Expressing regret over the&nbsp;38-year-old&nbsp;Reuters&nbsp;journalist’s death in Kandahar,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Taliban’s spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid&nbsp;said,&nbsp;“We are not aware during&nbsp;whose&nbsp;firing the journalist was killed. We do not know how he died."&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Any journalist entering the war zone should inform us. We will take proper care of that particular individual," the Taliban’s spokesperson told&nbsp;CNN-News18 on Friday.&nbsp;

Pulitzer Prize-winning&nbsp;photojournalist&nbsp;Danish Siddiqui was killed on Friday&nbsp;during clashes between&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;fighters and&nbsp;Afghanistan’s&nbsp;security&nbsp;forces&nbsp;near a border crossing with Pakistan, Reuters cited an Afghan commander as saying.&nbsp;

“We are sorry for Indian journalist Danish Siddiqui’s death. We regret that journalists are entering war zone without an intimation to us," Mujahid added.&nbsp;

The Afghan Ambassador to India, Farid&nbsp;Mamundzay, confirmed the news of his death on Friday.&nbsp;

The photojournalist was killed in a Taliban strike when he was on a reporting trip along with Afghan security personnel.&nbsp;

"Deeply disturbed by the sad news of the killing of a friend, Danish&nbsp;Seddiqi&nbsp;in Kandahar last night. The Indian Journalist &amp; winner of Pulitzer Prize was embedded with Afghan security forces. I met him two weeks ago before his departure to Kabul. Condolences to his family &amp; Reuters, " tweeted Farid&nbsp;Mamundzay.&nbsp;

In 2018, Siddiqui and his colleague Adnan Abidi became the first Indians to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography for their coverage of the Rohingya refugee crisis.&nbsp;

Siddiqui had been regularly posting photographs from Afghanistan on social media as the Taliban is rapidly gaining territory at a time when the US and its allies are retreating.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On July 13, he last posted a Twitter thread with photos reporting what he was seeing there.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Expressing regret over the 38-year-old Reuters journalist’s death in Kandahar, the Taliban’s spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said, “We are not aware during whose firing the journalist was killed.

Expressing regret over the 38-year-old Reuters journalist’s death in Kandahar, the Taliban’s spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said, “We are not aware during whose firing the journalist was killed. We do not know how he died." “Any journalist entering the war zone should inform us. We will take proper care of that particular individual," the Taliban’s spokesperson told CNN-News18 on Friday. Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Danish Siddiqui was killed on Friday during clashes between Taliban fighters and Afghanistan’s security forces near a border crossing with Pakistan, Reuters cited an Afghan commander as saying. “We are sorry for Indian journalist Danish Siddiqui’s death. We regret that journalists are entering war zone without an intimation to us," Mujahid added. The Afghan Ambassador to India, Farid Mamundzay, confirmed the news of his death on Friday. The photojournalist was killed in a Taliban strike when he was on a reporting trip along with Afghan security personnel. "Deeply disturbed by the sad news of the killing of a friend, Danish Seddiqi in Kandahar last night. The Indian Journalist & winner of Pulitzer Prize was embedded with Afghan security forces. I met him two weeks ago before his departure to Kabul. Condolences to his family & Reuters, " tweeted Farid Mamundzay. In 2018, Siddiqui and his colleague Adnan Abidi became the first Indians to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography for their coverage of the Rohingya refugee crisis. Siddiqui had been regularly posting photographs from Afghanistan on social media as the Taliban is rapidly gaining territory at a time when the US and its allies are retreating. On July 13, he last posted a Twitter thread with photos reporting what he was seeing there. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban deny role in Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui’s death: Report 

COVID-19 deaths and cases are on the rise again. The World Health Organization reported that deaths climbed last week after nine straight weeks of decline. It recorded more than 55,000 lives lost, which is a 3 per cent increase from the week before.

Dr David Dowdy, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins University, warned, "Its important that we recognize that COVID-19 has the potential for explosive outbreaks".&nbsp;

As cases continue to surge, Argentina on Wednesday, July 14, reached a milestone in its fight to control the pandemic as deaths caused by COVID-19 crossed 100,000. As per the data published by the Health Ministry, 19,697 new cases and 614 more deaths were recorded taking the total number of deaths to 100,250.

Also, residents across Myanmar's biggest city are defying a military curfew in a desperate search for oxygen to keep their loved ones breathing as a new coronavirus wave crashes over the coup-wracked country.

The spike in cases is the latest blow to Myanmar, already suffering from a February coup and a bloody crackdown on dissent that has killed over 900 people and gutted the economy.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-variant-getting-more-dangerous-and-can-soon-be-dominant-who-chief-warns-397933">Also read |&nbsp;Delta variant getting more dangerous and can soon be dominant, WHO Chief warns</a>

In the US, newly confirmed infections per day have doubled over the past two weeks to an average of about 24,000, though deaths are still on a downward trajectory at around 260 a day.&nbsp;

Tokyo is under the fourth state of emergency ahead of the Summer Games this month, with infections climbing fast and hospital beds filling up.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the WHO labelled the Delta variant of COVID-19 as a "variant of concern", the organisation’s chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had warned about the alarming increase of the ‘highly transmissible' variant.

Tedros warned that the Delta variant has now spread to 104 countries and will soon become the dominant variant of COVID-19 in the world. This will result in a deadly increase in the number of coronavirus infections and deaths.

"My message today is that we are experiencing a worsening public health emergency that further threatens lives, livelihoods and a sound global economic recovery. It is definitely worse in places that have very few vaccines, but the pandemic is not over anywhere," he said in a press briefing.

COVID-19 deaths and cases are on the rise again. The World Health Organization reported that deaths climbed last week after nine straight weeks of decline. It recorded more than 55,000 lives lost, which is a 3 per cent increase from the week before.

COVID-19 deaths and cases are on the rise again. The World Health Organization reported that deaths climbed last week after nine straight weeks of decline. It recorded more than 55,000 lives lost, which is a 3 per cent increase from the week before. Dr David Dowdy, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins University, warned, "Its important that we recognize that COVID-19 has the potential for explosive outbreaks". As cases continue to surge, Argentina on Wednesday, July 14, reached a milestone in its fight to control the pandemic as deaths caused by COVID-19 crossed 100,000. As per the data published by the Health Ministry, 19,697 new cases and 614 more deaths were recorded taking the total number of deaths to 100,250. Also, residents across Myanmar's biggest city are defying a military curfew in a desperate search for oxygen to keep their loved ones breathing as a new coronavirus wave crashes over the coup-wracked country. The spike in cases is the latest blow to Myanmar, already suffering from a February coup and a bloody crackdown on dissent that has killed over 900 people and gutted the economy. Also read | Delta variant getting more dangerous and can soon be dominant, WHO Chief warns In the US, newly confirmed infections per day have doubled over the past two weeks to an average of about 24,000, though deaths are still on a downward trajectory at around 260 a day. Tokyo is under the fourth state of emergency ahead of the Summer Games this month, with infections climbing fast and hospital beds filling up. Meanwhile, the WHO labelled the Delta variant of COVID-19 as a "variant of concern", the organisation’s chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had warned about the alarming increase of the ‘highly transmissible' variant. Tedros warned that the Delta variant has now spread to 104 countries and will soon become the dominant variant of COVID-19 in the world. This will result in a deadly increase in the number of coronavirus infections and deaths. "My message today is that we are experiencing a worsening public health emergency that further threatens lives, livelihoods and a sound global economic recovery. It is definitely worse in places that have very few vaccines, but the pandemic is not over anywhere," he said in a press briefing.

COVID-19 deaths, cases rise again globally amid relaxed curbs

The death toll in the partial collapse of a budget hotel in China's eastern city of Suzhou on Monday has risen to 17, state media said on Wednesday. 
 
Of the 23 people trapped in the rubble of the Siji Kaiyuan Hotel in Suzhou only six survived, according to state media. 
 
More than 650 people were involved in the search and rescue operation, which concluded on Wednesday morning. 
 
The provincial government of Jiangsu has set up a team to conduct an in-depth investigation on the specific causes of the collapse. 
 
The Siji Kaiyuan opened in 2018 and had a total of 54 rooms, according to online booking sites. The part of the hotel that collapsed was three storeys tall. 
 
According to some state media reports, the collapse was initially determined to be caused by the property owner`s alteration of the hotel structure. 
 
A hotel guest who checked out on Monday just before the collapsed spoke of loud drilling noises and the sound of the shovelling of sand, according toe Beijing Youth Daily. 
 
The building was shaking, the guest said. 
 
Cities in Jiangsu have since held an emergency meeting on the safety of existing building structures, and called for tougher inspection and supervision.

The death toll in the partial collapse of a budget hotel in China's eastern city of Suzhou on Monday has risen to 17, state media said on Wednesday. Of the 23 people trapped in the rubble of the Siji Kaiyuan Hotel in Suzhou only six survived, according to state media.

The death toll in the partial collapse of a budget hotel in China's eastern city of Suzhou on Monday has risen to 17, state media said on Wednesday. Of the 23 people trapped in the rubble of the Siji Kaiyuan Hotel in Suzhou only six survived, according to state media. More than 650 people were involved in the search and rescue operation, which concluded on Wednesday morning. The provincial government of Jiangsu has set up a team to conduct an in-depth investigation on the specific causes of the collapse. The Siji Kaiyuan opened in 2018 and had a total of 54 rooms, according to online booking sites. The part of the hotel that collapsed was three storeys tall. According to some state media reports, the collapse was initially determined to be caused by the property owner`s alteration of the hotel structure. A hotel guest who checked out on Monday just before the collapsed spoke of loud drilling noises and the sound of the shovelling of sand, according toe Beijing Youth Daily. The building was shaking, the guest said. Cities in Jiangsu have since held an emergency meeting on the safety of existing building structures, and called for tougher inspection and supervision.

Death toll rises to 17 in partial collapse of China hotel

Australia reported its first coronavirus-related death of the year on Sunday and a 2021 record 77 new cases of the virus in the state of New South Wales, which is battling an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant.

State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the numbers in and around the country's biggest city Sydney, already under a hard lockdown, are expected to rise.

"I'll be shocked if it's less than 100 this time tomorrow, of additional new cases," Berejiklian told a televised briefing.

On Saturday there were 50 cases, the previous 2021 record high. The recent outbreak stands at 566 cases.

Of Sunday's cases, 33 were people who had spent time in the community while they were infectious, raising the likelihood that the three-week lockdown of more than 5 million people in Sydney and surroundings will be extended.

"Given where we're at and given the lockdown was supposed to be lifted on Friday, everybody can tell it's highly unlikely at this stage," Berejiklian said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-govt-to-rush-troops-to-border-to-tackle-taliban-397247">Also read |&nbsp;Afghan govt to rush troops to border to tackle Taliban</a>

There are 52 cases in hospital&nbsp;or about one in 10 people infected in the current outbreak. Fifteen people are in intensive care, five require ventilation. The death, the country's first locally contracted case since December, involved a woman in her 90s.

Australia has fared much better than many other developed countries in keeping its COVID-19 numbers relatively low, seeing just over 31,000 cases since the start of the pandemic and 911 deaths.

The vaccination rollout, however, has been sluggish due to supply constraints and changing medical advice for its mainstay AstraZeneca shots.

Vaccinations are available for now only to people over 40 and groups at risk either due to their health or exposure to the virus at work. Of those hospitalised in Sydney, 11 are under the age of 35 and more than three-quarters of the patients have not had any doses, health authorities said.

Australia reported its first coronavirus-related death of the year on Sunday and a 2021 record 77 new cases of the virus in the state of New South Wales, which is battling an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant.

Australia reported its first coronavirus-related death of the year on Sunday and a 2021 record 77 new cases of the virus in the state of New South Wales, which is battling an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant. State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the numbers in and around the country's biggest city Sydney, already under a hard lockdown, are expected to rise. "I'll be shocked if it's less than 100 this time tomorrow, of additional new cases," Berejiklian told a televised briefing. On Saturday there were 50 cases, the previous 2021 record high. The recent outbreak stands at 566 cases. Of Sunday's cases, 33 were people who had spent time in the community while they were infectious, raising the likelihood that the three-week lockdown of more than 5 million people in Sydney and surroundings will be extended. "Given where we're at and given the lockdown was supposed to be lifted on Friday, everybody can tell it's highly unlikely at this stage," Berejiklian said. Also read | Afghan govt to rush troops to border to tackle Taliban There are 52 cases in hospital or about one in 10 people infected in the current outbreak. Fifteen people are in intensive care, five require ventilation. The death, the country's first locally contracted case since December, involved a woman in her 90s. Australia has fared much better than many other developed countries in keeping its COVID-19 numbers relatively low, seeing just over 31,000 cases since the start of the pandemic and 911 deaths. The vaccination rollout, however, has been sluggish due to supply constraints and changing medical advice for its mainstay AstraZeneca shots. Vaccinations are available for now only to people over 40 and groups at risk either due to their health or exposure to the virus at work. Of those hospitalised in Sydney, 11 are under the age of 35 and more than three-quarters of the patients have not had any doses, health authorities said.

Australia reports first 2021 COVID-19 death, highest case number

Russia on Saturday reported 697 Covid-19 deaths in the previous 24 hours, the fifth straight day the country has set a new record as it battles the surging Delta variant.

It also recorded 24,439 new coronavirus infections, the highest figure since the middle of January when Russia was emerging from its second wave of the pandemic.

Moscow, the biggest virus hotspot nationwide, recorded 116 deaths, close to the city's pandemic record seen earlier this week.

Russia's coronavirus outbreak has been surging since mid-June against a background of reluctance among many to get vaccinated and suspicion of home-grown shots.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-protesters-burn-junta-leaders-images-on-his-birthday-395520">Also Read |&nbsp;Myanmar protesters burn junta leader's images on his birthday</a>

So far just 16 per cent of Russia's 146 million people have been jabbed.

Moscow on Thursday began offering third doses to those who received their second more than six months ago to boost their defence against new variants.

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday urged Russians to "listen to experts" rather than rumours about the virus and vaccines, although he also said he was opposed to making inoculations compulsory nationwide.

The government has also ruled out a nationwide lockdown -- even as it has acknowledged that it will miss a target of vaccinating 60 per cent of people by August.

So far 137,262 people have died among 5.5 million infected in Russia, according to official figures.

A wider definition of Covid deaths from statistics agency Rosstat tallied 270,000 by late April.

Russia on Saturday reported 697 Covid-19 deaths in the previous 24 hours, the fifth straight day the country has set a new record as it battles the surging Delta variant.

