How Sushma Swaraj perfected the art of public diplomacy

Once dubbed as 'Supermom of State' by the US media, Sushma Swaraj leaves behind a rich legacy and a void that will be hard to fill.

Tribute to Sushma Swaraj, the towering figure in world of diplomacy

Former external affairs minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj passed away at New Delhi's AIIMS.

Former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj passes away at 67

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-to-be-cremated-with-full-state-honours-on-wednesday-afternoon-bjp-241240">Sushma Swaraj to be cremated with full state honours on Wednesday afternoon: BJP</a>

Former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj who passed away on Tuesday night will be cremated with full state honours, BJP working president Jagat Prakash Nadda said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swarajs-demise-is-a-personal-loss-pm-modi-241253">Sushma Swaraj's demise is a personal loss: PM Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the sudden demise of Bharatiya Janata Party's most loved and admired leader, former External Affairs Minister&nbsp;Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-was-waiting-to-see-this-day-in-my-lifetime-said-sushma-swaraj-in-final-tweet-241263">I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime, said Sushma Swaraj in final tweet</a>

Just hours before her death,&nbsp;former external affairs minister&nbsp;Sushma Swaraj&nbsp;in her final tweet&nbsp;congratulated and thanked PM Modi for the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sushma-swaraj-passes-away-anurag-kashyap-anushka-sharma-and-other-bollywood-celebrities-pay-rich-tributes-241245">Sushma Swaraj passes away; Anurag Kashyap, Anushka Sharma and other Bollywood celebrities pay rich tributes</a>

Former External Affairs Minister and one of the most loved Parliamentarians in the country Sushma Swaraj breathed her last on Tuesday night. Swaraj suffered a cardiac arrest. She was administered CPR but did not respond, according to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sushma-swarajs-political-career-linked-to-rise-rise-of-bjp-241254">Sushma Swaraj's political career linked to rise &amp; rise of BJP</a>

Former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj passed away on Tuesday night in Delhi's AIIMS. Here is taking a look at the life and times of the Iron Lady

Sushma Swaraj to be cremated with full state honours on Wednesday afternoon: BJP Former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj who passed away on Tuesday night will be cremated with full state honours, BJP working president Jagat Prakash Nadda said.

Sushma Swaraj to be cremated with full state honours on Wednesday afternoon: BJP Former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj who passed away on Tuesday night will be cremated with full state honours, BJP working president Jagat Prakash Nadda said. Sushma Swaraj's demise is a personal loss: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the sudden demise of Bharatiya Janata Party's most loved and admired leader, former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime, said Sushma Swaraj in final tweet Just hours before her death, former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in her final tweet congratulated and thanked PM Modi for the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Sushma Swaraj passes away; Anurag Kashyap, Anushka Sharma and other Bollywood celebrities pay rich tributes Former External Affairs Minister and one of the most loved Parliamentarians in the country Sushma Swaraj breathed her last on Tuesday night. Swaraj suffered a cardiac arrest. She was administered CPR but did not respond, according to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Sushma Swaraj's political career linked to rise & rise of BJP Former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj passed away on Tuesday night in Delhi's AIIMS. Here is taking a look at the life and times of the Iron Lady

News brief: Big stories of the day

Just hours before her death, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-to-be-cremated-with-full-state-honours-on-wednesday-afternoon-bjp-241240">former external affairs minister&nbsp;Sushma Swaraj</a> in her final tweet&nbsp;congratulated and thanked PM Modi for the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

The veteran BJP leader, who passed at AIIMS in Delhi on Tuesday night following a heart attack had tweeted in both in English and Hindi saying she had been long waiting to "see this day".

"Pradhan Mantri ji -&nbsp;aapka hardik abhinandan, main aapne jeevan mein is din ko dekhne ki prateeksha kar rahi thi"&nbsp;

"Thank you Prime Minister. Thank you very much. I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime," she posted on Tuesday evening

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प्रधान मंत्री जी - आपका हार्दिक अभिनन्दन. मैं अपने जीवन में इस दिन को देखने की प्रतीक्षा कर रही थी. <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji - Thank you Prime Minister. Thank you very much. I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1158737840752037889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A day before, on August 5, Swaraj had congratulated Amit Shah for the passage of the&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill, 2019 which was&nbsp;passed in&nbsp;the Upper House of the Parliament on Monday.&nbsp;

Her tweet said, "I&nbsp;congratulate the Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji for his outstanding performance in Rajya Sabha."

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गृह मंत्री श्री अमित शाह जी को उत्कृष्ट भाषण के लिए बहुत बहुत बधाई. 
 
I congratulate the Home Minister Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> ji for his outstanding performance in Rajya Sabha.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1158371889703579648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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राज्य सभा के उन सभी सांसदों का बहुत बहुत अभिनन्दन जिन्होनें आज धारा 370 को समाप्त करने वाले संकल्प को पारित करवा कर डॉक्टर श्यामा प्रसाद मुखर्जी के बलिदान को सच्ची श्रद्धांजलि दी और उनके एक भारत के सपने को साकार किया.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1158370261638320129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The former external affairs minister&nbsp;had said that the abrogation of the special provision is a true tribute to BJP ideologue Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who died fighting for "one nation, one flag".

"Many greetings to all the MPs of Rajya Sabha who helped pass the resolution ending Article 370 today and paid a true tribute to the sacrifice of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and fulfilled his dream of a united India," Swaraj had tweeted.

Sushma Swaraj was rushed to All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS) late on Tuesday evening after her health deteriorated.&nbsp;A team of doctors tried to revive her for 70 to 80 minutes but failed in their attempt. Swaraj was declared dead at 10:50 pm on Tuesday.

Just hours before her death, former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in her final tweet congratulated and thanked PM Modi for the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Just hours before her death, former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in her final tweet congratulated and thanked PM Modi for the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. The veteran BJP leader, who passed at AIIMS in Delhi on Tuesday night following a heart attack had tweeted in both in English and Hindi saying she had been long waiting to "see this day". "Pradhan Mantri ji - aapka hardik abhinandan, main aapne jeevan mein is din ko dekhne ki prateeksha kar rahi thi" "Thank you Prime Minister. Thank you very much. I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime," she posted on Tuesday evening प्रधान मंत्री जी - आपका हार्दिक अभिनन्दन. मैं अपने जीवन में इस दिन को देखने की प्रतीक्षा कर रही थी. @narendramodi ji - Thank you Prime Minister. Thank you very much. I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime. — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) August 6, 2019 × A day before, on August 5, Swaraj had congratulated Amit Shah for the passage of the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill, 2019 which was passed in the Upper House of the Parliament on Monday. Her tweet said, "I congratulate the Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji for his outstanding performance in Rajya Sabha." गृह मंत्री श्री अमित शाह जी को उत्कृष्ट भाषण के लिए बहुत बहुत बधाई. I congratulate the Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji for his outstanding performance in Rajya Sabha. — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) August 5, 2019 × राज्य सभा के उन सभी सांसदों का बहुत बहुत अभिनन्दन जिन्होनें आज धारा 370 को समाप्त करने वाले संकल्प को पारित करवा कर डॉक्टर श्यामा प्रसाद मुखर्जी के बलिदान को सच्ची श्रद्धांजलि दी और उनके एक भारत के सपने को साकार किया. — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) August 5, 2019 × The former external affairs minister had said that the abrogation of the special provision is a true tribute to BJP ideologue Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who died fighting for "one nation, one flag". "Many greetings to all the MPs of Rajya Sabha who helped pass the resolution ending Article 370 today and paid a true tribute to the sacrifice of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and fulfilled his dream of a united India," Swaraj had tweeted. Sushma Swaraj was rushed to All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS) late on Tuesday evening after her health deteriorated. A team of doctors tried to revive her for 70 to 80 minutes but failed in their attempt. Swaraj was declared dead at 10:50 pm on Tuesday.

I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime, said Sushma Swaraj in final tweet

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he was devastated to hear about the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-delhi-chief-minister-congress-veteran-sheila-dikshit-passes-away-at-81-237286"> death of the former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit</a>.

Gandhi took to Twitter to express his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/she-made-noteworthy-contribution-to-delhis-development-pm-modi-remembers-sheila-dikshit-condolences-pour-in-237288">shock over the sudden demise of Dikshit</a> who breathed her last on Saturday.

"I’m devastated to hear about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit Ji, a beloved daughter of the Congress Party, with whom I shared a close personal bond. My condolences to her family &amp; the citizens of Delhi, whom she served selflessly as a 3 term CM, in this time of great grief."

Former PM Manmohan Singh also said he was shocked to hear about the demise of Sheila Dikshit.

"I'm shocked to hear the sudden passing away of Smt Shiela Dixit. In her death the country has lost a dedicated Congress leader of the masses. People of Delhi will always remember her contribution to Delhi's development during her tenure as CM for 3 terms," he said.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said she was deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit.&nbsp;"She loved me, whatever she did for Delhi and the country, people will remember it. She was a big leader of the party, her contribution towards party, politics of nation and especially to Delhi, is immense," Vadra&nbsp;added.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "Just now got to know about extremely terrible news about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit ji. It's a huge loss for Delhi and her contribution will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to her family members. May her soul rest in peace"

Earlier PM Modi, President Kovind, Union Minister Rajnath Singh and several other leaders also paid homage to the veteran Congress leader.

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I’m devastated to hear about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit Ji, a beloved daughter of the Congress Party, with whom I shared a close personal bond. 
 
My condolences to her family &amp; the citizens of Delhi, whom she served selflessly as a 3 term CM, in this time of great grief.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1152536506587680768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Expressing his grief over the death of Dikshit, PM Modi tweeted, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit Ji. Blessed with a warm and affable personality, she made a noteworthy contribution to Delhi’s development. Condolences to her family and supporters. Om Shanti."

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he was devastated to hear about the death of the former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit. Gandhi took to Twitter to express his shock over the sudden demise of Dikshit who breathed her last on Saturday.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he was devastated to hear about the death of the former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit. Gandhi took to Twitter to express his shock over the sudden demise of Dikshit who breathed her last on Saturday. "I’m devastated to hear about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit Ji, a beloved daughter of the Congress Party, with whom I shared a close personal bond. My condolences to her family & the citizens of Delhi, whom she served selflessly as a 3 term CM, in this time of great grief." Former PM Manmohan Singh also said he was shocked to hear about the demise of Sheila Dikshit. "I'm shocked to hear the sudden passing away of Smt Shiela Dixit. In her death the country has lost a dedicated Congress leader of the masses. People of Delhi will always remember her contribution to Delhi's development during her tenure as CM for 3 terms," he said. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said she was deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit. "She loved me, whatever she did for Delhi and the country, people will remember it. She was a big leader of the party, her contribution towards party, politics of nation and especially to Delhi, is immense," Vadra added. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "Just now got to know about extremely terrible news about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit ji. It's a huge loss for Delhi and her contribution will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to her family members. May her soul rest in peace" Earlier PM Modi, President Kovind, Union Minister Rajnath Singh and several other leaders also paid homage to the veteran Congress leader. I’m devastated to hear about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit Ji, a beloved daughter of the Congress Party, with whom I shared a close personal bond. My condolences to her family & the citizens of Delhi, whom she served selflessly as a 3 term CM, in this time of great grief. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 20, 2019 × Expressing his grief over the death of Dikshit, PM Modi tweeted, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit Ji. Blessed with a warm and affable personality, she made a noteworthy contribution to Delhi’s development. Condolences to her family and supporters. Om Shanti."

