Afghanistan is investigating reports Afghan migrants were tortured, pushed into a river and left to drown by Iranian border guards.

According to local media, the migrants were caught trying to enter Iran illegally from the western Herat province.

Reportedly, Iranian guards mercilessly beated the migrants&nbsp;and forced them to jump into a river duw to some of them are said to have died.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-refugees-relocated-to-controversial-bangladesh-island-after-spending-weeks-at-sea-296449" hreflang="en">Rohingya refugees relocated to controversial Bangladesh island after spending weeks at sea</a>

However,&nbsp;Iran has dismissed the allegation.&nbsp;A foreign ministry spokesman said the incident took place on Afghan territory, not Iranian, and security guards denied any involvement.

The Afghan Human Rights Commission (AHRC) said local officials told it "Iranian security forces arrested a number of Afghan migrants seeking work who wanted to enter Iran".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/us-threatens-taliban-with-retaliatory-actions-if-violence-in-afghanistan-continues-296384" hreflang="en">US threatens Taliban with retaliatory actions if violence in Afghanistan continues</a>

"They were made to cross the Harirud river [at the Afghan-Iranian border], as a result a number of them drowned and some survived," it added.

The number involved in the incident is unconfirmed but officials said dozens of migrants crossed the border, and at least seven people died with more still missing.

About three million Afghans live in Iran, including refugees and wage labourers. Hundreds of Afghans cross into Iran every day to find work.

Afghanistan is investigating reports Afghan migrants were tortured, pushed into a river and left to drown by Iranian border guards. According to local media, the migrants were caught trying to enter Iran illegally from the western Herat province.

Afghanistan is investigating reports Afghan migrants were tortured, pushed into a river and left to drown by Iranian border guards. According to local media, the migrants were caught trying to enter Iran illegally from the western Herat province. Reportedly, Iranian guards mercilessly beated the migrants and forced them to jump into a river duw to some of them are said to have died. Also read: Rohingya refugees relocated to controversial Bangladesh island after spending weeks at sea However, Iran has dismissed the allegation. A foreign ministry spokesman said the incident took place on Afghan territory, not Iranian, and security guards denied any involvement. The Afghan Human Rights Commission (AHRC) said local officials told it "Iranian security forces arrested a number of Afghan migrants seeking work who wanted to enter Iran". Also read: US threatens Taliban with retaliatory actions if violence in Afghanistan continues "They were made to cross the Harirud river [at the Afghan-Iranian border], as a result a number of them drowned and some survived," it added. The number involved in the incident is unconfirmed but officials said dozens of migrants crossed the border, and at least seven people died with more still missing. About three million Afghans live in Iran, including refugees and wage labourers. Hundreds of Afghans cross into Iran every day to find work.

Afghan migrants 'tortured', 'drowned' by Iranian border guards

Dozens of New Yorkers were fined for violating coronavirus social distancing guidelines as they flocked to the city's beaches and parks to enjoy balmy weekend weather, police said Sunday.

NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea told reporters that officers had issued 51 summonses on Saturday, mostly for social distance violations, as temperatures in America's COVID-19 epicenter registered upwards of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Residents of the Big Apple, which has been shut down since mid-March, are allowed outside to exercise providing they maintain six-feet (two&nbsp;meters) of distance and wear a mask when around others.

New Yorkers can be fined up to $1,000 for violating the orders, which many did as they descended on popular spots like Manhattan's Central Park and Rockaway Beach in Queens following a largely rainy week.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-pompeo-says-enormous-evidence-virus-came-from-wuhan-lab-296446">Mike Pompeo says 'enormous evidence' virus came from Wuhan lab</a>

Shea said tickets were issued to 43 people in parks and eight others elsewhere as New York leaders warned residents not to spark a second wave of infections.

Governor Andrew Cuomo said he appreciated residents were bored but that they should not take "false comfort" from falling COVID-19 cases or from seeing other states reopen.

He insisted that the outbreak -- which has killed almost 20,000 people statewide -- was far from over.

"How people cannot wear masks is disrespectful. It's disrespectful to the nurses, the doctors, the people who have been frontline workers, the transit workers.

"You wear the mask not for yourself -- you wear the mask for me," he added.

Cuomo reported 280 new deaths from COVID-19 in New York state in the last 24 hours, down from 299 the day before.

Governor Andrew Cuomo said he appreciated residents were bored but that they should not take "false comfort" from falling COVID-19

Dozens of New Yorkers were fined for violating coronavirus social distancing guidelines as they flocked to the city's beaches and parks to enjoy balmy weekend weather, police said Sunday.

