Unprecedented anti-government protests broke out in Cuba on July 11, which the single-party state leadership blames on a Twitter campaign orchestrated by the United States.

But experts AFP spoke to say that view is at best an exaggeration.

"I have irrefutable proof that the majority of those that took part in this (internet) campaign were in the United States and used automated systems to make content go viral, without being penalized by Twitter," Cuba's Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodriguez said Tuesday.

Rodriguez had already denied that the island nation experienced a "social explosion" when thousands of people took to the streets chanting "Freedom!" and "Down with the dictatorship!"

The minister called it a "communication and information war against Cuba."

So who is to blame? Authorities point to the hashtag #SOSCuba, launched in early July to highlight Cuba's healthcare crisis, the spike in Covid-19 cases, and to plead for foreign humanitarian aid.

Spanish social media expert Julian Macias Tovar, who was invited to speak on Cuban state television on Tuesday, says there is something strange in the figures around the hashtag.

"Between July 5, when the #SOSCuba hashtag was first used, and the eighth, there were just 5,000 tweets," Macias Tovar told AFP.

It then exploded exponentially, he said, with 100,000 tweets on July 9, 500,00 on the 10th, 1.5 million the next day and two million on the 12th.

Attack on the left

The accounts tweeting with the #SOSCuba hashtag "came from many different places, and I believe there's an international network of accounts linked ideologically," said Macias Tovar.

They are the same accounts that attacked Mexico's leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez and the leftist governments of Argentina and Spain, he said.

This is a case of fake accounts or automated accounts programmed to produce a large number of tweets, Macias Tovar said.

Doug Madory, the director of internet analysis at the IT firm Kentik, is more sceptical.

"Someone sends a tweet in the United States that puts people on the streets in Cuba? I find it hard to believe," he said.

"I don't know if one could sit and try to create a Twitter campaign that holds such sway over the average Cuban that out of the air they convince them to do things they wouldn't otherwise have done."

While he acknowledged there were automated tweets, it is "probably true also of the government themselves" given the similarity between tweets from its supporters.

On top of that, the government holds the ultimate weapon: it can cut off internet access, as it did between midday Sunday and Wednesday morning.

Once access was restored, social media sites remained offline for another 24 hours.

'War against Cuba'

The government has not confirmed it cut off internet access, although Rodriguez said Cuba had "a right to self-defence."

But on Tuesday night a presenter on state TV let slip the truth.

"I understand as a journalist ... the step taken to cut social media because that is where the war against Cuba is being waged," said presenter Arleen Rodriguez Derivet.

According to Cuban political scientist Harold Cardenas, "it would be a simplification to say it's a US campaign because there are obviously many other reasons behind the protests."

For example, he said, "I know communists that were detained the other day for taking part in protests.

"That's not to say that the United States has no responsibility in the unrest" through its sanctions that "intentionally asphyxiate the Cuban people."

It is true that social media has been "used to create parallel realities," since there has been an avalanche of fake news and doctored images shared in Cuba over recent days.

"There has been an effort from abroad to create uncertainty in the country," said Cardenas.

But the government is "attributing an exaggerated importance to Twitter," and people are genuinely "fed up and economically exhausted."

Macias Tovar agrees with Cardenas. "Beyond this being a campaign orchestrated" from abroad, he said, "there are people who are mobilizing, people who are demonstrating against the government, people who have petitions -- what the Cuban government must do is respect the right to protest."

Unprecedented anti-government protests broke out in Cuba on July 11, which the single-party state leadership blames on a Twitter campaign orchestrated by the United States.

