Once hunted to near extinction, whales continue to face threats from marine pollution, ships & abandoned fishing gear. Why must these evolutionary marvels be protected?

Whales under attack: Calls from the deep | WION Wideangle

A German court on Wednesday sentenced an Iraqi preacher to more than 10 years in prison after finding him guilty of taking part in planning an attack in Germany and collecting funds and fighters for the Islamic State militant group.&nbsp;

Prosecutors accused the 40-year-old preacher, identified as Ahmad Abdulaziz Abdullah A in court documents, of recruiting at least seven individuals, who ended up travelling to the Middle East where they fought alongside IS.&nbsp;

Two of the men he recruited are believed to have killed more than 150 Iraqi soldiers in suicide bombings.&nbsp;

The Higher Regional Court in the northern city of Celle sentenced him to 10-and-a-half years in prison. Three members of the Islamist network he had set up were handed prison terms ranging from four to eight years.&nbsp;

The main suspect, known by the nickname Abu Walaa, which in Arabic means Father of Loyalty, and the three others were arrested in November 2016 in raids in the states of Lower Saxony and North-Rhine Westphalia.&nbsp;

Abu Walaa sat quietly on the stand in court wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, a white T-Shirt and a face mask that covered parts of this long black beard as he waited for the verdict and sentencing behind a glass cubicle.&nbsp;

The defendants had chosen to remain silent during the trial and did not enter pleas.&nbsp;

Originally an offshoot of al Qaeda, Islamic State took large parts of Iraq and Syria from 2014, imposing a hardline rule with public beheadings and attacks by supporters abroad.&nbsp;

It was defeated by a US-led military coalition, which in 2019 captured the group's last territory in Syria.&nbsp;

The men had held religious lessons during which potential recruits were handed radical Islamic material, prosecutors said.&nbsp;

Prosecutors believe Abu Walaa preached at the Fussilet Mosque in Berlin, which was attended by a failed asylum seeker, who killed 12 people at a Christmas market in the German capital last year.&nbsp;

A German court on Wednesday sentenced an Iraqi preacher to more than 10 years in prison after finding him guilty of taking part in planning an attack in Germany and collecting funds and fighters for the Islamic State militant group.

A German court on Wednesday sentenced an Iraqi preacher to more than 10 years in prison after finding him guilty of taking part in planning an attack in Germany and collecting funds and fighters for the Islamic State militant group. Prosecutors accused the 40-year-old preacher, identified as Ahmad Abdulaziz Abdullah A in court documents, of recruiting at least seven individuals, who ended up travelling to the Middle East where they fought alongside IS. Two of the men he recruited are believed to have killed more than 150 Iraqi soldiers in suicide bombings. The Higher Regional Court in the northern city of Celle sentenced him to 10-and-a-half years in prison. Three members of the Islamist network he had set up were handed prison terms ranging from four to eight years. The main suspect, known by the nickname Abu Walaa, which in Arabic means Father of Loyalty, and the three others were arrested in November 2016 in raids in the states of Lower Saxony and North-Rhine Westphalia. Abu Walaa sat quietly on the stand in court wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, a white T-Shirt and a face mask that covered parts of this long black beard as he waited for the verdict and sentencing behind a glass cubicle. The defendants had chosen to remain silent during the trial and did not enter pleas. Originally an offshoot of al Qaeda, Islamic State took large parts of Iraq and Syria from 2014, imposing a hardline rule with public beheadings and attacks by supporters abroad. It was defeated by a US-led military coalition, which in 2019 captured the group's last territory in Syria. The men had held religious lessons during which potential recruits were handed radical Islamic material, prosecutors said. Prosecutors believe Abu Walaa preached at the Fussilet Mosque in Berlin, which was attended by a failed asylum seeker, who killed 12 people at a Christmas market in the German capital last year.

German court sentences IS recruiter to 10-year jail for planning attack

This Indian Independence Day, John Abraham will be seen in action-packed film titled ‘Attack’.&nbsp;

Starring <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/john-abraham">John Abraham</a>, Jacqueline Fernandez and Rakulpreet Singh in pivotal roles, ‘Attack’ will release on August 13 as it is a story of race-against-time of rescue by an Attack team led by lone ranger played by John. The film is said to be inspired by true events, set against a hostage crisis in a country.

Attack is written and directed by debutante Lakshya Raj Anand.

On the film, John Abraham said, “Attack is a taut, action entertainer with a strong storyline…a genre I love! At JA Entertainment, it is our endeavour to push the envelope and produce films that entertain and have something significantly different to show to our increasingly discerning audience. Releasing the film in theatres this Independence Weekend, adds to my excitement.”

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“Attack" - a taut, action entertainer with a strong storyline...a genre I love! In theatres, this Independence Day..Release Date- 13th August, 2021 <a href="https://twitter.com/PenMovies?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PenMovies</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/johnabrahament?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@johnabrahament</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jayantilalgada?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jayantilalgada</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ajay0701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ajay0701</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LakshyaRajAnand?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LakshyaRajAnand</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MogreYogendra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MogreYogendra</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/minnakshidas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@minnakshidas</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SanyukthaC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SanyukthaC</a>
— John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheJohnAbraham/status/1363385476711919617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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John will also be co-producing ‘Attack’ under his banner JA Entertainment. It would mark John and Jacqueline’s second collaboration after the 2016 action-comedy ‘Dishoom’.

‘Attack’ will face box-office competition from Telugu star Allu Arjun’s much awaited action drama, ‘Pushpa’.

This Indian Independence Day, John Abraham will be seen in action-packed film titled ‘Attack’. Starring John Abraham, Jacqueline Fernandez and Rakulpreet Singh in pivotal roles, ‘Attack’ will release on August 13 as it is a story of race-against-time of rescue by an Attack team led by lone ranger played by John.

This Indian Independence Day, John Abraham will be seen in action-packed film titled ‘Attack’. Starring John Abraham, Jacqueline Fernandez and Rakulpreet Singh in pivotal roles, ‘Attack’ will release on August 13 as it is a story of race-against-time of rescue by an Attack team led by lone ranger played by John. The film is said to be inspired by true events, set against a hostage crisis in a country. Attack is written and directed by debutante Lakshya Raj Anand. On the film, John Abraham said, “Attack is a taut, action entertainer with a strong storyline…a genre I love! At JA Entertainment, it is our endeavour to push the envelope and produce films that entertain and have something significantly different to show to our increasingly discerning audience. Releasing the film in theatres this Independence Weekend, adds to my excitement.” “Attack" - a taut, action entertainer with a strong storyline...a genre I love! In theatres, this Independence Day..Release Date- 13th August, 2021 @PenMovies @johnabrahament @jayantilalgada @ajay0701 @LakshyaRajAnand @MogreYogendra @minnakshidas @SanyukthaC — John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) February 21, 2021 × John will also be co-producing ‘Attack’ under his banner JA Entertainment. It would mark John and Jacqueline’s second collaboration after the 2016 action-comedy ‘Dishoom’. ‘Attack’ will face box-office competition from Telugu star Allu Arjun’s much awaited action drama, ‘Pushpa’.

John Abraham's film 'Attack' to release this Independence Day

A total of six US police officers have been suspended with pay and another 29 have been put under investigation over their conduct during the riots on Capitol Hill on January 6, according to a police department spokesperson.&nbsp;

"Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman has directed that any member of her department whose behaviour is not in keeping with the Department's Rules of Conduct will face appropriate discipline," said police spokesperson John Stolnis, as quoted by CNN.&nbsp;

Last month, CNN had reported that the Capitol police were investigating at least 10 officers, while two were suspended. &nbsp;

According to Tim Ryan, a member of the House of Representatives, one of the suspended officers took a selfie with a protester, while another officer was wearing a hat with then President Donald Trump's slogan 'Make America Great Again'. &nbsp;

On Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the US Congress would establish a special commission to probe Capitol Hill attack. On January 6, a group of then US President Donald Trump's supports stormed the US Capitol building.&nbsp;

The unrest took place after Trump urged his supporters to protest what he claims is a stolen presidential election. Five people, four protesters and a police officer, were killed in the riots. &nbsp;

The last time, the Capitol was stormed was when British troops marched into Washington and set fire to the building in 1814. The deadly attack prompted the House Democrats to move to impeach Trump. The Senate trial that ended this weekend acquitted Trump.&nbsp;

A total of six US police officers have been suspended with pay and another 29 have been put under investigation over their conduct during the riots on Capitol Hill on January 6, according to a police department spokesperson.

A total of six US police officers have been suspended with pay and another 29 have been put under investigation over their conduct during the riots on Capitol Hill on January 6, according to a police department spokesperson. "Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman has directed that any member of her department whose behaviour is not in keeping with the Department's Rules of Conduct will face appropriate discipline," said police spokesperson John Stolnis, as quoted by CNN. Last month, CNN had reported that the Capitol police were investigating at least 10 officers, while two were suspended. According to Tim Ryan, a member of the House of Representatives, one of the suspended officers took a selfie with a protester, while another officer was wearing a hat with then President Donald Trump's slogan 'Make America Great Again'. On Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the US Congress would establish a special commission to probe Capitol Hill attack. On January 6, a group of then US President Donald Trump's supports stormed the US Capitol building. The unrest took place after Trump urged his supporters to protest what he claims is a stolen presidential election. Five people, four protesters and a police officer, were killed in the riots. The last time, the Capitol was stormed was when British troops marched into Washington and set fire to the building in 1814. The deadly attack prompted the House Democrats to move to impeach Trump. The Senate trial that ended this weekend acquitted Trump.

Six cops suspended for misconduct during Capitol Hill riots

Gunmen shot dead two Afghan women judges working for the Supreme Court during an early morning ambush in the country's capital Sunday.

The killings come amid even as a wave of assassinations continues to rattle the nation.

The attack on the judges happened as they were travelling to their office in a court vehicle, Ahmad Fahim Qaweem, a spokesman for the court told AFP.

Kabul police confirmed the attack.

There are more than 200 female judges working for the country's top court, the spokesman added.

Violence has surged across Afghanistan in recent months, especially in Kabul where a new trend of targeted killings of high-profile figures have sown fear and chaos in the restive city.

The latest attack comes just two days after the Pentagon announced it had cut troop levels in Afghanistan to 2,500, their lowest numbers during the nearly two decades of war.