Dozens of New Yorkers were fined for violating coronavirus social distancing guidelines as they flocked to the city's beaches and parks to enjoy balmy weekend weather, police said Sunday. NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea told reporters that officers had issued 51 summonses on Saturday, mostly for social distance violations, as temperatures in America's COVID-19 epicenter registered upwards of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Also read: US will have coronavirus vaccine by end of year, says Trump Residents of the Big Apple, which has been shut down since mid-March, are allowed outside to exercise providing they maintain six-feet (two meters) of distance and wear a mask when around others. New Yorkers can be fined up to $1,000 for violating the orders, which many did as they descended on popular spots like Manhattan's Central Park and Rockaway Beach in Queens following a largely rainy week. Also read: Mike Pompeo says 'enormous evidence' virus came from Wuhan lab Shea said tickets were issued to 43 people in parks and eight others elsewhere as New York leaders warned residents not to spark a second wave of infections. Governor Andrew Cuomo said he appreciated residents were bored but that they should not take "false comfort" from falling COVID-19 cases or from seeing other states reopen. He insisted that the outbreak -- which has killed almost 20,000 people statewide -- was far from over. "How people cannot wear masks is disrespectful. It's disrespectful to the nurses, the doctors, the people who have been frontline workers, the transit workers. "You wear the mask not for yourself -- you wear the mask for me," he added. Cuomo reported 280 new deaths from COVID-19 in New York state in the last 24 hours, down from 299 the day before. Governor Andrew Cuomo said he appreciated residents were bored but that they should not take "false comfort" from falling COVID-19

New Yorkers fined for violating social distancing guidelines

Islamic State group remnants in Iraq are exploiting a coronavirus lockdown, coalition troop withdrawals and simmering political disputes to ramp up deadly attacks, according to analysts and intelligence officials.

The bloodiest so far was an ambush early Saturday that killed 10 Iraqi fighters north of Baghdad that observers say demonstrated a new escalation in the jihadist group's tactics but one that could still be contained.&nbsp;

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Iraq declared IS defeated in late 2017 but sleeper cells have survived in remote northern and western areas, where security gaps mean the group wages occasional attacks.

They have spiked since early April as jihadists plant explosives, fire on police patrols and launch mortars and rockets at villages, local security sources told AFP.

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"Combat operations have reached a level we haven't seen in a while," said Iraqi security expert Hisham al-Hashemi.

He said IS fighters were using abandoned villages to edge towards urban areas, looking to re-establish funding mechanisms, smuggling routes and hideouts while targeting local infrastructure and officials to cause panic.

Days before early Saturday's ambush -- which was multi-pronged and took place in Salahaddin province -- the jihadists claimed a suicide attack that wounded four people outside an intelligence headquarters in Kirkuk, a restive northern province.

An intelligence officer there said IS had tripled its attacks in Kirkuk in April compared to March.

In part, the escalation may be linked to security units being redeployed to enforce a nationwide lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the novel coronavirus, which has infected more than 2,000 people and killed over 90 in Iraq.&nbsp;

The jihadists could also be exploiting the political deadlock in Baghdad, where top leaders are focused on tense talks over a new government, the consequences of a collapse in global oil prices and budget disputes with autonomous Kurdish authorities. &nbsp;

Islamic State group remnants in Iraq are exploiting a coronavirus lockdown, coalition troop withdrawals and simmering political disputes to ramp up deadly attacks, according to analysts and intelligence officials.

Islamic State group remnants in Iraq are exploiting a coronavirus lockdown, coalition troop withdrawals and simmering political disputes to ramp up deadly attacks, according to analysts and intelligence officials. The bloodiest so far was an ambush early Saturday that killed 10 Iraqi fighters north of Baghdad that observers say demonstrated a new escalation in the jihadist group's tactics but one that could still be contained. Also read: Pope says coronavirus vaccine must be shared worldwide Iraq declared IS defeated in late 2017 but sleeper cells have survived in remote northern and western areas, where security gaps mean the group wages occasional attacks. They have spiked since early April as jihadists plant explosives, fire on police patrols and launch mortars and rockets at villages, local security sources told AFP. Also read: US will have coronavirus vaccine by end of year, says Trump "Combat operations have reached a level we haven't seen in a while," said Iraqi security expert Hisham al-Hashemi. He said IS fighters were using abandoned villages to edge towards urban areas, looking to re-establish funding mechanisms, smuggling routes and hideouts while targeting local infrastructure and officials to cause panic. Days before early Saturday's ambush -- which was multi-pronged and took place in Salahaddin province -- the jihadists claimed a suicide attack that wounded four people outside an intelligence headquarters in Kirkuk, a restive northern province. An intelligence officer there said IS had tripled its attacks in Kirkuk in April compared to March. In part, the escalation may be linked to security units being redeployed to enforce a nationwide lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the novel coronavirus, which has infected more than 2,000 people and killed over 90 in Iraq. The jihadists could also be exploiting the political deadlock in Baghdad, where top leaders are focused on tense talks over a new government, the consequences of a collapse in global oil prices and budget disputes with autonomous Kurdish authorities.

Islamic State exploits virus, political crisis to boost Iraq attacks

President Donald Trump on Sunday said the United States will have a coronavirus vaccine by the end of this year.