Unprecedented anti-government protests broke out in Cuba on July 11, which the single-party state leadership blames on a Twitter campaign orchestrated by the United States. But experts AFP spoke to say that view is at best an exaggeration. "I have irrefutable proof that the majority of those that took part in this (internet) campaign were in the United States and used automated systems to make content go viral, without being penalized by Twitter," Cuba's Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodriguez said Tuesday. Rodriguez had already denied that the island nation experienced a "social explosion" when thousands of people took to the streets chanting "Freedom!" and "Down with the dictatorship!" The minister called it a "communication and information war against Cuba." So who is to blame? Authorities point to the hashtag #SOSCuba, launched in early July to highlight Cuba's healthcare crisis, the spike in Covid-19 cases, and to plead for foreign humanitarian aid. Spanish social media expert Julian Macias Tovar, who was invited to speak on Cuban state television on Tuesday, says there is something strange in the figures around the hashtag. "Between July 5, when the #SOSCuba hashtag was first used, and the eighth, there were just 5,000 tweets," Macias Tovar told AFP. It then exploded exponentially, he said, with 100,000 tweets on July 9, 500,00 on the 10th, 1.5 million the next day and two million on the 12th. Attack on the left The accounts tweeting with the #SOSCuba hashtag "came from many different places, and I believe there's an international network of accounts linked ideologically," said Macias Tovar. They are the same accounts that attacked Mexico's leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez and the leftist governments of Argentina and Spain, he said. This is a case of fake accounts or automated accounts programmed to produce a large number of tweets, Macias Tovar said. Doug Madory, the director of internet analysis at the IT firm Kentik, is more sceptical. "Someone sends a tweet in the United States that puts people on the streets in Cuba? I find it hard to believe," he said. "I don't know if one could sit and try to create a Twitter campaign that holds such sway over the average Cuban that out of the air they convince them to do things they wouldn't otherwise have done." While he acknowledged there were automated tweets, it is "probably true also of the government themselves" given the similarity between tweets from its supporters. On top of that, the government holds the ultimate weapon: it can cut off internet access, as it did between midday Sunday and Wednesday morning. Once access was restored, social media sites remained offline for another 24 hours. 'War against Cuba' The government has not confirmed it cut off internet access, although Rodriguez said Cuba had "a right to self-defence." But on Tuesday night a presenter on state TV let slip the truth. "I understand as a journalist ... the step taken to cut social media because that is where the war against Cuba is being waged," said presenter Arleen Rodriguez Derivet. According to Cuban political scientist Harold Cardenas, "it would be a simplification to say it's a US campaign because there are obviously many other reasons behind the protests." For example, he said, "I know communists that were detained the other day for taking part in protests. "That's not to say that the United States has no responsibility in the unrest" through its sanctions that "intentionally asphyxiate the Cuban people." It is true that social media has been "used to create parallel realities," since there has been an avalanche of fake news and doctored images shared in Cuba over recent days. "There has been an effort from abroad to create uncertainty in the country," said Cardenas. But the government is "attributing an exaggerated importance to Twitter," and people are genuinely "fed up and economically exhausted." Macias Tovar agrees with Cardenas. "Beyond this being a campaign orchestrated" from abroad, he said, "there are people who are mobilizing, people who are demonstrating against the government, people who have petitions -- what the Cuban government must do is respect the right to protest."

Cuban government blames Twitter for unrest

After Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro was admitted to hospital due to persistent hiccups, it was revealed that the far-right leader is suffering from an "intestinal obstruction," the government said. If the surgery is confirmed, it would be the president's seventh surgery since he was stabbed by a former member of the Socialist and Freedom Party (PSOL), a group that broke away from the Workers' Party (PT) of former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is eyeing a run against Bolsonaro next year.

The 66-year-old had been complaining publicly since last week about suffering from hiccups following a July 3 surgery on a dental implant.

At first, he was taken to a military hospital in the capital Brasilia but was then flown in a Brazilian Air Force plane to Sao Paulo where he was admitted to the Vila Nova Star private hospital. There he underwent clinical, laboratory and imaging tests and was being kept in the hospital, for the time being, doctors said.

"He is in good spirits and feels well," the presidency had said earlier in the day.

Also, Bolsonaro was examined in Brasilia by Antonio Macedo. He has operated on the president several times since he was stabbed in the abdomen in 2018 while on the campaign trail.

The hospital said he would "initially" be given a "conservative clinical treatment."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-declining-popularity-bolsonaros-disapproval-rating-surpasses-50-for-the-first-time-397157">Also read | Amid declining popularity, Bolsonaro's disapproval rating surpasses 50% for the first time</a>

Speaking to a local radio station last week, Bolsonaro had said: "This happened to me before, maybe due to the medicine I'm taking, I have hiccups 24 hours a day."