(with inputs from AFP)

Gunmen shot dead two Afghan women judges working for the Supreme Court during an early morning ambush in the country's capital Sunday. The killings come amid even as a wave of assassinations continues to rattle the nation.

Gunmen shot dead two Afghan women judges working for the Supreme Court during an early morning ambush in the country's capital Sunday. The killings come amid even as a wave of assassinations continues to rattle the nation. The attack on the judges happened as they were travelling to their office in a court vehicle, Ahmad Fahim Qaweem, a spokesman for the court told AFP. Kabul police confirmed the attack. There are more than 200 female judges working for the country's top court, the spokesman added. Violence has surged across Afghanistan in recent months, especially in Kabul where a new trend of targeted killings of high-profile figures have sown fear and chaos in the restive city. The latest attack comes just two days after the Pentagon announced it had cut troop levels in Afghanistan to 2,500, their lowest numbers during the nearly two decades of war. (with inputs from AFP)

Gunmen shoot two Afghan women judges dead in Kabul

The Nashville Blast was straight out of a crime thriller. The suspect quit his job, lied to his girlfriend, gave his house for free to another woman, then blew himself up after playing a countdown and a classic song. Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you a report

Gravitas: Nashville Explosion

A parked motor home exploded in downtown Nashville on Christmas morning in what police described as an "intentional act," and fire officials reported taking three people to hospital but none were critically injured.

Vehicle explodes in downtown Nashville, police call it an 'intentional act'

Police and federal agents in Nashville sought clues on Saturday to determine how and why a motor home was blown to pieces in an apparent bombing on Christmas Day that injured three people and damaged dozens of buildings in the heart of America's country music capital.

Police search for clues to mysterious motor home blast in Nashville

At one time, several countries in Europe including Britain, France, and Portugal ruled most of the rest of the world in Asia, Africa and the Americas. &nbsp;Europeans entered these impoverished regions as traders and then found that they could dominate these countries by exploiting the illiteracy of the local population and the enmity and conflicts between the local chieftains. European countries succeeded and finally ruled these occupied countries for several centuries. Europeans exploited the resources of these countries ruthlessly and enriched themselves. However, with local people getting better awareness, the rule by Europeans ended.

Domination attempt by communists

Later on, communism emerged and communists attempted to dominate the world by spreading the communist philosophy, which was explained as supporting the cause of proletariat (working class) and to prevent the exploitation of the poor people by the employers and landlords. The essence of the communist campaign was that establishment of communist governance should be an international goal and the nationalism should be subordinated to it. However, the communist governments fell one by one, as it amounted to dictatorship and rule by a coterie of ruthless leaders, who were proved to be bigger exploiters than the employers and the landowners they decried earlier. &nbsp;At present, China claims itself to be a communist country but such claim is a fraud, as China has a ruthless government essentially believing in the suppression of freedom and liberty of individuals and having sort of capitalist economy pattern.

Domination attempt by China

China too has now the ambition of dominating the world to make China emerge as a superpower. The method and strategy being adopted by the Chinese government are somewhat different from that of the Europeans and communists earlier, as China is seeking to exercise economic control over the weak countries and is organizing OBOR (One Belt One Road) scheme, which essentially is aimed to make all countries look up to China for support and in the process enabling China to become a superpower. Apart from this, China combines it’s economic and trade strategies with war tactics, where it seeks to expand its territory by sending its army and indulging in warfare. So far, it has been successful to some extent, as it is evident from its occupation of Tibet by aggressive military action. &nbsp;It remains to be seen as to what extent China would be successful in the long run.

Islamic extremism

Islamic extremism is now a strongly emerging force that seeks to convert the entire world to become followers of Islam. In other words, unlike the past pattern adopted by Europe and communist countries, Islamic extremism has a religious goal to be achieved by fair or foul means.

Islamic extremists believe (and they are not concealing this belief) that they can make the entire world follow Islam by acts of terrorism, killings, violence and also spreading the Muslim population around the world.

Europe and India targeted

Certainly, the immediate target of the Islamic extremists is European countries and India, as most of the European countries and India have a democratic form of governance and have a liberal attitude towards the dissenters, protestors and even violent movements.

Infiltration into Europe

In the case of &nbsp;Europe, the Islamic extremists (who are now described by many as Islamic terrorists and this term is getting into dictionaries) are indulging in terrorist activities, wanton killing of innocent people to frighten the Europeans and combining these tactics by infiltrating into Europe as refugees.

The democratic countries in Europe, such as Germany, Belgium and several others, have “innocently” allowed the entry of Islamic refugees in large number, without realizing the short term and long term adverse implications. &nbsp;Now, European countries are realizing their fault but such realization appears to be too late now.

The population of Islamic refugees in Europe have significantly increased in recent years and the families are multiplying themselves at a rapid pace. &nbsp;Most of them continue to adopt their own lifestyle and Islamic way of living and the majority of them live in separate colonies. Such Muslim dominated colonies are now so many in Europe, that the natives often avoid entering into these colonies at all.

Europe paying the price

France is now paying the price, more than other European countries, as it has a significant population of Muslims and Islamic extremists are effectively mingling with the local Muslim population and frequently carrying out attacks and killings under one pretext or the other.

The French government now says that it is determined to check the onslaught of Islamic extremism.

The question is whether it can really do so, as France is not getting the necessary support from other European countries, since most of the European countries also have significant Muslim population and are fearing backlash from Islamic extremists.

Role of Islamic countries

While European countries remain disunited in combating the Islamic extremism, the Islam dominated countries all over the world are supporting the terrorist activities by Islamic extremists in France and are organizing demonstrations all over the world against the French government and its leadership.

What is even more disquieting is that a few Islamic countries such as Pakistan, Turkey, and Iran are openly supporting Islamic extremism and the goal of making the entire world an Islamic world.

What future for Europe?

It remains to be seen how Europe would tackle the challenge posed by the Islamic extremists and one wonders as to whether Europe has already lost the war against Islamic extremists, particularly since Islamic refugees and other people following Islam religion are already well entrenched in Europe and expand their population steadily and rapidly and will never go away from Europe.

Once Europeans ruled almost the entire world. Are now Europeans being paid back in the same coin?

At one time, several countries in Europe including Britain, France, and Portugal ruled most of the rest of the world in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Europeans entered these impoverished regions as traders and then found that they could dominate these countries by exploiting the illiteracy of the local population and the enmity and conflicts between the local chieftains.

At one time, several countries in Europe including Britain, France, and Portugal ruled most of the rest of the world in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Europeans entered these impoverished regions as traders and then found that they could dominate these countries by exploiting the illiteracy of the local population and the enmity and conflicts between the local chieftains. European countries succeeded and finally ruled these occupied countries for several centuries. Europeans exploited the resources of these countries ruthlessly and enriched themselves. However, with local people getting better awareness, the rule by Europeans ended. Domination attempt by communists Later on, communism emerged and communists attempted to dominate the world by spreading the communist philosophy, which was explained as supporting the cause of proletariat (working class) and to prevent the exploitation of the poor people by the employers and landlords. The essence of the communist campaign was that establishment of communist governance should be an international goal and the nationalism should be subordinated to it. However, the communist governments fell one by one, as it amounted to dictatorship and rule by a coterie of ruthless leaders, who were proved to be bigger exploiters than the employers and the landowners they decried earlier. At present, China claims itself to be a communist country but such claim is a fraud, as China has a ruthless government essentially believing in the suppression of freedom and liberty of individuals and having sort of capitalist economy pattern. Domination attempt by China China too has now the ambition of dominating the world to make China emerge as a superpower. The method and strategy being adopted by the Chinese government are somewhat different from that of the Europeans and communists earlier, as China is seeking to exercise economic control over the weak countries and is organizing OBOR (One Belt One Road) scheme, which essentially is aimed to make all countries look up to China for support and in the process enabling China to become a superpower. Apart from this, China combines it’s economic and trade strategies with war tactics, where it seeks to expand its territory by sending its army and indulging in warfare. So far, it has been successful to some extent, as it is evident from its occupation of Tibet by aggressive military action. It remains to be seen as to what extent China would be successful in the long run. Islamic extremism Islamic extremism is now a strongly emerging force that seeks to convert the entire world to become followers of Islam. In other words, unlike the past pattern adopted by Europe and communist countries, Islamic extremism has a religious goal to be achieved by fair or foul means. Islamic extremists believe (and they are not concealing this belief) that they can make the entire world follow Islam by acts of terrorism, killings, violence and also spreading the Muslim population around the world. Europe and India targeted Certainly, the immediate target of the Islamic extremists is European countries and India, as most of the European countries and India have a democratic form of governance and have a liberal attitude towards the dissenters, protestors and even violent movements. Infiltration into Europe In the case of Europe, the Islamic extremists (who are now described by many as Islamic terrorists and this term is getting into dictionaries) are indulging in terrorist activities, wanton killing of innocent people to frighten the Europeans and combining these tactics by infiltrating into Europe as refugees. The democratic countries in Europe, such as Germany, Belgium and several others, have “innocently” allowed the entry of Islamic refugees in large number, without realizing the short term and long term adverse implications. Now, European countries are realizing their fault but such realization appears to be too late now. The population of Islamic refugees in Europe have significantly increased in recent years and the families are multiplying themselves at a rapid pace. Most of them continue to adopt their own lifestyle and Islamic way of living and the majority of them live in separate colonies. Such Muslim dominated colonies are now so many in Europe, that the natives often avoid entering into these colonies at all. Europe paying the price France is now paying the price, more than other European countries, as it has a significant population of Muslims and Islamic extremists are effectively mingling with the local Muslim population and frequently carrying out attacks and killings under one pretext or the other. The French government now says that it is determined to check the onslaught of Islamic extremism. The question is whether it can really do so, as France is not getting the necessary support from other European countries, since most of the European countries also have significant Muslim population and are fearing backlash from Islamic extremists. Role of Islamic countries While European countries remain disunited in combating the Islamic extremism, the Islam dominated countries all over the world are supporting the terrorist activities by Islamic extremists in France and are organizing demonstrations all over the world against the French government and its leadership. What is even more disquieting is that a few Islamic countries such as Pakistan, Turkey, and Iran are openly supporting Islamic extremism and the goal of making the entire world an Islamic world. What future for Europe? It remains to be seen how Europe would tackle the challenge posed by the Islamic extremists and one wonders as to whether Europe has already lost the war against Islamic extremists, particularly since Islamic refugees and other people following Islam religion are already well entrenched in Europe and expand their population steadily and rapidly and will never go away from Europe. Once Europeans ruled almost the entire world. Are now Europeans being paid back in the same coin?