"We are very confident that we're going to have a vaccine at the end of the year, by the end of the year," Trump said in a Fox News "town hall" show broadcast from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-pompeo-says-enormous-evidence-virus-came-from-wuhan-lab-296446" hreflang="en">Mike Pompeo says 'enormous evidence' virus came from Wuhan lab</a>

He also said he would urge the reopening of schools and universities in September, saying "I want them to go back."

The vaccine prediction moves up the timeline that has been discussed as the United States and other countries race to be the first to bring out a way to prevent COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/glad-he-is-back-and-well-donald-trump-on-kim-jong-uns-first-appearance-in-three-weeks-296325">'Glad he is back and well': Donald Trump on Kim Jong Un's first appearance in three weeks</a>

Trump insisted he would be happy for another country to beat US researchers to the medicine, saying "if it's another country I'll take my hat off."

"I don't care, I just want to get a vaccine that works."

Trump appeared to acknowledge that he was getting ahead of his own advisors on the prediction for the vaccine.

"The doctors would say 'well, you shouldn't say that.' I'll say what I think," he said.

Asked about risks during human trials in a research process that is going unusually quickly, Trump said "they're volunteers. They know what they're getting into."

President Donald Trump on Sunday said the United States will have a coronavirus vaccine by the end of this year. "We are very confident that we're going to have a vaccine at the end of the year, by the end of the year," Trump said in a Fox News "town hall" show broadcast from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.

President Donald Trump on Sunday said the United States will have a coronavirus vaccine by the end of this year. "We are very confident that we're going to have a vaccine at the end of the year, by the end of the year," Trump said in a Fox News "town hall" show broadcast from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. Also read: Mike Pompeo says 'enormous evidence' virus came from Wuhan lab He also said he would urge the reopening of schools and universities in September, saying "I want them to go back." The vaccine prediction moves up the timeline that has been discussed as the United States and other countries race to be the first to bring out a way to prevent COVID-19. Also read: 'Glad he is back and well': Donald Trump on Kim Jong Un's first appearance in three weeks Trump insisted he would be happy for another country to beat US researchers to the medicine, saying "if it's another country I'll take my hat off." "I don't care, I just want to get a vaccine that works." Trump appeared to acknowledge that he was getting ahead of his own advisors on the prediction for the vaccine. "The doctors would say 'well, you shouldn't say that.' I'll say what I think," he said. Asked about risks during human trials in a research process that is going unusually quickly, Trump said "they're volunteers. They know what they're getting into."

US will have coronavirus vaccine by end of year, says Trump

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro railed against the country's lockdown Sunday in a speech to thousands of anti-confinement demonstrators as the number of confirmed COVID-19 infections passed 100,000, with more than 7,000 deaths.

Bolsonaro blamed state governors for continuing the lockdown in a speech outside his presidential palace in Brasilia.

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"The destruction of jobs by some governors is irresponsible and unacceptable. We will pay a high price in the future," the head of state said in a speech broadcast live on Facebook.

Bolsonaro has repeatedly clashed with state governors, insisting that strict containment measures they are imposing are an overreaction, and damaging to the economy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-says-coronavirus-vaccine-must-be-shared-worldwide-296424" hreflang="en">Pope says coronavirus vaccine must be shared worldwide</a>

The country registered 101,147 confirmed cases of the virus by Sunday, according to figures released by the Brazilian health ministry, with 275 deaths from COVID-19 within the previous 24 hours.&nbsp;

Experts believe the overall number of COVID-19 cases could be 12 to 15 times higher, due to a large number of undetected cases given the lack of testing availability across the country's 210 million population.

The demonstration in Brasilia drew a larger crowd than similar protests in recent weeks, and many people held up banners criticising Bolsonaro critics Rodrigo Maia, head of the chamber of deputies, and former justice minister Sergio Moro who resigned last week. Others in the crowd called on the army to intervene.

"The people are with us and the army is on the side of the law, order, freedom and democracy," Bolsonaro told them.

Experts are bracing for the biggest outbreak in South America to get far worse, as the peak of the pandemic is thought to be some weeks away.