Bolsonaro also contracted Covid-19 last year. However, his symptoms were mild and he did not need hospital treatment.

Bolsonaro is also being investigated by the public prosecutor for allegedly failing to act on an embezzlement tip-off regarding coronavirus vaccine purchases.&nbsp;

The opposition is pushing for the chamber of deputies president to open impeachment proceedings against Bolsonaro.

After Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro was admitted to hospital due to persistent hiccups, it was revealed that the far-right leader is suffering from an "intestinal obstruction," the government said.

After Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro was admitted to hospital due to persistent hiccups, it was revealed that the far-right leader is suffering from an "intestinal obstruction," the government said. If the surgery is confirmed, it would be the president's seventh surgery since he was stabbed by a former member of the Socialist and Freedom Party (PSOL), a group that broke away from the Workers' Party (PT) of former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is eyeing a run against Bolsonaro next year. The 66-year-old had been complaining publicly since last week about suffering from hiccups following a July 3 surgery on a dental implant. At first, he was taken to a military hospital in the capital Brasilia but was then flown in a Brazilian Air Force plane to Sao Paulo where he was admitted to the Vila Nova Star private hospital. There he underwent clinical, laboratory and imaging tests and was being kept in the hospital, for the time being, doctors said. "He is in good spirits and feels well," the presidency had said earlier in the day. Also, Bolsonaro was examined in Brasilia by Antonio Macedo. He has operated on the president several times since he was stabbed in the abdomen in 2018 while on the campaign trail. The hospital said he would "initially" be given a "conservative clinical treatment." Also read | Amid declining popularity, Bolsonaro's disapproval rating surpasses 50% for the first time Speaking to a local radio station last week, Bolsonaro had said: "This happened to me before, maybe due to the medicine I'm taking, I have hiccups 24 hours a day." Bolsonaro also contracted Covid-19 last year. However, his symptoms were mild and he did not need hospital treatment. Bolsonaro is also being investigated by the public prosecutor for allegedly failing to act on an embezzlement tip-off regarding coronavirus vaccine purchases. The opposition is pushing for the chamber of deputies president to open impeachment proceedings against Bolsonaro.

Bolsonaro hospitalised after 'chronic hiccups', may need surgery to remove intestinal obstruction

In an attempt to provide the much-needed boost to marriages,&nbsp;Iran has come up with a state-approved&nbsp;Islamic dating app, Hamdam.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The users of the&nbsp;app&nbsp;will first&nbsp;have to take a psychology test and&nbsp;later, the&nbsp;successful matches will be accompanied by a consultant for the first four years of marriage, &nbsp;The Guardian said in a report.

According to the state television,&nbsp;the country has come up with the app for&nbsp;facilitating 'lasting and informed marriage' for its youth.&nbsp;

The name, Hamdam, means&nbsp;companion in&nbsp;Farsi.&nbsp;The service allows users to 'search and choose spouse'.&nbsp;

Although&nbsp;dating apps are popular in the Islamic Republic, Iran’s cyberspace police chief Colonel Ali Mohammad Rajabi&nbsp;said,&nbsp;“This&nbsp;is the only state-sanctioned platform of its kind in the country.&nbsp;All others are illegal.”&nbsp;

This app has been developed by the&nbsp;Tebyan&nbsp;Cultural Institute, which is a&nbsp;part of Iran’s Islamic Propaganda&nbsp;Organisation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the unveiling,&nbsp;Tebyan&nbsp;head Komeil Khojasteh, said, “Family values were threatened by outside forces. Family is the devil’s target, and (Iran’s enemies) seek to impose their own ideas on it. The app helps create 'healthy' families.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The website of the app claims it uses 'artificial intelligence' to find matches 'for bachelors seeking permanent marriage and a single spouse only'.&nbsp;

Before browsing&nbsp;the potential partners, the&nbsp;users have to first verify their identity and go through a ‘psychology test'.&nbsp;Registration is free on the app.&nbsp;

After a match is made,&nbsp;the app 'introduces the families together in the presence of service consultants', who will 'accompany' the couple for the first four years&nbsp;of&nbsp;marriage.&nbsp;

In an attempt to provide the much-needed boost to marriages, Iran has come up with a state-approved Islamic dating app, Hamdam. The users of the app will first have to take a psychology test and later, the successful matches will be accompanied by a consultant for the first four years of marriage, The Guardian said in a report.