Has Europe already lost the war against Islamic extremists?

Twelve civilians have been injured after terrorists lobbed a grenade at Security forces in the Kakapora area of South Kashmir's Pulwama district.

Police sources said that terrorists tried to target security forces' deployment, however, the grenade missed the target and exploded on road causing injures.

All the injured were shifted to a local hospital for treatment. The injured have received splinter injures and are being tested there. &nbsp;

A joint team of security forces have now cordoned off the area to nab the attackers.

Twelve civilians have been injured after terrorists lobbed a grenade at Security forces in the Kakapora area of South Kashmir's Pulwama district. Police sources said that terrorists tried to target security forces' deployment, however, the grenade missed the target and exploded on road causing injures.

Twelve civilians have been injured after terrorists lobbed a grenade at Security forces in the Kakapora area of South Kashmir's Pulwama district. Police sources said that terrorists tried to target security forces' deployment, however, the grenade missed the target and exploded on road causing injures. All the injured were shifted to a local hospital for treatment. The injured have received splinter injures and are being tested there. A joint team of security forces have now cordoned off the area to nab the attackers.

India: Twelve civilians injured in south Kashmir grenade attack

A man armed with a knife killed two people were killed and injured another eight, including an eight-year-old boy, in central Ukraine on Saturday, police said, in an incident the country's president described as "barbaric".&nbsp;

National police said in a statement that the attack happened in the industrial city of Kryvyi Rig.

The attacker was detained and identified as a 37-year-old local resident, police said.&nbsp;

Also read<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-to-double-security-forces-on-borders-in-wake-of-nice-attack-340870">|&nbsp;France to double security forces on borders in wake of Nice attack</a>

No further details were released and no indication of a possible motive.&nbsp;

President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is a native of the city, described the attack as "a manifestation of absolute terrorism... it was terrorism, a barbaric way to intimidate people."&nbsp;

In May, seven people were shot and killed during an alcohol-fuelled fishing trip in central Ukraine, a rare mass shooting in the ex-Soviet country.

A man armed with a knife killed two people were killed and injured another eight, including an eight-year-old boy, in central Ukraine on Saturday, police said, in an incident the country's president described as "barbaric".

A man armed with a knife killed two people were killed and injured another eight, including an eight-year-old boy, in central Ukraine on Saturday, police said, in an incident the country's president described as "barbaric". National police said in a statement that the attack happened in the industrial city of Kryvyi Rig. The attacker was detained and identified as a 37-year-old local resident, police said. Also read| France to double security forces on borders in wake of Nice attack No further details were released and no indication of a possible motive. President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is a native of the city, described the attack as "a manifestation of absolute terrorism... it was terrorism, a barbaric way to intimidate people." In May, seven people were shot and killed during an alcohol-fuelled fishing trip in central Ukraine, a rare mass shooting in the ex-Soviet country.

Two dead, eight injured in knife rampage in Ukraine

India should rethink and revise its policy on Tibet and exploit the geographic, ethnic, and economic fault lines within the Asian giant, such as Tibet, and Xinjiang.

India’s non-interference when Tibet was annexed by China 70 years ago, thereby changing its geographical boundaries, has come back to haunt India since 1962.

Tibet could be the answer to India's woes and the key to solve the India-china border standoff. China occupied Tibet holds strategic importance for New Delhi. On the face of it, Tibet is of great significance to China. The Himalayan mountain range adds to China's security and gives the PLA a military advantage.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-china-standoff-is-tibet-the-new-front-309514/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Tibet is also a source of water for China. It is also a source of metals and minerals. This includes copper, gold and lithium — that is used to make batteries of electronic devices like smartphones.

Considering these factors — India must revise its policy on Tibet and declare it an occupied territory. Just to weaken Beijing’s hand.

India would be able to then refute china's claim over the Himalayan borders. Ladakh borders Tibet. 
In fact, Ladakh is even referred to sometimes as little Tibet. The same line of control stretches across Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

So, if India were to declare Tibet as occupied — it would make china's claims illegal. We have another reason to offer. Defining Tibet as occupied will solidify India’s hand.

Because the revision would revalidate the McMahon line. As well as the Tibet Ladakh border treaty.

Between 1913 and 1914 — before independence, representatives from British India, Tibet and China had met in Shimla. The purpose of the meeting was to settle the political status of Tibet. And Tibet’s ties to China. A treaty was signed — it was called the Indo-Tibet border treaty. British India and Tibet agreed to sign it. But China had refused.

This treaty established the McMahon line. Something that defines the border between India and Tibet on the northeast. The Tibet Ladakh border treaty was signed way back in 1684.

Between Tibet and the Ladakh Kingdom. The same treatment has been used by India to claim Ladakh. But, China keeps rejecting the claims. Because India still considers Tibet as part of China. If India were to recognize Tibet as occupied, it would re-validate both treaties. Recognize the McMahon Line and the Tibet-Ladakh borders. Making India’s claim over the Himalayan border legal and valid.

India should rethink and revise its policy on Tibet and exploit the geographic, ethnic, and economic fault lines within the Asian giant, such as Tibet, and Xinjiang.

India should rethink and revise its policy on Tibet and exploit the geographic, ethnic, and economic fault lines within the Asian giant, such as Tibet, and Xinjiang. India’s non-interference when Tibet was annexed by China 70 years ago, thereby changing its geographical boundaries, has come back to haunt India since 1962. Tibet could be the answer to India's woes and the key to solve the India-china border standoff. China occupied Tibet holds strategic importance for New Delhi. On the face of it, Tibet is of great significance to China. The Himalayan mountain range adds to China's security and gives the PLA a military advantage. Tibet is also a source of water for China. It is also a source of metals and minerals. This includes copper, gold and lithium — that is used to make batteries of electronic devices like smartphones. Considering these factors — India must revise its policy on Tibet and declare it an occupied territory. Just to weaken Beijing’s hand. India would be able to then refute china's claim over the Himalayan borders. Ladakh borders Tibet. In fact, Ladakh is even referred to sometimes as little Tibet. The same line of control stretches across Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. So, if India were to declare Tibet as occupied — it would make china's claims illegal. We have another reason to offer. Defining Tibet as occupied will solidify India’s hand. Because the revision would revalidate the McMahon line. As well as the Tibet Ladakh border treaty. Between 1913 and 1914 — before independence, representatives from British India, Tibet and China had met in Shimla. The purpose of the meeting was to settle the political status of Tibet. And Tibet’s ties to China. A treaty was signed — it was called the Indo-Tibet border treaty. British India and Tibet agreed to sign it. But China had refused. This treaty established the McMahon line. Something that defines the border between India and Tibet on the northeast. The Tibet Ladakh border treaty was signed way back in 1684. Between Tibet and the Ladakh Kingdom. The same treatment has been used by India to claim Ladakh. But, China keeps rejecting the claims. Because India still considers Tibet as part of China. If India were to recognize Tibet as occupied, it would re-validate both treaties. Recognize the McMahon Line and the Tibet-Ladakh borders. Making India’s claim over the Himalayan border legal and valid.

India should rethink its policy on Tibet and exploit Beijing’s fault lines

The branches on trees around Kenya's northern town of Lodwar have been stripped bare of leaves, bending downwards under the weight of voracious young locusts.

Numbers of locusts exploded in East Africa and the Red Sea region in late 2019, exacerbated by atypical weather patterns amplified by climate change. Swarms of insects flew west from Yemen, and this year reached Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia.

The new generation has hatched in Turkana, Kenya's poorest region. The young locusts are eating everything in sight, and when their wings mature the swarms will be able to travel up to 130 kilometres (80 miles) in a day.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/locusts-crisis-india-sends-20000-litres-of-pesticide-to-iran-304829" hreflang="en">Locusts crisis: India sends 20,000 litres of pesticide to Iran</a>

The hatchings have occurred as crops are planted in a region where 20 million people struggle for food.&nbsp;

"The locusts have come to destabilise an already bad situation," said Daniel Kirura, head of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in Turkana.

Kirura fears the swarms will spread quickly and said teams are working frantically to spray them with insecticide before they become airborne.&nbsp;

"Within one week they may mature to swarms that may fly away," Kirura said. "Our wish is to control them before they leave Turkana."

Turkana is a vast, dry scrubland in northwest Kenya that borders Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia. Residents say the insects are devastating farmland and grazing areas.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/south-asia/pakistan-battles-locusts-by-turning-them-into-chicken-feed-304711" hreflang="en">Pakistan battles locusts by turning them into chicken feed</a>

"These things that jump up and down came here two days ago and have eaten all the trees," said Michael, near Turkana's capital Lodwar. "They have even finished grass for the goats."

Residents are beating tin drums to scare away the insects.

"They have destroyed our maize, pawpaw tree," Christopher Lotit told Reuters. "So because they do not want noise, we use noise to get rid of them."

The branches on trees around Kenya's northern town of Lodwar have been stripped bare of leaves, bending downwards under the weight of voracious young locusts. Numbers of locusts exploded in East Africa and the Red Sea region in late 2019, exacerbated by atypical weather patterns amplified by climate change.

The branches on trees around Kenya's northern town of Lodwar have been stripped bare of leaves, bending downwards under the weight of voracious young locusts. Numbers of locusts exploded in East Africa and the Red Sea region in late 2019, exacerbated by atypical weather patterns amplified by climate change. Swarms of insects flew west from Yemen, and this year reached Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia. The new generation has hatched in Turkana, Kenya's poorest region. The young locusts are eating everything in sight, and when their wings mature the swarms will be able to travel up to 130 kilometres (80 miles) in a day. Also read: Locusts crisis: India sends 20,000 litres of pesticide to Iran The hatchings have occurred as crops are planted in a region where 20 million people struggle for food. "The locusts have come to destabilise an already bad situation," said Daniel Kirura, head of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in Turkana. Kirura fears the swarms will spread quickly and said teams are working frantically to spray them with insecticide before they become airborne. "Within one week they may mature to swarms that may fly away," Kirura said. "Our wish is to control them before they leave Turkana." Turkana is a vast, dry scrubland in northwest Kenya that borders Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia. Residents say the insects are devastating farmland and grazing areas. Also read: Pakistan battles locusts by turning them into chicken feed "These things that jump up and down came here two days ago and have eaten all the trees," said Michael, near Turkana's capital Lodwar. "They have even finished grass for the goats." Residents are beating tin drums to scare away the insects. "They have destroyed our maize, pawpaw tree," Christopher Lotit told Reuters. "So because they do not want noise, we use noise to get rid of them."