Last week, Rio de Janeiro state said it would extend stay-at-home orders until May 11, ignoring Bolsonaro's demands that local and state authorities encourage Brazilians to get back to work.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro railed against the country's lockdown Sunday in a speech to thousands of anti-confinement demonstrators as the number of confirmed COVID-19 infections passed 100,000, with more than 7,000 deaths.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro railed against the country's lockdown Sunday in a speech to thousands of anti-confinement demonstrators as the number of confirmed COVID-19 infections passed 100,000, with more than 7,000 deaths. Bolsonaro blamed state governors for continuing the lockdown in a speech outside his presidential palace in Brasilia. Also read: US Secretary of State Pompeo says 'enormous evidence' virus came from Wuhan lab "The destruction of jobs by some governors is irresponsible and unacceptable. We will pay a high price in the future," the head of state said in a speech broadcast live on Facebook. Bolsonaro has repeatedly clashed with state governors, insisting that strict containment measures they are imposing are an overreaction, and damaging to the economy. Also read: Pope says coronavirus vaccine must be shared worldwide The country registered 101,147 confirmed cases of the virus by Sunday, according to figures released by the Brazilian health ministry, with 275 deaths from COVID-19 within the previous 24 hours. Experts believe the overall number of COVID-19 cases could be 12 to 15 times higher, due to a large number of undetected cases given the lack of testing availability across the country's 210 million population. The demonstration in Brasilia drew a larger crowd than similar protests in recent weeks, and many people held up banners criticising Bolsonaro critics Rodrigo Maia, head of the chamber of deputies, and former justice minister Sergio Moro who resigned last week. Others in the crowd called on the army to intervene. "The people are with us and the army is on the side of the law, order, freedom and democracy," Bolsonaro told them. Experts are bracing for the biggest outbreak in South America to get far worse, as the peak of the pandemic is thought to be some weeks away. Last week, Rio de Janeiro state said it would extend stay-at-home orders until May 11, ignoring Bolsonaro's demands that local and state authorities encourage Brazilians to get back to work.

Bolsonaro tells rally Brazil lockdown destroying jobs

Pakistani secret agents are using the Aarogya Setu app to spread their&nbsp;nefarious designs target via Indian army personnels, according to the Indian Army.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aarogya-setu-beats-pokemon-go-record-crosses-50-million-downloads-in-13-days-292605" hreflang="en">Aarogya Setu beats 'Pokémon GO' record, crosses 50 million downloads in 13 Days</a>

As per a&nbsp;warning issued by the Indian Army, ''inimical intelligence agencies have developed a malicious app by the name Aarogya Setu.apk.''

''Such apps were found to be sent by Pakistan-based Pakistani Intelligence Operatives to WhatsApp groups of Indian Army personnel,'' it added.

Pakistani agencies are also using social media accounts with Indian names to target the Indian personnel.

Known Pakistani Intelligence Operative account under the fake name of one ‘Anoshka Chopra’ also found sending the malicious application to Indian Army personnel,” senior army&nbsp;sources said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/new-name-same-old-terror-group-let-becomes-trf-to-save-pak-from-fatf-axe-295640" hreflang="en">New name, same old terror group; LeT becomes TRF to save Pak from FATF axe</a>

The army has cautioned the personnel and highlighted the need to be sensitised about the Pakistani spy agencies’ designs while downloading the application.

It emphasized on downloading the app&nbsp;only from the Indian government website (mygov.in) or Android Play Store or iOS Apple Play Store.

All forces personnel have been asked to download the Aarogya Setu application to help in the detection and checking the spread of COVID-19. The application has been developed by government agencies and is being used by almost all government employees.

Recently, Army Chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane had stated that while India is busy fighting coronavirus both internally and globally, Pakistan is busy in exporting terrorism in India and other places.

Pakistani secret agents are using the Aarogya Setu app to spread their nefarious designs target via Indian army personnels, according to the Indian Army. Also read: Aarogya Setu beats 'Pokémon GO' record, crosses 50 million downloads in 13 Days As per a warning issued by the Indian Army, ''inimical intelligence agencies have developed a malicious app by the name Aarogya Setu.

Pakistani secret agents are using the Aarogya Setu app to spread their nefarious designs target via Indian army personnels, according to the Indian Army. Also read: Aarogya Setu beats 'Pokémon GO' record, crosses 50 million downloads in 13 Days As per a warning issued by the Indian Army, ''inimical intelligence agencies have developed a malicious app by the name Aarogya Setu.apk.'' ''Such apps were found to be sent by Pakistan-based Pakistani Intelligence Operatives to WhatsApp groups of Indian Army personnel,'' it added. Pakistani agencies are also using social media accounts with Indian names to target the Indian personnel. Known Pakistani Intelligence Operative account under the fake name of one ‘Anoshka Chopra’ also found sending the malicious application to Indian Army personnel,” senior army sources said. Also read: New name, same old terror group; LeT becomes TRF to save Pak from FATF axe The army has cautioned the personnel and highlighted the need to be sensitised about the Pakistani spy agencies’ designs while downloading the application. It emphasized on downloading the app only from the Indian government website (mygov.in) or Android Play Store or iOS Apple Play Store. All forces personnel have been asked to download the Aarogya Setu application to help in the detection and checking the spread of COVID-19. The application has been developed by government agencies and is being used by almost all government employees. Recently, Army Chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane had stated that while India is busy fighting coronavirus both internally and globally, Pakistan is busy in exporting terrorism in India and other places.

Aarogya Setu app being misused by Pakistani spies to target Indian military personnel

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will include Georgia from Russia under its&nbsp;regional security program.

Georgia's desire&nbsp;to join NATO has angered its neighbour Russia&nbsp;since 2008.

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NATO promised Georgia&nbsp;&nbsp;that it would one day join the alliance.