Russia on Saturday reported 697 Covid-19 deaths in the previous 24 hours, the fifth straight day the country has set a new record as it battles the surging Delta variant. It also recorded 24,439 new coronavirus infections, the highest figure since the middle of January when Russia was emerging from its second wave of the pandemic. Moscow, the biggest virus hotspot nationwide, recorded 116 deaths, close to the city's pandemic record seen earlier this week. Russia's coronavirus outbreak has been surging since mid-June against a background of reluctance among many to get vaccinated and suspicion of home-grown shots. Also Read | Myanmar protesters burn junta leader's images on his birthday So far just 16 per cent of Russia's 146 million people have been jabbed. Moscow on Thursday began offering third doses to those who received their second more than six months ago to boost their defence against new variants. President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday urged Russians to "listen to experts" rather than rumours about the virus and vaccines, although he also said he was opposed to making inoculations compulsory nationwide. The government has also ruled out a nationwide lockdown -- even as it has acknowledged that it will miss a target of vaccinating 60 per cent of people by August. So far 137,262 people have died among 5.5 million infected in Russia, according to official figures. A wider definition of Covid deaths from statistics agency Rosstat tallied 270,000 by late April.

Russia reports record Covid deaths for fifth straight day

Six more bodies have been found in the shattered ruins of a Miami-area condominium tower over the past 24 hours, officials said on Wednesday, bringing the confirmed death toll to 18 nearly a week after the building collapsed.

More bodies were found overnight in the shattered ruins of a collapsed building in a town near Miami,&nbsp;Florida.

Over 140 people are still unaccounted for nearly a week after the building fell in Surfside.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava briefed reporters on Wednesday.

"And I want to thank them once again for their tremendous, tremendous effort. The world is watching. Their bravery, putting themselves in harm's way to find people in the rubble."

Nobody has been pulled alive from the debris since the early hours of the disaster.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-jinping-hails-irreversible-rise-of-china-on-communist-party-centenary-395051">Also Read |&nbsp;President Jinping hails 'irreversible' rise of China on Communist Party centenary</a>

Trauma surgeon Michael Libirian has been at the site for nearly a week.

"I've been a trauma surgeon for around eleven years and this has been emotionally the most difficult thing I've ever had to endure. I think a lot of us, including myself, a lot of our task force members who I work with are separated from these missing people by only one or two degrees."

Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett and other officials and rescuers still harbour hope of finding survivors.

That's even though the search has become more difficult from the heat and intermittent showers.

Miami Dade Fire Rescue Battalion Chief, Mark Chavers:

"The hope is there. Even if it's just one more. If it's five more, great. But one more, that would make all the difference in the world this late in the game."

Investigators still do not know what caused nearly half of the Champlain Towers South condo to crumple.

But a 2018 engineer's report found structural deficiencies in the 40-year-old tower.

President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill are expected to visit the scene of the tragedy on Thursday.

Six more bodies have been found in the shattered ruins of a Miami-area condominium tower over the past 24 hours, officials said on Wednesday, bringing the confirmed death toll to 18 nearly a week after the building collapsed.

Six more bodies have been found in the shattered ruins of a Miami-area condominium tower over the past 24 hours, officials said on Wednesday, bringing the confirmed death toll to 18 nearly a week after the building collapsed. More bodies were found overnight in the shattered ruins of a collapsed building in a town near Miami, Florida. Over 140 people are still unaccounted for nearly a week after the building fell in Surfside. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava briefed reporters on Wednesday. "And I want to thank them once again for their tremendous, tremendous effort. The world is watching. Their bravery, putting themselves in harm's way to find people in the rubble." Nobody has been pulled alive from the debris since the early hours of the disaster. Also Read | President Jinping hails 'irreversible' rise of China on Communist Party centenary Trauma surgeon Michael Libirian has been at the site for nearly a week. "I've been a trauma surgeon for around eleven years and this has been emotionally the most difficult thing I've ever had to endure. I think a lot of us, including myself, a lot of our task force members who I work with are separated from these missing people by only one or two degrees." Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett and other officials and rescuers still harbour hope of finding survivors. That's even though the search has become more difficult from the heat and intermittent showers. Miami Dade Fire Rescue Battalion Chief, Mark Chavers: "The hope is there. Even if it's just one more. If it's five more, great. But one more, that would make all the difference in the world this late in the game." Investigators still do not know what caused nearly half of the Champlain Towers South condo to crumple. But a 2018 engineer's report found structural deficiencies in the 40-year-old tower. President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill are expected to visit the scene of the tragedy on Thursday.

Death toll rises to 18 in Florida condo collapse

At least 486 sudden deaths were reported in a time span of five days during British Columbia’s catastrophic heatwave.&nbsp;

Usually, 165 sudden deaths would occur in the Canadian province over that period, its chief coroner said. He further suggested that more than 300 deaths could be attributed to the heat. The new tally marks a 195 per cent increase over normal years.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canada?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canada</a> just had a temperature of nearly 50°C (Lytton, 49.6°C) 
"Without human-induced climate change, it would have been almost impossible ...as the chances of natural occurrence is once every tens of thousands of years," says <a href="https://twitter.com/metoffice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@metoffice</a> scientist 
Details <a href="https://t.co/fb1nIF8wny">https://t.co/fb1nIF8wny</a> <a href="https://t.co/rxKGmQqZZM">pic.twitter.com/rxKGmQqZZM</a>
— World Meteorological Organization (@WMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WMO/status/1410223888412381193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Chief coroner Lisa Lapointe, in a statement, said, "While it is too early to say with certainty how many of these deaths are heat-related, it is believed likely that the significant increase in deaths reported is attributable to the extreme weather BC has experienced and continues to impact many parts of our province".&nbsp;

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Warning people about the hike in temperatures, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed sympathy for the families of the deceased.&nbsp;

The town of Lytton, British Columbia reached 49.5C (121.1F) on Tuesday. Lytton was evacuated on Thursday night after a fire hit the town and threatened residential buildings.

Speaking about the wildfires, mayor Jan Polderman told CBC News, "It’s dire - the whole town is on fire. It’s bad, I’ve never seen anything like this".&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in Vancouver, schools were cancelled for extreme heat for the first time, while firefighters turned their hoses on anyone in need of cooling.

"We've never experienced anything like this heat in Vancouver," police Sergeant Steve Addison said, "and sadly dozens of people are dying as a result of it."

At least 486 sudden deaths were reported in a time span of five days during British Columbia’s catastrophic heatwave. Usually, 165 sudden deaths would occur in the Canadian province over that period, its chief coroner said.

At least 486 sudden deaths were reported in a time span of five days during British Columbia’s catastrophic heatwave. Usually, 165 sudden deaths would occur in the Canadian province over that period, its chief coroner said. He further suggested that more than 300 deaths could be attributed to the heat. The new tally marks a 195 per cent increase over normal years. #Canada just had a temperature of nearly 50°C (Lytton, 49.6°C) "Without human-induced climate change, it would have been almost impossible ...as the chances of natural occurrence is once every tens of thousands of years," says @metoffice scientist Details https://t.co/fb1nIF8wny pic.twitter.com/rxKGmQqZZM — World Meteorological Organization (@WMO) June 30, 2021 × Chief coroner Lisa Lapointe, in a statement, said, "While it is too early to say with certainty how many of these deaths are heat-related, it is believed likely that the significant increase in deaths reported is attributable to the extreme weather BC has experienced and continues to impact many parts of our province". Also Read | 'Unstoppable': 182 unmarked graves found at third Canadian school Warning people about the hike in temperatures, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed sympathy for the families of the deceased. The town of Lytton, British Columbia reached 49.5C (121.1F) on Tuesday. Lytton was evacuated on Thursday night after a fire hit the town and threatened residential buildings. Speaking about the wildfires, mayor Jan Polderman told CBC News, "It’s dire - the whole town is on fire. It’s bad, I’ve never seen anything like this". Meanwhile, in Vancouver, schools were cancelled for extreme heat for the first time, while firefighters turned their hoses on anyone in need of cooling. "We've never experienced anything like this heat in Vancouver," police Sergeant Steve Addison said, "and sadly dozens of people are dying as a result of it."

Canada heat wave: British Columbia sees 195% increase in sudden deaths with 486 cases reported

Moscow on Sunday recorded the worst daily coronavirus death toll so far for a Russian city, as countries across the Asia-Pacific region extended or reimposed restrictions to tackle fresh waves of infections.

The pandemic has now killed close to four million people across the world but vaccination drives have brought down infection numbers in many wealthy countries, though the Delta strain of the virus remains a concern.

The variant is now in 85 countries and is the most contagious of any Covid-19 strain identified, according to the World Health Organization.

Still, in much of Europe and the United States curbs on daily life are easing as vaccination programmes bear fruit, although Russia is grappling with a deadly third wave.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-airs-old-election-grievances-at-campaign-style-rally-394254">Also Read |&nbsp;Trump airs old election grievances at campaign-style rally</a>

The Russian capital on Sunday recorded 144 Covid-19 deaths in the last 24 hours, a day after Saint Petersburg set the previous highest figure.

Saint Petersburg has hosted six Euro 2020 matches and is due to host a quarter-final on Friday, with spectator numbers capped at half but still upwards of 26,000 people.

Russia as a whole has seen an explosion of new infections since mid-June driven by the Delta variant.

The dramatic rise in cases comes as officials in Moscow are pushing vaccine-sceptical Russians to get inoculated after lifting most anti-virus restrictions late last year.

"To stop the pandemic, one thing is needed: rapid, large-scale vaccinations. Nobody has invented any other solution," Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin told state-run television on Saturday.

'Up in smoke'

The Delta variant is also feeding fresh outbreaks in Southeast Asia and Australia where authorities have brought back or prolonged restrictions.

More than five million Sydney residents endured their first full day of a two-week lockdown Sunday to contain an outbreak of the strain.

Restaurants, bars and cafes were shuttered and stay-at-home orders were issued, leaving the city centre virtually deserted.

"Given how contagious this strain of&nbsp;the virus is, we do anticipate that&nbsp;in the next few days case numbers&nbsp;are likely to increase even beyond&nbsp;what we have seen today," New South Wales state Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

More than 110 Covid-19 cases have been reported in Sydney since a driver for an international flight crew tested positive in mid-June for the Delta variant.

The flare-up has been a shock for a place that had returned to relative normality after months with few local cases.

Professional musician Blain Cunneen, 27, said his work -- performing gigs, studio sessions and teaching students -- had gone "up in smoke" overnight.

"All that was starting to operate again almost as normal... very suddenly overnight I got a bunch of emails and texts about everything being cancelled," he told AFP.

Australia's northern city of Darwin also entered a separate snap 48-hour lockdown on Sunday after a handful of cases were linked to a coronavirus outbreak on a remote gold mine.

"The Northern Territory is now facing its biggest threat since the Covid crisis began," Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner said.

Restrictions reimposed

Similar spikes in infections have recently been seen across Southeast Asia.&nbsp;

Thailand will from Monday reimpose restrictions on restaurants, construction sites and gatherings in the capital Bangkok as it tries to contain a wave of infections.

The country's latest wave kicked off in April when a cluster was found in upscale Bangkok clubs.

Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha has said he plans to fully reopen the country by October, but this would require hitting a target of vaccinating 50 million Thais in four months.

In neighbouring Malaysia, the prime minister announced that a nationwide lockdown in place for about a month already will continue, and he gave no date for the lifting of restrictions.

His government had previously said the strict curbs would be eased in stages, as long as there was a drop in infections, intensive care bed use and a rise in vaccination rates.

Bangladesh also said it would impose a new national lockdown from Monday, with offices shut for a week and only medical-related transport allowed.&nbsp;

Moscow on Sunday recorded the worst daily coronavirus death toll so far for a Russian city, as countries across the Asia-Pacific region extended or reimposed restrictions to tackle fresh waves of infections.

Moscow on Sunday recorded the worst daily coronavirus death toll so far for a Russian city, as countries across the Asia-Pacific region extended or reimposed restrictions to tackle fresh waves of infections. The pandemic has now killed close to four million people across the world but vaccination drives have brought down infection numbers in many wealthy countries, though the Delta strain of the virus remains a concern. The variant is now in 85 countries and is the most contagious of any Covid-19 strain identified, according to the World Health Organization. Still, in much of Europe and the United States curbs on daily life are easing as vaccination programmes bear fruit, although Russia is grappling with a deadly third wave. Also Read | Trump airs old election grievances at campaign-style rally The Russian capital on Sunday recorded 144 Covid-19 deaths in the last 24 hours, a day after Saint Petersburg set the previous highest figure. Saint Petersburg has hosted six Euro 2020 matches and is due to host a quarter-final on Friday, with spectator numbers capped at half but still upwards of 26,000 people. Russia as a whole has seen an explosion of new infections since mid-June driven by the Delta variant. The dramatic rise in cases comes as officials in Moscow are pushing vaccine-sceptical Russians to get inoculated after lifting most anti-virus restrictions late last year. "To stop the pandemic, one thing is needed: rapid, large-scale vaccinations. Nobody has invented any other solution," Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin told state-run television on Saturday. 'Up in smoke' The Delta variant is also feeding fresh outbreaks in Southeast Asia and Australia where authorities have brought back or prolonged restrictions. More than five million Sydney residents endured their first full day of a two-week lockdown Sunday to contain an outbreak of the strain. Restaurants, bars and cafes were shuttered and stay-at-home orders were issued, leaving the city centre virtually deserted. "Given how contagious this strain of the virus is, we do anticipate that in the next few days case numbers are likely to increase even beyond what we have seen today," New South Wales state Premier Gladys Berejiklian said. More than 110 Covid-19 cases have been reported in Sydney since a driver for an international flight crew tested positive in mid-June for the Delta variant. The flare-up has been a shock for a place that had returned to relative normality after months with few local cases. Professional musician Blain Cunneen, 27, said his work -- performing gigs, studio sessions and teaching students -- had gone "up in smoke" overnight. "All that was starting to operate again almost as normal... very suddenly overnight I got a bunch of emails and texts about everything being cancelled," he told AFP. Australia's northern city of Darwin also entered a separate snap 48-hour lockdown on Sunday after a handful of cases were linked to a coronavirus outbreak on a remote gold mine. "The Northern Territory is now facing its biggest threat since the Covid crisis began," Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner said. Restrictions reimposed Similar spikes in infections have recently been seen across Southeast Asia. Thailand will from Monday reimpose restrictions on restaurants, construction sites and gatherings in the capital Bangkok as it tries to contain a wave of infections. The country's latest wave kicked off in April when a cluster was found in upscale Bangkok clubs. Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha has said he plans to fully reopen the country by October, but this would require hitting a target of vaccinating 50 million Thais in four months. In neighbouring Malaysia, the prime minister announced that a nationwide lockdown in place for about a month already will continue, and he gave no date for the lifting of restrictions. His government had previously said the strict curbs would be eased in stages, as long as there was a drop in infections, intensive care bed use and a rise in vaccination rates. Bangladesh also said it would impose a new national lockdown from Monday, with offices shut for a week and only medical-related transport allowed.

Moscow Covid deaths spike as Asia-Pacific countries lockdown

Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced on Friday to 22 1/2 years in prison for the murder of George Floyd, whose dying gasps under Chauvin's knee led to the biggest outcry against racial injustice in the US&nbsp;in generations.

The punishment, which came after Chauvin broke his year-long silence to offer condolences to the Floyd family and express hope that they eventually have 'some peace of mind', is one of the longest prison terms ever imposed on a US police officer in the killing of a Black person.