Swarms of locusts devastate parts of northern Kenya

The India-China standoff in Ladakh has raised alarm over more such conflicts with China.&nbsp;As part of its attempt to hide the crackdown in Tibet, on June 17-18, China conducted a staged tour of Tibet for foreign diplomats.

Reports suggest that this was organised by the foreign affairs department of China's Sichuan province, and was supposed to be an assessment of the situation in Tibet. One report claimed that the diplomats not only faced tight restrictions, but were carefully handpicked.

China is taking down prayer flags in Tibet, which are a significant tenet of Tibetan culture and religious beliefs.

China calls it” behavioural reform". As part of this, government officials summon the locals, who then participate in an “environmental cleanup drive”. With the backup of local police, they were then asked to take off the flags.

A Tibetan prayer flag is a colourful rectangular cloth, with each colour signifying an element of nature.

What's in it for India?

Beyond the obvious repression of Tibetans, China's actions have serious security implications for India.&nbsp; China has been openly conducting military drills in Tibet.

In the middle of the Ladakh standoff, the Chinese state media beamed visuals of Chinese troop activity in Tibet.

On June 2, Global Times reported that the People’s Liberation Army had conducted night time high-altitude drills in Tibet.

It said: “China and India share borders at the high altitude area, and incidents have recently occurred between the two countries' troops."

Tibet takes up the issue

China has recruited a squad of mixed martial arts fighters into its army. One report claims that China had reinforced its troops near the Indian border, and this squad was part of this deployment.

US Lawmaker Scott Perry recently moved a bill in the Congress. If passed, it will authorise the US President to recognise Tibet as a separate, independent country.

Tibet was indeed an independent country, until it was invaded and annexed by China.

Mao Zedong, the founding father of China oversaw two such takeovers.

The first one was Xinjiang. In 1949, the PLA entered Xinjiang. By the spring of 1950 - most of the territory was under the army’s control. Ultimately, Mao Zedong secured Xinjiang through political means.

China invaded Tibet region in 1950. Nine years later - the Dalai Lama was forced to escape to India’s Himachal Pradesh, which is still the home to the Tibetan government in-exile.

The central Tibetan administration recently reached out to the UN Human Rights Commission, accusing China of committing a cultural genocide in Tibet

The India-China standoff in Ladakh has raised alarm over more such conflicts with China. As part of its attempt to hide the crackdown in Tibet, on June 17-18, China conducted a staged tour of Tibet for foreign diplomats.

The India-China standoff in Ladakh has raised alarm over more such conflicts with China. As part of its attempt to hide the crackdown in Tibet, on June 17-18, China conducted a staged tour of Tibet for foreign diplomats. Reports suggest that this was organised by the foreign affairs department of China's Sichuan province, and was supposed to be an assessment of the situation in Tibet. One report claimed that the diplomats not only faced tight restrictions, but were carefully handpicked. China is taking down prayer flags in Tibet, which are a significant tenet of Tibetan culture and religious beliefs. China calls it” behavioural reform". As part of this, government officials summon the locals, who then participate in an “environmental cleanup drive”. With the backup of local police, they were then asked to take off the flags. A Tibetan prayer flag is a colourful rectangular cloth, with each colour signifying an element of nature. What's in it for India? Beyond the obvious repression of Tibetans, China's actions have serious security implications for India. China has been openly conducting military drills in Tibet. In the middle of the Ladakh standoff, the Chinese state media beamed visuals of Chinese troop activity in Tibet. On June 2, Global Times reported that the People’s Liberation Army had conducted night time high-altitude drills in Tibet. It said: “China and India share borders at the high altitude area, and incidents have recently occurred between the two countries' troops." Tibet takes up the issue China has recruited a squad of mixed martial arts fighters into its army. One report claims that China had reinforced its troops near the Indian border, and this squad was part of this deployment. US Lawmaker Scott Perry recently moved a bill in the Congress. If passed, it will authorise the US President to recognise Tibet as a separate, independent country. Tibet was indeed an independent country, until it was invaded and annexed by China. Mao Zedong, the founding father of China oversaw two such takeovers. The first one was Xinjiang. In 1949, the PLA entered Xinjiang. By the spring of 1950 - most of the territory was under the army’s control. Ultimately, Mao Zedong secured Xinjiang through political means. China invaded Tibet region in 1950. Nine years later - the Dalai Lama was forced to escape to India’s Himachal Pradesh, which is still the home to the Tibetan government in-exile. The central Tibetan administration recently reached out to the UN Human Rights Commission, accusing China of committing a cultural genocide in Tibet

China's continuous attacks on Tibet may be India's trump card

Eight people were killed in an attack on a clinic in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province, district police spokesman Adil Haidar said Saturday.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, which took place in the Alisher district Friday night.

Among the victims was prominent Hizb-i-Islami member and former parliamentary candidate Abdul Wali Ikhlas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-killed-in-kabul-mosque-blast-several-wounded-305428">Also read:&nbsp;Four killed in Kabul mosque blast; several wounded</a>

Hizb-i-Islami is a former militia that fought against the US invasion and the Afghan government but in 2016 laid down its weapons in a peace deal and began remoulding itself as a political party.

Separately, gunmen broke into a house in the Logar district and killed four members of one family, a mother and three daughters, Didar Lawang, a spokesman for the provincial governor, announced on Saturday.

The attack also left another man and a woman injured, according to Lawang.

Eight people were killed in an attack on a clinic in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province, district police spokesman Adil Haidar said Saturday. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, which took place in the Alisher district Friday night.

Eight people were killed in an attack on a clinic in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province, district police spokesman Adil Haidar said Saturday. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, which took place in the Alisher district Friday night. Among the victims was prominent Hizb-i-Islami member and former parliamentary candidate Abdul Wali Ikhlas. Also read: Four killed in Kabul mosque blast; several wounded Hizb-i-Islami is a former militia that fought against the US invasion and the Afghan government but in 2016 laid down its weapons in a peace deal and began remoulding itself as a political party. Separately, gunmen broke into a house in the Logar district and killed four members of one family, a mother and three daughters, Didar Lawang, a spokesman for the provincial governor, announced on Saturday. The attack also left another man and a woman injured, according to Lawang.

Eight killed in armed attack on clinic in Eastern Afghanistan, including political figure

The United States on Thursday blamed Islamic State militants -- not the Taliban -- for a gruesome hospital attack in Afghanistan this week that killed two newborn babies, and it renewed calls for Afghans to embrace a troubled peace push with the Taliban insurgency.

But it was unclear if the U.S. declaration would be enough to bolster the peace effort and reverse a decision by the Kabul government to resume offensive operations against the Taliban.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani ordered the military on Tuesday to switch to "offensive mode" against the Taliban following the hospital attack in Kabul and a suicide bombing in Nangarhar province that killed scores of people.

U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad blamed Islamic State for both attacks in a statement issued on Twitter, saying the group opposed any Taliban peace agreement and sought to trigger an Iraq-style sectarian war in Afghanistan.

"Rather than falling into the ISIS trap and delay peace or create obstacles, Afghans must come together to crush this menace and pursue a historic peace opportunity," Khalilzad said.

"No more excuses. Afghans, and the world, deserve better."

An affiliate of the Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for the Nangarhar bombing, according to the SITE Intelligence Group. No one has claimed the hospital attack.&nbsp;

The Taliban denied involvement in either attack, but the government accused the group of fostering an environment in which terrorism thrives or of working with other militant groups who could have been involved, straining U.S. efforts to bring the insurgents and Afghan government together.

The attacks were another setback to U.S. President Donald Trump`s stalled plans to bring peace to Afghanistan and end America`s longest war.

A Feb. 29 U.S.-Taliban deal called for a phased U.S. troop withdrawal and for the Afghan government and Taliban to release some prisoners by March 10, when peace talks were to start.&nbsp;

Intra-Afghan peace talks have yet to occur and there is some bitterness within the Afghan government, which was not a party to the Feb. 29 deal, that the United States undercut their leverage by negotiating directly with the Taliban.

Ghani`s decision to revive offensive operations is supported by many opposition figures, who believe Washington`s sole focus is to keep the U.S. troop withdrawal plan on track to help Trump win a second term in the Nov. 3 U.S. presidential election.

The United States on Thursday blamed Islamic State militants -- not the Taliban -- for a gruesome hospital attack in Afghanistan this week that killed two newborn babies, and it renewed calls for Afghans to embrace a troubled peace push with the Taliban insurgency.

The United States on Thursday blamed Islamic State militants -- not the Taliban -- for a gruesome hospital attack in Afghanistan this week that killed two newborn babies, and it renewed calls for Afghans to embrace a troubled peace push with the Taliban insurgency. But it was unclear if the U.S. declaration would be enough to bolster the peace effort and reverse a decision by the Kabul government to resume offensive operations against the Taliban. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani ordered the military on Tuesday to switch to "offensive mode" against the Taliban following the hospital attack in Kabul and a suicide bombing in Nangarhar province that killed scores of people. U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad blamed Islamic State for both attacks in a statement issued on Twitter, saying the group opposed any Taliban peace agreement and sought to trigger an Iraq-style sectarian war in Afghanistan. "Rather than falling into the ISIS trap and delay peace or create obstacles, Afghans must come together to crush this menace and pursue a historic peace opportunity," Khalilzad said. "No more excuses. Afghans, and the world, deserve better." An affiliate of the Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for the Nangarhar bombing, according to the SITE Intelligence Group. No one has claimed the hospital attack. The Taliban denied involvement in either attack, but the government accused the group of fostering an environment in which terrorism thrives or of working with other militant groups who could have been involved, straining U.S. efforts to bring the insurgents and Afghan government together. The attacks were another setback to U.S. President Donald Trump`s stalled plans to bring peace to Afghanistan and end America`s longest war. A Feb. 29 U.S.-Taliban deal called for a phased U.S. troop withdrawal and for the Afghan government and Taliban to release some prisoners by March 10, when peace talks were to start. Intra-Afghan peace talks have yet to occur and there is some bitterness within the Afghan government, which was not a party to the Feb. 29 deal, that the United States undercut their leverage by negotiating directly with the Taliban. Ghani`s decision to revive offensive operations is supported by many opposition figures, who believe Washington`s sole focus is to keep the U.S. troop withdrawal plan on track to help Trump win a second term in the Nov. 3 U.S. presidential election.