However,&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned NATO that cultivating closer ties with Ukraine and Georgia would have unspecified consequences for the alliance.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-prime-minister-mikhail-mishustin-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-295929" hreflang="en">Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin tests positive for coronavirus</a>

As a result the Western military bloc announced on Wednesday that it will help protect the Black Sea country from Russia’s “aggressive” cyber&nbsp;and misinformation threats.

A four-step strategy has been made&nbsp;for providing Georgia ''hybrid defence'' according to James Appathurai, NATO’s special representative for the Caucasus.

''This implies protection from the methods and means that Russia uses against other countries, for example, cyberattacks or misinformation, energy blockade, covert intelligence or military activity,''&nbsp;Appathurai said.

Russia has hampered Georgia's chances of joing the NATO several times via territorial incursions.

As per NATO policy,&nbsp;countries with territorial conflicts cannot join the alliance.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will include Georgia from Russia under its regional security program. Georgia's desire to join NATO has angered its neighbour Russia since 2008.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will include Georgia from Russia under its regional security program. Georgia's desire to join NATO has angered its neighbour Russia since 2008. Also read: Russia sets a grim record, reports 7,933 coronavirus cases in a day NATO promised Georgia that it would one day join the alliance. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned NATO that cultivating closer ties with Ukraine and Georgia would have unspecified consequences for the alliance. Also read: Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin tests positive for coronavirus As a result the Western military bloc announced on Wednesday that it will help protect the Black Sea country from Russia’s “aggressive” cyber and misinformation threats. A four-step strategy has been made for providing Georgia ''hybrid defence'' according to James Appathurai, NATO’s special representative for the Caucasus. ''This implies protection from the methods and means that Russia uses against other countries, for example, cyberattacks or misinformation, energy blockade, covert intelligence or military activity,'' Appathurai said. Russia has hampered Georgia's chances of joing the NATO several times via territorial incursions. As per NATO policy, countries with territorial conflicts cannot join the alliance.

NATO to provide 'hybrid defence' to Georgia against Russia

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday&nbsp;extended the nationwide lockdown in the coronavirus high risk zones of the country till May 11.

This includes capital district of Colombo&nbsp;and three other high risk zones for COVID-19 whose lockdown was due to be lifted on May 4.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-under-control-says-sri-lanka-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-as-sailors-test-positive-295853" hreflang="en">Coronavirus under control, says Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as sailors test positive</a>

According to&nbsp;the statement issued from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's office, ''steps are underway to bring life and institutions back to normalcy from May 11."&nbsp;

Sri Lanka has recorded 690 confirmed COVID 19 cases with 7 deaths so far.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/novel-coronavirus-may-spread-for-at-least-another-18-months-says-study-296079" hreflang="en">Novel coronavirus may spread for at least another 18 months, says study</a>

All essential services in these areas are to be re-opened by opening the state and private institutions while adhering to health guidelines.

Anil Jasinghe, the country's top health official, said they have taken control of preventing the COVID-19 from spreading in the western province to a large extent. He said efforts are underway to double the current daily PCR test capacity.

 
Sri Lanka has registered a major fall in tourist arrivals due to the coronavirus outbreak, with an over 70 per cent decline in footfalls in March compared to the same period last year.

The island nation stopped all passenger flights and ship services on March 18 in view of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Till then in March, 71,370 international tourists visited Sri Lanka, according to Sri Lanka Tourist Development Authority's Tourist Arrivals Report for March 2020.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday extended the nationwide lockdown in the coronavirus high risk zones of the country till May 11. This includes capital district of Colombo and three other high risk zones for COVID-19 whose lockdown was due to be lifted on May 4.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday extended the nationwide lockdown in the coronavirus high risk zones of the country till May 11. This includes capital district of Colombo and three other high risk zones for COVID-19 whose lockdown was due to be lifted on May 4. Also read: Coronavirus under control, says Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as sailors test positive According to the statement issued from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's office, ''steps are underway to bring life and institutions back to normalcy from May 11." Sri Lanka has recorded 690 confirmed COVID 19 cases with 7 deaths so far. Also read: Novel coronavirus may spread for at least another 18 months, says study All essential services in these areas are to be re-opened by opening the state and private institutions while adhering to health guidelines. Anil Jasinghe, the country's top health official, said they have taken control of preventing the COVID-19 from spreading in the western province to a large extent. He said efforts are underway to double the current daily PCR test capacity. Sri Lanka has registered a major fall in tourist arrivals due to the coronavirus outbreak, with an over 70 per cent decline in footfalls in March compared to the same period last year. The island nation stopped all passenger flights and ship services on March 18 in view of the novel coronavirus outbreak. Till then in March, 71,370 international tourists visited Sri Lanka, according to Sri Lanka Tourist Development Authority's Tourist Arrivals Report for March 2020.

Sri Lanka extends coronavirus lockdown in risk zones till May 11

South Africa has started to gradually ease its strict coronavirus lockdown on Friday,&nbsp;seeking a balance between containing the disease and providing much-needed relief for the economy.&nbsp;

The government has adopted a gradual and phased approach to re-open the country from May 1.