Still, Floyd family members and others were disappointed. The sentence fell short of the 30 years prosecutors had requested. And with good behaviour, Chauvin, 45, could get out on parole after serving two-thirds of his sentence, or about 15 years.

"Just because it's the most time doesn't mean it's enough time," said Nekima Levy Armstrong, a Minneapolis protest leader.

Judge Peter Cahill went beyond the 12 1/2-year sentence prescribed under state guidelines, citing Chauvin's 'abuse of a position of trust and authority and also the particular cruelty' shown to Floyd.

Floyd family attorney Ben Crump said the family had gotten 'some measure of accountability' but is hoping Chauvin gets the maximum at his upcoming federal civil rights trial. Crump said this was the longest sentence a police officer has ever received in Minnesota.

But he added: "Real justice in America will be Black men and Black women and people of colour, who will not have to fear being killed by the police just because the color of their skin. That would be real justice."

Outside the courthouse, a crowd of about 50 people clasped hands or placed them on each other's shoulders. The reaction was subdued as people debated whether the sentence was long enough. Some cursed in disgust.

At George Floyd Square, as the intersection where Floyd was pinned to the pavement is now known, members of the crowd broke into applause, and several said, "We'll take it."

Chauvin was immediately led back to prison. He showed little emotion when the judge pronounced the sentence. His eyes moved rapidly around the courtroom, his COVID-19 mask obscuring much of his face.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced on Friday to 22 1/2 years in prison for the murder of George Floyd, whose dying gasps under Chauvin's knee led to the biggest outcry against racial injustice in the US in generations.

Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced on Friday to 22 1/2 years in prison for the murder of George Floyd, whose dying gasps under Chauvin's knee led to the biggest outcry against racial injustice in the US in generations. The punishment, which came after Chauvin broke his year-long silence to offer condolences to the Floyd family and express hope that they eventually have 'some peace of mind', is one of the longest prison terms ever imposed on a US police officer in the killing of a Black person. Still, Floyd family members and others were disappointed. The sentence fell short of the 30 years prosecutors had requested. And with good behaviour, Chauvin, 45, could get out on parole after serving two-thirds of his sentence, or about 15 years. "Just because it's the most time doesn't mean it's enough time," said Nekima Levy Armstrong, a Minneapolis protest leader. Judge Peter Cahill went beyond the 12 1/2-year sentence prescribed under state guidelines, citing Chauvin's 'abuse of a position of trust and authority and also the particular cruelty' shown to Floyd. Floyd family attorney Ben Crump said the family had gotten 'some measure of accountability' but is hoping Chauvin gets the maximum at his upcoming federal civil rights trial. Crump said this was the longest sentence a police officer has ever received in Minnesota. But he added: "Real justice in America will be Black men and Black women and people of colour, who will not have to fear being killed by the police just because the color of their skin. That would be real justice." Outside the courthouse, a crowd of about 50 people clasped hands or placed them on each other's shoulders. The reaction was subdued as people debated whether the sentence was long enough. Some cursed in disgust. At George Floyd Square, as the intersection where Floyd was pinned to the pavement is now known, members of the crowd broke into applause, and several said, "We'll take it." Chauvin was immediately led back to prison. He showed little emotion when the judge pronounced the sentence. His eyes moved rapidly around the courtroom, his COVID-19 mask obscuring much of his face. (With inputs from agencies)

Chauvin gets 22 1/2 years in prison for George Floyd's death

Diego Maradona's physician and six other caregivers accused of neglecting the football icon in his final days will be questioned by Argentine prosecutors from Monday.

The seven were placed under investigation for manslaughter after a board of experts looking into Maradona's death found he had received inadequate care and was abandoned to his fate for a "prolonged, agonizing period".

The football legend died of a heart attack last November at the age of 60, just weeks after undergoing brain surgery for a blood clot.

An investigation was opened following a complaint filed by two of Maradona's five children against neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, whom they blame for their father's deteriorating condition after the operation.

A panel of 20 medical experts convened by Argentina's public prosecutor said last month that Maradona's treatment was rife with "deficiencies and irregularities" and the medical team had left his survival "to fate".

The panel concluded he "would have had a better chance of survival" with adequate treatment in an appropriate medical facility.

Instead, he died in his bed in a rented house in an exclusive Buenos Aires neighbourhood, where he was receiving home care.

"I did my best"

The others under investigation are Maradona's psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, 35, psychologist Carlos Diaz, 29, nurses Ricardo Almiron, 37, and Dahiana Madrid, 36, nursing coordinator Mariano Perroni, 40, and medical coordinator Nancy Forlini, 52,

Over two weeks from Monday, they will appear one by one before prosecutors, accompanied by defence lawyers, to reply to the allegations against them.

The hearings, postponed from last month due to a spike in Coronavirus cases in Argentina, will end with Luque, 39, on June 28.

A judge will then decide whether the matter should go to trial in a process expected to last months, even years.

All seven accused are prohibited from leaving the country, and risk between eight and 25 years in prison if convicted.

Luque has repeatedly defended his actions, saying "I did my best. I offered Diego everything I could: some things he accepted, others not."

The doctor is seeking a dismissal of the case and says Maradona had been depressed in his final days.

"I know that the (coronavirus) quarantine hit him very hard," Luque has said.

Maradona had battled cocaine and alcohol addictions during his life.

The former Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli star was suffering from liver, kidney and cardiovascular disorders when he died.

Maradona is an idol to millions of Argentines after he inspired the South American country to only their second World Cup triumph in 1986.

His death shocked fans around the world, and tens of thousands queued to file past his coffin, draped in the Argentine flag, at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires amid three days of national mourning.

Diego Maradona's physician and six other caregivers accused of neglecting the football icon in his final days will be questioned by Argentine prosecutors from Monday.

Diego Maradona's physician and six other caregivers accused of neglecting the football icon in his final days will be questioned by Argentine prosecutors from Monday. The seven were placed under investigation for manslaughter after a board of experts looking into Maradona's death found he had received inadequate care and was abandoned to his fate for a "prolonged, agonizing period". The football legend died of a heart attack last November at the age of 60, just weeks after undergoing brain surgery for a blood clot. An investigation was opened following a complaint filed by two of Maradona's five children against neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, whom they blame for their father's deteriorating condition after the operation. A panel of 20 medical experts convened by Argentina's public prosecutor said last month that Maradona's treatment was rife with "deficiencies and irregularities" and the medical team had left his survival "to fate". The panel concluded he "would have had a better chance of survival" with adequate treatment in an appropriate medical facility. Instead, he died in his bed in a rented house in an exclusive Buenos Aires neighbourhood, where he was receiving home care. "I did my best" The others under investigation are Maradona's psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, 35, psychologist Carlos Diaz, 29, nurses Ricardo Almiron, 37, and Dahiana Madrid, 36, nursing coordinator Mariano Perroni, 40, and medical coordinator Nancy Forlini, 52, Over two weeks from Monday, they will appear one by one before prosecutors, accompanied by defence lawyers, to reply to the allegations against them. The hearings, postponed from last month due to a spike in Coronavirus cases in Argentina, will end with Luque, 39, on June 28. A judge will then decide whether the matter should go to trial in a process expected to last months, even years. All seven accused are prohibited from leaving the country, and risk between eight and 25 years in prison if convicted. Luque has repeatedly defended his actions, saying "I did my best. I offered Diego everything I could: some things he accepted, others not." The doctor is seeking a dismissal of the case and says Maradona had been depressed in his final days. "I know that the (coronavirus) quarantine hit him very hard," Luque has said. Maradona had battled cocaine and alcohol addictions during his life. The former Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli star was suffering from liver, kidney and cardiovascular disorders when he died. Maradona is an idol to millions of Argentines after he inspired the South American country to only their second World Cup triumph in 1986. His death shocked fans around the world, and tens of thousands queued to file past his coffin, draped in the Argentine flag, at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires amid three days of national mourning.

Diego Maradona's doctor, six others, to be questioned in his death

At least 12 people were killed on Saturday in an explosion near a petrol station in the Yemeni city of Marib which members of the Saudi-backed government blamed on a missile strike by Houthi forces. 
 
A medical source said dozens of people, many of them badly burned, had been taken to Marib General Hospital and 12 of them had died of their injuries, including five children. 
 
"The rest are receiving treatment and we expect the number of victims to rise," the source added. 
 
Confirming the explosion, the Marib Governorate blamed the incident on a missile fired by the Houthi militia fighting a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen's civil war. It said on Facebook that 14 people had been killed. 
 
The health and information ministers in the internationally recognised Yemeni government also blamed Houthis for the attack. 
 
"More than 17 killed and injured, including this child burned by Houthi Rocket (attack) on Marib city today," Health Minister Qasem Buhaibeh wrote on Twitter alongside a picture of a burned figure. 
 
The Houthi forces could not be reached for comment. 
 
The Marib region is the last northern stronghold of the Saudi-backed government, which has been at war against the Iran-aligned Houthi forces since 2014. 
 
A Marib resident said the explosion was near a fuel station in the Shabwani market on the outskirts of Marib. 
 
"The fire broke out while many people were there and there was a large number of casualties. Ambulances and firefighters came and many of the injured were taken to hospital," the resident said. 
 
Saudi state TV El-Ekbarayia quoted the Yemeni army as saying Houthis had "targeted civilians in Marib with a ballistic missile and a drone." Yemen's information minister, Moammar al-Eryani, made similar accusations and put the death toll at 17. 
 
Fighting over Marib and its vast gas fields has killed thousands of fighters from both sides and threatened years of peace efforts. 
 
The United States has accused the Houthis of worsening Yemen's humanitarian crisis by attacking Marib. 
 
The civil war, which has been in a military stalemate for years, has killed tens of thousands of people and pushed Yemen to the brink of famine. The Houthis say they are fighting a corrupt system and foreign aggression. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

At least 12 people were killed on Saturday in an explosion near a petrol station in the Yemeni city of Marib which members of the Saudi-backed government blamed on a missile strike by Houthi forces.

At least 12 people were killed on Saturday in an explosion near a petrol station in the Yemeni city of Marib which members of the Saudi-backed government blamed on a missile strike by Houthi forces. A medical source said dozens of people, many of them badly burned, had been taken to Marib General Hospital and 12 of them had died of their injuries, including five children. "The rest are receiving treatment and we expect the number of victims to rise," the source added. Confirming the explosion, the Marib Governorate blamed the incident on a missile fired by the Houthi militia fighting a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen's civil war. It said on Facebook that 14 people had been killed. The health and information ministers in the internationally recognised Yemeni government also blamed Houthis for the attack. "More than 17 killed and injured, including this child burned by Houthi Rocket (attack) on Marib city today," Health Minister Qasem Buhaibeh wrote on Twitter alongside a picture of a burned figure. The Houthi forces could not be reached for comment. The Marib region is the last northern stronghold of the Saudi-backed government, which has been at war against the Iran-aligned Houthi forces since 2014. A Marib resident said the explosion was near a fuel station in the Shabwani market on the outskirts of Marib. "The fire broke out while many people were there and there was a large number of casualties. Ambulances and firefighters came and many of the injured were taken to hospital," the resident said. Saudi state TV El-Ekbarayia quoted the Yemeni army as saying Houthis had "targeted civilians in Marib with a ballistic missile and a drone." Yemen's information minister, Moammar al-Eryani, made similar accusations and put the death toll at 17. Fighting over Marib and its vast gas fields has killed thousands of fighters from both sides and threatened years of peace efforts. The United States has accused the Houthis of worsening Yemen's humanitarian crisis by attacking Marib. The civil war, which has been in a military stalemate for years, has killed tens of thousands of people and pushed Yemen to the brink of famine. The Houthis say they are fighting a corrupt system and foreign aggression. (With inputs from agencies)

Explosion in Yemeni city of Marib kills at least 12, death toll may rise

At least 14 people have died and over 240,000 affected in flash floods and mudslides triggered by heavy rains in Sri Lanka, officials said on Sunday.

Rains have been pounding several districts of the island nation since Thursday night, and many houses, paddy fields and roads have been inundated, blocking traffic.

The National Disaster Management Centre chief, Maj Gen Sudantha Ranasinghe, said 245,212 people belonging to 60,674 families in 10 districts have been affected due to adverse weather conditions.

"Over 3500 families are housed in relief camps," he said, adding that 72 relief camps have been set up to accommodate over 15,000 people displaced from these families.

The deaths have been reported from Gampaha (2), Ratnapura (3), Colombo (1), Puttalam (1), Kalutara (1), Kegalle (5) and Galle (1), officials said.

While 10 people died in floods, four lost their lives in mudslides, they said. The torrential monsoon rains left several districts under water, including Kalutara, Gampaha, Colombo, Ratnapura and Kegalle.

More rains are expected in the coming days, the Meteorology Department said. The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued landslide warnings for six of the 25 administrative districts.

At least 14 people have died and over 240,000 affected in flash floods and mudslides triggered by heavy rains in Sri Lanka, officials said on Sunday. Rains have been pounding several districts of the island nation since Thursday night, and many houses, paddy fields and roads have been inundated, blocking traffic.

At least 14 people have died and over 240,000 affected in flash floods and mudslides triggered by heavy rains in Sri Lanka, officials said on Sunday. Rains have been pounding several districts of the island nation since Thursday night, and many houses, paddy fields and roads have been inundated, blocking traffic. The National Disaster Management Centre chief, Maj Gen Sudantha Ranasinghe, said 245,212 people belonging to 60,674 families in 10 districts have been affected due to adverse weather conditions. "Over 3500 families are housed in relief camps," he said, adding that 72 relief camps have been set up to accommodate over 15,000 people displaced from these families. The deaths have been reported from Gampaha (2), Ratnapura (3), Colombo (1), Puttalam (1), Kalutara (1), Kegalle (5) and Galle (1), officials said. While 10 people died in floods, four lost their lives in mudslides, they said. The torrential monsoon rains left several districts under water, including Kalutara, Gampaha, Colombo, Ratnapura and Kegalle. More rains are expected in the coming days, the Meteorology Department said. The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued landslide warnings for six of the 25 administrative districts.

14 die as heavy rains lash Sri Lanka

Nine people have drowned after their overloaded jeep fell into the Yarkhoon River in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to a media report on Monday. The accident occurred on the Onauch Suspension Bridge, near Yarkhoon Valley, on Sunday, the Dawn newspaper reported.

The jeep began its journey with 11 people aboard, including the driver, from Chitral city to the Yarkhoon Valley.

Assistant Commissioner, Mastuj tehsil, Shah Adnan told the newspaper that the vehicle was overloaded with cargo tied to the roof, which could have caused the vehicle to lose balance on the bridge and break through its railing.

Of the 11 travellers in total, 10 persons died, while one managed to swim to safety. Rescue teams are trying to retrieve the bodies from the sunk vehicle.

Nine people have drowned after their overloaded jeep fell into the Yarkhoon River in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to a media report on Monday. The accident occurred on the Onauch Suspension Bridge, near Yarkhoon Valley, on Sunday, the Dawn newspaper reported.