Rahul Gandhi 'devastated' on Sheila Dikshit's demise, calls her 'beloved daughter of Congress'

Paramilitary men beat and tortured to death a civilian in Sudan's war-torn Darfur region, a doctors committee linked to the country's protest movement said Tuesday.

The civilian died on Monday in El-Daen, in East Darfur state, after members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) clashed with youths accused of stealing mobile phones, the committee said on its Facebook page.

"Members from Al-Janjaweed (RSF) militia beat and tortured a number of youths... on allegations that the youths had stolen a mobile phone," it said.

"One youth passed away due to torture by Al-Janjaweed," it said, referring to the RSF which has its origins in the militia that fought ethnic African rebels in Darfur during a civil war that broke out in 2003.

Witnesses contacted by telephone backed up the account of the doctors committee.

Two witnesses said an RSF unit arrested five youths -- accusing them of stealing mobile phones from their base -- and took them outside town, where they tortured them and abandoned them on the streets.

One of the victims allegedly died, they said.

After the victim was buried, town residents converged on the RSF base and torched it, while other RSF personnel arrested the unit responsible, the two witnesses said.

An RSF spokesman was unavailable for comment.

The doctors' committee alleged a total of six civilians have died over the past three days at the hands of the RSF, including four members of a family-run over by a vehicle driven by a paramilitary unit in Omdurman, the twin city of Khartoum.

Generals 'protect militias'

The sixth person was killed by gunfire in El-Souki, in the southeastern state of Sinnar, as residents protested against the RSF, demanding they leave town, according to the committee and witnesses.

"The continuation of the barbarity and tampering with civilians' safety daily by Janjaweed (RSF) militias, coupled with not holding them accountable under any law or code of ethics, prove that the Transitional Military Council protects these militias," the committee said.

The protest movement blamed the deaths in El-Souki and El-Daen on the security apparatus and the military council which has ruled Sudan since the ouster in April of longtime president Omar al-Bashir following months of anti-regime demonstrations.

"We hold the security authorities responsible for those killed in El-Daen and El-Souki," Ismail al-Taj, a spokesman for the Sudanese Professionals Association told reporters in Khartoum.

The SPA spearheaded protests against Bashir that broke out in December.

"We demand an independent investigation to identify those who committed these heinous crimes against citizens," Taj said, adding it was the responsibility of the military council to protect civilians during protests and rallies.

On Monday, scores of protesters demonstrated in parts of the capital, including at night, against the killing in El-Souki.

Protesters and rights groups accuse RSF personnel of having carried out a brutal raid on a protest camp outside military headquarters in Khartoum on June 3 that left dozens dead and hundreds wounded.

RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the deputy chief of Sudan's military council, has portrayed the allegations as part of an attempt to distort the image of his paramilitary force.

Paramilitary men beat and tortured to death a civilian in Sudan's war-torn Darfur region, a doctors committee linked to the country's protest movement said Tuesday.

Paramilitary men beat and tortured to death a civilian in Sudan's war-torn Darfur region, a doctors committee linked to the country's protest movement said Tuesday. The civilian died on Monday in El-Daen, in East Darfur state, after members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) clashed with youths accused of stealing mobile phones, the committee said on its Facebook page. "Members from Al-Janjaweed (RSF) militia beat and tortured a number of youths... on allegations that the youths had stolen a mobile phone," it said. "One youth passed away due to torture by Al-Janjaweed," it said, referring to the RSF which has its origins in the militia that fought ethnic African rebels in Darfur during a civil war that broke out in 2003. Witnesses contacted by telephone backed up the account of the doctors committee. Two witnesses said an RSF unit arrested five youths -- accusing them of stealing mobile phones from their base -- and took them outside town, where they tortured them and abandoned them on the streets. One of the victims allegedly died, they said. After the victim was buried, town residents converged on the RSF base and torched it, while other RSF personnel arrested the unit responsible, the two witnesses said. An RSF spokesman was unavailable for comment. The doctors' committee alleged a total of six civilians have died over the past three days at the hands of the RSF, including four members of a family-run over by a vehicle driven by a paramilitary unit in Omdurman, the twin city of Khartoum. Generals 'protect militias' The sixth person was killed by gunfire in El-Souki, in the southeastern state of Sinnar, as residents protested against the RSF, demanding they leave town, according to the committee and witnesses. "The continuation of the barbarity and tampering with civilians' safety daily by Janjaweed (RSF) militias, coupled with not holding them accountable under any law or code of ethics, prove that the Transitional Military Council protects these militias," the committee said. The protest movement blamed the deaths in El-Souki and El-Daen on the security apparatus and the military council which has ruled Sudan since the ouster in April of longtime president Omar al-Bashir following months of anti-regime demonstrations. "We hold the security authorities responsible for those killed in El-Daen and El-Souki," Ismail al-Taj, a spokesman for the Sudanese Professionals Association told reporters in Khartoum. The SPA spearheaded protests against Bashir that broke out in December. "We demand an independent investigation to identify those who committed these heinous crimes against citizens," Taj said, adding it was the responsibility of the military council to protect civilians during protests and rallies. On Monday, scores of protesters demonstrated in parts of the capital, including at night, against the killing in El-Souki. Protesters and rights groups accuse RSF personnel of having carried out a brutal raid on a protest camp outside military headquarters in Khartoum on June 3 that left dozens dead and hundreds wounded. RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the deputy chief of Sudan's military council, has portrayed the allegations as part of an attempt to distort the image of his paramilitary force.

Sudan paramilitaries 'torture' civilian to death: Doctors

The death toll in China's Sichuan Province earthquake mounted to 31 on Sunday.

The earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter Scale struck Gongxian County in China's southwest province of Sichuan, local authorities said.

According to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC), the epicentre of the quake, which occurred at 10:29 p.m (local time), was at a depth of 10 kilometres.

The injured were rushed to the hospital for treatment.&nbsp;

None of them is in critical condition, reports Xinhua news agency.

This comes after a 6.0 magnitude earthquake jolted Changning County of Yibin City on Monday, leaving 13 people dead and 220 others injured.

The death toll in China's Sichuan Province earthquake mounted to 31 on Sunday. The earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter Scale struck Gongxian County in China's southwest province of Sichuan, local authorities said.

The death toll in China's Sichuan Province earthquake mounted to 31 on Sunday. The earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter Scale struck Gongxian County in China's southwest province of Sichuan, local authorities said. According to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC), the epicentre of the quake, which occurred at 10:29 p.m (local time), was at a depth of 10 kilometres. The injured were rushed to the hospital for treatment. None of them is in critical condition, reports Xinhua news agency. This comes after a 6.0 magnitude earthquake jolted Changning County of Yibin City on Monday, leaving 13 people dead and 220 others injured.

Death toll in China's earthquake rises to 31

Michael Jackson fans around the world are gearing up to mark the tenth anniversary of the death of the King of Pop. But almost 10 years after his sudden death, Jackson's legacy has been under fresh scrutiny since the release of a recent documentary about alleged child sex abuse that has been met with outrage by the singer's family and fans. Jackson, a child star turned King of Pop, set the world alight with his infectious songs and music videos. But his musical genius was overshadowed at times by a bizarre lifestyle and sex scandals. Jackson, who died on June 25, 2009, was acquitted at a 2005 trial in California on charges of molesting a 13- year-old boy at his Neverland ranch in California. In 1994, he settled a sexual abuse lawsuit concerning another 13-year-old boy.

A look back on reactions to Michael Jackson's death 10 years ago

Three more children with symptoms of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/acute-encephalitis-syndrome-bihar-chief-minister-nitish-kumar-evades-question-on-rising-deaths-229257">Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)</a> died at a hospital in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district Friday taking the toll to 139.

According to the Muzaffarpur district administration, all three deaths were reported from the government-run SKMCH hospital, which alone has accounted for 104 casualties since June 1.

The Bihar health department had on Thursday released state-wide figures putting the total toll following the outbreak, which has spread across 16 districts, at 136.

With the latest three casualties the death toll rose to 139 though unconfirmed reports claim that the number has crossed 150.

Hundreds of children are admitted to hospitals -- mostly at Muzaffarpur's SKMCH and privately-owned Kejriwal hospital -- for treatment of AES which is characterized by sudden onset of high fever and convulsions.

The high number of deaths this year has been blamed on hypoglycemia or sudden drop in blood sugar levels, which some experts attribute to malnutrition and consumption of unripe litchi -- a fruit grown in abundance in north Bihar -- on an empty stomach and failure to administer glucose within four hours of the onset of fever and other symptoms.

The Muzaffarpur administration said that 13.5 lakh packets of oral rehydration solution (ORS) have been distributed across the district and health workers are carrying out an intensive awareness programme, as part of which 8.5 lakh pamphlets have been distributed.

In Patna, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar refused to take queries from journalists when they tried to seek his reaction on the outbreak which had rocked both Houses of parliament.

Kumar was approached with queries outside the state Assembly premises which he had visited to accompany Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan, who filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha by-poll.

Opposition RJD leader Bhai Virendra alleged that Kumar's reproach to photo and video journalists inside the Returning Officer's chamber - when they started leaning on the backs of officials present inside - was "nothing else but giving vent to frustration over his government's inability to control the epidemic and having nothing to say to the media on the issue".

Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, who also heads the state BJP unit, told reporters, "Our party has resolved to do its bit and all BJP Lok Sabha members in the state shall be donating Rs 25 lakh to the Sadar hospitals in their respective constituencies for setting up of a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)".

The state BJP office also circulated copies of a letter by Rai, dated June 19, whereby he informed the collector of Samastipur district -- wherein his constituency Ujiyarpur falls -- that he has decided to contribute Rs 25 lakh from his MPLAD fund for PICU.

The BJP has the highest number of 17 Lok Sabha members in Bihar where the total number of seats is 40.

Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, at a pre-budget meeting of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with finance ministers of states, raised the issue of AES outbreak and sought a grant of Rs 100 crore for setting up a 100-bed pediatric ICU, a research centre and building a new AIIMS besides upgrading the state's medical colleges to a level comparable with the AIIMS.

Three more children with symptoms of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) died at a hospital in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district Friday taking the toll to 139. According to the Muzaffarpur district administration, all three deaths were reported from the government-run SKMCH hospital, which alone has accounted for 104 casualties since June 1.