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In a televised May Day speech, President Cyril Ramaphosa said&nbsp;"the poor and the working class are having to bear the burden of a global pandemic that has caused severe economic and social disruption,''&nbsp;adding that pre-existing challenges had been "exacerbated by the pandemic".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/novel-coronavirus-may-spread-for-at-least-another-18-months-says-study-296079" hreflang="en">Novel coronavirus may spread for at least another 18 months, says study</a>

South Africa has recorded 5,647 coronavirus cases and 103 deaths out of a population of 58 million, relatively low numbers compared with COVID-19 hotspots in Europe or the United States.

According to Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel, ''approximately&nbsp;1.5 million workers in selected industries return to work in the next phase under strict health conditions.''

Winter clothing, textile and packaging manufacturing are among the industries permitted to reopen factories. Restaurants will also open, but only for takeaway deliveries. Bans on the sale of cigarettes and alcohol will remain in effect.

Some outdoor activities such as cycling, walking and running will be allowed but for just three hours in the morning.

Social distancing and wearing masks in public and at workplaces will be mandatory.

According to Cooperative Governance Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, "companies that breach regulations will be forced to close."

Africa's most industrialised nation was already teetering with low growth and high debts when the lockdown kicked in on March 27.

Five weeks ago, President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered most citizens to remain indoors and shuttered all but essential businesses. The response to the pandemic had won praise from the World Health Organization.

South Africa has started to gradually ease its strict coronavirus lockdown on Friday, seeking a balance between containing the disease and providing much-needed relief for the economy.

South Africa has started to gradually ease its strict coronavirus lockdown on Friday, seeking a balance between containing the disease and providing much-needed relief for the economy. The government has adopted a gradual and phased approach to re-open the country from May 1. Also read: Cyber spies are targetting ongoing COVID-19 vaccination research programmes across the world In a televised May Day speech, President Cyril Ramaphosa said "the poor and the working class are having to bear the burden of a global pandemic that has caused severe economic and social disruption,'' adding that pre-existing challenges had been "exacerbated by the pandemic". Also read: Novel coronavirus may spread for at least another 18 months, says study South Africa has recorded 5,647 coronavirus cases and 103 deaths out of a population of 58 million, relatively low numbers compared with COVID-19 hotspots in Europe or the United States. According to Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel, ''approximately 1.5 million workers in selected industries return to work in the next phase under strict health conditions.'' Winter clothing, textile and packaging manufacturing are among the industries permitted to reopen factories. Restaurants will also open, but only for takeaway deliveries. Bans on the sale of cigarettes and alcohol will remain in effect. Some outdoor activities such as cycling, walking and running will be allowed but for just three hours in the morning. Social distancing and wearing masks in public and at workplaces will be mandatory. According to Cooperative Governance Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, "companies that breach regulations will be forced to close." Africa's most industrialised nation was already teetering with low growth and high debts when the lockdown kicked in on March 27. Five weeks ago, President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered most citizens to remain indoors and shuttered all but essential businesses. The response to the pandemic had won praise from the World Health Organization.

Citing 'economic hardship', South Africa begins easing lockdown

A Beijing-based trio of activists that published censored articles on China's handling of the coronavirus outbreak have gone&nbsp;missing.

Cai Wei, a woman surnamed Tang and Chen Mei&nbsp;were contributors to a crowd-sourced project called 'Terminus-2049'.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/journalist-jailed-for-15-years-as-chinese-government-intensifies-free-speech-clampdown-296111" hreflang="en">Journalist jailed for 15-yrs as Chinese govt intensifies free-speech clampdown</a>

This project began in 2018 and was collecting articles and stories that were being removed from social media and news portals.

This project existed on Git-Hub, the world's largest open-source website that is a haven for Chinese activists to circumvent the great firewall on censored content.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-starbucks-number-one-chinese-competitor-imploded-296169" hreflang="en">How Starbucks' number one Chinese competitor imploded?</a>

However, the terminus has now disappeared in China along with&nbsp;the activists running it. They have been missing since April 19.

According to reports, they were detained by Chinese police and are being held at an unknown location.

The charges against them are ''picking quarrels and provoking trouble''.

And the fault of these activists was that they were trying to highlight the reality about the misdiagnosis of patients in China about the deaths of patients after they were discharged.

Anyone who fails to adhere to the rules of the Chinese regime has been punished brutally in the past.

The most famous example is that of an interview with Ai Fen, the whistle-blower doctor at Wuhan Central Hospital.

Her interview was published in the March edition of the People's&nbsp;magazine China's but was removed within hours after it got published.

The Beijing-based trio&nbsp;discovered that interview and re-published it Git-Hub.&nbsp;It was because of this reason that they are being held captive.

These journalists might be released later after they have been re-educated and they have agreed to change their opinions.

