to espionage and state secrets.

Under that article, a conviction can carry a sentence of from 10 years to life imprisonment.

"The facts are clear and the evidence is solid and sufficient. He should be held accountable for criminal responsibility under the above mentioned charge," Zhao said of Kovrig, before making the same statement about Spavor.

The charges mean a formal trial can begin.

Trudeau, speaking to reporters in the Quebec town of Chelsea, said it was "a real shame" China did not appear to understand that governments in Canada could not interfere in the justice system.

"We will continue ... to put pressure on the Chinese government to cease the arbitrary detention of these two Canadian citizens who are being held for no other reason than the Chinese government is disappointed with the independent proceedings of the Canadian judiciary," he said.

The Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday that consular visits to detainees had been suspended due to the coronavirus.

The Canadian foreign ministry said it was "deeply concerned" that the two Canadians hadn't been granted access to consular visits since mid-January and called for their immediate release.

The ruling Communist Party's Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission said last year that Kovrig is accused of "stealing and spying on sensitive Chinese information and intelligence." It said Spavor provided Kovrig with intelligence.

Kovrig works for the International Crisis Group (ICG), a non-governmental organization that focuses on conflict resolution.

ICG CEO Rob Malley said in a statement that Kovrig was not endangering national security and that "he has become an unfortunate pawn in a larger struggle among the United States, Canada and China."

Spavor, 44, is a businessman with deep ties to North Korea.

Last month, Huawei's Meng lost a legal bid to avoid extradition to the United States to face bank fraud charges.

Chinese prosecutors said on Friday they have charged two detained Canadians for suspected espionage, indictments that could result in life imprisonment, in a case that has driven a diplomatic wedge between Ottawa and Beijing.

Chinese prosecutors said on Friday they have charged two detained Canadians for suspected espionage, indictments that could result in life imprisonment, in a case that has driven a diplomatic wedge between Ottawa and Beijing. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was "very disappointed" and would keep pressing China to release the duo. Asked what his government would do to secure the release of these Canadian nationals, Trudeau said Canada would continue to work "behind the scenes in very direct and firm ways." "We take very, very seriously the situation of Canadians in difficulty overseas. Over the past years, we've had a number of successes in liberating Canadians," he said at a press conference in Chelsea, Que. "We will continue to use all of our expertise to return these two Michaels to Canada." Also read: Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou loses court fight against extradition to United States Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were arrested in late 2018 on state security charges, shortly after Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Canada on a US warrant, in what is widely believed to have been a retaliatory move. People hold signs calling for China to release Canadian detainees Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig during an extradition hearing for Huawei Technologies Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou at the B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, March 6, 2019| REUTERS While China maintains the detentions are not linked to Meng, former diplomats and experts have said they are being used to pressure Canada. China has repeatedly called for Meng's release, and has warned Canada it could face consequences for aiding the United States in her case. Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular briefing on Friday that the indictments were "of particularly serious circumstances which violated Article 111 of the Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China," which pertains to espionage and state secrets. Under that article, a conviction can carry a sentence of from 10 years to life imprisonment. "The facts are clear and the evidence is solid and sufficient. He should be held accountable for criminal responsibility under the above mentioned charge," Zhao said of Kovrig, before making the same statement about Spavor. The charges mean a formal trial can begin. Trudeau, speaking to reporters in the Quebec town of Chelsea, said it was "a real shame" China did not appear to understand that governments in Canada could not interfere in the justice system. "We will continue ... to put pressure on the Chinese government to cease the arbitrary detention of these two Canadian citizens who are being held for no other reason than the Chinese government is disappointed with the independent proceedings of the Canadian judiciary," he said. The Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday that consular visits to detainees had been suspended due to the coronavirus. The Canadian foreign ministry said it was "deeply concerned" that the two Canadians hadn't been granted access to consular visits since mid-January and called for their immediate release. The ruling Communist Party's Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission said last year that Kovrig is accused of "stealing and spying on sensitive Chinese information and intelligence." It said Spavor provided Kovrig with intelligence. Kovrig works for the International Crisis Group (ICG), a non-governmental organization that focuses on conflict resolution. ICG CEO Rob Malley said in a statement that Kovrig was not endangering national security and that "he has become an unfortunate pawn in a larger struggle among the United States, Canada and China." Spavor, 44, is a businessman with deep ties to North Korea. Last month, Huawei's Meng lost a legal bid to avoid extradition to the United States to face bank fraud charges.

Trudeau 'very disappointed' after China charges two Canadians with suspected espionage

Snapchat took down a "Juneteenth"-themed filter and apologised to users for the lens, which drew criticism for being insensitive, the photo messaging app's parent Snap Inc&nbsp;said on Friday.