Three more children with symptoms of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) died at a hospital in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district Friday taking the toll to 139. According to the Muzaffarpur district administration, all three deaths were reported from the government-run SKMCH hospital, which alone has accounted for 104 casualties since June 1. The Bihar health department had on Thursday released state-wide figures putting the total toll following the outbreak, which has spread across 16 districts, at 136. With the latest three casualties the death toll rose to 139 though unconfirmed reports claim that the number has crossed 150. Hundreds of children are admitted to hospitals -- mostly at Muzaffarpur's SKMCH and privately-owned Kejriwal hospital -- for treatment of AES which is characterized by sudden onset of high fever and convulsions. The high number of deaths this year has been blamed on hypoglycemia or sudden drop in blood sugar levels, which some experts attribute to malnutrition and consumption of unripe litchi -- a fruit grown in abundance in north Bihar -- on an empty stomach and failure to administer glucose within four hours of the onset of fever and other symptoms. The Muzaffarpur administration said that 13.5 lakh packets of oral rehydration solution (ORS) have been distributed across the district and health workers are carrying out an intensive awareness programme, as part of which 8.5 lakh pamphlets have been distributed. In Patna, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar refused to take queries from journalists when they tried to seek his reaction on the outbreak which had rocked both Houses of parliament. Kumar was approached with queries outside the state Assembly premises which he had visited to accompany Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan, who filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha by-poll. Opposition RJD leader Bhai Virendra alleged that Kumar's reproach to photo and video journalists inside the Returning Officer's chamber - when they started leaning on the backs of officials present inside - was "nothing else but giving vent to frustration over his government's inability to control the epidemic and having nothing to say to the media on the issue". Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, who also heads the state BJP unit, told reporters, "Our party has resolved to do its bit and all BJP Lok Sabha members in the state shall be donating Rs 25 lakh to the Sadar hospitals in their respective constituencies for setting up of a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)". The state BJP office also circulated copies of a letter by Rai, dated June 19, whereby he informed the collector of Samastipur district -- wherein his constituency Ujiyarpur falls -- that he has decided to contribute Rs 25 lakh from his MPLAD fund for PICU. The BJP has the highest number of 17 Lok Sabha members in Bihar where the total number of seats is 40. Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, at a pre-budget meeting of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with finance ministers of states, raised the issue of AES outbreak and sought a grant of Rs 100 crore for setting up a 100-bed pediatric ICU, a research centre and building a new AIIMS besides upgrading the state's medical colleges to a level comparable with the AIIMS.

Three more die of Encephalitis in Bihar, toll reaches 139

As many as 61 people have been killed and 356,000 evacuated from their homes as heavy rain and floods swept through large parts of southern and central China this week, Chinese rescue authorities said.

In a notice published late on Thursday, China`s Ministry of Emergency Management said 9,300 homes have collapsed and 3.71 million hectares of farmland damaged during the floods, with direct economic losses now estimated at 13.35 billion yuan ($1.93 billion).&nbsp;

It said more than 4,300 people had been rescued from floodwaters, which have affected regions stretching from Guangdong province in the southeast to southwest China`s Chongqing on the upper reaches of the Yangtze river.&nbsp;

During the summer, China routinely suffers from droughts in the far north and floods in the south. The emergency ministry has warned that northern regions face even lower precipitation levels this year, while heavy rains are expected to raise flood risks on the Yellow river`s upstream.

As many as 61 people have been killed and 356,000 evacuated from their homes as heavy rain and floods swept through large parts of southern and central China this week, Chinese rescue authorities said.

As many as 61 people have been killed and 356,000 evacuated from their homes as heavy rain and floods swept through large parts of southern and central China this week, Chinese rescue authorities said. In a notice published late on Thursday, China`s Ministry of Emergency Management said 9,300 homes have collapsed and 3.71 million hectares of farmland damaged during the floods, with direct economic losses now estimated at 13.35 billion yuan ($1.93 billion). It said more than 4,300 people had been rescued from floodwaters, which have affected regions stretching from Guangdong province in the southeast to southwest China`s Chongqing on the upper reaches of the Yangtze river. During the summer, China routinely suffers from droughts in the far north and floods in the south. The emergency ministry has warned that northern regions face even lower precipitation levels this year, while heavy rains are expected to raise flood risks on the Yellow river`s upstream.

China flood death toll hits 61; 350,000 evacuated: Ministry

The deaths of an Irish and a British climber on Mount Everest took the toll from a deadly week on the world's highest peak to 10, expedition organisers said Saturday.

British climber Robin Fisher, 44, reached the summit Saturday morning but collapsed when he had got just 150 metres back down the slope.&nbsp;

"Our guides tried to help but he died soon after," Murari Sharma of Everest Parivar Expedition told AFP.&nbsp;

On the northern Tibet side of the mountain, a 56-year-old Irish man died Friday morning, his expedition organisers confirmed in a statement on their Facebook page.

The man decided to return without reaching the summit but died in his tent at the North Col pass at 7,000 metres (22,965 feet).&nbsp;

Four climbers from India and one each from the United States, Austria and Nepal have already died on Everest in the past week. Another Irish mountaineer is missing presumed dead after he slipped and fell close to the summit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/traffic-jam-on-everest-as-two-more-climbers-die-reaching-summit-221113">A traffic jam of climbers in the Everest</a> "death zone" has been blamed for at least four of the deaths, heightening concerns that the drive for profits is trumping safety.&nbsp;

Nepal issued a record 381 permits for mainly foreign climbers, costing $11,000 each, for the spring climbing season.

Each climber with a permit is assisted by at least one Sherpa, adding to the summit logjam.

With the short window of suitable weather due to close soon, bottlenecks of scores of climbers wanting to achieve the ultimate mountaineering accolade have built up each day.

An estimated 600 people had reached the summit via the Nepal side by Friday, a government official said, based on information from expedition organisers.&nbsp;

At least 140 others have been granted permits to scale Everest from the northern flank in Tibet, according to operators. This could take the total past last year's record of 807 people reaching the summit.

Many Himalayan mountains -- including Everest -- are at peak climbing season, with the good weather between late April and the end of May.&nbsp;

Eight other climbers have died on other 8,000-metre-plus Himalayan peaks this season, while two are missing.&nbsp;

The deaths of an Irish and a British climber on Mount Everest took the toll from a deadly week on the world's highest peak to 10, expedition organisers said Saturday.

The deaths of an Irish and a British climber on Mount Everest took the toll from a deadly week on the world's highest peak to 10, expedition organisers said Saturday. British climber Robin Fisher, 44, reached the summit Saturday morning but collapsed when he had got just 150 metres back down the slope. "Our guides tried to help but he died soon after," Murari Sharma of Everest Parivar Expedition told AFP. On the northern Tibet side of the mountain, a 56-year-old Irish man died Friday morning, his expedition organisers confirmed in a statement on their Facebook page. The man decided to return without reaching the summit but died in his tent at the North Col pass at 7,000 metres (22,965 feet). Four climbers from India and one each from the United States, Austria and Nepal have already died on Everest in the past week. Another Irish mountaineer is missing presumed dead after he slipped and fell close to the summit. A traffic jam of climbers in the Everest "death zone" has been blamed for at least four of the deaths, heightening concerns that the drive for profits is trumping safety. Nepal issued a record 381 permits for mainly foreign climbers, costing $11,000 each, for the spring climbing season. Each climber with a permit is assisted by at least one Sherpa, adding to the summit logjam. With the short window of suitable weather due to close soon, bottlenecks of scores of climbers wanting to achieve the ultimate mountaineering accolade have built up each day. An estimated 600 people had reached the summit via the Nepal side by Friday, a government official said, based on information from expedition organisers. At least 140 others have been granted permits to scale Everest from the northern flank in Tibet, according to operators. This could take the total past last year's record of 807 people reaching the summit. Many Himalayan mountains -- including Everest -- are at peak climbing season, with the good weather between late April and the end of May. Eight other climbers have died on other 8,000-metre-plus Himalayan peaks this season, while two are missing.

Deaths of British, Irish climbers add to Everest toll

Veteran stand-up comedian Sammy Shore died at the age of 92 on Sunday.

Sammy, in his 70-year-long career, founded The Comedy Store in partnership with Rudy De Luca, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Expressing grief, The Comedy Store's Facebook page posted, "Words can`t express how much his comedic gift, friendship, and beneficence will be missed. The bright light he shone and the laughter he brought into the lives of everyone he touched will never dim. There is only one 'Brother Sam'!"

His son Pauly Shore, who is also a comedian, paid his tribute on Twitter.

"Dad, you lived an amazing life and I`m so proud to say you are my father. When you're in heaven I'll be killing the crowds night after night and carrying on your legacy. Love you dad. Rest in peace," he wrote.

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Dad, you lived an amazing life and I'm so proud to say that you are my father. When you're in heaven I'll be killing the crowds night after night and carrying on your legacy. Love you Dad. Rest in peace. 
 
Your son and fellow stand up comic, Love, 
Pauly<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thecomedystore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#thecomedystore</a> <a href="https://t.co/Uw9K3qtKFr">pic.twitter.com/Uw9K3qtKFr</a>
— Pauly Shore (@PaulyShore) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulyShore/status/1129799092907991041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The comedian performed in many one-man shows and made cameos in films including 'Jerry Lewis the bellboy', 'Mel Brooks', 'Life Stinks'&nbsp;and television series 'Sanford and Son'.

According to the Facebook post, he was most proud of his appearance on the 'Ed Sullivan Show'.

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Sammy also produced comedy albums such as, 'Brother Sam', 'Come Heal With Me', and '70 Sucks'.

He also penned three books but was unfortunately not able to complete his last book called 'Last Comic Sitting'. 
&nbsp;

Veteran stand-up comedian Sammy Shore died at the age of 92 on Sunday. Sammy, in his 70-year-long career, founded The Comedy Store in partnership with Rudy De Luca, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Veteran stand-up comedian Sammy Shore died at the age of 92 on Sunday. Sammy, in his 70-year-long career, founded The Comedy Store in partnership with Rudy De Luca, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Expressing grief, The Comedy Store's Facebook page posted, "Words can`t express how much his comedic gift, friendship, and beneficence will be missed. The bright light he shone and the laughter he brought into the lives of everyone he touched will never dim. There is only one 'Brother Sam'!" His son Pauly Shore, who is also a comedian, paid his tribute on Twitter. "Dad, you lived an amazing life and I`m so proud to say you are my father. When you're in heaven I'll be killing the crowds night after night and carrying on your legacy. Love you dad. Rest in peace," he wrote. Dad, you lived an amazing life and I'm so proud to say that you are my father. When you're in heaven I'll be killing the crowds night after night and carrying on your legacy. Love you Dad. Rest in peace. Your son and fellow stand up comic, Love, Pauly#thecomedystore pic.twitter.com/Uw9K3qtKFr — Pauly Shore (@PaulyShore) May 18, 2019 × The comedian performed in many one-man shows and made cameos in films including 'Jerry Lewis the bellboy', 'Mel Brooks', 'Life Stinks' and television series 'Sanford and Son'. According to the Facebook post, he was most proud of his appearance on the 'Ed Sullivan Show'. × Sammy also produced comedy albums such as, 'Brother Sam', 'Come Heal With Me', and '70 Sucks'. He also penned three books but was unfortunately not able to complete his last book called 'Last Comic Sitting'.

Stand-up comedian Sammy Shore dies at 92

The husband of a British bride who died on her honeymoon in Sri Lanka will be kept in the country at least until a formal hearing on the death is held on Wednesday, police said.

Khilan Chandaria is not under arrest or facing a charge, but has been stopped from leaving Sri Lanka since his wife Usheila Patel, 31, died on April 25.

The bride died just six days after her wedding and two days after the couple checked into a hotel in the resort town of Galle, south of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-catholic-schools-to-reopen-after-easter-day-attacks-217276">capital Colombo.</a>

The couple's family has told British media that the newlyweds had suffered severe food poisoning.&nbsp;

Chandaria, 33, was also taken ill.

Police said an inquest hearing will be held on Wednesday when authorities expect toxicology reports ordered by a judicial medical officer.

"Chief Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela ordered the government analyst to provide all the necessary reports for the hearing on May 15," a police official in Galle told AFP.

The court was holding Chandaria's passport until the magistrate can rule on the cause of death, the police official added.

"At the moment, the magistrate has given an open verdict," the officer said referring to the term used when the cause and circumstances of a death are unclear.