This has been seen&nbsp;in the case of Li Zehua,&nbsp;a 25-year-old citizen journalist who disappeared for two months for reporting from Wuhan.

However, he has re-appeared a few days&nbsp;ago and is singing praises of his captors.

A Beijing-based trio of activists that published censored articles on China's handling of the coronavirus outbreak have gone missing. Cai Wei, a woman surnamed Tang and Chen Mei were contributors to a crowd-sourced project called 'Terminus-2049'.

A Beijing-based trio of activists that published censored articles on China's handling of the coronavirus outbreak have gone missing. Cai Wei, a woman surnamed Tang and Chen Mei were contributors to a crowd-sourced project called 'Terminus-2049'. Also read: Journalist jailed for 15-yrs as Chinese govt intensifies free-speech clampdown This project began in 2018 and was collecting articles and stories that were being removed from social media and news portals. This project existed on Git-Hub, the world's largest open-source website that is a haven for Chinese activists to circumvent the great firewall on censored content. Also read: How Starbucks' number one Chinese competitor imploded? However, the terminus has now disappeared in China along with the activists running it. They have been missing since April 19. According to reports, they were detained by Chinese police and are being held at an unknown location. The charges against them are ''picking quarrels and provoking trouble''. And the fault of these activists was that they were trying to highlight the reality about the misdiagnosis of patients in China about the deaths of patients after they were discharged. Anyone who fails to adhere to the rules of the Chinese regime has been punished brutally in the past. The most famous example is that of an interview with Ai Fen, the whistle-blower doctor at Wuhan Central Hospital. Her interview was published in the March edition of the People's magazine China's but was removed within hours after it got published. The Beijing-based trio discovered that interview and re-published it Git-Hub. It was because of this reason that they are being held captive. These journalists might be released later after they have been re-educated and they have agreed to change their opinions. This has been seen in the case of Li Zehua, a 25-year-old citizen journalist who disappeared for two months for reporting from Wuhan. However, he has re-appeared a few days ago and is singing praises of his captors.

Activists disappear after publishing articles on China's handling of coronavirus

Chinese coffee&nbsp;brand&nbsp;Luckin coffee that was supposed to challenge the dominance of Starbucks in the coffee house business has&nbsp;collapsed during the coronavirus crisis.

The two-year-old coffee brand was supposed to be China's biggest success story.

It had operated only in China but had more coffee&nbsp;stores than Startbucks in the country.

A few months ago, it was valued at 12 billion dollars and was listed on Nasdaq.

However, the brand imploded due to its own fault rather than the coronavirus pandemic.

Luckin first opened its shops in Beijing and Shanghai in 2017 and&nbsp;expanded aggressively after that.

By the end of 2019, it had&nbsp;more than 4,500 stores in the country.

The company was well off and its future looked bright until a scandal threw a spanner in the works.

It happened when Jian Liu, the chief operating officer of Luckin, was been accused of cooking up the books.

Jiu and his subordinates had reportedly fabricated roughly 310 million dollars worth of transactions.

As a result, the company had to inform&nbsp;the exchanges that its second and third quarter results of last year cannot be relied upon.

The company which was a shining star of China is now facing&nbsp;the charges of fraud.

It has lost millions of dollars in value and its stock on Nasdaq which were&nbsp;worth a little more than 50 dollars in January, have&nbsp;now dropped to less than five dollars.&nbsp;

Chinese regulators have launched an investigation into Luckin. In an unusual statement, they said that they will work with Washington to find the root cause of the problem.

However, this appears&nbsp;easier said than done.

The downfall of Luckin has added&nbsp;to China's troubles with the United States as the Trump administration is investigating China's role in the coronavirus crisis.

US President Donald Trump has made his intentions clear. He wants to punish China on multiple fronts.

Some experts have suggested that China's access to American financial markets should be cut-off.&nbsp;The idea is to delink america's economy with china on multiple levels.

Trump's former chief strategist, Steve Bannon has said that the strategy is being reanalysed.

In a report that was put together by&nbsp;US&nbsp;officials last year in February,&nbsp;it was found that 156 Chinese companies were listed on American exchanges and they had a collectively market value of 1.2 trillion dollars. At least 11 of these listed companies are state owned.

Trump has often asked American businesses to move out of China.

According to media reports,&nbsp;lawmakers have discussed different bills that would make it harder for Americans to invest in chinese companies.&nbsp;

The fraud at Luckin has given US a chance to push for tougher rules against Chinese companies.

Chinese coffee brand Luckin coffee that was supposed to challenge the dominance of Starbucks in the coffee house business has collapsed during the coronavirus crisis.