US says Islamic State conducted the attack on Kabul hospital

Truck with explosives blows up near a court in the Afghan city of Gardez on Thursday. The explosion has killed at least five people. This attack comes two days after gunmen attacked a maternity ward in Kabul.

Truck packed with explosives detonates in Afghanistan, claims 5 lives

India has strongly condemned the attack on two Indian fishing boats by Pakistan Maritime Security Agency and warned the neighbouring country to not repeat such "heinous" act.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/denial-of-food-to-hindus-christians-in-pakistan-reprehensible-us-govt-292459" hreflang="en">Denial of food to Hindus, Christians in Pakistan 'reprehensible': US govt</a>

"India strongly condemns the deliberate attack and firing on Indian fishermen on board two Indian fishing boats by a Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) vessel on April 12, 2020," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/covid-19-cases-in-afghanistan-surge-to-714-imf-gives-debt-relief-292444" hreflang="en">Covid-19 cases in Afghanistan surge to 714, IMF gives debt relief</a>

One fisherman was injured in the attack, the ministry said, adding that India has called upon Pakistani authorities to instruct its forces to refrain from such acts of unprovoked violence.

"The deplorable act by PMSA of firing at fishing vessels and causing bodily harm to an Indian fisherman is in contravention of all established norms and practices.

Pakistani authorities are called upon to instruct its forces to refrain from such acts of unprovoked violence," it added.

India has strongly condemned the attack on two Indian fishing boats by Pakistan Maritime Security Agency and warned the neighbouring country to not repeat such "heinous" act.

India has strongly condemned the attack on two Indian fishing boats by Pakistan Maritime Security Agency and warned the neighbouring country to not repeat such "heinous" act. Also read: Denial of food to Hindus, Christians in Pakistan 'reprehensible': US govt "India strongly condemns the deliberate attack and firing on Indian fishermen on board two Indian fishing boats by a Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) vessel on April 12, 2020," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday. Also read: Covid-19 cases in Afghanistan surge to 714, IMF gives debt relief One fisherman was injured in the attack, the ministry said, adding that India has called upon Pakistani authorities to instruct its forces to refrain from such acts of unprovoked violence. "The deplorable act by PMSA of firing at fishing vessels and causing bodily harm to an Indian fisherman is in contravention of all established norms and practices. Pakistani authorities are called upon to instruct its forces to refrain from such acts of unprovoked violence," it added.

India condemns attack on its fishing boats by Pakistani forces

A virus akin to SARS that recently hit China <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-probes-mystery-pneumonia-outbreak-amid-sars-fears-271264">mysteriously</a> has taken the lives of two people with more than hundreds likely to be infected, reported AFP.

The virus also causes pneumonia which has infected at least 41 people in China. The first signs of the virus appeared around a seafood market in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

According to a study published by scientists at the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis at the Imperial College in London, the number of affected could run into thousands.

Watch:&nbsp;At least 59 people infected with mysterious virus in China, Beijing rules out SARS threat

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The Centre, which also advises world health bodies like the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated a ''total of 1,723 cases'' in Wuhan by January 12.

"For Wuhan to have exported three cases to other countries would imply there would have to be many more cases than have been reported," Professor Neil Ferguson, one of the authors of the report, told the BBC.

The infection no longer remains within the Chinese borders, with cases appearing in Thailand and Japan as well. In the former, two were infected, while one person has been affected in the latter so far. According to researchers, this was traced via international flight traffic data from Wuhan's airport. 
 
"I am substantially more concerned than I was a week ago.... [but it is] too early to be alarmist", Ferguson added.&nbsp;

Ferguson further added that it was "unlikely" that the infection was a product of animal exposure.

"People should be considering the possibility of substantial human-to-human transmission more seriously than they have so far," he added.

As of now, two people have known to be killed by the strange virus, which originates from the same pathogen family as the SARS virus.

Global health authorities have reaffirmed the lesser risk associated with the infection.

<img alt="Wuhan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d372eb52-ce72-4c79-98eb-577db8e2822a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_46.jpg" />

<h6>Image: Members of staff of the Wuhan Hygiene Emergency Response Team conduct searches on the closed Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in the city of Wuhan, in the Hubei Province, on January 11, 2020, where the Wuhan health commission said that the man who died from a respiratory illness had purchased goods | AFP</h6>

&nbsp;

However, attempts to stop it from spreading have been put into action. For example, in Hong Kong, the authorities have improved their screening mechanism. This includes temperature checkpoints for travellers coming from the Chinese mainland.&nbsp;

The United States will also start screening flights arriving from Wuhan at San Francisco as well as New York City, along with Los Angeles.

Recently, Indian authorities also issued an advisory for people planning to travel to China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-coronavirus-from-sars-family-may-be-cause-of-mysterious-pneumonia-cases-in-china-who-273068">New coronavirus from SARS family may be cause of mysterious pneumonia cases in China: WHO</a>

(With inputs from AFP)

A virus akin to SARS that recently hit China mysteriously has taken the lives of two people with more than hundreds likely to be infected, reported AFP. The virus also causes pneumonia which has infected at least 41 people in China.

A virus akin to SARS that recently hit China mysteriously has taken the lives of two people with more than hundreds likely to be infected, reported AFP. The virus also causes pneumonia which has infected at least 41 people in China. The first signs of the virus appeared around a seafood market in the Chinese city of Wuhan. According to a study published by scientists at the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis at the Imperial College in London, the number of affected could run into thousands. Watch: At least 59 people infected with mysterious virus in China, Beijing rules out SARS threat The Centre, which also advises world health bodies like the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated a ''total of 1,723 cases'' in Wuhan by January 12. "For Wuhan to have exported three cases to other countries would imply there would have to be many more cases than have been reported," Professor Neil Ferguson, one of the authors of the report, told the BBC. The infection no longer remains within the Chinese borders, with cases appearing in Thailand and Japan as well. In the former, two were infected, while one person has been affected in the latter so far. According to researchers, this was traced via international flight traffic data from Wuhan's airport. "I am substantially more concerned than I was a week ago.... [but it is] too early to be alarmist", Ferguson added. Ferguson further added that it was "unlikely" that the infection was a product of animal exposure. "People should be considering the possibility of substantial human-to-human transmission more seriously than they have so far," he added. As of now, two people have known to be killed by the strange virus, which originates from the same pathogen family as the SARS virus. Global health authorities have reaffirmed the lesser risk associated with the infection. Image: Members of staff of the Wuhan Hygiene Emergency Response Team conduct searches on the closed Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in the city of Wuhan, in the Hubei Province, on January 11, 2020, where the Wuhan health commission said that the man who died from a respiratory illness had purchased goods | AFP However, attempts to stop it from spreading have been put into action. For example, in Hong Kong, the authorities have improved their screening mechanism. This includes temperature checkpoints for travellers coming from the Chinese mainland. The United States will also start screening flights arriving from Wuhan at San Francisco as well as New York City, along with Los Angeles. Recently, Indian authorities also issued an advisory for people planning to travel to China. Also read: New coronavirus from SARS family may be cause of mysterious pneumonia cases in China: WHO (With inputs from AFP)

Mysterious SARS-like virus in China has affected 'hundreds': Report

New Delhi's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/students-protest-across-country-after-jnu-attack-272583">Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)</a> witnessed violence yesterday which left many students and faculty members injured. In the aftermath of these events, a fact-finding committee has been ordered under the Joint Commissioner of Police.

According to the Jawaharlal Nehru Students' Union, the police did not provide any assistance even after being called for two hours.

On the other hand, the police say that they responded to the calls that they had received and conducted a flag march to control the situation.

Additionally, around 700 police personnel have been deployed outside the gates of JNU.

Watch:&nbsp;Over 34 students, 12 teachers injured in JNU violence

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JNU Students' Union President Aishe Ghosh has referred to the violence as an 'organised attack'. Ghosh, who is also a member of the All India Students' Association (AISA) has demanded JNU Vice Chancellor's resignation amid the chaos.

Ghosh accused professors affiliated to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sundays-attack-was-orchestrated-by-rss-affiliated-professors-and-abvp-jnusu-president-272561">Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh</a> (RSS) of inciting violence, especially to break the anti-fee hike movement which has plagued the campus for weeks now.

She added that regardless, JNU shall continue to uphold its democratic culture. Ghosh was one of the victims of masked vandals who had stormed the campus bearing rods, knives, and stones.

A viral video on social media showed Ghosh covered in blood after the attack.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/students-protest-across-country-after-jnu-attack-272583">Students protest across country following yesterday's JNU attack</a>

The teachers federation of JNU has demanded the administration and law enforcement agencies for swift action against the perpetrators. In an official statement, the teachers said that the mob marched from hostel to hostel, attacked students, teachers and wardens alike, and also caused a lot of damage to public property.

On Sunday evening, around fifty people, with their faces covered launched <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jnu-violence-most-clinching-we-are-moving-towards-anarchy-p-chidambaram-272576">an attack</a> on the students and the faculty members who were on campus.

According to reports, police officers were stationed at all major entrances since the afternoon.

The mayhem began at Sabarmati Hostel, where the mob vandalised the structures, broke into the hostel rooms, and thrashed the students.

The Delhi police have garnered criticism for not taking any action while the events unfolded in the university.

Additionally, the Delhi Commission for Women has taken suo-moto cognizance of the brutal attack on female students and faculty members inside the campus.

New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) witnessed violence yesterday which left many students and faculty members injured. In the aftermath of these events, a fact-finding committee has been ordered under the Joint Commissioner of Police.