"The body is still in the custody of the judiciary and kept at the Karapitiya hospital morgue."

The couple, from London, checked into the Amari Galle resort.

Amari spokesman Russell Cool said the couple fell ill after eating, and initially declined medical treatment at a local hospital but asked for help a few hours later.

"The couple consumed a light meal prepared by the hotel, as did other guests at the same time and who remain fine," he told AFP.

"Also in their possession were other consumable items obtained from outside of the hotel and we have handed these items to the relevant authorities as part of their investigations."&nbsp;

Chandaria could not be contacted immediately, but he has told the British media that both of them felt feverish and vomited blood after falling ill.

They married on April 19 and arrived in Sri Lanka on April 23, just two days after the Easter bombings at three luxury hotels in Colombo and three churches where 258 people were killed.

The husband of a British bride who died on her honeymoon in Sri Lanka will be kept in the country at least until a formal hearing on the death is held on Wednesday, police said.

The husband of a British bride who died on her honeymoon in Sri Lanka will be kept in the country at least until a formal hearing on the death is held on Wednesday, police said. Khilan Chandaria is not under arrest or facing a charge, but has been stopped from leaving Sri Lanka since his wife Usheila Patel, 31, died on April 25. The bride died just six days after her wedding and two days after the couple checked into a hotel in the resort town of Galle, south of the capital Colombo. The couple's family has told British media that the newlyweds had suffered severe food poisoning. Chandaria, 33, was also taken ill. Police said an inquest hearing will be held on Wednesday when authorities expect toxicology reports ordered by a judicial medical officer. "Chief Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela ordered the government analyst to provide all the necessary reports for the hearing on May 15," a police official in Galle told AFP. The court was holding Chandaria's passport until the magistrate can rule on the cause of death, the police official added. "At the moment, the magistrate has given an open verdict," the officer said referring to the term used when the cause and circumstances of a death are unclear. "The body is still in the custody of the judiciary and kept at the Karapitiya hospital morgue." The couple, from London, checked into the Amari Galle resort. Amari spokesman Russell Cool said the couple fell ill after eating, and initially declined medical treatment at a local hospital but asked for help a few hours later. "The couple consumed a light meal prepared by the hotel, as did other guests at the same time and who remain fine," he told AFP. "Also in their possession were other consumable items obtained from outside of the hotel and we have handed these items to the relevant authorities as part of their investigations." Chandaria could not be contacted immediately, but he has told the British media that both of them felt feverish and vomited blood after falling ill. They married on April 19 and arrived in Sri Lanka on April 23, just two days after the Easter bombings at three luxury hotels in Colombo and three churches where 258 people were killed.

Sri Lanka probes British bride's honeymoon death

A<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/special-vote-underway-in-south-africa-ahead-of-general-election-216626&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiz9OifsYniAhUC5o8KHQOXBY0QFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0UUgbXsQIUIB2qe9h2r2-C"> polling officer </a>died while 24 others, including security personnel, were injured when their vehicle overturned in the district, officials said Tuesday.

The accident took place when they were on way to deposit EVM machines after polling on Monday.

The deceased has been identified as Om Prakash (40) assistant district information officer SD Yadav said.

A polling officer died while 24 others, including security personnel, were injured when their vehicle overturned in the district, officials said Tuesday. The accident took place when they were on way to deposit EVM machines after polling on Monday.

A polling officer died while 24 others, including security personnel, were injured when their vehicle overturned in the district, officials said Tuesday. The accident took place when they were on way to deposit EVM machines after polling on Monday. The deceased has been identified as Om Prakash (40) assistant district information officer SD Yadav said.

Polling officer dies, 24 injured as vehicle overturns in Amethi

Two persons, including a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/tourists-excited-over-imminent-birth-of-british-royal-baby-watch-windsors-changing-of-guard-214843&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwidzLPM5obiAhUG4HMBHbguAuwQFjAEegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Pq1PUZ2pR7TYqIqWETqBx">Home Guard</a>, engaged in election duty died in separate incidents in Madhya Pradesh, an official said on Monday.

Home Guard Mahesh Dubey, who was deployed at a polling booth in Betul Lok Sabha constituency, died due to cardiac arrest on Monday morning, state Chief Electoral Officer <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/phase-five-lok-sabha-polls-evm-issues-reported-in-madhya-pradesh-216253&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjFrbO85obiAhXFRY8KHbYlCx4QFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw01uS-N_ijK08_rhIrWMqvx">V L Kantha Rao</a> said.

Besides, a kotwar (village watchman), Nandulal Nagle, who was also engaged in poll duty in Betul constituency, died after suffering a heart attack on Saturday, he said.

Financial help was being extended to the kin of the deceased, Rao added.

Polling was underway since Monday morning in the state's seven Lok Sabha constituencies of Betul, Tikamgarh, Damoh, Khajuraho, Satna, Rewa and Hoshangabad.&nbsp;

Two persons, including a Home Guard, engaged in election duty died in separate incidents in Madhya Pradesh, an official said on Monday. Home Guard Mahesh Dubey, who was deployed at a polling booth in Betul Lok Sabha constituency, died due to cardiac arrest on Monday morning, state Chief Electoral Officer V L Kantha Rao said.

Two persons, including a Home Guard, engaged in election duty died in separate incidents in Madhya Pradesh, an official said on Monday. Home Guard Mahesh Dubey, who was deployed at a polling booth in Betul Lok Sabha constituency, died due to cardiac arrest on Monday morning, state Chief Electoral Officer V L Kantha Rao said. Besides, a kotwar (village watchman), Nandulal Nagle, who was also engaged in poll duty in Betul constituency, died after suffering a heart attack on Saturday, he said. Financial help was being extended to the kin of the deceased, Rao added. Polling was underway since Monday morning in the state's seven Lok Sabha constituencies of Betul, Tikamgarh, Damoh, Khajuraho, Satna, Rewa and Hoshangabad.

Lok Sabha polls 2019:Two poll staffers including Home Guard die in Madhya Pradesh

Nipsey Hussle's tragic death has breathed life into the slain rapper's legacy through an array of street art of his likeness in the City of Angels. More than 50 murals with Hussle's image have popped up in different areas of Los Angeles after he was fatally shot outside his clothing store a few weeks ago. The detailed artwork of him can be seen from the city's busy highways, on the side of buildings with his inspiring quotes and even on a full basketball court at a school in the neighbourhood where he grew up.

Street art of Nipsey Hussle in LA breathes life into legacy

A brisk stroll once or twice a week is enough to reduce the risk of dying from heart attack, stroke or cancer, according to a statistical study of nearly 90,000 people released Tuesday.

People who walked or gardened 10 minutes to an hour each week had an 18 per cent lower risk of death from any cause compared to full-on couch potatoes, researchers reported in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Two-and-a-half to five hours weekly of such "moderate physical activity" -- broken into segments of no less than 10 minutes -- resulted in a 31 per cent reduction in risk, they found.

And those who clocked up at least 25 hours almost halved the risk.

Not everyone, however, has that much time to spend on leisure-time exercise, the authors acknowledged.

Heart-pumping and pulse-quickening activities such as biking, running and competitive sports "are more time-efficient than moderate intensity activity," they said.

For cardiovascular disease alone, there was no additional benefit to be gained by graduating from five to 25 hours, they noted.

Researchers led by Bo Xi, a professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Shandong University in northern China, sifted through data collected annually on 88,140 people in the United States between 1997 and 2008 for the National Health Interview Surveys.

That data on exercise was then matched against registered deaths through 2011.

The authors cautioned that the study was observational, meaning that no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect. The fact that exercise data was self-reported was also a potential weakness.

But a large number of people covered by the research goes a long way to compensate for these methodological limitations, they added.

A brisk stroll once or twice a week is enough to reduce the risk of dying from heart attack, stroke or cancer, according to a statistical study of nearly 90,000 people released Tuesday.

A brisk stroll once or twice a week is enough to reduce the risk of dying from heart attack, stroke or cancer, according to a statistical study of nearly 90,000 people released Tuesday. People who walked or gardened 10 minutes to an hour each week had an 18 per cent lower risk of death from any cause compared to full-on couch potatoes, researchers reported in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Two-and-a-half to five hours weekly of such "moderate physical activity" -- broken into segments of no less than 10 minutes -- resulted in a 31 per cent reduction in risk, they found. And those who clocked up at least 25 hours almost halved the risk. Not everyone, however, has that much time to spend on leisure-time exercise, the authors acknowledged. Heart-pumping and pulse-quickening activities such as biking, running and competitive sports "are more time-efficient than moderate intensity activity," they said. For cardiovascular disease alone, there was no additional benefit to be gained by graduating from five to 25 hours, they noted. Researchers led by Bo Xi, a professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Shandong University in northern China, sifted through data collected annually on 88,140 people in the United States between 1997 and 2008 for the National Health Interview Surveys. That data on exercise was then matched against registered deaths through 2011. The authors cautioned that the study was observational, meaning that no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect. The fact that exercise data was self-reported was also a potential weakness. But a large number of people covered by the research goes a long way to compensate for these methodological limitations, they added.

Short walk once a week can lower risk of death: Study

Relatives of victims of a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/81-killed-as-massive-fire-spreads-at-lightning-speed-through-chemical-warehouses-in-bangladesh-198773"> fire that killed at least 70 people</a> waited outside Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Thursday to collect the bodies of their loved ones.

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/worst-building-disasters-in-bangladesh-198726"> fire engulfed several buildings</a> in a centuries-old neighbourhood of the&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;capital, a fire official said on Thursday, warning the toll could climb as firefighters scour the rubble.

Lax regulations and poor enforcement of rules in impoverished&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;have often been blamed for several large fires that have led to hundreds of deaths in recent years.

The city's worst fire since 2012 broke out late on Wednesday night in a five-storey building, before spreading to others nearby in the Chawkbazar precinct, parts of which date back more than 300 years to the Mughal period.

At least a dozen of the roughly 50 people taken to hospital were in critical condition, Julfikar Rahman, a director of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, told Reuters. Hundreds of distraught relatives thronged the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital to seek missing relatives, witnesses said.

Bangladesh&nbsp;has set up a five-member panel to inquire into the fire, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told media, adding that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was monitoring the situation.

Relatives of victims of a fire that killed at least 70 people waited outside Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Thursday to collect the bodies of their loved ones.

Relatives of victims of a fire that killed at least 70 people waited outside Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Thursday to collect the bodies of their loved ones. The fire engulfed several buildings in a centuries-old neighbourhood of the Bangladesh capital, a fire official said on Thursday, warning the toll could climb as firefighters scour the rubble. Lax regulations and poor enforcement of rules in impoverished Bangladesh have often been blamed for several large fires that have led to hundreds of deaths in recent years. The city's worst fire since 2012 broke out late on Wednesday night in a five-storey building, before spreading to others nearby in the Chawkbazar precinct, parts of which date back more than 300 years to the Mughal period. At least a dozen of the roughly 50 people taken to hospital were in critical condition, Julfikar Rahman, a director of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, told Reuters. Hundreds of distraught relatives thronged the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital to seek missing relatives, witnesses said. Bangladesh has set up a five-member panel to inquire into the fire, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told media, adding that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was monitoring the situation.

Bangladesh: Families collect bodies from hospital after massive fire kills 70

As many as 79 fresh cases of Swine flu were detected in Rajasthan on Monday, according to data issued by the state's Health Department.