Chinese coffee brand Luckin coffee that was supposed to challenge the dominance of Starbucks in the coffee house business has collapsed during the coronavirus crisis. The two-year-old coffee brand was supposed to be China's biggest success story. It had operated only in China but had more coffee stores than Startbucks in the country. A few months ago, it was valued at 12 billion dollars and was listed on Nasdaq. However, the brand imploded due to its own fault rather than the coronavirus pandemic. Luckin first opened its shops in Beijing and Shanghai in 2017 and expanded aggressively after that. By the end of 2019, it had more than 4,500 stores in the country. The company was well off and its future looked bright until a scandal threw a spanner in the works. It happened when Jian Liu, the chief operating officer of Luckin, was been accused of cooking up the books. Jiu and his subordinates had reportedly fabricated roughly 310 million dollars worth of transactions. As a result, the company had to inform the exchanges that its second and third quarter results of last year cannot be relied upon. The company which was a shining star of China is now facing the charges of fraud. It has lost millions of dollars in value and its stock on Nasdaq which were worth a little more than 50 dollars in January, have now dropped to less than five dollars. Chinese regulators have launched an investigation into Luckin. In an unusual statement, they said that they will work with Washington to find the root cause of the problem. However, this appears easier said than done. The downfall of Luckin has added to China's troubles with the United States as the Trump administration is investigating China's role in the coronavirus crisis. US President Donald Trump has made his intentions clear. He wants to punish China on multiple fronts. Some experts have suggested that China's access to American financial markets should be cut-off. The idea is to delink america's economy with china on multiple levels. Trump's former chief strategist, Steve Bannon has said that the strategy is being reanalysed. In a report that was put together by US officials last year in February, it was found that 156 Chinese companies were listed on American exchanges and they had a collectively market value of 1.2 trillion dollars. At least 11 of these listed companies are state owned. Trump has often asked American businesses to move out of China. According to media reports, lawmakers have discussed different bills that would make it harder for Americans to invest in chinese companies. The fraud at Luckin has given US a chance to push for tougher rules against Chinese companies.

How Starbucks' number one Chinese competitor imploded?

The feud between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his political rival&nbsp;Abdullah Abdullah seems to be at the juncture of resolution.

Abdullah said on Friday that the two men had moved forward in talks.

The former Chief Executive Officer of the Unity Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, took to Twitter and said:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Glad to assure the people of AFG that efforts by respected national personalities to resolve the political crisis have borne fruit. We have made progress in negotiations &amp; reached tentative agreement on a range of principles. Work on details is underway to finalize the agreement.
— Dr. Abdullah Abdullah (@DrabdullahCE) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrabdullahCE/status/1256174842593902592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Abdullah had to step down from the position of the CEO of the Afghan government after he&nbsp;lost last year's presidential elections that Ghani won amid claims of fraud.

However, instead of accepting defeat, Abdullah proclaimed himself president, a title he uses even&nbsp;day, though the international community only recognises Ghani.

The dispute has proved a huge distraction for&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;at a terrible time, with the coronavirus crisis worsening daily and the Taliban stepping up attacks despite a deal they signed with the US in February.

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We hope to finalize the political agreement at the earliest so that we can pay undivided attention to tackling COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring a just, dignified &amp; lasting peace, &amp; confronting the security &amp; economic challenges in a spirit of national unity &amp; solidarity.
— Dr. Abdullah Abdullah (@DrabdullahCE) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrabdullahCE/status/1256174843734691840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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According to media sources,&nbsp;Abdullah has made a multi-pronged proposal to Ghani.

The offer would see Abdullah appointed to lead eventual peace talks with the Taliban while also getting a 50-percent share of the government including several high-ranking positions for his allies.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The feud between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his political rival Abdullah Abdullah seems to be at the juncture of resolution. Abdullah said on Friday that the two men had moved forward in talks.

The feud between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his political rival Abdullah Abdullah seems to be at the juncture of resolution. Abdullah said on Friday that the two men had moved forward in talks. The former Chief Executive Officer of the Unity Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, took to Twitter and said: Glad to assure the people of AFG that efforts by respected national personalities to resolve the political crisis have borne fruit. We have made progress in negotiations & reached tentative agreement on a range of principles. Work on details is underway to finalize the agreement. — Dr. Abdullah Abdullah (@DrabdullahCE) May 1, 2020 × Abdullah had to step down from the position of the CEO of the Afghan government after he lost last year's presidential elections that Ghani won amid claims of fraud. However, instead of accepting defeat, Abdullah proclaimed himself president, a title he uses even day, though the international community only recognises Ghani. The dispute has proved a huge distraction for Afghanistan at a terrible time, with the coronavirus crisis worsening daily and the Taliban stepping up attacks despite a deal they signed with the US in February. We hope to finalize the political agreement at the earliest so that we can pay undivided attention to tackling COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring a just, dignified & lasting peace, & confronting the security & economic challenges in a spirit of national unity & solidarity. — Dr. Abdullah Abdullah (@DrabdullahCE) May 1, 2020 × According to media sources, Abdullah has made a multi-pronged proposal to Ghani. The offer would see Abdullah appointed to lead eventual peace talks with the Taliban while also getting a 50-percent share of the government including several high-ranking positions for his allies.

Afghan President Ghani and bitter rival Abdullah reach 'tentative' agreement

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