In an attempt to provide the much-needed boost to marriages, Iran has come up with a state-approved Islamic dating app, Hamdam. The users of the app will first have to take a psychology test and later, the successful matches will be accompanied by a consultant for the first four years of marriage, The Guardian said in a report. According to the state television, the country has come up with the app for facilitating 'lasting and informed marriage' for its youth. The name, Hamdam, means companion in Farsi. The service allows users to 'search and choose spouse'. Although dating apps are popular in the Islamic Republic, Iran’s cyberspace police chief Colonel Ali Mohammad Rajabi said, “This is the only state-sanctioned platform of its kind in the country. All others are illegal.” This app has been developed by the Tebyan Cultural Institute, which is a part of Iran’s Islamic Propaganda Organisation. At the unveiling, Tebyan head Komeil Khojasteh, said, “Family values were threatened by outside forces. Family is the devil’s target, and (Iran’s enemies) seek to impose their own ideas on it. The app helps create 'healthy' families.” The website of the app claims it uses 'artificial intelligence' to find matches 'for bachelors seeking permanent marriage and a single spouse only'. Before browsing the potential partners, the users have to first verify their identity and go through a ‘psychology test'. Registration is free on the app. After a match is made, the app 'introduces the families together in the presence of service consultants', who will 'accompany' the couple for the first four years of marriage.

Iran government launches Islamic dating app to create 'healthy' families 

Steep bread and diesel price hikes went into force in government-held parts of war-torn Syria on Sunday, bringing more pain for civilians in a long-running economic crisis.&nbsp;

The price of diesel fuel nearly tripled and the price of bread doubled, according to the official SANA news agency, only days after Damascus announced an increase in the price of petrol.

The move coincided with a decree issued by President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday that increases by 50 per cent public sector salaries and sets the minimum wage at 71,515 Syrian pounds a month ($57 at the official rate), up from 47,000 pounds ($37).&nbsp;

In a second decree, Assad raised public sector and military pensions by 40 per cent, according to SANA.&nbsp;

According to a revised price list published by SANA on Saturday night, one litre of diesel fuel will now cost 500 pounds, up from the 180 pounds users in most sectors were paying previously.

Mustafa Haswiya, of the state-run Syrian Company for the Storage and Distribution of Petroleum Products, said 80 per cent of Syria's hydrocarbon needs are purchased from abroad using foreign currency.

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"It was necessary to raise prices in order to reduce the import bill," which would otherwise have risked making oil products unaffordable, SANA quoted him as saying.

The price of subsidised bread doubled to 200 Syrian pounds. The state-run Syrian Foundation for Bakeries said that the rising price of diesel fuel contributed to the increase, according to SANA.

The pro-government Al-Watan daily on Sunday said the diesel fuel hike will lead to "an increase in the price of transportation within and across provinces" by more than 26 per cent and will make other goods more expensive too.

It said the transport, agriculture and industrial sectors will see a rise in production costs, leading to further inflation.&nbsp;

The cost of heating homes will also climb by 178 per cent, Al-Watan said, making it all the more inaccessible.

Damascus has repeatedly raised fuel prices in recent years to tackle an accelerating economic crisis sparked by the country's decade-long civil war and compounded by sanctions.

The latest price hikes came nearly two weeks after the government in neighbouring crisis-hit Lebanon raised fuel prices by more than 35 per cent to combat shortages that authorities there blame in part on smuggling to Syria.&nbsp;

Steep bread and diesel price hikes went into force in government-held parts of war-torn Syria on Sunday, bringing more pain for civilians in a long-running economic crisis.