Nine people have drowned after their overloaded jeep fell into the Yarkhoon River in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to a media report on Monday. The accident occurred on the Onauch Suspension Bridge, near Yarkhoon Valley, on Sunday, the Dawn newspaper reported. The jeep began its journey with 11 people aboard, including the driver, from Chitral city to the Yarkhoon Valley. Assistant Commissioner, Mastuj tehsil, Shah Adnan told the newspaper that the vehicle was overloaded with cargo tied to the roof, which could have caused the vehicle to lose balance on the bridge and break through its railing. Of the 11 travellers in total, 10 persons died, while one managed to swim to safety. Rescue teams are trying to retrieve the bodies from the sunk vehicle.

Nine die after overloaded jeep plunges into river in Pakistan

An employee opened fire on Wednesday at a California rail yard serving Silicon Valley, killing eight people. The gunman was also dead, authorities said.

The suspect was an employee of the Valley Transportation Authority, which provides bus, light rail and other transit services throughout Santa Clara County, the largest county in the Bay Area, Santa Clara County sheriff’s authorities said.

Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith said it was “undetermined” how the shooter died.

The attacker was identified as Sam Cassidy, according to two law enforcement officials.

The shooting took place around 6:30 a.m. at a light rail facility in San Jose next door to the sheriff’s department and across a freeway from the airport. The facility is a transit control centre that stores trains and has a maintenance yard.

Sheriff's spokesman Deputy Russell Davis said the attack resulted in “multiple major injuries.” He did not know the type of weapon used or whether the gunfire happened indoors or outdoors. He said the victims included VTA employees. Authorities did not release any of the victims' names.

“These folks were heroes during COVID 19, the buses never stopped running, VTA didn’t stop running. They just kept at work, and now we’re calling on them to be heroes a second time to survive such a terrible, tragedy,” Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez.

Police vehicles and orange crime-scene tape blocked off the area where the shooting happened, and reporters were kept at a distance The rail yard is in the city’s administrative neighbourhood, near the sheriff's office and city and county offices.

Bomb squads were searching the rail complex after receiving information about possible explosive devices inside the building, Davis said.

VTA trains were already out on morning runs when the shooting occurred. Light rail service was to be suspended at noon and replaced with bus bridges, agency Chairman Glenn Hendricks told a news conference.

“It’s just very difficult for everyone to be able to try to wrap their heads around and understand what has happened,” Hendricks said.

Two patients were transported to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, according to spokesperson Joy Alexiou. One person was pronounced dead upon arrival, and the other was in critical condition.

Outside the scene, Michael Hawkins told The Mercury News that he was waiting for his mother, Rochelle Hawkins, who had called him from a co-worker’s phone to assure him that she was safe.

When the shooting started, “she got down with the rest of her coworkers” and dropped her cellphone, Michael Hawkins told the newspaper. Rochelle Hawkins did not see the shooter, and she was not sure how close she had been to the attacker, her son said.

The attack was the county’s second shooting in less than two years. A gunman killed three people before killing himself at a popular garlic festival in Gilroy in July 2019.

At a news conference, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo lamented the “horrific day for our city.” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a tweet that his office was “in close contact with local law enforcement and monitoring this situation closely.”

Agents from the FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were responding to the crime scene, officials said.

An employee opened fire on Wednesday at a California rail yard serving Silicon Valley, killing eight people. The gunman was also dead, authorities said. The suspect was an employee of the Valley Transportation Authority, which provides bus, light rail and other transit services throughout Santa Clara County, the largest county in the Bay Area, Santa Clara County sheriff’s authorities said.

An employee opened fire on Wednesday at a California rail yard serving Silicon Valley, killing eight people. The gunman was also dead, authorities said. The suspect was an employee of the Valley Transportation Authority, which provides bus, light rail and other transit services throughout Santa Clara County, the largest county in the Bay Area, Santa Clara County sheriff’s authorities said. Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith said it was “undetermined” how the shooter died. The attacker was identified as Sam Cassidy, according to two law enforcement officials. The shooting took place around 6:30 a.m. at a light rail facility in San Jose next door to the sheriff’s department and across a freeway from the airport. The facility is a transit control centre that stores trains and has a maintenance yard. Sheriff's spokesman Deputy Russell Davis said the attack resulted in “multiple major injuries.” He did not know the type of weapon used or whether the gunfire happened indoors or outdoors. He said the victims included VTA employees. Authorities did not release any of the victims' names. “These folks were heroes during COVID 19, the buses never stopped running, VTA didn’t stop running. They just kept at work, and now we’re calling on them to be heroes a second time to survive such a terrible, tragedy,” Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez. Police vehicles and orange crime-scene tape blocked off the area where the shooting happened, and reporters were kept at a distance The rail yard is in the city’s administrative neighbourhood, near the sheriff's office and city and county offices. Bomb squads were searching the rail complex after receiving information about possible explosive devices inside the building, Davis said. VTA trains were already out on morning runs when the shooting occurred. Light rail service was to be suspended at noon and replaced with bus bridges, agency Chairman Glenn Hendricks told a news conference. “It’s just very difficult for everyone to be able to try to wrap their heads around and understand what has happened,” Hendricks said. Two patients were transported to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, according to spokesperson Joy Alexiou. One person was pronounced dead upon arrival, and the other was in critical condition. Outside the scene, Michael Hawkins told The Mercury News that he was waiting for his mother, Rochelle Hawkins, who had called him from a co-worker’s phone to assure him that she was safe. When the shooting started, “she got down with the rest of her coworkers” and dropped her cellphone, Michael Hawkins told the newspaper. Rochelle Hawkins did not see the shooter, and she was not sure how close she had been to the attacker, her son said. The attack was the county’s second shooting in less than two years. A gunman killed three people before killing himself at a popular garlic festival in Gilroy in July 2019. At a news conference, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo lamented the “horrific day for our city.” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a tweet that his office was “in close contact with local law enforcement and monitoring this situation closely.” Agents from the FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were responding to the crime scene, officials said.

California rail yard shooting: Employee opens fire, kills eight, suspect dead

A county in South Carolina agreed Tuesday to pay $10 million to the family of a Black man who died in January after sheriff’s deputies used pepper spray and Tasers on him in a jail cell as he told them, “I can’t breathe,” officials said.

In a unanimous vote, the Charleston County Council approved the settlement in the death of Jamal Sutherland, 31, who had been taken from a mental health facility to the county jail at the time.

His death on Jan. 5 has drawn protests and comparisons to the killing of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis.

The settlement came as many Americans paused Tuesday to remember Floyd one year after his death, which became a catalyst for a nationwide reckoning on police brutality and systemic racism.

It followed the firing May 17 of the two deputies involved in Sutherland’s death, an encounter that was shown in graphic video footage that was released this month by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. One of the deputies placed a knee on Sutherland’s back.

Before the settlement was approved, the county and the Sutherland family had been engaged in mediation talks in an effort to avoid formal litigation, the television station WCSC reported. The council’s finance committee earlier recommended that the full council approve a $10 million settlement, according to local news media outlets.

Councilman Teddie E. Pryor Sr. said during the meeting that he had promised the Sutherland family that he would look into what reforms to public safety could be enacted.

“This should never happen to anyone ever again,” Pryor said. “Ever.”

A lawyer for Sutherland’s family did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday night.

The payout adds to a list of eight-figure settlements in several high-profile killings of Black people involving law enforcement officers. In March, Floyd’s family reached a $27 million settlement with the City of Minneapolis. This month, officials in Columbus, Ohio, agreed to pay $10 million to the family of Andre Hill, a Black man who was fatally shot by a police officer in a garage in December.

C. Brantley Moody, a member of the Charleston County Council, said during the group’s meeting Tuesday that he had grappled with whether to support the settlement. He acknowledged that “globally, this race to the courthouse” troubled him.

“What was done was a terrible injustice,” Moody said. “But how do you settle it? I don’t know what the answer is.”

The local prosecutor is expected to decide in June whether the deputies, Sgt. Lindsay Fickett and Detention Deputy Brian Houle, will face criminal charges in Sutherland’s death. The prosecutor, Scarlett A. Wilson, the 9th Circuit solicitor, said this month that she was reviewing the results of an investigation into the deputies’ actions conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

Fickett and Houle had been placed on administrative leave before their firing was announced May 17 on Twitter by Kristin Graziano, the Charleston County sheriff.

The deputies had been trying to remove Sutherland from a cell at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center, the county jail, to take him to court for a bond hearing Jan. 5 when the deadly encounter took place.

In the video footage released by the sheriff, the deputies were seen using pepper spray in Sutherland’s cell two times before firing Tasers at him. Sutherland had been hit with the Taser six to eight times, Houle later said in the video.

The video showed Sutherland writhing on the ground before he eventually lost consciousness. Soon after, he was declared dead, with a pathologist ruling that the manner of his death was “undetermined.” The pathologist stated that Sutherland had died “as a result of excited state with pharmacotherapeutic effect during subdual process.”

Officials would not discuss the autopsy results further and said that the post-mortem examination report would not be released because it was not a public document.

Sutherland was taken to the jail from a mental health facility, Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health, where he had been arrested Jan. 4 after a fight broke out. Workers at the mental health center told responding officers that Sutherland had assaulted a staff member. He and another patient were charged with third-degree assault and battery, according to The Post and Courier of Charleston.

On the day of his arrest, a video showed Sutherland in distress. He screamed “Let go of me” at officers and spoke of conspiracies, including references to the Illuminati, groups — real and fictitious — dating back centuries and said to have special knowledge.

A county in South Carolina agreed Tuesday to pay $10 million to the family of a Black man who died in January after sheriff’s deputies used pepper spray and Tasers on him in a jail cell as he told them, “I can’t breathe,” officials said.

A county in South Carolina agreed Tuesday to pay $10 million to the family of a Black man who died in January after sheriff’s deputies used pepper spray and Tasers on him in a jail cell as he told them, “I can’t breathe,” officials said. In a unanimous vote, the Charleston County Council approved the settlement in the death of Jamal Sutherland, 31, who had been taken from a mental health facility to the county jail at the time. His death on Jan. 5 has drawn protests and comparisons to the killing of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis. The settlement came as many Americans paused Tuesday to remember Floyd one year after his death, which became a catalyst for a nationwide reckoning on police brutality and systemic racism. It followed the firing May 17 of the two deputies involved in Sutherland’s death, an encounter that was shown in graphic video footage that was released this month by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. One of the deputies placed a knee on Sutherland’s back. Before the settlement was approved, the county and the Sutherland family had been engaged in mediation talks in an effort to avoid formal litigation, the television station WCSC reported. The council’s finance committee earlier recommended that the full council approve a $10 million settlement, according to local news media outlets. Councilman Teddie E. Pryor Sr. said during the meeting that he had promised the Sutherland family that he would look into what reforms to public safety could be enacted. “This should never happen to anyone ever again,” Pryor said. “Ever.” A lawyer for Sutherland’s family did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday night. The payout adds to a list of eight-figure settlements in several high-profile killings of Black people involving law enforcement officers. In March, Floyd’s family reached a $27 million settlement with the City of Minneapolis. This month, officials in Columbus, Ohio, agreed to pay $10 million to the family of Andre Hill, a Black man who was fatally shot by a police officer in a garage in December. C. Brantley Moody, a member of the Charleston County Council, said during the group’s meeting Tuesday that he had grappled with whether to support the settlement. He acknowledged that “globally, this race to the courthouse” troubled him. “What was done was a terrible injustice,” Moody said. “But how do you settle it? I don’t know what the answer is.” The local prosecutor is expected to decide in June whether the deputies, Sgt. Lindsay Fickett and Detention Deputy Brian Houle, will face criminal charges in Sutherland’s death. The prosecutor, Scarlett A. Wilson, the 9th Circuit solicitor, said this month that she was reviewing the results of an investigation into the deputies’ actions conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Fickett and Houle had been placed on administrative leave before their firing was announced May 17 on Twitter by Kristin Graziano, the Charleston County sheriff. The deputies had been trying to remove Sutherland from a cell at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center, the county jail, to take him to court for a bond hearing Jan. 5 when the deadly encounter took place. In the video footage released by the sheriff, the deputies were seen using pepper spray in Sutherland’s cell two times before firing Tasers at him. Sutherland had been hit with the Taser six to eight times, Houle later said in the video. The video showed Sutherland writhing on the ground before he eventually lost consciousness. Soon after, he was declared dead, with a pathologist ruling that the manner of his death was “undetermined.” The pathologist stated that Sutherland had died “as a result of excited state with pharmacotherapeutic effect during subdual process.” Officials would not discuss the autopsy results further and said that the post-mortem examination report would not be released because it was not a public document. Sutherland was taken to the jail from a mental health facility, Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health, where he had been arrested Jan. 4 after a fight broke out. Workers at the mental health center told responding officers that Sutherland had assaulted a staff member. He and another patient were charged with third-degree assault and battery, according to The Post and Courier of Charleston. On the day of his arrest, a video showed Sutherland in distress. He screamed “Let go of me” at officers and spoke of conspiracies, including references to the Illuminati, groups — real and fictitious — dating back centuries and said to have special knowledge.

County reaches $10 million settlement in jailed Black man’s death

A volcanic eruption in eastern Congo left a smoking trail of destruction half a mile wide on Sunday that buried hundreds of houses and left residents searching for missing loved ones, before halting just short of the city of Goma.&nbsp;

Goma was thrown into panic on Saturday evening as Mount Nyiragongo, one of the world's most active and dangerous volcanoes, erupted, turning the night sky an eerie red and sending a wall of orange lava downhill towards the lakeside city of about two million people.&nbsp;

Fifteen were killed, including nine in a traffic accident as residents fled, four, who tried to escape Munzenze prison in Goma and two, who were burned to death, government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said in a statement.&nbsp;

That figure will likely rise considerably. A reporter saw two people getting killed by the initial eruption in a village north of Goma, and witnesses spoke of dead and missing relatives.&nbsp;

Haunted by memories of an eruption in 2002 that killed 250 people and left 120,000 homeless, residents fled on foot with their belongings, some towards the nearby border with Rwanda.&nbsp;

The International Federation of Red Cross said that between 3,000 and 5,000 fled into Rwanda on Saturday, many of them peasants and farmers with livestock. Some began returning on Sunday.&nbsp;

The eruption was caused when fractures opened in the volcano's side, causing lava flows in various directions.&nbsp;

As the sun rose on Sunday a smouldering black gash about half a mile wide could be seen on the outskirts of Goma, where the lava had cooled to rubble.&nbsp;

At some points it was three-storey high, engulfing even large buildings and sending smoke into the grey morning sky.&nbsp;

Residents in the Buhene district sorted through the mangled white remains of tin roofs or lifted rocks - tiny individual efforts in what will likely be a months-long campaign to restore the zone.&nbsp;

Elsewhere, groups of people posed for photos on the steaming lava.&nbsp;

In all, seventeen villages were hit, Muyaya said, and three health centres, a primary school and a water pipeline were destroyed.&nbsp;

Lava crossed a main road running north from Goma, severing a key aid and supply route, and the city's principle supply of electricity, delivered along a line run by the Congolese Water and Electricity Distribution Company, was cut.&nbsp;

A government delegation has been dispatched to Goma to help in the response, he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A volcanic eruption in eastern Congo left a smoking trail of destruction half a mile wide on Sunday that buried hundreds of houses and left residents searching for missing loved ones, before halting just short of the city of Goma.