Meanwhile, five people died of Swine flu in the state-one each in Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Chittorgarh - taking the death toll to 112 in a span of over a month (from January 1 to February 11).

Thirty-six cases were detected positive on Monday in Jaipur, nine in Barmer, four in Jhunjhunu three each in Dausa, Bikaner, Ganganagar and Udaipur, two each in Sikar, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Kota, Nagaur, Ajmer and Rajsamand, and one each in Bhilwara, Baran, Bharatpur and Alwar.

Swine flu is an infection caused by one of the several swine influenza viruses (SIV), with the H1N1 strain being the most common across the country.

H1N1 virus spreads when an individual touched an infected or breathes droplets of coughs and sneezes that are in the air.

The symptoms are the same as the seasonal flu, also known as viral fever. This includes a cough, sore throat, and body ache.&nbsp;

As many as 79 fresh cases of Swine flu were detected in Rajasthan on Monday, according to data issued by the state's Health Department. Meanwhile, five people died of Swine flu in the state-one each in Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Chittorgarh - taking the death toll to 112 in a span of over a month (from January 1 to February 11).

As many as 79 fresh cases of Swine flu were detected in Rajasthan on Monday, according to data issued by the state's Health Department. Meanwhile, five people died of Swine flu in the state-one each in Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Chittorgarh - taking the death toll to 112 in a span of over a month (from January 1 to February 11). Thirty-six cases were detected positive on Monday in Jaipur, nine in Barmer, four in Jhunjhunu three each in Dausa, Bikaner, Ganganagar and Udaipur, two each in Sikar, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Kota, Nagaur, Ajmer and Rajsamand, and one each in Bhilwara, Baran, Bharatpur and Alwar. Swine flu is an infection caused by one of the several swine influenza viruses (SIV), with the H1N1 strain being the most common across the country. H1N1 virus spreads when an individual touched an infected or breathes droplets of coughs and sneezes that are in the air. The symptoms are the same as the seasonal flu, also known as viral fever. This includes a cough, sore throat, and body ache.

79 fresh cases of Swine flu detected in Rajasthan; death toll touches 112

The star of such classics like Roger Corman's 'A Bucket of Blood' and 'Gremlins', veteran Hollywood actor Dick Miller has passed away at 90.

Miller died due to natural causes on Wednesday in Toluca Lake.&nbsp;The news was confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by a family spokesperson.&nbsp;

His wife Lainie, daughter Barbara and grand-daughter Autumn were at his side as he passed.

In a statement following his death, Miller's family wrote, "His sense of humor and the unique way he looked at the world won him many lifelong friends and worldwide fans."

Soon after the news of his death was made public, Twitterati poured in with their condolences, remembering the great 'character actor.'

Famed director John Carpenter wrote, "Rest in peace, Dick Miller. Terrific character actor."

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Rest in peace, Dick Miller. Terrific character actor.
— John Carpenter (@TheHorrorMaster) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHorrorMaster/status/1090820225396748289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Actor Bruce Campbell too took to Twitter and remembered Miller, writing, " Dick Miller Dead: The ‘Gremlins’ Actor Was 90. Thanks for playing the beleaguered everyman so well - and for so long."

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Dick Miller Dead: The ‘Gremlins’ Actor Was 90 
 
Thanks for playing the beleaguered everyman so well - and for so long. <a href="https://t.co/c8KMTKLNMN">https://t.co/c8KMTKLNMN</a>
— Bruce Campbell (@GroovyBruce) <a href="https://twitter.com/GroovyBruce/status/1090833109833129989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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'Days of our Lives' actress Barbara Crampton who had once worked with him, too wrote, "I had the good fortune to work alongside Dick Miller once. Although we didn’t have any dialogue together, I admired him from close up. Rip."

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I had the good fortune to work alongside Dick Miller once. Although we didn’t have any dialogue together, I admired him from close up. Rip
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Stand-up comedian and actor Greg Proops too commented, "Rock All Night. Dick Miller."

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Rock All Night 
Dick Miller <a href="https://t.co/QVARfQbjOL">pic.twitter.com/QVARfQbjOL</a>
— Greg Proops (@GregProops) <a href="https://twitter.com/GregProops/status/1090776864090611713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Born in The Bronx on December 25, 1928, one of Miller`s earliest acting ventures was in the 1955 film 'Apache Woman'.

In 1952, he moved to California, and one of his earliest acting roles was in 'Apache Woman' in 1955.&nbsp;

Miller began working with iconic director/producer Roger Corman, including in a starring role as Walter Paisley in 'A Bucket of Blood' in 1959.

His other acting credits included 'The Little Shop of Horrors,' 'The Terror,' 'The Wild Angels,' 'The Dirty Dozen' and 'A Time for Killing.'

Miller was also the subject of a 2014 documentary by director Elijah Drenner and co-producers Drenner and Lainie Miller.

In a career spanning sixty years, Miller worked in more than 175 films and made over 2,000 television appearances. He went on to work with directors James Cameron, Ernest Dickerson, Martin Scorsese, Jonathan Demme, Allan Arkush, Jonathan Kaplan and John Sayles as well.&nbsp;

The star of such classics like Roger Corman's 'A Bucket of Blood' and 'Gremlins', veteran Hollywood actor Dick Miller has passed away at 90. Miller died due to natural causes on Wednesday in Toluca Lake.

The star of such classics like Roger Corman's 'A Bucket of Blood' and 'Gremlins', veteran Hollywood actor Dick Miller has passed away at 90. Miller died due to natural causes on Wednesday in Toluca Lake. The news was confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by a family spokesperson. His wife Lainie, daughter Barbara and grand-daughter Autumn were at his side as he passed. In a statement following his death, Miller's family wrote, "His sense of humor and the unique way he looked at the world won him many lifelong friends and worldwide fans." Soon after the news of his death was made public, Twitterati poured in with their condolences, remembering the great 'character actor.' Famed director John Carpenter wrote, "Rest in peace, Dick Miller. Terrific character actor." Rest in peace, Dick Miller. Terrific character actor. — John Carpenter (@TheHorrorMaster) January 31, 2019 × Actor Bruce Campbell too took to Twitter and remembered Miller, writing, " Dick Miller Dead: The ‘Gremlins’ Actor Was 90. Thanks for playing the beleaguered everyman so well - and for so long." Dick Miller Dead: The ‘Gremlins’ Actor Was 90 Thanks for playing the beleaguered everyman so well - and for so long. https://t.co/c8KMTKLNMN — Bruce Campbell (@GroovyBruce) January 31, 2019 × 'Days of our Lives' actress Barbara Crampton who had once worked with him, too wrote, "I had the good fortune to work alongside Dick Miller once. Although we didn’t have any dialogue together, I admired him from close up. Rip." I had the good fortune to work alongside Dick Miller once. Although we didn’t have any dialogue together, I admired him from close up. Rip — Barbara Crampton (@barbaracrampton) January 31, 2019 × Stand-up comedian and actor Greg Proops too commented, "Rock All Night. Dick Miller." Rock All Night Dick Miller pic.twitter.com/QVARfQbjOL — Greg Proops (@GregProops) January 31, 2019 × Born in The Bronx on December 25, 1928, one of Miller`s earliest acting ventures was in the 1955 film 'Apache Woman'. In 1952, he moved to California, and one of his earliest acting roles was in 'Apache Woman' in 1955. Miller began working with iconic director/producer Roger Corman, including in a starring role as Walter Paisley in 'A Bucket of Blood' in 1959. His other acting credits included 'The Little Shop of Horrors,' 'The Terror,' 'The Wild Angels,' 'The Dirty Dozen' and 'A Time for Killing.' Miller was also the subject of a 2014 documentary by director Elijah Drenner and co-producers Drenner and Lainie Miller. In a career spanning sixty years, Miller worked in more than 175 films and made over 2,000 television appearances. He went on to work with directors James Cameron, Ernest Dickerson, Martin Scorsese, Jonathan Demme, Allan Arkush, Jonathan Kaplan and John Sayles as well.

Dick Miller dies at 90, Twitter remembers veteran Hollywood actor

YouTube on Tuesday clarified rules against posting videos of dangerous pranks, as risky "challenges" prompt people to video themselves doing things like biting into laundry soap or driving blindfolded.

The company already forbid content inciting dangerous activities likely to result in serious harm.

But the clarifications "make it clear that challenges like the Tide pod challenge or the Fire challenge, that can cause death and/or have caused death in some instances, have no place on YouTube," the company said in a blog post.

"We've made it clear that our policies prohibiting harmful and dangerous content also extend to pranks with a perceived danger of serious physical injury," said YouTube, which like other social networks is trying to show that it is better tackling problematic content.

It made clear the updated policies ban pranks that trick people into thinking they are in danger, such as fake home invasions or drive-by shootings.

"YouTube is home to many beloved viral challenges and pranks, like Jimmy Kimmel's 'Terrible Christmas Presents' prank or the water bottle flip challenge," said YouTube, owned by Google's parent Alphabet.

"That said, we've always had policies to make sure what's funny doesn't cross the line into also being harmful or dangerous."

While playful or goofy challenges or pranks have become raging trends online, with video shared at YouTube or Facebook, some "memes" have put people in jeopardy.

A "Fire Challenge" dared people to put a flammable liquid on their bodies then ignite it, while a "Tide Pod Challenge" involved people, typically teens, biting or chewing the encapsulated candy-coloured&nbsp;laundry detergent.

A "Bird Box" thriller released on Netflix a month ago inspired a challenge for people to do things blindfolded, mimicking characters in the original streaming film.

A US teenager over the weekend crashed while driving with her eyes covered, taking part in a challenge inspired by the hit Netflix show, according to media reports.

YouTube policy also bans pranks that cause children trauma, for example, the fake death of a parent or severe abandonment, according to the firm.

Accounts that post videos violating policies on pranks will get a "strike" that will limit some features such as live streaming.

A second strike within three months will result in even more limited use of YouTube, while accounts getting three strikes in that time period will be terminated.

The company already forbid content inciting dangerous activities likely to result in serious harm.

YouTube on Tuesday clarified rules against posting videos of dangerous pranks, as risky "challenges" prompt people to video themselves doing things like biting into laundry soap or driving blindfolded. The company already forbid content inciting dangerous activities likely to result in serious harm. But the clarifications "make it clear that challenges like the Tide pod challenge or the Fire challenge, that can cause death and/or have caused death in some instances, have no place on YouTube," the company said in a blog post. "We've made it clear that our policies prohibiting harmful and dangerous content also extend to pranks with a perceived danger of serious physical injury," said YouTube, which like other social networks is trying to show that it is better tackling problematic content. It made clear the updated policies ban pranks that trick people into thinking they are in danger, such as fake home invasions or drive-by shootings. "YouTube is home to many beloved viral challenges and pranks, like Jimmy Kimmel's 'Terrible Christmas Presents' prank or the water bottle flip challenge," said YouTube, owned by Google's parent Alphabet. "That said, we've always had policies to make sure what's funny doesn't cross the line into also being harmful or dangerous." While playful or goofy challenges or pranks have become raging trends online, with video shared at YouTube or Facebook, some "memes" have put people in jeopardy. A "Fire Challenge" dared people to put a flammable liquid on their bodies then ignite it, while a "Tide Pod Challenge" involved people, typically teens, biting or chewing the encapsulated candy-coloured laundry detergent. A "Bird Box" thriller released on Netflix a month ago inspired a challenge for people to do things blindfolded, mimicking characters in the original streaming film. A US teenager over the weekend crashed while driving with her eyes covered, taking part in a challenge inspired by the hit Netflix show, according to media reports. YouTube policy also bans pranks that cause children trauma, for example, the fake death of a parent or severe abandonment, according to the firm. Accounts that post videos violating policies on pranks will get a "strike" that will limit some features such as live streaming. A second strike within three months will result in even more limited use of YouTube, while accounts getting three strikes in that time period will be terminated.