Steep bread and diesel price hikes went into force in government-held parts of war-torn Syria on Sunday, bringing more pain for civilians in a long-running economic crisis. The price of diesel fuel nearly tripled and the price of bread doubled, according to the official SANA news agency, only days after Damascus announced an increase in the price of petrol. The move coincided with a decree issued by President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday that increases by 50 per cent public sector salaries and sets the minimum wage at 71,515 Syrian pounds a month ($57 at the official rate), up from 47,000 pounds ($37). In a second decree, Assad raised public sector and military pensions by 40 per cent, according to SANA. According to a revised price list published by SANA on Saturday night, one litre of diesel fuel will now cost 500 pounds, up from the 180 pounds users in most sectors were paying previously. Mustafa Haswiya, of the state-run Syrian Company for the Storage and Distribution of Petroleum Products, said 80 per cent of Syria's hydrocarbon needs are purchased from abroad using foreign currency. Also read | 17 years after founding Virgin Galactic, Branson bound for space "It was necessary to raise prices in order to reduce the import bill," which would otherwise have risked making oil products unaffordable, SANA quoted him as saying. The price of subsidised bread doubled to 200 Syrian pounds. The state-run Syrian Foundation for Bakeries said that the rising price of diesel fuel contributed to the increase, according to SANA. The pro-government Al-Watan daily on Sunday said the diesel fuel hike will lead to "an increase in the price of transportation within and across provinces" by more than 26 per cent and will make other goods more expensive too. It said the transport, agriculture and industrial sectors will see a rise in production costs, leading to further inflation. The cost of heating homes will also climb by 178 per cent, Al-Watan said, making it all the more inaccessible. Damascus has repeatedly raised fuel prices in recent years to tackle an accelerating economic crisis sparked by the country's decade-long civil war and compounded by sanctions. The latest price hikes came nearly two weeks after the government in neighbouring crisis-hit Lebanon raised fuel prices by more than 35 per cent to combat shortages that authorities there blame in part on smuggling to Syria.

Syria govt raises bread, diesel prices as crisis deepens

There is&nbsp;so much hype now surrounding the recent death of Father Stan Swamy.

Swamy is an accused in the Elgar Parishad case. He&nbsp;was facing investigation for his links to Maoist and Naxalite groups in India.&nbsp;

His death is being hyped up by a section of the media, social media and some politicians. But what is the truth?

Here are some of the facts that you should&nbsp;know.

So what really happened?

Elgar Parishad case&nbsp;accused Fr Stan Swamy, 84, suffered a cardiac arrest in&nbsp;Holy Family Hospital on&nbsp;July&nbsp;3. He passed away on July&nbsp;5.&nbsp;

What is the case he was involved in?

At the heart of the Elgar Parishad case is the incitement of people and giving of provocative speeches during a meeting of the same name, organised&nbsp;by Kabir Kala Manch on&nbsp;December&nbsp;31,&nbsp;2017 at&nbsp;Shanivarwada, Pune, in the western Indian state of Maharashtra.

The accused&nbsp;promoted enmity between the caste groups, which led to violence resulting in loss of life and property.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;&nbsp;case was registered on&nbsp;January&nbsp;8,&nbsp;2018.

During investigation, it was revealed that senior leaders of CPI (Maoist), a proscribed terrorist&nbsp;organisation,&nbsp;were in contact with organisers of Elgar Parishad to spread their ideology of Maoism&nbsp;or&nbsp;Naxalism&nbsp;and encourage unlawful&nbsp;activities.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;case&nbsp;was&nbsp;later&nbsp;transferred&nbsp;to&nbsp;National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The role of Stan Swamy emerged during the investigation, as he was found to be a member of CPI (Maoist) and actively involved in furthering its activities.

He was found to be in communication with CPI (Maoist) cadre. He was also convener of Persecuted Prisoners Solidarity Committee (PPSC), a front organisation&nbsp;of CPI (Maoist).&nbsp;

Arrest and case: Was Swamy given due legal process?

Swamy was arrested on&nbsp;October&nbsp;8,&nbsp;2020 by NIA. He was&nbsp;duly informed of grounds of arrest in terms of relevant sections of law.