The filter used Pan-African flag as a backdrop and prompted users to smile, which caused chains to appear behind them and then break.

Snap Inc. sought to show Black users it cared about them by releasing an interactive camera filter to commemorate Juneteenth. But the filter and social media outcry that followed only reminded the world of the company’s history of racist or insensitive blunders and lack of internal diversity.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dating-app-grindr-to-remove-ethnicity-filter-in-solidarity-with-black-lives-matter-movement-302532">Dating app Grindr to remove ethnicity filter in solidarity with Black Lives Matter movement</a>

''We deeply apologize to the members of the Snapchat community who found this Lens offensive,''&nbsp;the company said. ''A diverse group of Snap team members were involved in developing the concept, but a version of the Lens that went live for Snapchatters this morning had not been approved through our review process.''

Juneteenth marks the anniversary of the day in 1865 when the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were freed 2 and half&nbsp;years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

The filter,&nbsp;prompting users to ''smile'' in order to break digital chains, debuted Friday morning on Snapchat. Within a few hours, the company had pulled it and apologized.

Noting that the company has published similarly offensive filters in the past, three former employees said the tone of the Juneteenth filter illustrates a lack of effort and attention to issues of race and diversity.

Several companies, including Twitter Inc &lt;TWTR.N&gt; and Nike Inc &lt;NKE.N&gt;, have declared June 19 a paid holiday for employees or reduced operating hours to commemorate Juneteenth.

Snapchat took down a "Juneteenth"-themed filter and apologised to users for the lens, which drew criticism for being insensitive, the photo messaging app's parent Snap Inc said on Friday.

Snapchat took down a "Juneteenth"-themed filter and apologised to users for the lens, which drew criticism for being insensitive, the photo messaging app's parent Snap Inc said on Friday. The filter used Pan-African flag as a backdrop and prompted users to smile, which caused chains to appear behind them and then break. Snap Inc. sought to show Black users it cared about them by releasing an interactive camera filter to commemorate Juneteenth. But the filter and social media outcry that followed only reminded the world of the company’s history of racist or insensitive blunders and lack of internal diversity. Also read: Dating app Grindr to remove ethnicity filter in solidarity with Black Lives Matter movement ''We deeply apologize to the members of the Snapchat community who found this Lens offensive,'' the company said. ''A diverse group of Snap team members were involved in developing the concept, but a version of the Lens that went live for Snapchatters this morning had not been approved through our review process.'' Juneteenth marks the anniversary of the day in 1865 when the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were freed 2 and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The filter, prompting users to ''smile'' in order to break digital chains, debuted Friday morning on Snapchat. Within a few hours, the company had pulled it and apologized. Noting that the company has published similarly offensive filters in the past, three former employees said the tone of the Juneteenth filter illustrates a lack of effort and attention to issues of race and diversity. Several companies, including Twitter Inc <TWTR.N> and Nike Inc <NKE.N>, have declared June 19 a paid holiday for employees or reduced operating hours to commemorate Juneteenth.

Snapchat removes Juneteenth photo filter and apologises after backlash

&nbsp;Zimbabwe Health Minister Obadiah Moyo was arrested by police on Friday over allegations of corruption in government procurement of around $60 million worth of medical equipment, the Daily News newspaper reported.

Several other Zimbabwean and South African news outlets reported the arrest. Reuters was not immediately able to confirm the arrest with authorities in Harare.

Last week Delish Nguwaya, said to be a local representative of international pharmaceutical firm Drax International, the company supplying the equipment to the government, was arrested over the same deal, according to the state-owned Zimbabwe broadcasting Commission.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took over from long time leader Robert Mugabe after a military coup in 2017, has since cancelled the procurement deals.

In addition to the novel coronavirus, which has infected nearly 500 people and caused four deaths, Zimbabwe is facing worst economic crisis in more than a decade and increasing public anger over inadequate services and government corruption.

Zimbabwe Health Minister Obadiah Moyo was arrested by police on Friday over allegations of corruption in government procurement of around $60 million worth of medical equipment, the Daily News newspaper reported.

Zimbabwe Health Minister Obadiah Moyo was arrested by police on Friday over allegations of corruption in government procurement of around $60 million worth of medical equipment, the Daily News newspaper reported. Several other Zimbabwean and South African news outlets reported the arrest. Reuters was not immediately able to confirm the arrest with authorities in Harare. Last week Delish Nguwaya, said to be a local representative of international pharmaceutical firm Drax International, the company supplying the equipment to the government, was arrested over the same deal, according to the state-owned Zimbabwe broadcasting Commission. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took over from long time leader Robert Mugabe after a military coup in 2017, has since cancelled the procurement deals. In addition to the novel coronavirus, which has infected nearly 500 people and caused four deaths, Zimbabwe is facing worst economic crisis in more than a decade and increasing public anger over inadequate services and government corruption.