A volcanic eruption in eastern Congo left a smoking trail of destruction half a mile wide on Sunday that buried hundreds of houses and left residents searching for missing loved ones, before halting just short of the city of Goma. Goma was thrown into panic on Saturday evening as Mount Nyiragongo, one of the world's most active and dangerous volcanoes, erupted, turning the night sky an eerie red and sending a wall of orange lava downhill towards the lakeside city of about two million people. Fifteen were killed, including nine in a traffic accident as residents fled, four, who tried to escape Munzenze prison in Goma and two, who were burned to death, government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said in a statement. That figure will likely rise considerably. A reporter saw two people getting killed by the initial eruption in a village north of Goma, and witnesses spoke of dead and missing relatives. Haunted by memories of an eruption in 2002 that killed 250 people and left 120,000 homeless, residents fled on foot with their belongings, some towards the nearby border with Rwanda. The International Federation of Red Cross said that between 3,000 and 5,000 fled into Rwanda on Saturday, many of them peasants and farmers with livestock. Some began returning on Sunday. The eruption was caused when fractures opened in the volcano's side, causing lava flows in various directions. As the sun rose on Sunday a smouldering black gash about half a mile wide could be seen on the outskirts of Goma, where the lava had cooled to rubble. At some points it was three-storey high, engulfing even large buildings and sending smoke into the grey morning sky. Residents in the Buhene district sorted through the mangled white remains of tin roofs or lifted rocks - tiny individual efforts in what will likely be a months-long campaign to restore the zone. Elsewhere, groups of people posed for photos on the steaming lava. In all, seventeen villages were hit, Muyaya said, and three health centres, a primary school and a water pipeline were destroyed. Lava crossed a main road running north from Goma, severing a key aid and supply route, and the city's principle supply of electricity, delivered along a line run by the Congolese Water and Electricity Distribution Company, was cut. A government delegation has been dispatched to Goma to help in the response, he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Congo volcano leaves death and smoking wreckage, but major city spared 

&nbsp;Russia's state statistical service says the number of deaths nationwide in the first three months of 2021 was more than 25% higher than the same period a year ago, and it reported thousands more deaths due to COVID-19 in March than tallied by the country's coronavirus task force.

More than 583,000 people died in January-March of this year, compared with 460,000 for those months in 2020, the Rosstat agency said in a report issued Friday.

The agency did not provide an explanation for the sharply higher death toll, but critics have suggested that Russia underplays the severity of the pandemic in the country.

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The national coronavirus task force counted more than 12,300 deaths from COVID-19 in March, but Rosstat gave a substantially higher number.

The agency said there were 15,003 deaths that month in which the coronavirus was the leading cause, along with 2,454 cases in which COVID-19 was believed to be the leading cause and 1,401 deaths in which COVID-19 influenced the development of other diseases and accelerated death.

According to the task force, throughout the pandemic 110,502 people have died in Russia of COVID-19 as of Saturday&nbsp;392 of them in the past day. The country has recorded more than 4.8 million confirmed cases.

Although Russia has boasted of being the first country to authorise a coronavirus vaccine, the pace of its vaccination program is lagging well behind many other countries.

Only about 8% of residents have gotten at least one shot, while 5% have been fully vaccinated. That puts Russia far behind the United States, where 43% of the population has gotten at least one shot, and the European Union with nearly 27%.

Russia's state statistical service says the number of deaths nationwide in the first three months of 2021 was more than 25% higher than the same period a year ago, and it reported thousands more deaths due to COVID-19 in March than tallied by the country's coronavirus task force.

Russia's state statistical service says the number of deaths nationwide in the first three months of 2021 was more than 25% higher than the same period a year ago, and it reported thousands more deaths due to COVID-19 in March than tallied by the country's coronavirus task force. More than 583,000 people died in January-March of this year, compared with 460,000 for those months in 2020, the Rosstat agency said in a report issued Friday. The agency did not provide an explanation for the sharply higher death toll, but critics have suggested that Russia underplays the severity of the pandemic in the country. Also read: Worldwide COVID-19 situation continues to deteriorate; death toll tops 3.18 million The national coronavirus task force counted more than 12,300 deaths from COVID-19 in March, but Rosstat gave a substantially higher number. The agency said there were 15,003 deaths that month in which the coronavirus was the leading cause, along with 2,454 cases in which COVID-19 was believed to be the leading cause and 1,401 deaths in which COVID-19 influenced the development of other diseases and accelerated death. According to the task force, throughout the pandemic 110,502 people have died in Russia of COVID-19 as of Saturday 392 of them in the past day. The country has recorded more than 4.8 million confirmed cases. Although Russia has boasted of being the first country to authorise a coronavirus vaccine, the pace of its vaccination program is lagging well behind many other countries. Only about 8% of residents have gotten at least one shot, while 5% have been fully vaccinated. That puts Russia far behind the United States, where 43% of the population has gotten at least one shot, and the European Union with nearly 27%.

Virus-hit Russia reports 25% death increase in January-March

Spanish Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said on Monday she had received a knife covered in red stains by post, days after senior security officials and a left-wing party leader were sent death threats.

The ministry released a photo showing a small, wood-handled folding knife with a series of red stains running up the blade.

"This is serious...We should be concerned as I'm not a controversial person," said Maroto, a socialist who has served as minister of industry, trade and tourism since 2018.

Also read:<a href="Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic">&nbsp;Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic</a>

"It gives us more strength to defend democracy... Hatred and threats will not silence us," she told reporters outside the house of parliament.

Police are investigating the package, which arrived at the ministry on Friday and included a return address, she added.

The Spanish government is led by the Socialist Party (PSOE), with the far-left Unidas Podemos as its junior coalition partner.

But a chorus of voices from across the political spectrum - including the far-right Vox party - condemned the threats.

Last week, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Pablo Iglesias of Unidas Podemos, and Maria Gamez, who heads the Guardia Civil police force, also received death threats in the mail.

Without suggesting who might be behind the letters, Marlaska on Monday blamed a culture of political polarisation for allowing hate speech to flourish.

"We have a certain anti-democratic political discourse that we must confront forcefully," he told La Sexta television.

He linked the threats to the recent vandalism of a feminist mural in Madrid and the defacement of a statue of former socialist Prime Minister Francisco Largo-Caballero.

"All this generates a belief that it is OK to discriminate... against certain groups," he said.

Tension between right and left has ratcheted up in recent weeks ahead of a regional election in Madrid, where conservative incumbent Isabel Diaz Ayuso is running with the slogan "Communism or Freedom".

Iglesias, who is standing against her for Unidas Podemos, walked out of a debate on Friday after Rocio Monasterio, his opponent from Vox, questioned whether the threats were real.

He had earlier posted the letter on Twitter alongside a photo of four bullets he said came in the envelope. 
"Your wife, your parents and you are sentenced to capital punishment, your time is running out," the letter read.

Spanish Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said on Monday she had received a knife covered in red stains by post, days after senior security officials and a left-wing party leader were sent death threats.

Spanish Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said on Monday she had received a knife covered in red stains by post, days after senior security officials and a left-wing party leader were sent death threats. The ministry released a photo showing a small, wood-handled folding knife with a series of red stains running up the blade. "This is serious...We should be concerned as I'm not a controversial person," said Maroto, a socialist who has served as minister of industry, trade and tourism since 2018. Also read: Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic "It gives us more strength to defend democracy... Hatred and threats will not silence us," she told reporters outside the house of parliament. Police are investigating the package, which arrived at the ministry on Friday and included a return address, she added. The Spanish government is led by the Socialist Party (PSOE), with the far-left Unidas Podemos as its junior coalition partner. But a chorus of voices from across the political spectrum - including the far-right Vox party - condemned the threats. Last week, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Pablo Iglesias of Unidas Podemos, and Maria Gamez, who heads the Guardia Civil police force, also received death threats in the mail. Without suggesting who might be behind the letters, Marlaska on Monday blamed a culture of political polarisation for allowing hate speech to flourish. "We have a certain anti-democratic political discourse that we must confront forcefully," he told La Sexta television. He linked the threats to the recent vandalism of a feminist mural in Madrid and the defacement of a statue of former socialist Prime Minister Francisco Largo-Caballero. "All this generates a belief that it is OK to discriminate... against certain groups," he said. Tension between right and left has ratcheted up in recent weeks ahead of a regional election in Madrid, where conservative incumbent Isabel Diaz Ayuso is running with the slogan "Communism or Freedom". Iglesias, who is standing against her for Unidas Podemos, walked out of a debate on Friday after Rocio Monasterio, his opponent from Vox, questioned whether the threats were real. He had earlier posted the letter on Twitter alongside a photo of four bullets he said came in the envelope. "Your wife, your parents and you are sentenced to capital punishment, your time is running out," the letter read.

Spanish Tourism Minister gets knife in post

Greek prosecutors have opened an investigation into reported death threats against a journalist two weeks after another reporter was shot dead, legal sources said Sunday.

Kostas Vaxevanis, the owner of a weekly newspaper and website, reported the threats two weeks after Giorgos Karaivaz was shot dead outside his home in the southern Athens district of Alimos.

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Vaxevanis, in a message posted to his Facebook page Sunday and on the front page of his weekly Documento, said two people had warned him in recent weeks that there was a price on his head.

Michalis Chryssochoidis, the minister for public order, said Saturday that security had been stepped up for Vaxevanis.

The journalist has specialised in covering corruption cases and built his reputation on his reports filed at the height of the Greek financial crisis in 2012.

After he published part of a list of 2,000 people purportedly under investigation for corruption, he was briefly arrested and threatened with prosecution for the illegal publication of public data. An Athens court cleared him a year later.

Greek prosecutors have opened an investigation into reported death threats against a journalist two weeks after another reporter was shot dead, legal sources said Sunday.

Greek prosecutors have opened an investigation into reported death threats against a journalist two weeks after another reporter was shot dead, legal sources said Sunday. Kostas Vaxevanis, the owner of a weekly newspaper and website, reported the threats two weeks after Giorgos Karaivaz was shot dead outside his home in the southern Athens district of Alimos. Also read | 'Was stripped naked, tortured at Imran Khan's party office': Pakistani Journalist Vaxevanis, in a message posted to his Facebook page Sunday and on the front page of his weekly Documento, said two people had warned him in recent weeks that there was a price on his head. Michalis Chryssochoidis, the minister for public order, said Saturday that security had been stepped up for Vaxevanis. The journalist has specialised in covering corruption cases and built his reputation on his reports filed at the height of the Greek financial crisis in 2012. After he published part of a list of 2,000 people purportedly under investigation for corruption, he was briefly arrested and threatened with prosecution for the illegal publication of public data. An Athens court cleared him a year later.

Greek prosecutors probe 'death threats' against journalist

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has described the death of her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, as having left a ‘huge void in her life', their son Prince Andrew said on Sunday.&nbsp;

As he left a memorial service for his late father, the Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away aged 99 on Friday, Prince Andrew said his passing was a 'terrible loss' and the family was grateful for all the messages of support and condolence.&nbsp;

"It's a great loss. We've lost almost the grandfather of the nation," Prince Andrew, also the Duke of York, told reporters.&nbsp;

"I feel very sorry and supportive of my mother, who's feeling it more than everybody else. The Queen, as you would expect, is an incredibly stoic person and she described his passing as a miracle, and she's contemplating. She described it as having left a huge void in her life. We as a family are rallying around to support her," he said, on being asked about his mother's emotions.&nbsp;

About his late father, he added, "He was a remarkable man. I loved him as a father. He was always somebody you could go to and he would always listen."&nbsp;

Among those at the Sunday service at a chapel in Windsor Great Park was the Queen's youngest son, Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex.&nbsp;

"However, much one tries to prepare oneself for something like this it's still a dreadful shock," said Prince Edward.&nbsp;

"And we're still trying to come to terms with that. And it's very, very sad. But I have to say that the extraordinary tribute and the memories that everybody has had and been willing to share has been so fantastic," he said.&nbsp;

"It just goes to show: he might have been our father, grandfather, father-in-law, but he meant so much to so many other people," he added.&nbsp;

Prince Edward said royal staff would feel a 'very personal' loss following the Duke of Edinburgh's death and his heart goes out to them.&nbsp;

Special services of remembrance are being held across the UK on Sunday as the country observes an official week-long period of national mourning.&nbsp;

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who is also expected to officiate at Prince Philip's funeral next Saturday, led a memorial service at Canterbury Cathedral.&nbsp;

"For the Royal Family as for every other, no words can reach into the depth of sorrow that goes into bereavement," he said.&nbsp;

In reference to Prince Philip, he said the senior royal as the longest-serving consort to a British monarch had shown 'a remarkable willingness to take the hand he was dealt in life and straightforwardly to follow its call, to search its meaning to go out and on as sent to inquire and think, to trust and to pray'.&nbsp;

Britain's period of national mourning will end after April 17, when Prince Philip's funeral will take place at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has described the death of her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, as having left a ‘huge void in her life', their son Prince Andrew said on Sunday.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has described the death of her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, as having left a ‘huge void in her life', their son Prince Andrew said on Sunday. As he left a memorial service for his late father, the Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away aged 99 on Friday, Prince Andrew said his passing was a 'terrible loss' and the family was grateful for all the messages of support and condolence. "It's a great loss. We've lost almost the grandfather of the nation," Prince Andrew, also the Duke of York, told reporters. "I feel very sorry and supportive of my mother, who's feeling it more than everybody else. The Queen, as you would expect, is an incredibly stoic person and she described his passing as a miracle, and she's contemplating. She described it as having left a huge void in her life. We as a family are rallying around to support her," he said, on being asked about his mother's emotions. About his late father, he added, "He was a remarkable man. I loved him as a father. He was always somebody you could go to and he would always listen." Among those at the Sunday service at a chapel in Windsor Great Park was the Queen's youngest son, Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex. "However, much one tries to prepare oneself for something like this it's still a dreadful shock," said Prince Edward. "And we're still trying to come to terms with that. And it's very, very sad. But I have to say that the extraordinary tribute and the memories that everybody has had and been willing to share has been so fantastic," he said. "It just goes to show: he might have been our father, grandfather, father-in-law, but he meant so much to so many other people," he added. Prince Edward said royal staff would feel a 'very personal' loss following the Duke of Edinburgh's death and his heart goes out to them. Special services of remembrance are being held across the UK on Sunday as the country observes an official week-long period of national mourning. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who is also expected to officiate at Prince Philip's funeral next Saturday, led a memorial service at Canterbury Cathedral. "For the Royal Family as for every other, no words can reach into the depth of sorrow that goes into bereavement," he said. In reference to Prince Philip, he said the senior royal as the longest-serving consort to a British monarch had shown 'a remarkable willingness to take the hand he was dealt in life and straightforwardly to follow its call, to search its meaning to go out and on as sent to inquire and think, to trust and to pray'. Britain's period of national mourning will end after April 17, when Prince Philip's funeral will take place at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. (With inputs from agencies)