New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) witnessed violence yesterday which left many students and faculty members injured. In the aftermath of these events, a fact-finding committee has been ordered under the Joint Commissioner of Police. According to the Jawaharlal Nehru Students' Union, the police did not provide any assistance even after being called for two hours. On the other hand, the police say that they responded to the calls that they had received and conducted a flag march to control the situation. Additionally, around 700 police personnel have been deployed outside the gates of JNU. Watch: Over 34 students, 12 teachers injured in JNU violence JNU Students' Union President Aishe Ghosh has referred to the violence as an 'organised attack'. Ghosh, who is also a member of the All India Students' Association (AISA) has demanded JNU Vice Chancellor's resignation amid the chaos. Ghosh accused professors affiliated to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of inciting violence, especially to break the anti-fee hike movement which has plagued the campus for weeks now. She added that regardless, JNU shall continue to uphold its democratic culture. Ghosh was one of the victims of masked vandals who had stormed the campus bearing rods, knives, and stones. A viral video on social media showed Ghosh covered in blood after the attack. Also read: Students protest across country following yesterday's JNU attack The teachers federation of JNU has demanded the administration and law enforcement agencies for swift action against the perpetrators. In an official statement, the teachers said that the mob marched from hostel to hostel, attacked students, teachers and wardens alike, and also caused a lot of damage to public property. On Sunday evening, around fifty people, with their faces covered launched an attack on the students and the faculty members who were on campus. According to reports, police officers were stationed at all major entrances since the afternoon. The mayhem began at Sabarmati Hostel, where the mob vandalised the structures, broke into the hostel rooms, and thrashed the students. The Delhi police have garnered criticism for not taking any action while the events unfolded in the university. Additionally, the Delhi Commission for Women has taken suo-moto cognizance of the brutal attack on female students and faculty members inside the campus.

Jawaharlal Nehru University row: Fact-finding committee ordered to assess mob attack

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-11-taliban-terrorists-killed-in-airstrikes-271244">Taliban terrorists</a> have attacked a police checkpoint in the northern Afghan province of Balkh, leaving eight policemen dead and three others injured, the Balkh police chief, Ajmal Fayez, told Sputnik on Wednesday. 
 
Fayez said that a group of Taliban terrorists attacked and seized control of a police checkpoint on the Mazari Sharif -&nbsp;Sheberghan highway for a short period of time overnight Tuesday and were soon repelled from the area. 
 
According to Afghan media citing local officials, the Taliban had a mole among the checkpoint's 14 officers who helped carry out the attack. 
 
The Taliban have not yet responded to the incident.

The Taliban terrorists have attacked a police checkpoint in the northern Afghan province of Balkh, leaving eight policemen dead and three others injured, the Balkh police chief, Ajmal Fayez, told Sputnik on Wednesday.

The Taliban terrorists have attacked a police checkpoint in the northern Afghan province of Balkh, leaving eight policemen dead and three others injured, the Balkh police chief, Ajmal Fayez, told Sputnik on Wednesday. Fayez said that a group of Taliban terrorists attacked and seized control of a police checkpoint on the Mazari Sharif - Sheberghan highway for a short period of time overnight Tuesday and were soon repelled from the area. According to Afghan media citing local officials, the Taliban had a mole among the checkpoint's 14 officers who helped carry out the attack. The Taliban have not yet responded to the incident.

Afghanistan: 8 policemen killed in Taliban attack

The State headquarters of the Communist Party of India (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/issued-advisories-to-state-uts-to-take-measures-to-curb-mob-lynching-centre-informs-lok-sabha-263218">CPI</a>) situated at Bengaluru's Vaiyyalikaval area was attacked by a group of unidentified men in the early hours of Wednesday.

The incident occurred at around 1 AM&nbsp;when the unidentified men entered the office premises and set ablaze as many as six vehicles belonging to the staff, said CPI Karnataka treasurer Vijay Bhaskar.

"The miscreants also set on fire the documents kept in the hall. The fire was later doused," he said, adding that police have initiated an investigation into the matter.

Bhaskar alleged that the attack was carried out by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cab-to-function-like-a-one-time-drive-says-top-rss-functionary-267715">RSS</a>. "The RSS goons have carried out this attack. Through such methods, the RSS thinks they can silence our voices. We will continue to raise our voice against the Citizenship Amendment Act," he said.

Watch: PM Modi condemns violence, urges anti-CAA protestors to introspect

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The State headquarters of the Communist Party of India (CPI) situated at Bengaluru's Vaiyyalikaval area was attacked by a group of unidentified men in the early hours of Wednesday.

The State headquarters of the Communist Party of India (CPI) situated at Bengaluru's Vaiyyalikaval area was attacked by a group of unidentified men in the early hours of Wednesday. The incident occurred at around 1 AM when the unidentified men entered the office premises and set ablaze as many as six vehicles belonging to the staff, said CPI Karnataka treasurer Vijay Bhaskar. "The miscreants also set on fire the documents kept in the hall. The fire was later doused," he said, adding that police have initiated an investigation into the matter. Bhaskar alleged that the attack was carried out by the RSS. "The RSS goons have carried out this attack. Through such methods, the RSS thinks they can silence our voices. We will continue to raise our voice against the Citizenship Amendment Act," he said. Watch: PM Modi condemns violence, urges anti-CAA protestors to introspect ×

Karnataka: Communist Party of India office attacked by unidentified men in Bengaluru

At least seven Afghan army soldiers and three other security personnel of the country's national intelligence agency were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-3-killed-7-injured-in-explosion-269826">killed</a> on Tuesday after the Taliban insurgents attacked a joint military camp in the northern Balkh province, the defence ministry said. 
 
"At least 7 ANA soldiers were killed &amp; 6 others including 3 NDS employees were wounded in a Taliban attack on a joint ANA/NDS checkpoint early this morning in Dawolat Abad district in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-10-civilians-killed-12-injured-in-two-blast-incidents-268782">Balkh province</a>," Tolo News reported after quoting the ministry. 
 
Further details in the matter are awaited.

At least seven Afghan army soldiers and three other security personnel of the country's national intelligence agency were killed on Tuesday after the Taliban insurgents attacked a joint military camp in the northern Balkh province, the defence ministry said.

At least seven Afghan army soldiers and three other security personnel of the country's national intelligence agency were killed on Tuesday after the Taliban insurgents attacked a joint military camp in the northern Balkh province, the defence ministry said. "At least 7 ANA soldiers were killed & 6 others including 3 NDS employees were wounded in a Taliban attack on a joint ANA/NDS checkpoint early this morning in Dawolat Abad district in Balkh province," Tolo News reported after quoting the ministry. Further details in the matter are awaited.

10 Afghan security force personnel killed in military camp attack

Suicide <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/blast-damages-hospital-near-bagram-airbase-in-afghanistan-267600">blasts in Afghanistan</a> killed one and injured more than 60 on Wednesday.

The attack targeted US' main military base of Bagram which was contained after a 30-minute clash, Afghan and NATO officials said.&nbsp;

"A 30-minute clash also happened between the attackers, who obviously wanted to enter the base, and foreign forces," Wahida Shahkar, a spokeswoman for the governor of Parwan province said.

The attack reignites a spark that the United States is trying to mellow down, by reviving talks with the Taliban militants in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The Taliban currently controls more territory than ever, after being ousted from power by coalition forces in 2001.

A provincial official said the casualties were all Afghans. Nobody has claimed responsibility for Wednesday's blast.

According to sources, two attackers detonated vehicles with explosives strapped onto them at the southern entrance of the base, while five opened fire.

Shahkar further added that there is no clarity as to how <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-officials-mislead-public-with-false-evidence-in-afghanistan-war-report-267566">many gunmen were killed</a>.

Resolute Support, the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan in a statement said that the attacked was ''quickly contained and repelled'' and that were no American or coalition casualties.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

Suicide blasts in Afghanistan killed one and injured more than 60 on Wednesday. The attack targeted US' main military base of Bagram which was contained after a 30-minute clash, Afghan and NATO officials said.

Suicide blasts in Afghanistan killed one and injured more than 60 on Wednesday. The attack targeted US' main military base of Bagram which was contained after a 30-minute clash, Afghan and NATO officials said. "A 30-minute clash also happened between the attackers, who obviously wanted to enter the base, and foreign forces," Wahida Shahkar, a spokeswoman for the governor of Parwan province said. The attack reignites a spark that the United States is trying to mellow down, by reviving talks with the Taliban militants in Afghanistan. The Taliban currently controls more territory than ever, after being ousted from power by coalition forces in 2001. A provincial official said the casualties were all Afghans. Nobody has claimed responsibility for Wednesday's blast. According to sources, two attackers detonated vehicles with explosives strapped onto them at the southern entrance of the base, while five opened fire. Shahkar further added that there is no clarity as to how many gunmen were killed. Resolute Support, the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan in a statement said that the attacked was ''quickly contained and repelled'' and that were no American or coalition casualties. (With inputs from Reuters)

Blast at US military base in Afghanistan kills one, injures 60

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-says-sc-decision-on-rafale-befitting-reply-to-those-relying-on-malicious-campaigns-seeks-congress-apology-262119">Union Home Minister Amit Shah</a> on Friday reviewed the functioning of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at its headquarters and met the top officials of the paramilitary force. 
 
The Home Minister directed the CRPF to carry out an effective and decisive campaign against Left Wing Extremism in the next six months. 
 
He also directed that effective action should be taken against the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir and law and order should be maintained. 
 
The Home Minister was given a detailed presentation by CRPF Director General Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar. High ranking officials of the Ministry, as well as CRPF, were present on the occasion. 
 
This was the first visit of Amit Shah to any force headquarter after he took charge of the Home Ministry. 
 
An official release said the minister spent about two hours with the senior officers of the force before leaving. 
 
The Home Minister was apprised of the organisational structure of the CRPF and its special forces. 
 
The situation in Jammu and Kashmir and CRPF's requirements of infrastructure and equipment were discussed. 
 
"The Home Minister directed that effective action should be taken against the terrorists and law and order be maintained," the release said. 
 
He also directed that the civic action programmes be carried out, besides organising sports and tours. 
 
The CRPF should also reach out to the villagers and assist them in obtaining the benefits of many central schemes which are applicable to them, he said. 
 