Zimbabwe health minister arrested over $60 million COVID-19 supplies scandal

&nbsp;Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Friday accused France, Germany and Britain of serving Iran's arch-foes the United States and Israel by drafting a nuclear resolution against Tehran.

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BoG should not allow JCPOA enemies to jeopardize Iran's supreme interests. E3 should not be an accessory, after failing own JCPOA duties 
 
We've nothing to hide. More inspections in Iran over last 5 yrs than in IAEA history 
 
An agreeable solution is possible, but Res will ruin it. <a href="https://t.co/qg9mblIjMy">pic.twitter.com/qg9mblIjMy</a>
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1273677894041120774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Behind (the) facade, E3 are accessories to (US&nbsp;President Donald) Trump and&nbsp;(Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu and&nbsp;in no position to counsel Iran," Zarif tweeted.

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E3 must stop public face-saving &amp; muster the courage to state publicly what they admit privately: their failure to fulfill even own JCPOA duties due to total impotence in resisting US bullying 
Behind facade, E3 are accessories to Trump &amp; Netanyahu—&amp; in no position to counsel Iran <a href="https://t.co/sdoOBJECeS">pic.twitter.com/sdoOBJECeS</a>
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1274048922835718144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The U.N. nuclear watchdog's 35-nation Board of Governors called on Iran in the resolution earlier on Friday to stop denying the agency access to two suspected former nuclear sites and to cooperate fully with it, diplomats attending the meeting said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Friday accused France, Germany and Britain of serving Iran's arch-foes the United States and Israel by drafting a nuclear resolution against Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Friday accused France, Germany and Britain of serving Iran's arch-foes the United States and Israel by drafting a nuclear resolution against Tehran. BoG should not allow JCPOA enemies to jeopardize Iran's supreme interests. E3 should not be an accessory, after failing own JCPOA duties We've nothing to hide. More inspections in Iran over last 5 yrs than in IAEA history An agreeable solution is possible, but Res will ruin it. pic.twitter.com/qg9mblIjMy — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) June 18, 2020 × "Behind (the) facade, E3 are accessories to (US President Donald) Trump and (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu and in no position to counsel Iran," Zarif tweeted. E3 must stop public face-saving & muster the courage to state publicly what they admit privately: their failure to fulfill even own JCPOA duties due to total impotence in resisting US bullying Behind facade, E3 are accessories to Trump & Netanyahu—& in no position to counsel Iran pic.twitter.com/sdoOBJECeS — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) June 19, 2020 × The U.N. nuclear watchdog's 35-nation Board of Governors called on Iran in the resolution earlier on Friday to stop denying the agency access to two suspected former nuclear sites and to cooperate fully with it, diplomats attending the meeting said.

France, Germany, UK 'accessories' to Trump, Netanyahu: Iran Foreign Minister Zarif

June 20 in history: Patent for telegraph, world's first telephone and much more!

India has reported&nbsp;the highest single-day spike of 14516 new coronavirus&nbsp;cases and 375 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Total number of positive cases now stands 395048 at including 168269 active cases, 213831 cured, discharged and migrated while 12948 deaths according to the&nbsp;Ministry of Health and&nbsp;Family Welfare.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-anti-viral-drug-favipiravir-gets-dcgi-nod-for-restricted-emergency-use-307166" hreflang="en">COVID 19: Anti-viral drug Favipiravir gets DCGI nod for 'restricted emergency use'</a>

The total number of COVID-19 recoveries in India was more than the active cases on Saturday.

After&nbsp;2,13,831 patients were cured of the viral infection, the COVID-19 recovery rate across the nation climbed to 54.13 percent.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-recovery-rate-rises-to-5379-over-2-lakh-persons-cured-of-covid-19-says-health-ministry-307135" hreflang="en">India's Covid-19 recovery rate rises to 53.79%, over 2 lakh persons cured of COVID-19, says Health Ministry</a>

As many as&nbsp;12948 deaths have been&nbsp;recorded so far, taking the COVID-19 mortality rate to 3.3 percent.&nbsp;

With&nbsp;3,137 new positive cases, Delhi reported the highest number of COVID-19 infections in a single day taking the total in the National Capital to&nbsp;53,116 on Saturday.