YouTube updates rules on pranks as risky memes rage

China on Tuesday vociferously defended a court's decision <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-court-sentences-canadian-to-death-as-diplomatic-row-deepens-190320">to impose the death penalty on a convicted Canadian drug smuggler</a>, escalating a diplomatic row that experts say has descended into a high-stakes game of "hostage politics".

China's foreign ministry blasted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's "irresponsible remarks" after he criticised the death sentence imposed on 36-year-old Robert Lloyd Schellenberg.

Beijing and Ottawa have been squabbling since last month when Canada arrested the chief financial officer of top Chinese telecom company Huawei on a US extradition request related to Iran sanctions violations.

In a move observers see as retaliation, Chinese authorities detained two Canadian citizens — a former diplomat and a business consultant — on suspicion of endangering national security.

Then authorities revisited the little-known case of Schellenberg, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison in November for drug offences.&nbsp;

A month later, an upper court took up his appeal and ordered a hasty retrial in the northeastern city of Dalian after ruling that the punishment was too lenient.

The timing and swiftness of Schellenberg's sentence and the inclusion of new evidence presenting him as a key player in a plan to ship 222 kilogrammes (490 pounds) of methamphetamine to Australia raised suspicion among observers.

"Playing hostage politics, China rushes the retrial of a Canadian suspect and sentences him to death in a fairly transparent attempt to pressure Canada," Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth said in a tweet.

Donald Clarke, a George Washington University professor specialising in Chinese law, coined an even grimmer term for the situation: "death threat diplomacy".

"The Chinese government is not even trying to pretend that there was a fair trial here," he said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed "extreme concern" that China had "chosen to arbitrarily" apply the death penalty.

But Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying denied Beijing had politicised Schellenberg's case, calling on Canada to "respect China's judicial sovereignty... and stop making such irresponsible remarks".

Ottawa had issued a new travel advisory urging citizens to "exercise a high degree of caution in China due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws".&nbsp;

Beijing issued a similar response hours later, calling on Chinese citizens to "travel cautiously" after a Chinese citizen was "arbitrarily detained on the basis of a request of a third-party country", an apparent reference to Meng's arrest.

The court in Liaoning said on Tuesday its actions were "in compliance with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law", the state-run Legal Daily reported.

Suspect timing

China executes one or two foreigners every year —nearly all for drug offences, according to John Kamm, director of the US-based Dui Hua Foundation rights group.

Experts said retrials are rare in China, especially ones calling for a harsher sentence, but rights groups note that courts are not independent and can be influenced by the ruling Communist Party.

"What's unusual is how this case shifted from extremely slow handling to suddenly rapid-fire movement," said Margaret Lewis, a law professor at Seton Hall University.

The rare decision to allow three foreign journalists, including one from AFP, to attend the hearing makes it "clear that the Chinese government wants (the) international spotlight on this case".

"The timing is suspect and certainly his nationality makes it all the more glaring," she said.

Meng at home

Schellenberg, who claimed he was innocent and framed by an acquaintance, has 10 days to appeal to the same high court that rejected his first appeal.

Lewis said the court was likely to confirm the sentence and the case would move up to the Supreme People's Court.

The top court could confirm the death penalty, give him a two-year suspended death sentence that would be converted into a long prison term or reduce his punishment, she said.

Clarke said: "My prediction is that the Supreme People's Court will sit on the review decision for as long as Meng's fate remains undetermined."

The fate of the other two Canadians, who have been held in undisclosed locations, remains a mystery.

Last week, Trudeau accused China of "arbitrarily and unfairly" detaining former diplomat Michael Kovrig and business consultant Michael Spavor, who were rounded up nine days after Canada arrested Meng.

The Chinese foreign ministry rejected Trudeau's assertion that Kovrig, who now works for the International Crisis Group, still enjoyed diplomatic immunity.

Meng, meanwhile, was granted bail by a Canadian court last month, allowing her to wait for the US extradition hearing in a Vancouver house.

Beijing on Tuesday repeated its calls for her immediate release, calling on Canada to correct its "severe mistake".&nbsp;

China on Tuesday vociferously defended a court's decision to impose the death penalty on a convicted Canadian drug smuggler, escalating a diplomatic row that experts say has descended into a high-stakes game of "hostage politics".

China on Tuesday vociferously defended a court's decision to impose the death penalty on a convicted Canadian drug smuggler, escalating a diplomatic row that experts say has descended into a high-stakes game of "hostage politics". China's foreign ministry blasted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's "irresponsible remarks" after he criticised the death sentence imposed on 36-year-old Robert Lloyd Schellenberg. Beijing and Ottawa have been squabbling since last month when Canada arrested the chief financial officer of top Chinese telecom company Huawei on a US extradition request related to Iran sanctions violations. In a move observers see as retaliation, Chinese authorities detained two Canadian citizens — a former diplomat and a business consultant — on suspicion of endangering national security. Then authorities revisited the little-known case of Schellenberg, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison in November for drug offences. A month later, an upper court took up his appeal and ordered a hasty retrial in the northeastern city of Dalian after ruling that the punishment was too lenient. The timing and swiftness of Schellenberg's sentence and the inclusion of new evidence presenting him as a key player in a plan to ship 222 kilogrammes (490 pounds) of methamphetamine to Australia raised suspicion among observers. "Playing hostage politics, China rushes the retrial of a Canadian suspect and sentences him to death in a fairly transparent attempt to pressure Canada," Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth said in a tweet. Donald Clarke, a George Washington University professor specialising in Chinese law, coined an even grimmer term for the situation: "death threat diplomacy". "The Chinese government is not even trying to pretend that there was a fair trial here," he said. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed "extreme concern" that China had "chosen to arbitrarily" apply the death penalty. But Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying denied Beijing had politicised Schellenberg's case, calling on Canada to "respect China's judicial sovereignty... and stop making such irresponsible remarks". Ottawa had issued a new travel advisory urging citizens to "exercise a high degree of caution in China due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws". Beijing issued a similar response hours later, calling on Chinese citizens to "travel cautiously" after a Chinese citizen was "arbitrarily detained on the basis of a request of a third-party country", an apparent reference to Meng's arrest. The court in Liaoning said on Tuesday its actions were "in compliance with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law", the state-run Legal Daily reported. Suspect timing China executes one or two foreigners every year —nearly all for drug offences, according to John Kamm, director of the US-based Dui Hua Foundation rights group. Experts said retrials are rare in China, especially ones calling for a harsher sentence, but rights groups note that courts are not independent and can be influenced by the ruling Communist Party. "What's unusual is how this case shifted from extremely slow handling to suddenly rapid-fire movement," said Margaret Lewis, a law professor at Seton Hall University. The rare decision to allow three foreign journalists, including one from AFP, to attend the hearing makes it "clear that the Chinese government wants (the) international spotlight on this case". "The timing is suspect and certainly his nationality makes it all the more glaring," she said. Meng at home Schellenberg, who claimed he was innocent and framed by an acquaintance, has 10 days to appeal to the same high court that rejected his first appeal. Lewis said the court was likely to confirm the sentence and the case would move up to the Supreme People's Court. The top court could confirm the death penalty, give him a two-year suspended death sentence that would be converted into a long prison term or reduce his punishment, she said. Clarke said: "My prediction is that the Supreme People's Court will sit on the review decision for as long as Meng's fate remains undetermined." The fate of the other two Canadians, who have been held in undisclosed locations, remains a mystery. Last week, Trudeau accused China of "arbitrarily and unfairly" detaining former diplomat Michael Kovrig and business consultant Michael Spavor, who were rounded up nine days after Canada arrested Meng. The Chinese foreign ministry rejected Trudeau's assertion that Kovrig, who now works for the International Crisis Group, still enjoyed diplomatic immunity. Meng, meanwhile, was granted bail by a Canadian court last month, allowing her to wait for the US extradition hearing in a Vancouver house. Beijing on Tuesday repeated its calls for her immediate release, calling on Canada to correct its "severe mistake".

China defends court decision to impose death penalty on Canadian

Two employees at a ski resort in the French Alps died on Sunday when the avalanche-control charges they were trying to set accidentally went off, mountain rescue experts said.&nbsp;

The accident took place at an altitude of 1,800 metres (6,000 feet) as the pair from the Morillon ski resort "were working on an avalanche prevention programme", one of the experts said.&nbsp;

Controlled explosions are carried out before the slopes open to mitigate the risk of larger avalanches.&nbsp;

They were working with the explosives when the accident happened, local police said following an initial investigation.&nbsp;

Forecasters at Meteo <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-erupt-as-frances-yellow-vests-stage-fresh-protests-189904">France</a> had warned of a high risk of avalanches in the Savoie and Haute-Savoie regions following fresh overnight snowfall.

Meanwhile, three German cross-country skiers died and a fourth was reported missing following an avalanche in western Austria, police said.&nbsp;

The bodies of two men aged 32 and 36 and a third aged 56 were found on Saturday evening, with a 28-year-old man still missing, police said.&nbsp;

The avalanche came after several days of heavy snowfall which saw the army called in to secure roads and buildings and help with a number of evacuations.

The accident took place at an altitude of 1,800 metres (6,000 feet) as the pair from the Morillon ski resort 'were working on an avalanche prevention programme', an expert said.

Two employees at a ski resort in the French Alps died on Sunday when the avalanche-control charges they were trying to set accidentally went off, mountain rescue experts said. The accident took place at an altitude of 1,800 metres (6,000 feet) as the pair from the Morillon ski resort "were working on an avalanche prevention programme", one of the experts said. Controlled explosions are carried out before the slopes open to mitigate the risk of larger avalanches. They were working with the explosives when the accident happened, local police said following an initial investigation. Forecasters at Meteo France had warned of a high risk of avalanches in the Savoie and Haute-Savoie regions following fresh overnight snowfall. Meanwhile, three German cross-country skiers died and a fourth was reported missing following an avalanche in western Austria, police said. The bodies of two men aged 32 and 36 and a third aged 56 were found on Saturday evening, with a 28-year-old man still missing, police said. The avalanche came after several days of heavy snowfall which saw the army called in to secure roads and buildings and help with a number of evacuations.

Watch: 2 killed in avalanche in French Alps

Twenty eight suspects were due to go on trial Tuesday over the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-police-detain-six-after-russian-ambassador-assassination-state-media-10354?amp">assassination of the Russian ambassador</a> two years ago, including a US-based Muslim preacher blamed by Ankara for a failed coup the same year.

Andrei Karlov, 62, was shot dead by an off-duty Turkish policeman at a photo exhibition in Ankara on December 19, 2016, in a shock attack that was captured on camera by photographers attending the event.&nbsp;

The 22-year-old gunman, Mevlut Mert Altintas, shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest) and "Don't forget Aleppo", vowing that those responsible for events in Syria would be held accountable.

Altintas was killed shortly after by members of the Turkish special forces.