The minister said proper winter provisioning for the forces should be done and their welfare looked after. He also appreciated the performance of the CRPF in that theatre. 
 
The situation in the Maoist affected states and measures being taken for improving the infrastructure of the camps and measures against improvised explosive devices were also discussed. 
 
"The Home Minister directed the CRPF to carry out an effective and decisive campaign against Left Wing Extremism in the next six months," the release said. 
 
He said action needs to be taken against the urban Naxals and their facilitators. 
 
The Home Minister emphasised that the road connectivity and medical infrastructure in LWE areas should be upgraded. 
 
He also directed that the health of the jawans and their families should be well looked after. 
 
Digital health-cards should be made and there should be periodical health checks also for their families. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-is-creating-meaningless-ruckus-over-presidents-rule-in-maharashtra-amit-shah-261911">The Home Minister</a> directed that senior officers should visit the families of martyrs and spend time with them understanding their requirements so that their problems are resolved. 
 
"A database should also be made of the martyrs' families and their basic issues and grievances should be systematically addressed'', Shah said. 
 
He expressed concern about the hard and long deployment of jawans in difficult theatres and discussed various measures for giving them relief and an opportunity to stay with their families. 
 
The minister directed that the infrastructure of CRPF and their residential quarters should be improved and more quarters at different duty locations should be constructed. 
 
Noting that cutting edge technologies and the state-of-art equipment should be identified which are required for operational purposes, he emphasised the Make-in-India effort and also asked the forces to use Khadi and indigenously made products. 
 
He directed the senior officers to reach out to their juniors and jawans so as to able to appreciate their issues.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday reviewed the functioning of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at its headquarters and met the top officials of the paramilitary force.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday reviewed the functioning of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at its headquarters and met the top officials of the paramilitary force. The Home Minister directed the CRPF to carry out an effective and decisive campaign against Left Wing Extremism in the next six months. He also directed that effective action should be taken against the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir and law and order should be maintained. The Home Minister was given a detailed presentation by CRPF Director General Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar. High ranking officials of the Ministry, as well as CRPF, were present on the occasion. This was the first visit of Amit Shah to any force headquarter after he took charge of the Home Ministry. An official release said the minister spent about two hours with the senior officers of the force before leaving. The Home Minister was apprised of the organisational structure of the CRPF and its special forces. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir and CRPF's requirements of infrastructure and equipment were discussed. "The Home Minister directed that effective action should be taken against the terrorists and law and order be maintained," the release said. He also directed that the civic action programmes be carried out, besides organising sports and tours. The CRPF should also reach out to the villagers and assist them in obtaining the benefits of many central schemes which are applicable to them, he said. The minister said proper winter provisioning for the forces should be done and their welfare looked after. He also appreciated the performance of the CRPF in that theatre. The situation in the Maoist affected states and measures being taken for improving the infrastructure of the camps and measures against improvised explosive devices were also discussed. "The Home Minister directed the CRPF to carry out an effective and decisive campaign against Left Wing Extremism in the next six months," the release said. He said action needs to be taken against the urban Naxals and their facilitators. The Home Minister emphasised that the road connectivity and medical infrastructure in LWE areas should be upgraded. He also directed that the health of the jawans and their families should be well looked after. Digital health-cards should be made and there should be periodical health checks also for their families. The Home Minister directed that senior officers should visit the families of martyrs and spend time with them understanding their requirements so that their problems are resolved. "A database should also be made of the martyrs' families and their basic issues and grievances should be systematically addressed'', Shah said. He expressed concern about the hard and long deployment of jawans in difficult theatres and discussed various measures for giving them relief and an opportunity to stay with their families. The minister directed that the infrastructure of CRPF and their residential quarters should be improved and more quarters at different duty locations should be constructed. Noting that cutting edge technologies and the state-of-art equipment should be identified which are required for operational purposes, he emphasised the Make-in-India effort and also asked the forces to use Khadi and indigenously made products. He directed the senior officers to reach out to their juniors and jawans so as to able to appreciate their issues.

Amit Shah reviews functioning of CRPF, calls for action against Maoists

China's British embassy expressed dismay over the attack on a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-condemns-london-attack-on-justice-secretary-as-protests-continue-262184">Hong Kong government official</a> in London on Friday.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng suffered ''serious bodily harm'' after an altercation with the protesters in London, who displayed solidarity with the activists back home. This marked the first direct altercation between demonstrators and a government minister during months of often violent protests. Video footage of the incident showed Cheng falling to the ground. 
&nbsp; 
According to a statement, the Chinese embassy urged the local police to launch an investigation into the incident and to further protect Hong Kong officials in the United Kingdom.

On Friday, the Hong Kong office of China's Foreign Ministry claimed to have expressed their concerns to the British consulate.

Earlier today, the Hong Kong government also condemned the attack on the justice secretary in London by referring to the protesters as a ''violent mob''.&nbsp;

Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng was in London to discuss dispute resolutions, but was targeted by protesters who shouted "murderer" and "shameful".

Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam said in a statement she strongly condemned what she described as an attack on Cheng.

The Hong Kong government said in a separate statement: "The secretary denounces all forms of violence and radicalism depriving others' legitimate rights in the pretext of pursuing their political ideals, which would never be in the interest of Hong Kong and any civilised society."

The incident came amid escalating violence in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong, where a student protester died earlier this month after falling from a parking lot during demonstrations.

Anti-government protesters paralysed parts of Hong Kong for a fifth day on Friday, forcing schools to close and blocking some highways as students built barricades in university campuses and authorities struggled to tame the violence.

Protesters used barriers and other debris to block the Cross-Harbour Tunnel that links Hong Kong island to Kowloon district, leading to severe traffic congestion. The government once again urged employers to adopt flexible working arrangements amid the chaos.

Thousands of students remain hunkered down at several universities, surrounded by piles of food, bricks, petrol bombs, catapults and other homemade weapons.

Police said the prestigious Chinese University had "become a manufacturing base for petrol bombs" and the students' actions were "another step closer to terrorism".

Around 4,000 people, aged between 12 and 83, have been arrested since the unrest escalated in June.

The demonstrations have paralysed parts of the city and battered the retail and tourism sectors, with widespread disruptions across the financial centre and no end in sight to the violence and vandalism.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

China's British embassy expressed dismay over the attack on a Hong Kong government official in London on Friday. Hong Kong's Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng suffered ''serious bodily harm'' after an altercation with the protesters in London, who displayed solidarity with the activists back home.

China's British embassy expressed dismay over the attack on a Hong Kong government official in London on Friday. Hong Kong's Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng suffered ''serious bodily harm'' after an altercation with the protesters in London, who displayed solidarity with the activists back home. This marked the first direct altercation between demonstrators and a government minister during months of often violent protests. Video footage of the incident showed Cheng falling to the ground. According to a statement, the Chinese embassy urged the local police to launch an investigation into the incident and to further protect Hong Kong officials in the United Kingdom. On Friday, the Hong Kong office of China's Foreign Ministry claimed to have expressed their concerns to the British consulate. Earlier today, the Hong Kong government also condemned the attack on the justice secretary in London by referring to the protesters as a ''violent mob''. Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng was in London to discuss dispute resolutions, but was targeted by protesters who shouted "murderer" and "shameful". Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam said in a statement she strongly condemned what she described as an attack on Cheng. The Hong Kong government said in a separate statement: "The secretary denounces all forms of violence and radicalism depriving others' legitimate rights in the pretext of pursuing their political ideals, which would never be in the interest of Hong Kong and any civilised society." The incident came amid escalating violence in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong, where a student protester died earlier this month after falling from a parking lot during demonstrations. Anti-government protesters paralysed parts of Hong Kong for a fifth day on Friday, forcing schools to close and blocking some highways as students built barricades in university campuses and authorities struggled to tame the violence. Protesters used barriers and other debris to block the Cross-Harbour Tunnel that links Hong Kong island to Kowloon district, leading to severe traffic congestion. The government once again urged employers to adopt flexible working arrangements amid the chaos. Thousands of students remain hunkered down at several universities, surrounded by piles of food, bricks, petrol bombs, catapults and other homemade weapons. Police said the prestigious Chinese University had "become a manufacturing base for petrol bombs" and the students' actions were "another step closer to terrorism". Around 4,000 people, aged between 12 and 83, have been arrested since the unrest escalated in June. The demonstrations have paralysed parts of the city and battered the retail and tourism sectors, with widespread disruptions across the financial centre and no end in sight to the violence and vandalism. (With inputs from Reuters)

China condemns attack on Hong Kong official in London, asks local police to continue investigation

German police detained three people in the western city of Offenbach on Tuesday on suspicion of planning a bomb attack on behalf of the Islamic State militant group, prosecutors said.

The three suspects wanted to kill as many "infidels" as possible in the planned attack in the Rhine-Main region, Frankfurt prosecutor Nadja Niesen said in a statement.

The main suspect is a 24-year-old German of Macedonian origin who wanted to manufacture explosives and had tried to buy a weapon online. His two accomplices are Turkish nationals aged 22 and 21.

The three suspects are believed to have told people in the past that they identified themselves as IS supporters, Niesen said.

Substances that could be used to make explosives and equipment were found at the main suspect's home, she said. The authorities also secured written documents and electronic data.

The main suspect is due to be brought before the investigating judge at a court in Frankfurt later on Tuesday. The judge will decide whether to issue an arrest warrant and order pre-trial detention.

German police detained three people in the western city of Offenbach on Tuesday on suspicion of planning a bomb attack on behalf of the Islamic State militant group, prosecutors said.

German police detained three people in the western city of Offenbach on Tuesday on suspicion of planning a bomb attack on behalf of the Islamic State militant group, prosecutors said. The three suspects wanted to kill as many "infidels" as possible in the planned attack in the Rhine-Main region, Frankfurt prosecutor Nadja Niesen said in a statement. The main suspect is a 24-year-old German of Macedonian origin who wanted to manufacture explosives and had tried to buy a weapon online. His two accomplices are Turkish nationals aged 22 and 21. The three suspects are believed to have told people in the past that they identified themselves as IS supporters, Niesen said. Substances that could be used to make explosives and equipment were found at the main suspect's home, she said. The authorities also secured written documents and electronic data. The main suspect is due to be brought before the investigating judge at a court in Frankfurt later on Tuesday. The judge will decide whether to issue an arrest warrant and order pre-trial detention.