Prince Philip's death a 'huge void' for Queen: Prince Andrew

Rayshard Brooks,&nbsp;Daniel Prude,&nbsp;Breonna&nbsp;Taylor,&nbsp;Atatiana&nbsp;Jefferson,&nbsp;Aura&nbsp;Rosser,&nbsp;Stephon&nbsp;Clark,&nbsp;Botham&nbsp;Jean,&nbsp;Philando&nbsp;Castille,&nbsp;Alton&nbsp;Sterling,&nbsp;Freddie&nbsp;Gray&nbsp;are just a few individuals&nbsp;killed by the&nbsp;American&nbsp;police in the last 7 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There are many more&nbsp;Black Americans,&nbsp;who were either shot,&nbsp;tasered,&nbsp;brutally mauled&nbsp;or asphyxiated.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

What they call,&nbsp;choked to death&nbsp;but none of these killings were enough&nbsp;to shake the collective conscience of the American society&nbsp;or the American judicial system&nbsp;for that matter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It took a convergence of forces for America to wake up,&nbsp;a pandemic,&nbsp;an election year,&nbsp;the highest rate of unemployment&nbsp;and to top it all,&nbsp;the killing of&nbsp;George&nbsp;Floyd&nbsp;in broad daylight.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With every city under lockdown,&nbsp;Americans couldn't look away.&nbsp;They were forced to pay attention.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-mozambique-the-latest-outpost-of-islamic-state-374372">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-mozambique-the-latest-outpost-of-islamic-state-374372/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

George Floyd's killing became a rallying point for racial justice in the United States&nbsp;as the trial in the case officially begins.&nbsp;America is on the edge once again.&nbsp;Every American, irrespective of their&nbsp;colour&nbsp;or background&nbsp;is watching the developments closely&nbsp;because this is far more than the trial of one police officer in the death of one Black&nbsp;American.&nbsp;This is a test of the American society&nbsp;and of the&nbsp;American&nbsp;judicial system.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If they fail this test,&nbsp;the implications will be national.&nbsp;Perhaps even global.&nbsp;America is on trial.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton said, "Make no mistake about it: Chauvin is in the courtroom but&nbsp;America&nbsp;is on trial."&nbsp;

The judicial system is on test.&nbsp;Martin Luther King III, Martin Luther King Jr's son,&nbsp;"This is, this is a test for America, American justice, I believe, because people are beyond fed up.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Derek Chauvin,&nbsp;the officer accused in the murder of George Floyd has been finally put on trial.&nbsp;The case is significant&nbsp;because it is quite uncommon for US police officers to be&nbsp;penalised&nbsp;for using lethal force.&nbsp;

The court proceedings have begun,&nbsp;the opening remarks have been made.&nbsp;The arguments from both sides- reveal just how divided&nbsp;America&nbsp;has become as a society.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Eric Nelson, Derek Chauvin's Defense Attorney, said,&nbsp;"Derek Chauvin did exactly what he had been trained to do over the course of his 19-year career. The use of force is not attractive, but it is a necessary component of policing."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jerry Blackwell, an attorney for the prosecution, said,&nbsp;"You will learn that he [Derek Chauvin] was well aware that Mr. Floyd was unarmed, that Mr. Floyd had not threatened anyone, that Mr. Floyd was in handcuffs, that he was completely in control of the police, he was defenseless.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Eric Nelson, Derek Chauvin's Defense Attorney, said, "The evidence will show that Mr. Floyd died of a Cardiac Arrhythmia that occurred as a result of hypertension, coronary disease, the ingestion of methamphetamine and fentanyl."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jerry Blackwell, Prosecutor, said, "He did not die from an opioid overdose. Why? Because you'll be able to look at the video footage and you see he looks absolutely nothing like a person,&nbsp;who would die from an opioid overdose."&nbsp;&nbsp;

This is the most high-profile case since the 1991 beating of Rodney King Junior.&nbsp;The trial ended with partial justice being delivered.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

All efforts have been made to ensure that this one does not end in a mistrial.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A total of 12 people&nbsp;are&nbsp;sitting on the jury&nbsp;with three alternates.&nbsp;There are six women&nbsp;and nine men.&nbsp;9 of them are white&nbsp;Americans,&nbsp;4 of them are black&nbsp;Americans&nbsp;and 2 jurors are multi-racial.&nbsp;The diversity of the jury&nbsp;is aimed at instilling a sense of legitimacy in the judicial process.&nbsp;

Amy&nbsp;Forliti, AP Reporter, Minneapolis,&nbsp;said, "Their ages range from their 20s to their 60s, and they include a chemist, an auditor, a social worker, a registered nurse who works with covid-19 patients and a grandmother who does volunteer work. The one thing that they all do have in common, though, is that they all said they could put aside their prior opinions and make a decision based on the evidence in the case that's going to be presented at trial."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Outside the court,&nbsp;sentiments are running high.&nbsp;Americans from all backgrounds&nbsp;have assembled near the&nbsp;Minneapolis&nbsp;Courthouse.&nbsp;They say the verdict will serve as justice for all of America.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Luke Arseneau, paraprofessional at a school,&nbsp;said,&nbsp;"I can tell you right now that opioids did not kill George Floyd. Derek Chauvin did."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chaz Neal, business owner&nbsp;said, "This is a trial for, for justice for George Floyd, but the results are going to be affected everywhere."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sabrina Mohammed, student from Minneapolis, said, "I’m honestly just trying to take in as much of the case as&nbsp;I&nbsp;can without getting overwhelmed, because my mental health is deteriorating, unfortunately, as a black, as a black woman in the United States. So&nbsp;I’m&nbsp;just trying to protect myself as well."&nbsp;&nbsp;

1100 miles away from the heart of action&nbsp;in Washington DC,&nbsp;all the developments are being monitored.&nbsp;The White House&nbsp;says&nbsp;US president Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;will be following the trial closely.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary&nbsp;said, "Well, he certainly will be watching closely, as&nbsp;Americans&nbsp;across the country will be watching. you know at the time of George Floyd's death, he talked about this as being an event that really opened up a wound in the American public, and it really brought to light for a lot of people in this country just the kind of racial injustice and inequality that many communities are experiencing every single day."&nbsp;

It's a moment of reckoning for the American society.&nbsp;A chance for the American justice system to prove it can actually work.&nbsp;Because for decades,&nbsp;it has failed black&nbsp;Americans,&nbsp;who have suffered due to police brutality.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The trial of Derek Chauvin is an opportunity for this system to redeem itself.&nbsp;The outcome is anything but certain&nbsp;and the stakes for the entire country are enormous.&nbsp;

Rayshard Brooks, Daniel Prude, Breonna Taylor, Atatiana Jefferson, Aura Rosser, Stephon Clark, Botham Jean, Philando Castille, Alton Sterling, Freddie Gray are just a few individuals killed by the American police in the last 7 years.

Rayshard Brooks, Daniel Prude, Breonna Taylor, Atatiana Jefferson, Aura Rosser, Stephon Clark, Botham Jean, Philando Castille, Alton Sterling, Freddie Gray are just a few individuals killed by the American police in the last 7 years. There are many more Black Americans, who were either shot, tasered, brutally mauled or asphyxiated. What they call, choked to death but none of these killings were enough to shake the collective conscience of the American society or the American judicial system for that matter. It took a convergence of forces for America to wake up, a pandemic, an election year, the highest rate of unemployment and to top it all, the killing of George Floyd in broad daylight. With every city under lockdown, Americans couldn't look away. They were forced to pay attention. Watch | George Floyd's killing became a rallying point for racial justice in the United States as the trial in the case officially begins. America is on the edge once again. Every American, irrespective of their colour or background is watching the developments closely because this is far more than the trial of one police officer in the death of one Black American. This is a test of the American society and of the American judicial system. If they fail this test, the implications will be national. Perhaps even global. America is on trial. Civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton said, "Make no mistake about it: Chauvin is in the courtroom but America is on trial." The judicial system is on test. Martin Luther King III, Martin Luther King Jr's son, "This is, this is a test for America, American justice, I believe, because people are beyond fed up. Derek Chauvin, the officer accused in the murder of George Floyd has been finally put on trial. The case is significant because it is quite uncommon for US police officers to be penalised for using lethal force. The court proceedings have begun, the opening remarks have been made. The arguments from both sides- reveal just how divided America has become as a society. Eric Nelson, Derek Chauvin's Defense Attorney, said, "Derek Chauvin did exactly what he had been trained to do over the course of his 19-year career. The use of force is not attractive, but it is a necessary component of policing." Jerry Blackwell, an attorney for the prosecution, said, "You will learn that he [Derek Chauvin] was well aware that Mr. Floyd was unarmed, that Mr. Floyd had not threatened anyone, that Mr. Floyd was in handcuffs, that he was completely in control of the police, he was defenseless. Eric Nelson, Derek Chauvin's Defense Attorney, said, "The evidence will show that Mr. Floyd died of a Cardiac Arrhythmia that occurred as a result of hypertension, coronary disease, the ingestion of methamphetamine and fentanyl." Jerry Blackwell, Prosecutor, said, "He did not die from an opioid overdose. Why? Because you'll be able to look at the video footage and you see he looks absolutely nothing like a person, who would die from an opioid overdose." This is the most high-profile case since the 1991 beating of Rodney King Junior. The trial ended with partial justice being delivered. All efforts have been made to ensure that this one does not end in a mistrial. A total of 12 people are sitting on the jury with three alternates. There are six women and nine men. 9 of them are white Americans, 4 of them are black Americans and 2 jurors are multi-racial. The diversity of the jury is aimed at instilling a sense of legitimacy in the judicial process. Amy Forliti, AP Reporter, Minneapolis, said, "Their ages range from their 20s to their 60s, and they include a chemist, an auditor, a social worker, a registered nurse who works with covid-19 patients and a grandmother who does volunteer work. The one thing that they all do have in common, though, is that they all said they could put aside their prior opinions and make a decision based on the evidence in the case that's going to be presented at trial." Outside the court, sentiments are running high. Americans from all backgrounds have assembled near the Minneapolis Courthouse. They say the verdict will serve as justice for all of America. Luke Arseneau, paraprofessional at a school, said, "I can tell you right now that opioids did not kill George Floyd. Derek Chauvin did." Chaz Neal, business owner said, "This is a trial for, for justice for George Floyd, but the results are going to be affected everywhere." Sabrina Mohammed, student from Minneapolis, said, "I’m honestly just trying to take in as much of the case as I can without getting overwhelmed, because my mental health is deteriorating, unfortunately, as a black, as a black woman in the United States. So I’m just trying to protect myself as well." 1100 miles away from the heart of action in Washington DC, all the developments are being monitored. The White House says US president Joe Biden will be following the trial closely. Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary said, "Well, he certainly will be watching closely, as Americans across the country will be watching. you know at the time of George Floyd's death, he talked about this as being an event that really opened up a wound in the American public, and it really brought to light for a lot of people in this country just the kind of racial injustice and inequality that many communities are experiencing every single day." It's a moment of reckoning for the American society. A chance for the American justice system to prove it can actually work. Because for decades, it has failed black Americans, who have suffered due to police brutality. The trial of Derek Chauvin is an opportunity for this system to redeem itself. The outcome is anything but certain and the stakes for the entire country are enormous.

On the edge again, America watches developments closely 

A jury will gather on Monday to hear whether the deadly arrest of George Floyd, which ignited a global protest movement 10 months ago, amounts to murder as opening arguments commence in the trial of former Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin.&nbsp;

Over two weeks of jury selection, many jurors told Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill and the lawyers on each side that they recognised the scrutiny their deliberations would come under, not least by those&nbsp;who view the trial as a reckoning for how Black people are policed in the United States.&nbsp;

"It's been a long time coming," a gospel choir sang on Sunday evening at a prayer service attended by Floyd's relatives. "But I know a change is gonna come."&nbsp;

The service was held in a church a few blocks east of where Chauvin, who was white, was caught on a bystander's video, with his knee on the neck of Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man.&nbsp;

Philonise Floyd, a brother of George Floyd, said before the service began that he had faith that prosecutors from the Minnesota attorney general's office would see Chauvin convicted.&nbsp;

"The video is the proof," he said.&nbsp;

Chauvin, 45, has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, with his lawyers arguing that he followed his training and that the main cause of Floyd's death, which the county examiner ruled a homicide, was a drug overdose. He faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted on the most serious charge.&nbsp;

Jurors will head to a courtroom in a tower in downtown Minneapolis ringed with concrete barriers, barbed wire and soldiers from the state's National Guard. For blocks around, businesses are closed and windows boarded up, fearing a repeat of the arson and other property damage that occurred after Floyd's death.&nbsp;

Less than three miles away, residents maintain a vigil at the intersection where Chauvin kept his knee on a handcuffed Floyd's neck for about nine minutes as Floyd uses his final breaths to plead for his life. Chauvin and three other officers were arresting Floyd on suspicion of passing a fake $20 bill at the Cup Foods grocery store nearby.&nbsp;

Four sets of barricades block police from coming to the intersection, now called George Floyd Square, which is filled with flowers, posters, murals and other tributes to Floyd.&nbsp;

The jury, including three alternates, is made up of six white women, three white men, three Black men, one Black woman and two multiracial women, according to court records.&nbsp;

"I'm thankful that it is a diverse jury," Paris Stevens, a cousin of Floyd, who works as a nurse in North Carolina, said in a telephone interview. "I'm very anxious because you don't know what's going to happen, but I'm just glad that this process is starting."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A jury will gather on Monday to hear whether the deadly arrest of George Floyd, which ignited a global protest movement 10 months ago, amounts to murder as opening arguments commence in the trial of former Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin.

A jury will gather on Monday to hear whether the deadly arrest of George Floyd, which ignited a global protest movement 10 months ago, amounts to murder as opening arguments commence in the trial of former Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin. Over two weeks of jury selection, many jurors told Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill and the lawyers on each side that they recognised the scrutiny their deliberations would come under, not least by those who view the trial as a reckoning for how Black people are policed in the United States. "It's been a long time coming," a gospel choir sang on Sunday evening at a prayer service attended by Floyd's relatives. "But I know a change is gonna come." The service was held in a church a few blocks east of where Chauvin, who was white, was caught on a bystander's video, with his knee on the neck of Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man. Philonise Floyd, a brother of George Floyd, said before the service began that he had faith that prosecutors from the Minnesota attorney general's office would see Chauvin convicted. "The video is the proof," he said. Chauvin, 45, has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, with his lawyers arguing that he followed his training and that the main cause of Floyd's death, which the county examiner ruled a homicide, was a drug overdose. He faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted on the most serious charge. Jurors will head to a courtroom in a tower in downtown Minneapolis ringed with concrete barriers, barbed wire and soldiers from the state's National Guard. For blocks around, businesses are closed and windows boarded up, fearing a repeat of the arson and other property damage that occurred after Floyd's death. Less than three miles away, residents maintain a vigil at the intersection where Chauvin kept his knee on a handcuffed Floyd's neck for about nine minutes as Floyd uses his final breaths to plead for his life. Chauvin and three other officers were arresting Floyd on suspicion of passing a fake $20 bill at the Cup Foods grocery store nearby. Four sets of barricades block police from coming to the intersection, now called George Floyd Square, which is filled with flowers, posters, murals and other tributes to Floyd. The jury, including three alternates, is made up of six white women, three white men, three Black men, one Black woman and two multiracial women, according to court records. "I'm thankful that it is a diverse jury," Paris Stevens, a cousin of Floyd, who works as a nurse in North Carolina, said in a telephone interview. "I'm very anxious because you don't know what's going to happen, but I'm just glad that this process is starting." (With inputs from agencies)

George Floyd's death: Jury to hear opening arguments in Derek Chauvin trial  

Two suspected suicide bombers blew themselves up outside a Catholic church in the Indonesian city of Makassar on Sunday, wounding fourteen people on the first day of the Easter Holy Week, the country's national police said.