The Ankara prosecutor has charged 16 of the suspects with "premeditated murder with the intention of causing terror", according to the indictment. The other 12 were charged with "being a member of a terror organisation".

Thirteen are currently in pre-trial detention, while it is prosecuting others in absentia.&nbsp;

Those not in Turkey include Fethullah Gulen, a US-based Islamic preacher seen as an arch foe of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and who Ankara blames for the July 2016 coup attempt.&nbsp;

Gulen has denied links to both the failed coup and the murder.

Turkish officials have alleged that Gulen's movement organised the murder of Karlov, a married father-of-one, to sow "chaos".

Turkey refers to the organisation as the "Fetullah Terrorist Organisation" (FETO) but followers say it is peaceful, promoting secular education.

Another of the suspects named is Serif Ali Tekalan, who headed a university linked to Gulen in Istanbul and now heads the Texas-based North American University (NAU).

'Attack' on Turkey-Russia ties&nbsp;

The prosecutor is seeking a variety of penalties for the suspects, including aggravated life sentences, which have replaced the death penalty in Turkey and carry harsher conditions than normal life imprisonment convictions.

The indictment says the Gulen movement plotted the murder of Karlov, who had been appointed as ambassador in 2013, to "break off bilateral relations" between Turkey and Russia and bring them to the brink of "hot war".

The Kremlin had previously warned against rushing to any assumptions.

Although Moscow does not repeat the Gulen claims, Selim Koru, a Black Sea Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute think tank noted in a report late last year that Russia sent investigators and "if they had different findings, they didn't say".

Turkey and Russia had a dramatic falling out in November 2015 after a Turkish fighter jet shot down a Russian warplane along the Syrian border.

But by the summer of 2016 relations had improved, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Erdogan keen to show they are working together to find a solution to the Syrian conflict despite being on opposing sides of the war.

Tens of thousands of people have been arrested over alleged links to Gulen since 2016 in a crackdown criticised by human rights groups and Ankara's Western allies.

Andrei Karlov, 62, was shot dead by an off-duty Turkish policeman at a photo exhibition in Ankara on December 19, 2016.

Twenty eight suspects were due to go on trial Tuesday over the assassination of the Russian ambassador two years ago, including a US-based Muslim preacher blamed by Ankara for a failed coup the same year. Andrei Karlov, 62, was shot dead by an off-duty Turkish policeman at a photo exhibition in Ankara on December 19, 2016, in a shock attack that was captured on camera by photographers attending the event. The 22-year-old gunman, Mevlut Mert Altintas, shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest) and "Don't forget Aleppo", vowing that those responsible for events in Syria would be held accountable. Altintas was killed shortly after by members of the Turkish special forces. The Ankara prosecutor has charged 16 of the suspects with "premeditated murder with the intention of causing terror", according to the indictment. The other 12 were charged with "being a member of a terror organisation". Thirteen are currently in pre-trial detention, while it is prosecuting others in absentia. Those not in Turkey include Fethullah Gulen, a US-based Islamic preacher seen as an arch foe of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and who Ankara blames for the July 2016 coup attempt. Gulen has denied links to both the failed coup and the murder. Turkish officials have alleged that Gulen's movement organised the murder of Karlov, a married father-of-one, to sow "chaos". Turkey refers to the organisation as the "Fetullah Terrorist Organisation" (FETO) but followers say it is peaceful, promoting secular education. Another of the suspects named is Serif Ali Tekalan, who headed a university linked to Gulen in Istanbul and now heads the Texas-based North American University (NAU). 'Attack' on Turkey-Russia ties The prosecutor is seeking a variety of penalties for the suspects, including aggravated life sentences, which have replaced the death penalty in Turkey and carry harsher conditions than normal life imprisonment convictions. The indictment says the Gulen movement plotted the murder of Karlov, who had been appointed as ambassador in 2013, to "break off bilateral relations" between Turkey and Russia and bring them to the brink of "hot war". The Kremlin had previously warned against rushing to any assumptions. Although Moscow does not repeat the Gulen claims, Selim Koru, a Black Sea Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute think tank noted in a report late last year that Russia sent investigators and "if they had different findings, they didn't say". Turkey and Russia had a dramatic falling out in November 2015 after a Turkish fighter jet shot down a Russian warplane along the Syrian border. But by the summer of 2016 relations had improved, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Erdogan keen to show they are working together to find a solution to the Syrian conflict despite being on opposing sides of the war. Tens of thousands of people have been arrested over alleged links to Gulen since 2016 in a crackdown criticised by human rights groups and Ankara's Western allies.

Turkey trial to open into Russian ambassador's 2016 killing

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar's coach Ramakant Achrekar passed away on Wednesday. He was 87.&nbsp;

Achrekar, who was born in 1932, played a key role in shaping up Tendulkar's career over the years. The reason behind his death is still unknown.&nbsp;

Achrekar was honoured with the Dronacharya award for his unparalleled contribution to Indian cricket. He was also conferred with prestigious Padma Shri award for his services to cricket.

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar's coach Ramakant Achrekar passed away on Wednesday. He was 87. Achrekar, who was born in 1932, played a key role in shaping up Tendulkar's career over the years.

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar's coach Ramakant Achrekar passed away on Wednesday. He was 87. Achrekar, who was born in 1932, played a key role in shaping up Tendulkar's career over the years. The reason behind his death is still unknown. Achrekar was honoured with the Dronacharya award for his unparalleled contribution to Indian cricket. He was also conferred with prestigious Padma Shri award for his services to cricket.

Sachin Tendulkar's coach Ramakant Achrekar dies at 87

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/veteran-actor-kader-khan-critical-put-on-ventilator-186973">Veteran actor Kader Khan</a>'s son Sarfaraz has said that his father has been admitted to a hospital in Canada, dismissing media reports of his demise.

"It is all a lie. It (is) just a rumour. My father is in the hospital," Sarfaraz told PTI.

The 81-year-old actor has developed breathing issues and the doctors have reportedly transferred him from regular ventilator to BiPAP ventilator.&nbsp;

Reportedly, Khan is suffering from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a degenerative disease that causes loss of balance, difficulty in walking and dementia.&nbsp;

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who has worked with Khan in films such as "Do Aur Do Paanch", "Muqaddar Ka Sikandar", "Mr. Natwarlal", "Suhaag", "Coolie" and "Shahenshah", took to Twitter on Friday to pray for the veteran actor's wellbeing and recovery.

"Kader Khan... Actor writer of immense talent... Lies ill in Hospital... Prayer and duas for his well being and recovery... Saw him perform on stage, welcomed him and his prolific writing for my films. Great company, a libran and many not know, taught Mathematics," Bachchan tweeted.

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T 3041 - KADER KHAN .. actor writer of immense talent .. lies ill in Hospital .. PRAYERS and DUAS for his well being and recovery .. saw him perform on stage, welcomed him and his prolific writing for my films .. great company, a Libran .. and many not know , taught Mathematics ! <a href="https://t.co/yE9SSkcPUF">pic.twitter.com/yE9SSkcPUF</a>
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) <a href="https://twitter.com/SrBachchan/status/1078594795503792128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Born in Kabul, Khan made his acting debut in 1973 with Rajesh Khanna's "Daag" and has featured in over 300 films.&nbsp;

Also, he has written dialogues for over 250 movies. Before becoming an actor, he had written dialogues for Randhir Kapoor-Jaya Bachchan's "Jawani Diwani".

As a screenwriter, Khan frequently collaborated with Manmohan Desai and Prakash Mehra. His films with Desai include "Dharam Veer", "Ganga Jamuna Saraswati", "Coolie", "Desh Premee", "Suhaag", "Parvarish" and "Amar Akbar Anthony" and films with Mehra include "Jwalamukhi", "Sharaabi", "Lawaaris", "Muqaddar Ka Sikandar".&nbsp;

Veteran actor Kader Khan's son Sarfaraz has said that his father has been admitted to a hospital in Canada, dismissing media reports of his demise. "It is all a lie.

Veteran actor Kader Khan's son Sarfaraz has said that his father has been admitted to a hospital in Canada, dismissing media reports of his demise. "It is all a lie. It (is) just a rumour. My father is in the hospital," Sarfaraz told PTI. The 81-year-old actor has developed breathing issues and the doctors have reportedly transferred him from regular ventilator to BiPAP ventilator. Reportedly, Khan is suffering from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a degenerative disease that causes loss of balance, difficulty in walking and dementia. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who has worked with Khan in films such as "Do Aur Do Paanch", "Muqaddar Ka Sikandar", "Mr. Natwarlal", "Suhaag", "Coolie" and "Shahenshah", took to Twitter on Friday to pray for the veteran actor's wellbeing and recovery. "Kader Khan... Actor writer of immense talent... Lies ill in Hospital... Prayer and duas for his well being and recovery... Saw him perform on stage, welcomed him and his prolific writing for my films. Great company, a libran and many not know, taught Mathematics," Bachchan tweeted. T 3041 - KADER KHAN .. actor writer of immense talent .. lies ill in Hospital .. PRAYERS and DUAS for his well being and recovery .. saw him perform on stage, welcomed him and his prolific writing for my films .. great company, a Libran .. and many not know , taught Mathematics ! pic.twitter.com/yE9SSkcPUF — Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) December 28, 2018 × Born in Kabul, Khan made his acting debut in 1973 with Rajesh Khanna's "Daag" and has featured in over 300 films. Also, he has written dialogues for over 250 movies. Before becoming an actor, he had written dialogues for Randhir Kapoor-Jaya Bachchan's "Jawani Diwani". As a screenwriter, Khan frequently collaborated with Manmohan Desai and Prakash Mehra. His films with Desai include "Dharam Veer", "Ganga Jamuna Saraswati", "Coolie", "Desh Premee", "Suhaag", "Parvarish" and "Amar Akbar Anthony" and films with Mehra include "Jwalamukhi", "Sharaabi", "Lawaaris", "Muqaddar Ka Sikandar".

'My father is in hospital': Kader Khan's son dismisses reports of his demise

Twenty-one rhinos have died in Nepal's Chitwan National Park in the past six months.

The deaths due to accidents and natural causes happened despite a record of no rhino poaching in the Chitwan National Park over the past two years.

According to chief conservation officer Bed Kumar Dhakal, the average age of a rhino is 60 years. He, however, added that more deaths from natural and external causes like fighting and accidents are likely when the population rises.

The latest rhino census puts their number at 605 and a fresh census will take place next year.&nbsp;

The deaths due to accidents and natural causes happened despite a record of no rhino poaching in the Chitwan National Park over the past two years.

Twenty-one rhinos have died in Nepal's Chitwan National Park in the past six months. The deaths due to accidents and natural causes happened despite a record of no rhino poaching in the Chitwan National Park over the past two years. According to chief conservation officer Bed Kumar Dhakal, the average age of a rhino is 60 years. He, however, added that more deaths from natural and external causes like fighting and accidents are likely when the population rises. The latest rhino census puts their number at 605 and a fresh census will take place next year.

21 rhinos die in Nepal's Chitwan National Park in six months

Norman Gimbel, the Oscar and Grammy-winning lyricist behind "Killing Me Softly", "The Girl From Ipanema" and the theme from the iconic sitcom "Happy Days" has died aged 91.

His death was announced on Friday by BMI, which described him as "a truly gifted and prolific writer" who will be greatly missed by friends and fans at the music rights organization.&nbsp;

The Brooklyn native died at his home in Montecito, California, on December 19, his son Tony Gimbel told The Hollywood Reporter.