He was examined by the medical practitioner and accordingly,&nbsp;his health condition was certified to be stable.

He was also subjected to medical check-up.&nbsp;He has made no complaints about his ill-treatment&nbsp;at&nbsp;the hands of the investigation officers during his production before the concerned NIA&nbsp;court, according to the government.&nbsp;

He was sent on judicial custody to Central Jail in Taloja, Mumbai.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In between, his bail applications before the High Court of Bombay was&nbsp;rejected.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Was his health condition taken into account?&nbsp;

According to the government, Swamy was provided with&nbsp;all&nbsp;the&nbsp;necessary requirements related to entitlement of accused in detention.

From his arrest to production before a special court, all the necessary medical formalities after his arrest were complied with. Care and attention were given for his safety and comfort during the air journey from Ranchi to Mumbai.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During&nbsp;his&nbsp;judicial&nbsp;custody,&nbsp;Fr&nbsp;Stan&nbsp;Swamy&nbsp;was&nbsp;kept&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;separate&nbsp;cell&nbsp;of&nbsp;prison&nbsp;hospital&nbsp;with&nbsp;all&nbsp;necessary&nbsp;precautions&nbsp;and&nbsp;two&nbsp;attendants&nbsp;as&nbsp;per&nbsp;advice&nbsp;of&nbsp;medical&nbsp;officer&nbsp;of&nbsp;Taloja&nbsp;Central&nbsp;Prison in&nbsp;Mumbai.&nbsp;

He&nbsp;was&nbsp;provided&nbsp;with&nbsp;all&nbsp;facilities&nbsp;including&nbsp;wheel&nbsp;chair,&nbsp;walker,&nbsp;walking&nbsp;stick,&nbsp;straws,&nbsp;sipper,&nbsp;mug,&nbsp;commode&nbsp;chair,&nbsp;battery&nbsp;cells&nbsp;for&nbsp;his&nbsp;hearing&nbsp;machines,&nbsp;dental&nbsp;treatment,&nbsp;visiting&nbsp;psychiatrist&nbsp;and&nbsp;telemedicine, the government said.&nbsp;

Was he taken into custody?

No. Considering his age, no police custody was obtained by NIA during investigation, as sufficient evidences were already on record.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Did he get proper medical treatment?&nbsp;

On&nbsp;May&nbsp;21,&nbsp;2021, Fr Stan Swamy had filed criminal appeal before High Court of Bombay, regarding which Maharashtra had filed medical report of Board of Doctors constituted by JJ Hospital.

He was advised by court to be treated in JJ Hospital; however, he refused to get admitted in JJ Hospital.

Subsequently, High Court allowed his plea to be shifted and treated in Holy Family Hospital, Bandra, along with&nbsp;one attendant as per the protocol.

The Maharashtra government was directed to provide protection during the treatment.&nbsp;

Swamy remained admitted in hospital since&nbsp;May&nbsp;28,&nbsp;2021 for treatment in respect of ailments.

The duration of his stay in the hospital was extended till&nbsp;July&nbsp;6,&nbsp;2021.&nbsp;

There is so much hype now surrounding the recent death of Father Stan Swamy. Swamy is an accused in the Elgar Parishad case. He was facing investigation for his links to Maoist and Naxalite groups in India.