The congregation had been inside the church on the island of Sulawesi at the time of the explosion, police said, just as the mass was ending.

Local police had previously said the bomber had acted alone.

Authorities were looking into which radical networks the bombers came from and whether the attack was linked to recent arrests of suspected militants, national police spokesman Argo Yuwono said.

In January, a counter-terrorism unit raided a militant hideout in Makassar and killed two men suspected by police of involvement in twin bombings at a Philippine church in 2019 that killed more than 20 people.

Father Wilhemus Tulak, a priest at the church, told Indonesian media that a suspected bomber tried to enter the church grounds on a motorbike, but had been stopped by a security guard.

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A Bomb just exploded in cathedral church ,Makassar,Indonesia<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bomakassar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bomakassar</a> <a href="https://t.co/7lDyxSoPmu">pic.twitter.com/7lDyxSoPmu</a>
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Security camera footage showed a blast that blew flame, smoke and debris into the middle of the road.

Police did not say who might be responsible for the attack and there was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Police blamed the Islamic State-inspired Jamaah Ansharut Daulah group for suicide attacks in 2018 on churches and a police post in the city of Surabaya that killed over 30 people.

Boy Rafli Amar, the head of the country's National Counterterrorism Agency, described Sunday's attack as an act of terrorism.

Makassar Mayor Danny Pomanto said the blast could have caused far more casualties if it had taken place at the church's main gate instead of a side entrance.

Makassar, Sulawesi's biggest city, reflects the religious makeup of Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country with a substantial Christian minority and followers of other religions.

"Whatever the motive is, this act isn't justified by any religion because it harms not just one person but others, too," Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Indonesia's religious affairs minister, said in a statement.

Gomar Gultom, head of the Indonesian Council of Churches, described the attack as a "cruel incident" as Christians were celebrating Palm Sunday, and urged people to remain calm and trust the authorities.

Indonesia's deadliest Islamist militant attack took place on the tourist island of Bali in 2002, when bombers killed 202 people, most of them foreign tourists.

In subsequent years, security forces in Indonesia scored some major successes in tackling militancy, but more recently there has been a resurgence of militant violence.

Two suspected suicide bombers blew themselves up outside a Catholic church in the Indonesian city of Makassar on Sunday, wounding fourteen people on the first day of the Easter Holy Week, the country's national police said.

Two suspected suicide bombers blew themselves up outside a Catholic church in the Indonesian city of Makassar on Sunday, wounding fourteen people on the first day of the Easter Holy Week, the country's national police said. The congregation had been inside the church on the island of Sulawesi at the time of the explosion, police said, just as the mass was ending. Local police had previously said the bomber had acted alone. Authorities were looking into which radical networks the bombers came from and whether the attack was linked to recent arrests of suspected militants, national police spokesman Argo Yuwono said. In January, a counter-terrorism unit raided a militant hideout in Makassar and killed two men suspected by police of involvement in twin bombings at a Philippine church in 2019 that killed more than 20 people. Father Wilhemus Tulak, a priest at the church, told Indonesian media that a suspected bomber tried to enter the church grounds on a motorbike, but had been stopped by a security guard. A Bomb just exploded in cathedral church ,Makassar,Indonesia#Bomakassar pic.twitter.com/7lDyxSoPmu — Anarchy1412 (@Dannyk717273) March 28, 2021 × Security camera footage showed a blast that blew flame, smoke and debris into the middle of the road. Police did not say who might be responsible for the attack and there was no immediate claim of responsibility. Police blamed the Islamic State-inspired Jamaah Ansharut Daulah group for suicide attacks in 2018 on churches and a police post in the city of Surabaya that killed over 30 people. Boy Rafli Amar, the head of the country's National Counterterrorism Agency, described Sunday's attack as an act of terrorism. Makassar Mayor Danny Pomanto said the blast could have caused far more casualties if it had taken place at the church's main gate instead of a side entrance. Makassar, Sulawesi's biggest city, reflects the religious makeup of Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country with a substantial Christian minority and followers of other religions. "Whatever the motive is, this act isn't justified by any religion because it harms not just one person but others, too," Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Indonesia's religious affairs minister, said in a statement. Gomar Gultom, head of the Indonesian Council of Churches, described the attack as a "cruel incident" as Christians were celebrating Palm Sunday, and urged people to remain calm and trust the authorities. Indonesia's deadliest Islamist militant attack took place on the tourist island of Bali in 2002, when bombers killed 202 people, most of them foreign tourists. In subsequent years, security forces in Indonesia scored some major successes in tackling militancy, but more recently there has been a resurgence of militant violence.

Suspected suicide bombers injure many at Indonesian church as Easter week begins

At least 18 anti-coup protesters were killed on Sunday that proved to be one of the deadliest days since the protests began. More than 80 have been killed after Myanmar military's crackdown so far. But the number is expected to increase dramatically after Sunday's tally.

Myanmar military grabbed power in the country on February 1 by toppling government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi. In response, a group of elected MPs, many of whom are in hiding, have formed a shadow "parliament" called the Committee for Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) -- the Burmese word for the country's governing bloc -- to denounce the military regime.

They issued a statement Sunday saying protesters had the "full right to defend themselves" under the country's penal code against security forces who are "harming and causing violence".&nbsp;

Soldiers and police have in recent weeks been staging near-daily crackdowns against demonstrators calling for a return to democracy -- deploying tear gas, rubber bullets and live rounds to quell anti-coup protests.

In Yangon's massive Hlaing Tharyar township, police and soldiers faced off against protesters wielding sticks and knives as they hid behind makeshift barricades, fleeing after the security forces opened fire.&nbsp;

Protesters -- using cut-out trash cans as shields -- managed to retrieve the injured, but a doctor said not all could be reached.&nbsp;

"I can confirm 15 have died," the doctor told AFP, adding that she had treated about 50 people with injuries and expects the death toll to climb.&nbsp;

"I cannot talk much -- injured people keep coming," she said before hanging up.&nbsp;

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group -- which verifies arrests and fatalities since the coup -- confirmed a higher death toll.&nbsp;

Throughout the day, gunshots were heard continuously by residents hiding in their homes as smoke rose above the streets, while military trucks were sighted driving through Hlaing Tharyar's streets.

(With AFP inputs)

At least 18 anti-coup protesters were killed on Sunday that proved to be one of the deadliest days since the protests began. More than 80 have been killed after Myanmar military's crackdown so far.

At least 18 anti-coup protesters were killed on Sunday that proved to be one of the deadliest days since the protests began. More than 80 have been killed after Myanmar military's crackdown so far. But the number is expected to increase dramatically after Sunday's tally. Myanmar military grabbed power in the country on February 1 by toppling government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi. In response, a group of elected MPs, many of whom are in hiding, have formed a shadow "parliament" called the Committee for Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) -- the Burmese word for the country's governing bloc -- to denounce the military regime. They issued a statement Sunday saying protesters had the "full right to defend themselves" under the country's penal code against security forces who are "harming and causing violence". Soldiers and police have in recent weeks been staging near-daily crackdowns against demonstrators calling for a return to democracy -- deploying tear gas, rubber bullets and live rounds to quell anti-coup protests. In Yangon's massive Hlaing Tharyar township, police and soldiers faced off against protesters wielding sticks and knives as they hid behind makeshift barricades, fleeing after the security forces opened fire. Protesters -- using cut-out trash cans as shields -- managed to retrieve the injured, but a doctor said not all could be reached. "I can confirm 15 have died," the doctor told AFP, adding that she had treated about 50 people with injuries and expects the death toll to climb. "I cannot talk much -- injured people keep coming," she said before hanging up. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group -- which verifies arrests and fatalities since the coup -- confirmed a higher death toll. Throughout the day, gunshots were heard continuously by residents hiding in their homes as smoke rose above the streets, while military trucks were sighted driving through Hlaing Tharyar's streets. (With AFP inputs)

Myanmar protest: Death toll on Sunday climbs to 18

&nbsp;

In a unique case, a French woman,&nbsp;Jeanne Pouchain, is readying herself to fight legally&nbsp;against a long-running dispute with a former employee who claims Pouchain is dead.

Pouchain was declared dead by an employee of a cleaning company the two worked at years ago. Since then,&nbsp;Pouchain has been trying to prove that she is alive and well since November 2017.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-prince-harry-meghan-markle-to-reunite-with-royals-for-first-time-since-megxit-report-356015" hreflang="en">Prince Harry, Meghan Markle to reunite with royals for first time since 'Megxit': Report</a>

Her existence&nbsp;was confirmed by a news agency, AFP, who sent their reporters to meet&nbsp;Pouchain at her home in the southeastern town of Saint-Joseph, near Lyon, recently.

After the former employee provided information claiming&nbsp;Jeanne Pouchain was dead, the 58-year-old woman's life was in shatters in a moment as all records of her existence were wiped out from the&nbsp;official documents, including&nbsp;her ID card, driver's license, bank account and health insurance.

Pouchain has alleged the former employee of fabricating evidence of her death to win legal damages from her husband and son. The former employee has also twice tried to sue&nbsp;Pouchain but in vain.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-religious-cult-leader-adnan-oktar-jailed-for-1075-years-for-sex-crimes-356054" hreflang="en">Turkish religious cult leader Adnan Oktar jailed for 1,075 years for sex crimes</a>

"It's a crazy story,"&nbsp;Pouchain's lawyer Sylvain Cormier told AFP. "The plaintiff claimed that Mrs Pouchain was dead, without providing any proof, and everyone believed her. No-one checked."

The former employee took a case against Pouchain after losing her job with Pouchain's cleaning company when it lost a big contract in 2000. Later, in 2004, a labour tribunal asked Pouchain to pay&nbsp;14,000 euros ($17,000) in damages. However,&nbsp;Pouchain was saved by that blow as the registered case was against the company, and not her directly.

Some have also claimed that&nbsp;Pouchain faked her own death to avoid litigation against herself. However,&nbsp;Pouchain has repeatedly denied these allegations. "State agencies tell me I am no longer dead, but that I am not yet alive. I'm in the making!," she said.

(With inputs from AFP)

In a unique case, a French woman, Jeanne Pouchain, is readying herself to fight legally against a long-running dispute with a former employee who claims Pouchain is dead.

In a unique case, a French woman, Jeanne Pouchain, is readying herself to fight legally against a long-running dispute with a former employee who claims Pouchain is dead. Pouchain was declared dead by an employee of a cleaning company the two worked at years ago. Since then, Pouchain has been trying to prove that she is alive and well since November 2017. Also read| Prince Harry, Meghan Markle to reunite with royals for first time since 'Megxit': Report Her existence was confirmed by a news agency, AFP, who sent their reporters to meet Pouchain at her home in the southeastern town of Saint-Joseph, near Lyon, recently. After the former employee provided information claiming Jeanne Pouchain was dead, the 58-year-old woman's life was in shatters in a moment as all records of her existence were wiped out from the official documents, including her ID card, driver's license, bank account and health insurance. Pouchain has alleged the former employee of fabricating evidence of her death to win legal damages from her husband and son. The former employee has also twice tried to sue Pouchain but in vain. Also read| Turkish religious cult leader Adnan Oktar jailed for 1,075 years for sex crimes "It's a crazy story," Pouchain's lawyer Sylvain Cormier told AFP. "The plaintiff claimed that Mrs Pouchain was dead, without providing any proof, and everyone believed her. No-one checked." The former employee took a case against Pouchain after losing her job with Pouchain's cleaning company when it lost a big contract in 2000. Later, in 2004, a labour tribunal asked Pouchain to pay 14,000 euros ($17,000) in damages. However, Pouchain was saved by that blow as the registered case was against the company, and not her directly. Some have also claimed that Pouchain faked her own death to avoid litigation against herself. However, Pouchain has repeatedly denied these allegations. "State agencies tell me I am no longer dead, but that I am not yet alive. I'm in the making!," she said. (With inputs from AFP)

French woman, who was declared dead, fights to prove her existence

An Australian woman died on Saturday after she fell from a cliff. The woman was reportedly attempting to click a picture at the cliff, when she lost balance and fell off.

CNN reported that Rosy Loomba, 38, was with her husband and child when she fell to her death at the Grampians National Park, in the Australian state of Victoria.

The family was at Boroka Lookout, where a cliff is situated. It offers a panoramic view of the mountains and the town below, and is common among tourists.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/australia-battles-virus-as-lockdown-in-sydney-torments-residents-ahead-of-christmas-351018" hreflang="en">Australia battles virus as lockdown in Sydney torments residents ahead of Christmas</a>

According to local media reports, Loomba had climbed past safety barriers and warning signs. She was attempting to pose for a picture on a rock. It was then that she tripped over the edge, and fell down.&nbsp;

She fell from a height of 80 metres (262 feet), leading to her demise.

Many witnesses claimed that they heard Loomba screaming, but were unfortunately unable to help. When the police and state emergency services arrived, it took them six hours to retrieve her body from between the cliff.

When her body was being retrieved, all access to the cliff was blocked, but it was reopened soon after. The cliff is famous among people, and remains a popular photo spot.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/with-pakistan-in-focus-india-australia-call-for-sustainable-irreversible-action-on-terrorism-350673" hreflang="en">With Pakistan in focus, India, Australia call for sustainable, irreversible action on terrorism</a>

A local tour guide Graham Wood told Nine News that he had warned his customers against&nbsp; going too far out of the cliff just moments before the woman’s accident.

Soon after the incident, local authorities urged patrons to follow safety guidelines, while adding that no picture is worth a person’s life.

Police Minister Lisa Neville added that they simply “can’t rope off” all parts of Victoria, while urging people to take more responsibility.

An Australian woman died on Saturday after she fell from a cliff. The woman was reportedly attempting to click a picture at the cliff, when she lost balance and fell off.