The toll climbed to&nbsp;2,035 after 66 more people succumbed to the viral disease in the past 24 hours.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Mumbai registered a total of&nbsp;64,068 COVID-19 infections on Saturday after&nbsp;1,269 more people tested positive for the novel coronavirus, said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).&nbsp;

While the COVID-19 toll in the city reached 3,423 after 114 patients succumbed ot the disease.&nbsp;Of 114 deaths, 55 deaths were recorded between 16-18&nbsp;June and the remaining 59 were recorded before 15 June.

&nbsp;

India has reported the highest single-day spike of 14516 new coronavirus cases and 375 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total number of positive cases now stands 395048 at including 168269 active cases, 213831 cured, discharged and migrated while 12948 deaths according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

India has reported the highest single-day spike of 14516 new coronavirus cases and 375 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total number of positive cases now stands 395048 at including 168269 active cases, 213831 cured, discharged and migrated while 12948 deaths according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Also read: COVID 19: Anti-viral drug Favipiravir gets DCGI nod for 'restricted emergency use' The total number of COVID-19 recoveries in India was more than the active cases on Saturday. After 2,13,831 patients were cured of the viral infection, the COVID-19 recovery rate across the nation climbed to 54.13 percent. Also read: India's Covid-19 recovery rate rises to 53.79%, over 2 lakh persons cured of COVID-19, says Health Ministry As many as 12948 deaths have been recorded so far, taking the COVID-19 mortality rate to 3.3 percent. With 3,137 new positive cases, Delhi reported the highest number of COVID-19 infections in a single day taking the total in the National Capital to 53,116 on Saturday. The toll climbed to 2,035 after 66 more people succumbed to the viral disease in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, Mumbai registered a total of 64,068 COVID-19 infections on Saturday after 1,269 more people tested positive for the novel coronavirus, said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). While the COVID-19 toll in the city reached 3,423 after 114 patients succumbed ot the disease. Of 114 deaths, 55 deaths were recorded between 16-18 June and the remaining 59 were recorded before 15 June.

Highest single-day spike of 14,516 COVID-19 cases pushes India's tally to 3,95,048

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hard-hit-brazil-becomes-second-country-to-surpass-one-million-covid-19-cases-307207" hreflang="en">Hard-hit Brazil becomes second country to surpass one million COVID-19 cases</a>

<img alt="Brazil" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3046cd7-4b05-4fbf-bf70-397ad3257b68" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2887%29_0.jpg" />

Brazil has passed the bleak milestone to become the second country in the world to confirm more than one million cases of Covid-19, as the disease continues to spread. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hard-hit-brazil-becomes-second-country-to-surpass-one-million-covid-19-cases-307207">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-gearing-up-to-send-anti-south-leaflets-across-border-amid-heightened-tensions-307209">North Korea gearing up to send anti-South leaflets across border amid heightened tensions</a>

<img alt="North Korea" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6b7b1ed1-9eef-4659-9dd1-cc852176891d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_111867849_mediaitem111867848.jpg" />

North Korea is gearing up to send propaganda leaflets over its southern border, denouncing North Korean defectors and South Korea, its state media said on Saturday, the latest retaliation for leaflets from the South as&nbsp;bilateral tensions rise. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-gearing-up-to-send-anti-south-leaflets-across-border-amid-heightened-tensions-307209">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oklahomas-supreme-court-gives-go-ahead-to-trumps-rally-to-proceed-as-planned-307200">Oklahoma's Supreme Court gives go ahead to Trump's rally</a>

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ededbc4f-609e-4e7c-a88c-2e55efcd769f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/AP_20140707233728_0.jpg" />

Oklahoma's Supreme Court has ruled that US President Donald Trump's rally on Saturday in Tulsa, his first since March, can go ahead. <a href="Oklahoma's Supreme Court has ruled that US President Donald Trump's rally on Saturday in Tulsa, his first since March, can go ahead.">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-treatment-of-hong-kong-depends-on-how-beijing-treats-it-says-pompeo-307214">US treatment of Hong Kong depends on how Beijing treats it, says Pompeo</a>

<img alt="Pompeo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6dd8b718-9c99-4542-aae1-611c0255d1a4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2886%29_2.jpg" /> 
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday that the way his country regards Hong Kong depends on the way China treats it. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-treatment-of-hong-kong-depends-on-how-beijing-treats-it-says-pompeo-307214">Read more</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-boycott-china-rhetoric-vs-reality-307197/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hard-hit Brazil becomes second country to surpass one million COVID-19 cases Brazil has passed the bleak milestone to become the second country in the world to confirm more than one million cases of Covid-19, as the disease continues to spread.