There is so much hype now surrounding the recent death of Father Stan Swamy. Swamy is an accused in the Elgar Parishad case. He was facing investigation for his links to Maoist and Naxalite groups in India. His death is being hyped up by a section of the media, social media and some politicians. But what is the truth? Here are some of the facts that you should know. So what really happened? Elgar Parishad case accused Fr Stan Swamy, 84, suffered a cardiac arrest in Holy Family Hospital on July 3. He passed away on July 5. What is the case he was involved in? At the heart of the Elgar Parishad case is the incitement of people and giving of provocative speeches during a meeting of the same name, organised by Kabir Kala Manch on December 31, 2017 at Shanivarwada, Pune, in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. The accused promoted enmity between the caste groups, which led to violence resulting in loss of life and property. The case was registered on January 8, 2018. During investigation, it was revealed that senior leaders of CPI (Maoist), a proscribed terrorist organisation, were in contact with organisers of Elgar Parishad to spread their ideology of Maoism or Naxalism and encourage unlawful activities. The case was later transferred to National Investigation Agency (NIA). The role of Stan Swamy emerged during the investigation, as he was found to be a member of CPI (Maoist) and actively involved in furthering its activities. He was found to be in communication with CPI (Maoist) cadre. He was also convener of Persecuted Prisoners Solidarity Committee (PPSC), a front organisation of CPI (Maoist). Arrest and case: Was Swamy given due legal process? Swamy was arrested on October 8, 2020 by NIA. He was duly informed of grounds of arrest in terms of relevant sections of law. He was examined by the medical practitioner and accordingly, his health condition was certified to be stable. He was also subjected to medical check-up. He has made no complaints about his ill-treatment at the hands of the investigation officers during his production before the concerned NIA court, according to the government. He was sent on judicial custody to Central Jail in Taloja, Mumbai. In between, his bail applications before the High Court of Bombay was rejected. Was his health condition taken into account? According to the government, Swamy was provided with all the necessary requirements related to entitlement of accused in detention. From his arrest to production before a special court, all the necessary medical formalities after his arrest were complied with. Care and attention were given for his safety and comfort during the air journey from Ranchi to Mumbai. During his judicial custody, Fr Stan Swamy was kept in a separate cell of prison hospital with all necessary precautions and two attendants as per advice of medical officer of Taloja Central Prison in Mumbai. He was provided with all facilities including wheel chair, walker, walking stick, straws, sipper, mug, commode chair, battery cells for his hearing machines, dental treatment, visiting psychiatrist and telemedicine, the government said. Was he taken into custody? No. Considering his age, no police custody was obtained by NIA during investigation, as sufficient evidences were already on record. Did he get proper medical treatment? On May 21, 2021, Fr Stan Swamy had filed criminal appeal before High Court of Bombay, regarding which Maharashtra had filed medical report of Board of Doctors constituted by JJ Hospital. He was advised by court to be treated in JJ Hospital; however, he refused to get admitted in JJ Hospital. Subsequently, High Court allowed his plea to be shifted and treated in Holy Family Hospital, Bandra, along with one attendant as per the protocol. The Maharashtra government was directed to provide protection during the treatment. Swamy remained admitted in hospital since May 28, 2021 for treatment in respect of ailments. The duration of his stay in the hospital was extended till July 6, 2021.

Stan Swamy's death: Facts vs furore - here is what we know

Sudan will cut its government spending and increase social spending, the cabinet said on Saturday, after completing a raft of rapid economic reforms this month that threaten to compound pressures on the majority of the population. 
 
Earlier this month, Sudan fully removed subsidies on car petrol and diesel, and in February, it devalued its currency and began a policy of a flexible managed float. 
 
Last week, it eliminated its customs exchange rate, used to calculate import duties, as the final step in a devaluation of its local currency. 
 
The country will cut costs of external official trips by 50%, reduce fuel quotas for government vehicles by 20%, sell all surplus government vehicles and cut embassies' budgets by 25% among other measures, the cabinet said on Saturday after three days of closed meetings. 
 
The government will expand the registration of a family support project called Thamarat or Fruits to include three million families or about 15 million people within two months, it added. 
 
Through the programme financed by the World Bank and other donors, Sudan is paying out monthly cash allowances to these families to ease economic pain. 
 
The new measures include increasing the budget of another programme that was meant to provide cheap food commodities from two billion Sudanese pounds ($4.51 million) to 10 billion pounds ($22.54 million). 
 
The government will pay a monthly grant of 10 billion pounds to all state workers, not subject to taxes, starting from July 1. Most of the grant will be allocated to the lowest grades of workers. 
 
It also promised to review the salary structure and to apply a new improved one starting from the fiscal year 2022. 
 
Sudan is emerging from decades of economic sanctions and isolation under ousted former President Omar al-Bashir. 
 