Norman Gimbel won an Academy Award for Best Original Song alongside co-composer David Shire for Jennifer Warnes' "It Goes Like It Goes" in the 1979 film "Norma Rae".

He also wrote Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly" with his longtime collaborator Charles Fox, winning the Song of the Year Grammy in 1973. The hit was later famously covered by 1990s hip-hop group the Fugees.

Gimbel's English lyrics for Brazilian bossa nova hit "The Girl from Ipanema," which won the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1965, made the jazz standard one of the most covered songs of all time.&nbsp;

The lyricist was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984.

Writing on Facebook, one of Gilbert's co-writers Robert Folk, who collaborated on about 15 songs with him, said: "Norman was an incredible talent; brilliant in every way, and one who had successfully navigated every genre in popular music.&nbsp;

"I remember one of countless moments with Norman so fondly, when after a playback via phone of a newly finished song for a prominent filmmaker, he said to me privately...

"'Don't ever tell them how easy this work is for us, and how much fun we've had writing these songs!.... Or else they'll never pay us all this money again!'"

Norman Gimbel, the Oscar and Grammy-winning lyricist behind "Killing Me Softly", "The Girl From Ipanema" and the theme from the iconic sitcom "Happy Days" has died aged 91.

Norman Gimbel, the Oscar and Grammy-winning lyricist behind "Killing Me Softly", "The Girl From Ipanema" and the theme from the iconic sitcom "Happy Days" has died aged 91. His death was announced on Friday by BMI, which described him as "a truly gifted and prolific writer" who will be greatly missed by friends and fans at the music rights organization. The Brooklyn native died at his home in Montecito, California, on December 19, his son Tony Gimbel told The Hollywood Reporter. Norman Gimbel won an Academy Award for Best Original Song alongside co-composer David Shire for Jennifer Warnes' "It Goes Like It Goes" in the 1979 film "Norma Rae". He also wrote Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly" with his longtime collaborator Charles Fox, winning the Song of the Year Grammy in 1973. The hit was later famously covered by 1990s hip-hop group the Fugees. Gimbel's English lyrics for Brazilian bossa nova hit "The Girl from Ipanema," which won the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1965, made the jazz standard one of the most covered songs of all time. The lyricist was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984. Writing on Facebook, one of Gilbert's co-writers Robert Folk, who collaborated on about 15 songs with him, said: "Norman was an incredible talent; brilliant in every way, and one who had successfully navigated every genre in popular music. "I remember one of countless moments with Norman so fondly, when after a playback via phone of a newly finished song for a prominent filmmaker, he said to me privately... "'Don't ever tell them how easy this work is for us, and how much fun we've had writing these songs!.... Or else they'll never pay us all this money again!'"

Award-winning lyricist behind "Killing Me Softly" dead at 91

At least 13&nbsp;people were killed Saturday in a double car bomb attack claimed by the jihadist Shabaab group near the presidential palace in the Somali capital Mogadishu, police said.

"We have confirmed seven people died in the two blasts and more than ten others wounded," local police spokesman Ibrahim Mohamed said.

"The security forces have cordoned off the area and an investigation is ongoing."

The first explosion happened at a checkpoint outside the national theatre, some 500 metres (yards) from the palace.

The second blast, more powerful according to witnesses, came minutes later at a nearby crossroads.

"The second blast was very big," Idil Hassan, who witnessed it, told AFP.

"I saw the dead bodies of several people, including members of the security forces."

Somalia's London-based Universal TV said three of its staff were among the fatalities, naming one as Somali and British dual national Awil Dahir.

A Shabaab statement said the Islamist group's "martyrdom operation" had targeted "a security checkpoint that used to protect the presidential palace."

The group was largely driven out of the capital in 2011 and has lost many of its strongholds. But it retains control of large rural swathes of the country and continues to wage a guerrilla war against the authorities.

The group has vowed to topple the internationally-backed government.

At least 13 people were killed Saturday in a double car bomb attack claimed by the jihadist Shabaab group near the presidential palace in the Somali capital Mogadishu, police said.

At least 13 people were killed Saturday in a double car bomb attack claimed by the jihadist Shabaab group near the presidential palace in the Somali capital Mogadishu, police said. "We have confirmed seven people died in the two blasts and more than ten others wounded," local police spokesman Ibrahim Mohamed said. "The security forces have cordoned off the area and an investigation is ongoing." The first explosion happened at a checkpoint outside the national theatre, some 500 metres (yards) from the palace. The second blast, more powerful according to witnesses, came minutes later at a nearby crossroads. "The second blast was very big," Idil Hassan, who witnessed it, told AFP. "I saw the dead bodies of several people, including members of the security forces." Somalia's London-based Universal TV said three of its staff were among the fatalities, naming one as Somali and British dual national Awil Dahir. A Shabaab statement said the Islamist group's "martyrdom operation" had targeted "a security checkpoint that used to protect the presidential palace." The group was largely driven out of the capital in 2011 and has lost many of its strongholds. But it retains control of large rural swathes of the country and continues to wage a guerrilla war against the authorities. The group has vowed to topple the internationally-backed government.

At least 13 killed in Somalia capital car blast: Police

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-troops-withdrawal-will-not-have-security-impact-on-afghanistan-presidential-spokesman-185677">Afghanistan</a> has been mourning the death this week of one of its most treasured celebrities, comedian Hanif Hamgam, known for ridiculing the powerful in a region where poking fun at warlords is no laughing matter.

Hamgam's daily show "Zang Khatar" (The Alarm Bell), which aired on<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nothing-to-provide-says-pentagon-to-wion-on-reports-of-us-troops-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-185637"> Afghanistan</a>'s largest private TV channel Tolo from 2007-2013, was so popular that squadron leaders on the front line against the Taliban would demand televisions so as not to miss an episode.

"After the fall of the Taliban (in 2001) and freedom of media, his show was the first that critically looked at important issues," his old friend and Zang Khatar colleague Nehmat Haidari told AFP.&nbsp;

"He had a big impact on society, even people in remote areas knew him," he says sadly.

A 56-year-old graduate of Kabul Theatre and Art School, Hamgam died on Saturday from a long illness.

Politicians, artists, civil servants and fans risked security fears on Monday to attend a religious ceremony marking his death in Kabul and express their condolences to his family. &nbsp;

A large portrait of his round face, thick beard and mischievous eyes hung on the mosque's facade.&nbsp;

On the poster, an old Persian poem reads: "The man does not die in death... Once a name is popular, it never dies easily."

The commander of the Kabul garrison, Murad Ali Murad, arrived amid shouting sirens and an imposing military escort to praise a man who "fought through comedy".

"All the government officials were watching Zang Khatar and were trying to fix the flaws brought up by the show," he said.&nbsp;

"We have lost one of our best comedians," said director Salim Shaheen, who became a hit at Cannes in 2017 for his starring role in the documentary "Nothingwood", and who directed Hamgam in his film career.

Hamgam's show awakened many people to their rights, Shaheen — known as the "Afghan Spielberg" — continued.&nbsp;

"Zang Khatar would also target powerful and corrupt officials. (Hamgam) was on the front line... His life was threatened several times by such officials, but he strongly fought them all off. The legacy of such men lives on."

A need to laugh&nbsp;

The fall of the Taliban and the influx of funds from the international community paved the way for a media surge in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

In a country rife with corruption and battered by war, many turn not to officials or MPs for justice but to the media and satire such as Hamgam's.

According to the Afghanistan Media Support Center, NAI, the country now has 100 television channels, 250 radio stations and nearly 200 newspapers, enjoying better freedom of expression than some of its neighbours.&nbsp;

"In many countries, there aren't many jokes directly targeting senior officials but here almost all our jokes are political," says Nabi Fakhri, another of Hamgam's long-time associates.&nbsp;

Hamgam spared no one: not the Taliban, American military, politicians or businessmen — even his own boss.

"We would get threatening calls after each show, but we were determined to target them with our comedy," Fakhri said. "That is how we tried to solve people's problems."

"We need entertainment in Afghan society, we need comedy," said Shir Khan, a comedian on Arezo TV, a local television channel.

The people of Afghanistan need to laugh more than anything else, agreed Seyar Mateen, one of the comedians starring in Tolo TV's new comedy show Shabake Khanda, and Hamgam's son-in-law.

"He was making people laugh... and some cry for laughter."

Afghanistan has been mourning the death this week of one of its most treasured celebrities, comedian Hanif Hamgam, known for ridiculing the powerful in a region where poking fun at warlords is no laughing matter.

Afghanistan has been mourning the death this week of one of its most treasured celebrities, comedian Hanif Hamgam, known for ridiculing the powerful in a region where poking fun at warlords is no laughing matter. Hamgam's daily show "Zang Khatar" (The Alarm Bell), which aired on Afghanistan's largest private TV channel Tolo from 2007-2013, was so popular that squadron leaders on the front line against the Taliban would demand televisions so as not to miss an episode. "After the fall of the Taliban (in 2001) and freedom of media, his show was the first that critically looked at important issues," his old friend and Zang Khatar colleague Nehmat Haidari told AFP. "He had a big impact on society, even people in remote areas knew him," he says sadly. A 56-year-old graduate of Kabul Theatre and Art School, Hamgam died on Saturday from a long illness. Politicians, artists, civil servants and fans risked security fears on Monday to attend a religious ceremony marking his death in Kabul and express their condolences to his family. A large portrait of his round face, thick beard and mischievous eyes hung on the mosque's facade. On the poster, an old Persian poem reads: "The man does not die in death... Once a name is popular, it never dies easily." The commander of the Kabul garrison, Murad Ali Murad, arrived amid shouting sirens and an imposing military escort to praise a man who "fought through comedy". "All the government officials were watching Zang Khatar and were trying to fix the flaws brought up by the show," he said. "We have lost one of our best comedians," said director Salim Shaheen, who became a hit at Cannes in 2017 for his starring role in the documentary "Nothingwood", and who directed Hamgam in his film career. Hamgam's show awakened many people to their rights, Shaheen — known as the "Afghan Spielberg" — continued. "Zang Khatar would also target powerful and corrupt officials. (Hamgam) was on the front line... His life was threatened several times by such officials, but he strongly fought them all off. The legacy of such men lives on." A need to laugh The fall of the Taliban and the influx of funds from the international community paved the way for a media surge in Afghanistan. In a country rife with corruption and battered by war, many turn not to officials or MPs for justice but to the media and satire such as Hamgam's. According to the Afghanistan Media Support Center, NAI, the country now has 100 television channels, 250 radio stations and nearly 200 newspapers, enjoying better freedom of expression than some of its neighbours. "In many countries, there aren't many jokes directly targeting senior officials but here almost all our jokes are political," says Nabi Fakhri, another of Hamgam's long-time associates. Hamgam spared no one: not the Taliban, American military, politicians or businessmen — even his own boss. "We would get threatening calls after each show, but we were determined to target them with our comedy," Fakhri said. "That is how we tried to solve people's problems." "We need entertainment in Afghan society, we need comedy," said Shir Khan, a comedian on Arezo TV, a local television channel. The people of Afghanistan need to laugh more than anything else, agreed Seyar Mateen, one of the comedians starring in Tolo TV's new comedy show Shabake Khanda, and Hamgam's son-in-law. "He was making people laugh... and some cry for laughter."

Afghanistan mourns death of comedian Hanif Hamgam, who mocked the powerful

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