Hard-hit Brazil becomes second country to surpass one million COVID-19 cases Brazil has passed the bleak milestone to become the second country in the world to confirm more than one million cases of Covid-19, as the disease continues to spread. Read more North Korea gearing up to send anti-South leaflets across border amid heightened tensions North Korea is gearing up to send propaganda leaflets over its southern border, denouncing North Korean defectors and South Korea, its state media said on Saturday, the latest retaliation for leaflets from the South as bilateral tensions rise. Read more Oklahoma's Supreme Court gives go ahead to Trump's rally Oklahoma's Supreme Court has ruled that US President Donald Trump's rally on Saturday in Tulsa, his first since March, can go ahead. Read more US treatment of Hong Kong depends on how Beijing treats it, says Pompeo US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday that the way his country regards Hong Kong depends on the way China treats it. Read more

Morning news brief: Brazil passes 1 million coronavirus cases, North Korea threatens South Korea, and more

North Korea is gearing up to send propaganda leaflets over its southern border, denouncing North Korean defectors and South Korea, its state media said on Saturday, the latest retaliation for leaflets from the South as&nbsp;bilateral tensions rise.

Enraged North Korean people across the country "are actively pushing forward with the preparations for launching a large-scale distribution of leaflets", which are piled as high as a mountain, said state news agency KCNA.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-blows-up-inter-korean-liaison-office-306214">North Korea blows up inter-Korean liaison office</a>

"Every action should be met with proper reaction and only when one experiences it oneself, one can feel how offending it is," KCNA said.

North Korea has blamed North Korean defectors for launching leaflets across the border and&nbsp;threatened military action. On Tuesday,&nbsp;Pyongyang blew up an inter-Korean liaison office&nbsp;to show its displeasure against the defectors and South Korea for not stopping them launching leaflets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-completely-responsible-for-consequences-echoes-south-korea-after-liaison-office-bombing-306265">'North completely responsible for consequences', echoes South Korea after liaison office bombing</a>

A North Korean defector-led group said on Friday it had scrapped a plan to send hundreds of plastic bottles stuffed with rice, medicine and face masks to North Korea by throwing them into the sea near the border on Sunday.

The two Koreas, which are still technically at war as their 1950-53 conflict ended without a peace treaty, have waged leaflet campaigns for decades.

South Korea's military used to launch anti-North flyers across the demilitarized zone, but the program ended in 2010.

Several defector-led groups have regularly sent back flyers, together with food, $1 bills, mini radios and USB sticks containing South Korean dramas and news, usually by balloon over the border or in bottles by river.

Pyongyang has used balloons to send its anti-South leaflets. South Koreans previously were rewarded with stationery if they reported leaflets from the North.&nbsp;

Pyongyang has used balloons to send its anti-South leaflets. South Koreans previously were rewarded with stationery if they reported leaflets from the North.

North Korea is gearing up to send propaganda leaflets over its southern border, denouncing North Korean defectors and South Korea, its state media said on Saturday, the latest retaliation for leaflets from the South as bilateral tensions rise.

North Korea is gearing up to send propaganda leaflets over its southern border, denouncing North Korean defectors and South Korea, its state media said on Saturday, the latest retaliation for leaflets from the South as bilateral tensions rise. Enraged North Korean people across the country "are actively pushing forward with the preparations for launching a large-scale distribution of leaflets", which are piled as high as a mountain, said state news agency KCNA. Also read: North Korea blows up inter-Korean liaison office "Every action should be met with proper reaction and only when one experiences it oneself, one can feel how offending it is," KCNA said. North Korea has blamed North Korean defectors for launching leaflets across the border and threatened military action. On Tuesday, Pyongyang blew up an inter-Korean liaison office to show its displeasure against the defectors and South Korea for not stopping them launching leaflets. Also read: 'North completely responsible for consequences', echoes South Korea after liaison office bombing A North Korean defector-led group said on Friday it had scrapped a plan to send hundreds of plastic bottles stuffed with rice, medicine and face masks to North Korea by throwing them into the sea near the border on Sunday. The two Koreas, which are still technically at war as their 1950-53 conflict ended without a peace treaty, have waged leaflet campaigns for decades. South Korea's military used to launch anti-North flyers across the demilitarized zone, but the program ended in 2010. Several defector-led groups have regularly sent back flyers, together with food, $1 bills, mini radios and USB sticks containing South Korean dramas and news, usually by balloon over the border or in bottles by river. Pyongyang has used balloons to send its anti-South leaflets. South Koreans previously were rewarded with stationery if they reported leaflets from the North. Pyongyang has used balloons to send its anti-South leaflets. South Koreans previously were rewarded with stationery if they reported leaflets from the North.

North Korea gearing up to send anti-South leaflets across border amid heightened tensions

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