Germany detains three Islamic State suspects over attack plan

Two police personnel were injured on Saturday in a suicide bomb attack in Uruzgan province in central Afghanistan, police told Sputnik.

The suicide bomber exploded himself in the Dehrawud district of the province.

"The suicide bomber was killed in the area, commander Shah [Mohammad] and one of his guards were injured," the district`s chief, Abdul Manan Alizai said.

The attack took place around 1 p.m. local time [8:30 GMT] near a local fruit market.

Two police personnel were injured on Saturday in a suicide bomb attack in Uruzgan province in central Afghanistan, police told Sputnik. The suicide bomber exploded himself in the Dehrawud district of the province.

Two police personnel were injured on Saturday in a suicide bomb attack in Uruzgan province in central Afghanistan, police told Sputnik. The suicide bomber exploded himself in the Dehrawud district of the province. "The suicide bomber was killed in the area, commander Shah [Mohammad] and one of his guards were injured," the district`s chief, Abdul Manan Alizai said. The attack took place around 1 p.m. local time [8:30 GMT] near a local fruit market.

Two police personnel injured in suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan

A leading face of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-of-hong-kong-nominated-for-nobel-peace-prize-2020-256254">Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement</a> was rushed to hospital covered in blood late Wednesday after being attacked by unidentified thugs with hammers, his protest group said.

The Civil Human Rights Front said leader Jimmy Sham was assaulted by four to five people wielding hammers in the district of Mongkok in what they described as an act of "political terror".

"He received a bloody head wound and was sent to Kwong Wah hospital," the CHRF said in a statement, adding Sham was conscious when paramedics arrived.

Photos posted online showed Sham in a red t-shirt, sprawled on the street in a pool of blood.&nbsp;

"It is not hard to link this incident to a spreading political terror in order to threaten and inhibit the legitimate exercise of natural and legal rights," CHRF added.

Sham is the main spokesman of the CHRF, a group which advocates non-violence and organised a series of record-breaking, peaceful marches earlier this summer that were opposed to a bill allowing extraditions to mainland China.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-abandons-speech-after-heckles-from-lawmakers-256227">Hong Kong's four months of huge and increasingly violent protests</a> were initially sparked by the now-scrapped bill.&nbsp;

But they have since snowballed into a wider movement calling for greater democracy and police accountability after Beijing and local leaders took a hard line.

Multiple <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-warns-hong-kong-of-becoming-police-state-255828">pro-democracy activists have been attacked by pro-Beijing supporters</a> in recent months, and Sham was also assaulted in August.

As the violence has escalated, hardcore pro-democracy protesters have also begun meting out their own street justice, beating people who vocally disagree with their goals or are viewed to be government loyalists.

A leading face of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement was rushed to hospital covered in blood late Wednesday after being attacked by unidentified thugs with hammers, his protest group said.

A leading face of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement was rushed to hospital covered in blood late Wednesday after being attacked by unidentified thugs with hammers, his protest group said. The Civil Human Rights Front said leader Jimmy Sham was assaulted by four to five people wielding hammers in the district of Mongkok in what they described as an act of "political terror". "He received a bloody head wound and was sent to Kwong Wah hospital," the CHRF said in a statement, adding Sham was conscious when paramedics arrived. Photos posted online showed Sham in a red t-shirt, sprawled on the street in a pool of blood. "It is not hard to link this incident to a spreading political terror in order to threaten and inhibit the legitimate exercise of natural and legal rights," CHRF added. Sham is the main spokesman of the CHRF, a group which advocates non-violence and organised a series of record-breaking, peaceful marches earlier this summer that were opposed to a bill allowing extraditions to mainland China. Hong Kong's four months of huge and increasingly violent protests were initially sparked by the now-scrapped bill. But they have since snowballed into a wider movement calling for greater democracy and police accountability after Beijing and local leaders took a hard line. Multiple pro-democracy activists have been attacked by pro-Beijing supporters in recent months, and Sham was also assaulted in August. As the violence has escalated, hardcore pro-democracy protesters have also begun meting out their own street justice, beating people who vocally disagree with their goals or are viewed to be government loyalists.

Hong Kong protest leader left bloodied in street attack

After fresh intelligence inputs suggested that a group of terrorists from Pakistan has infiltrated into India, defence bases in Punjab and Jammu area have been placed on high alert.

"The defence bases in and around Punjab and Jammu are on high alert. The Indian Air Force has put its airbases in Punjab including Pathankot and Jammu on orange alert," government sources said.

"The inputs were received by forces today morning after which they are taking all precautions to protect the defence bases," they said.

A few days ago, the bases were on high alert but the alert levels were brought down a couple of days later, they said.

There have been reports of a possible terror attack on major defence facilities since August 5 when the Centre moved to abrogate Article 370 that granted a special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Late last month, intelligence agencies had issued a warning against a module of eight to ten Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists. The input suggests that the terror group may possibly try to carry out a suicide attack against air force bases in and around Jammu and Kashmir.

After fresh intelligence inputs suggested that a group of terrorists from Pakistan has infiltrated into India, defence bases in Punjab and Jammu area have been placed on high alert.

After fresh intelligence inputs suggested that a group of terrorists from Pakistan has infiltrated into India, defence bases in Punjab and Jammu area have been placed on high alert. "The defence bases in and around Punjab and Jammu are on high alert. The Indian Air Force has put its airbases in Punjab including Pathankot and Jammu on orange alert," government sources said. "The inputs were received by forces today morning after which they are taking all precautions to protect the defence bases," they said. A few days ago, the bases were on high alert but the alert levels were brought down a couple of days later, they said. There have been reports of a possible terror attack on major defence facilities since August 5 when the Centre moved to abrogate Article 370 that granted a special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Late last month, intelligence agencies had issued a warning against a module of eight to ten Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists. The input suggests that the terror group may possibly try to carry out a suicide attack against air force bases in and around Jammu and Kashmir.

Defence bases in Punjab, Jammu on orange alert after fresh intelligence input of terror attack

A suspected Students` Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) terrorist Azharuddin, also known as `Chemical Ali` who was allegedly involved in the 2013 Bodhgaya and Patna bomb blasts was on Friday nabbed by Chhattisgarh police from Hyderabad airport after he landed from Saudi Arabia, a senior police officer said Saturday.

"Azharuddin, a resident of Moudhapara in Raipur named in connection with the blasts, had been absconding for the past six years and was hiding in Saudi Arabia where he was working as a driver and a salesman at a supermarket," Senior Superintendent of Police Arif Sheikh told reporters at a press conference here.

A joint team of Chattisgarh Police along with Anti-Terrorism Squad squad made the arrests based on specific input about Azharuddin`s arrival at the airport here.

The team under the direction of Deputy Inspector General of Police and Senior Superintendent of Police, Arif H. Shaikh, under the leadership of Municipal Superintendent of Police, Civil Line Trilok Bansal (IPS) Raipur Police and ATS special team made the arrest and brought him to Raipur.

The SIMI operative, is said to be part of a sleeper cell and had allegedly given shelter to the accused in the Bodhgaya and Patna bomb blasts, will be produced in the court today and the probe agencies will seek a two-day police remand.

One passport, two driving licenses, a voting pass and a voter identity card has been seized from the possession of the accused, the police officer said.

A Tibetan monk and a tourist were injured in the 2013 blast that took place when a large number of devotees had gathered near the sacred Bodhi tree for morning prayers.&nbsp;

As many as nine blasts took place within a span of 30 minutes which rocked the sacred city of Bodh Gaya, marking the first terrorist attack on the soil of Bihar.

Not only that, but the terrorists had also planted a cylinder bomb under the Bodhi tree as well which fortunately did not explode.

In October 2013, there were crude bomb explosions in Patna before Narendra Modi arrived to address thousands of supporters and launch his party`s campaign for the national election.

A total of 17 were arrested in connection with the Bodhgaya and Patna blasts and Azharuddin had been absconding, police said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A suspected Students` Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) terrorist Azharuddin, also known as `Chemical Ali` who was allegedly involved in the 2013 Bodhgaya and Patna bomb blasts was on Friday nabbed by Chhattisgarh police from Hyderabad airport after he landed from Saudi Arabia, a senior police officer said Saturday.

A suspected Students` Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) terrorist Azharuddin, also known as `Chemical Ali` who was allegedly involved in the 2013 Bodhgaya and Patna bomb blasts was on Friday nabbed by Chhattisgarh police from Hyderabad airport after he landed from Saudi Arabia, a senior police officer said Saturday. "Azharuddin, a resident of Moudhapara in Raipur named in connection with the blasts, had been absconding for the past six years and was hiding in Saudi Arabia where he was working as a driver and a salesman at a supermarket," Senior Superintendent of Police Arif Sheikh told reporters at a press conference here. A joint team of Chattisgarh Police along with Anti-Terrorism Squad squad made the arrests based on specific input about Azharuddin`s arrival at the airport here. The team under the direction of Deputy Inspector General of Police and Senior Superintendent of Police, Arif H. Shaikh, under the leadership of Municipal Superintendent of Police, Civil Line Trilok Bansal (IPS) Raipur Police and ATS special team made the arrest and brought him to Raipur. The SIMI operative, is said to be part of a sleeper cell and had allegedly given shelter to the accused in the Bodhgaya and Patna bomb blasts, will be produced in the court today and the probe agencies will seek a two-day police remand. One passport, two driving licenses, a voting pass and a voter identity card has been seized from the possession of the accused, the police officer said. A Tibetan monk and a tourist were injured in the 2013 blast that took place when a large number of devotees had gathered near the sacred Bodhi tree for morning prayers. As many as nine blasts took place within a span of 30 minutes which rocked the sacred city of Bodh Gaya, marking the first terrorist attack on the soil of Bihar. Not only that, but the terrorists had also planted a cylinder bomb under the Bodhi tree as well which fortunately did not explode. In October 2013, there were crude bomb explosions in Patna before Narendra Modi arrived to address thousands of supporters and launch his party`s campaign for the national election. A total of 17 were arrested in connection with the Bodhgaya and Patna blasts and Azharuddin had been absconding, police said.

SIMI terrorist arrested at Hyderabad airport

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