An Australian woman died on Saturday after she fell from a cliff. The woman was reportedly attempting to click a picture at the cliff, when she lost balance and fell off. CNN reported that Rosy Loomba, 38, was with her husband and child when she fell to her death at the Grampians National Park, in the Australian state of Victoria. The family was at Boroka Lookout, where a cliff is situated. It offers a panoramic view of the mountains and the town below, and is common among tourists. Also read: Australia battles virus as lockdown in Sydney torments residents ahead of Christmas According to local media reports, Loomba had climbed past safety barriers and warning signs. She was attempting to pose for a picture on a rock. It was then that she tripped over the edge, and fell down. She fell from a height of 80 metres (262 feet), leading to her demise. Many witnesses claimed that they heard Loomba screaming, but were unfortunately unable to help. When the police and state emergency services arrived, it took them six hours to retrieve her body from between the cliff. When her body was being retrieved, all access to the cliff was blocked, but it was reopened soon after. The cliff is famous among people, and remains a popular photo spot. Also read: With Pakistan in focus, India, Australia call for sustainable, irreversible action on terrorism A local tour guide Graham Wood told Nine News that he had warned his customers against going too far out of the cliff just moments before the woman’s accident. Soon after the incident, local authorities urged patrons to follow safety guidelines, while adding that no picture is worth a person’s life. Police Minister Lisa Neville added that they simply “can’t rope off” all parts of Victoria, while urging people to take more responsibility.

Australian woman falls off cliff, dies while trying to take photo

A hiker, who was presumed dead, has been brought back to life -- despite his heart stopping for 45 minutes.

Michael Knapinski,&nbsp;45, got lost in Mount Rainier national park in the US in freezing conditions last weekend.

He was found and airlifted to a hospital in Seattle, Washington state. He had a pulse when he arrived at hospital but then his heart stopped.

He died while he was in the ER, the doctor attending to him told The Seattle Times.

The medical team performed CPR on the patient, and after about 45 minutes, his heart started again.&nbsp;

Two days later, he woke up.

Knapinski, who is still recovering, told CBS that he had started hiking after overcoming a serious drug addiction.

A hiker, who was presumed dead, has been brought back to life -- despite his heart stopping for 45 minutes. Michael Knapinski, 45, got lost in Mount Rainier national park in the US in freezing conditions last weekend.

A hiker, who was presumed dead, has been brought back to life -- despite his heart stopping for 45 minutes. Michael Knapinski, 45, got lost in Mount Rainier national park in the US in freezing conditions last weekend. He was found and airlifted to a hospital in Seattle, Washington state. He had a pulse when he arrived at hospital but then his heart stopped. He died while he was in the ER, the doctor attending to him told The Seattle Times. The medical team performed CPR on the patient, and after about 45 minutes, his heart started again. Two days later, he woke up. Knapinski, who is still recovering, told CBS that he had started hiking after overcoming a serious drug addiction.

Hiker, 'dead' for 45 minutes, brought back to life

A collision between a bus and a train killed at least 17 people on Sunday. The accident took place about 50 kilometres east of Bangkok. Number of casualties is expected to rise. The bus passengers were on their way to a temple in Chachoengsao province.&nbsp;

"The death toll we have so far is 17," a police officer told AFP. The accident occured around 8 am local time (0100 GMT). Provincial governor said that about 29 people were injured.

Early images by rescue workers showed gnarled metal and debris, with bodies lying by the train tracks and people's belongings scattered.

The bus overturned on its side and the top of it was ripped off.

Such deadly accidents are common in Thailand, which regularly tops lists of the world's most lethal roads, with speeding, drunk driving and weak law enforcement all contributing factors.

According to a 2018 report by the World Health Organization, Thailand has the second-highest traffic fatality rate in the world.

Though a majority of the victims are motorcyclists, bus crashes involving groups of tourists and migrant labourers often grab headlines.

In March 2018, at least 18 people were killed and dozens wounded when a bus carrying people returning from holiday in northeastern Thailand swerved off the road and smashed into a tree.

(With AFP inputs)

A collision between a bus and a train killed at least 17 people on Sunday. The accident took place about 50 kilometres east of Bangkok. Number of casualties is expected to rise.

A collision between a bus and a train killed at least 17 people on Sunday. The accident took place about 50 kilometres east of Bangkok. Number of casualties is expected to rise. The bus passengers were on their way to a temple in Chachoengsao province. "The death toll we have so far is 17," a police officer told AFP. The accident occured around 8 am local time (0100 GMT). Provincial governor said that about 29 people were injured. Early images by rescue workers showed gnarled metal and debris, with bodies lying by the train tracks and people's belongings scattered. The bus overturned on its side and the top of it was ripped off. Such deadly accidents are common in Thailand, which regularly tops lists of the world's most lethal roads, with speeding, drunk driving and weak law enforcement all contributing factors. According to a 2018 report by the World Health Organization, Thailand has the second-highest traffic fatality rate in the world. Though a majority of the victims are motorcyclists, bus crashes involving groups of tourists and migrant labourers often grab headlines. In March 2018, at least 18 people were killed and dozens wounded when a bus carrying people returning from holiday in northeastern Thailand swerved off the road and smashed into a tree. (With AFP inputs)

Thailand: Collision between bus and train claims 17 lives

Timothy Ray Brown, the first person to be successfully cured of HIV has died due to cancer, the International Aids society announced on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Famously known as the “Berlin Patient”, Brown had made history when he was cured of HIV more than ten years ago.

Before his demise, Brown had seen recurrent instances of leukaemia over a few months. He also received care in Palm Springs, California.

"On behalf of all its members... the IAS sends its condolences to Timothy’s partner, Tim, and his family and friends," IAS President Adeeba Kamarulzaman announced.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/gnarly-tumor-shows-dinosaurs-got-cancer-too-318009" hreflang="en">'Gnarly' tumor shows dinosaurs got cancer, too</a>

"We owe Timothy and his doctor, Gero Hutter, a great deal of gratitude for opening the door for scientists to explore the concept that a cure for HIV is possible”, IAS president added.

In 1995, Brown was diagnosed with HIV when he was a student in Berlin. Ten years later, he was diagnosed with leukaemia, a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and the blood.

At the Free University of Berlin, his doctor used a stem call transplant which came from a donor who had a rare genetic mutation, which somehow gave him a natural resistance to HIV.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/a-modified-strain-of-cannabis-was-recently-able-to-kill-cancer-cells-316647" hreflang="en">A modified strain of cannabis was recently able to kill cancer cells</a>

The doctors had hoped it would rid Brown of both HIV and cancer.

After two dangerous procedures, it worked. In 2008, when he free of both the ailments he became known as “the Berlin patient” to protect his identity.

Two years after the procedures, he went public with his experience and started a foundation of his own.

"I am living proof that there could be a cure for AIDS," he had told AFP in 2012.&nbsp;"It's very wonderful, being cured of HIV”, he added.

Timothy Ray Brown, the first person to be successfully cured of HIV has died due to cancer, the International Aids society announced on Wednesday. Famously known as the “Berlin Patient”, Brown had made history when he was cured of HIV more than ten years ago.

Timothy Ray Brown, the first person to be successfully cured of HIV has died due to cancer, the International Aids society announced on Wednesday. Famously known as the “Berlin Patient”, Brown had made history when he was cured of HIV more than ten years ago. Before his demise, Brown had seen recurrent instances of leukaemia over a few months. He also received care in Palm Springs, California. "On behalf of all its members... the IAS sends its condolences to Timothy’s partner, Tim, and his family and friends," IAS President Adeeba Kamarulzaman announced. Also read: 'Gnarly' tumor shows dinosaurs got cancer, too "We owe Timothy and his doctor, Gero Hutter, a great deal of gratitude for opening the door for scientists to explore the concept that a cure for HIV is possible”, IAS president added. In 1995, Brown was diagnosed with HIV when he was a student in Berlin. Ten years later, he was diagnosed with leukaemia, a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and the blood. At the Free University of Berlin, his doctor used a stem call transplant which came from a donor who had a rare genetic mutation, which somehow gave him a natural resistance to HIV. Also read: A modified strain of cannabis was recently able to kill cancer cells The doctors had hoped it would rid Brown of both HIV and cancer. After two dangerous procedures, it worked. In 2008, when he free of both the ailments he became known as “the Berlin patient” to protect his identity. Two years after the procedures, he went public with his experience and started a foundation of his own. "I am living proof that there could be a cure for AIDS," he had told AFP in 2012. "It's very wonderful, being cured of HIV”, he added.

'The Berlin patient' - First person to be cured of HIV dies due to cancer

Extreme climate changes, natural disasters, raging pandemic, and high tensions in global politics: 2020 has seen it all. Now, it looks like the cohabitants of planet Earth are suffering too.

A report by The Guardian recently revealed how thousands of migratory birds just dropped dead across the south-western regions in the United States.

Experts have called it a national tragedy, and one which needs immediate attention, and is being perceived as direct result of the climate crisis.&nbsp;

'Falling out of the sky'

Among species that were found dead across the region, “falling out of the sky” were flycatchers, swallows, and warblers. This is happening across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Nebraska.&nbsp;

A professor from the New Mexico State University told The Guardian that hundreds of thousands of such birds could already be dead.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/rare-species-of-birds-goes-missing-in-new-zealand-experts-unsure-about-reasons-of-this-frustrating-disappearance-311878" hreflang="en">Rare species of birds goes missing in New Zealand; experts unsure about reasons of this 'frustrating' disappearance</a>

According to witnesses and first responders, many birds simply nose-dived into the ground, which instantly killed them.

It is customary for long-distance migratory birds to fly from cold habitats in Alaska and Canada towards South America. In this process, the fly over US’ south western regions, which are currently burning - quite literally.

The western regions in the US are currently witnessing intense wildfires, leading to mass evacuations, ringing climate change alarm bells.

Due to this fire, the birds may have been forced to take a longer route along the Chihuahuan desert, where resources are low, meaning they weren’t getting any food.

A student fro NMSU wrote on Twitter, “they’re literally just feathers and bones”, implying that the birds simply died off after they couldn’t fly anymore.

Raging wildfires

Many American regions are currently engulfed in wildfires, hazy with smoke emanating from these fires, which are seen as the direct result of climate change. Owing to this, fewer insects now survive in the area, which means less food for these birds.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/79-per-cent-decline-in-indian-species-of-birds-study-281435" hreflang="en">79 per cent decline in Indian species of birds: Study</a>

Scientists believe these weather events are directly responsible for the mass deaths of birds. The changing pattern may have fooled birds into beginning their migration earlier than usual, or the smoke from the fires could have chosen the birds.

The first such deaths were reported on August 20 in New Mexico. Initially thought to be isolated incidents, social media reports revealed a pattern forming in the region, whereby migratory birds were dropping dead.&nbsp;

Before dying, birds are reportedly displaying unusual behaviour - like lethargy, approachability, etc.

Extreme climate changes, natural disasters, raging pandemic, and high tensions in global politics: 2020 has seen it all. Now, it looks like the cohabitants of planet Earth are suffering too.

Extreme climate changes, natural disasters, raging pandemic, and high tensions in global politics: 2020 has seen it all. Now, it looks like the cohabitants of planet Earth are suffering too. A report by The Guardian recently revealed how thousands of migratory birds just dropped dead across the south-western regions in the United States. Experts have called it a national tragedy, and one which needs immediate attention, and is being perceived as direct result of the climate crisis. 'Falling out of the sky' Among species that were found dead across the region, “falling out of the sky” were flycatchers, swallows, and warblers. This is happening across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Nebraska. A professor from the New Mexico State University told The Guardian that hundreds of thousands of such birds could already be dead. Also read: Rare species of birds goes missing in New Zealand; experts unsure about reasons of this 'frustrating' disappearance According to witnesses and first responders, many birds simply nose-dived into the ground, which instantly killed them. It is customary for long-distance migratory birds to fly from cold habitats in Alaska and Canada towards South America. In this process, the fly over US’ south western regions, which are currently burning - quite literally. The western regions in the US are currently witnessing intense wildfires, leading to mass evacuations, ringing climate change alarm bells. Due to this fire, the birds may have been forced to take a longer route along the Chihuahuan desert, where resources are low, meaning they weren’t getting any food. A student fro NMSU wrote on Twitter, “they’re literally just feathers and bones”, implying that the birds simply died off after they couldn’t fly anymore. Raging wildfires Many American regions are currently engulfed in wildfires, hazy with smoke emanating from these fires, which are seen as the direct result of climate change. Owing to this, fewer insects now survive in the area, which means less food for these birds. Also read: 79 per cent decline in Indian species of birds: Study Scientists believe these weather events are directly responsible for the mass deaths of birds. The changing pattern may have fooled birds into beginning their migration earlier than usual, or the smoke from the fires could have chosen the birds. The first such deaths were reported on August 20 in New Mexico. Initially thought to be isolated incidents, social media reports revealed a pattern forming in the region, whereby migratory birds were dropping dead. Before dying, birds are reportedly displaying unusual behaviour - like lethargy, approachability, etc.

Why are thousands of migratory birds dropping dead across North America?

At least 18 miners were killed and more than a dozen were still trapped on Tuesday after a rockslide at a marble mine in northwest Pakistan, officials said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-military-generals-mint-millions-while-country-drowns-in-corruption-325840" hreflang="en">Pakistan: Military generals mint millions while country drowns in corruption</a>

Boulders of white marble came crashing down on workers on Monday evening in the mountainous Mohmand district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, near the border with Afghanistan.

"So far 18 bodies and 20 injured have been pulled out after a rockslide at a marble mine," Muhammad Arif, the provincial minister for mines and minerals development, told AFP.

He said around 20 more miners were still believed to be trapped under the rubble with a rescue mission under way.

Allso read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-says-5-militants-killed-in-raid-near-afghan-border-325843" hreflang="en">Pakistan says 5 militants killed in raid near Afghan border</a>

Labourers often rest at the bottom of the mountains after long working hours.

A senior official from Mohmand district, Hamid Iqbal, confirmed the death toll.

Pakistan's mines are notorious for poor safety standards. Dozens of miners are killed each year in different safety-related incidents.

At least 43 miners were killed in Sorange district of Balochistan in 2011 as a result of a blast at a coal mine.

At least 18 miners were killed and more than a dozen were still trapped on Tuesday after a rockslide at a marble mine in northwest Pakistan, officials said. Also read: Pakistan: Military generals mint millions while country drowns in corruption Boulders of white marble came crashing down on workers on Monday evening in the mountainous Mohmand district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, near the border with Afghanistan.

At least 18 miners were killed and more than a dozen were still trapped on Tuesday after a rockslide at a marble mine in northwest Pakistan, officials said. Also read: Pakistan: Military generals mint millions while country drowns in corruption Boulders of white marble came crashing down on workers on Monday evening in the mountainous Mohmand district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, near the border with Afghanistan. "So far 18 bodies and 20 injured have been pulled out after a rockslide at a marble mine," Muhammad Arif, the provincial minister for mines and minerals development, told AFP. He said around 20 more miners were still believed to be trapped under the rubble with a rescue mission under way. Allso read: Pakistan says 5 militants killed in raid near Afghan border Labourers often rest at the bottom of the mountains after long working hours. A senior official from Mohmand district, Hamid Iqbal, confirmed the death toll. Pakistan's mines are notorious for poor safety standards. Dozens of miners are killed each year in different safety-related incidents. At least 43 miners were killed in Sorange district of Balochistan in 2011 as a result of a blast at a coal mine.

18 killed and more trapped in Pakistan mine rockslide

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