It had built up huge arrears on its debt, but has made rapid progress towards having much of it forgiven under the IMF and World Bank's Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) scheme, which would reopen access to badly needed cheap international financing. 
 
The IMF said on Tuesday it has secured sufficient financing pledges to allow it to provide comprehensive debt relief to Sudan, clearing a final hurdle towards wider relief on external debt of at least $50 billion. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Sudan will cut its government spending and increase social spending, the cabinet said on Saturday, after completing a raft of rapid economic reforms this month that threaten to compound pressures on the majority of the population.

Sudan will cut its government spending and increase social spending, the cabinet said on Saturday, after completing a raft of rapid economic reforms this month that threaten to compound pressures on the majority of the population. Earlier this month, Sudan fully removed subsidies on car petrol and diesel, and in February, it devalued its currency and began a policy of a flexible managed float. Last week, it eliminated its customs exchange rate, used to calculate import duties, as the final step in a devaluation of its local currency. The country will cut costs of external official trips by 50%, reduce fuel quotas for government vehicles by 20%, sell all surplus government vehicles and cut embassies' budgets by 25% among other measures, the cabinet said on Saturday after three days of closed meetings. The government will expand the registration of a family support project called Thamarat or Fruits to include three million families or about 15 million people within two months, it added. Through the programme financed by the World Bank and other donors, Sudan is paying out monthly cash allowances to these families to ease economic pain. The new measures include increasing the budget of another programme that was meant to provide cheap food commodities from two billion Sudanese pounds ($4.51 million) to 10 billion pounds ($22.54 million). The government will pay a monthly grant of 10 billion pounds to all state workers, not subject to taxes, starting from July 1. Most of the grant will be allocated to the lowest grades of workers. It also promised to review the salary structure and to apply a new improved one starting from the fiscal year 2022. Sudan is emerging from decades of economic sanctions and isolation under ousted former President Omar al-Bashir. It had built up huge arrears on its debt, but has made rapid progress towards having much of it forgiven under the IMF and World Bank's Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) scheme, which would reopen access to badly needed cheap international financing. The IMF said on Tuesday it has secured sufficient financing pledges to allow it to provide comprehensive debt relief to Sudan, clearing a final hurdle towards wider relief on external debt of at least $50 billion. (With inputs from agencies)

Sudan to cut government spending, increase social spending

A shootout among suspected rival drug cartel gunmen left 18 people dead Friday in Mexico, a government official said. &nbsp;

The gunfight happened in a remote area of northwestern Zacatecas state, said Rocio Aguilar, a spokeswoman for the state government.

The battle was between rival gangs fighting over turf, she told Milenio TV.

On Wednesday the bodies of two police officers were found hanging from a bridge in Zacatecas and since then local media have reported a series of shootouts.

But Aguilera said that so far authorities have not found a link between that grisly find and the big gunbattle in the city of Valparaiso on Friday.

Valparaiso borders Jalisco state, which is a stronghold of a powerful cartel called Jalisco Nueva Generacion. Authorities say it is waging a violent campaign to take control of drug trafficking routes.

Mexico is suffering drug-related violence that has claimed more than 300,000 lives since 2006, when the government started deploying federal army troops to fight the country's drug cartels.

A shootout among suspected rival drug cartel gunmen left 18 people dead Friday in Mexico, a government official said. The gunfight happened in a remote area of northwestern Zacatecas state, said Rocio Aguilar, a spokeswoman for the state government.

A shootout among suspected rival drug cartel gunmen left 18 people dead Friday in Mexico, a government official said. The gunfight happened in a remote area of northwestern Zacatecas state, said Rocio Aguilar, a spokeswoman for the state government. The battle was between rival gangs fighting over turf, she told Milenio TV. On Wednesday the bodies of two police officers were found hanging from a bridge in Zacatecas and since then local media have reported a series of shootouts. But Aguilera said that so far authorities have not found a link between that grisly find and the big gunbattle in the city of Valparaiso on Friday. Valparaiso borders Jalisco state, which is a stronghold of a powerful cartel called Jalisco Nueva Generacion. Authorities say it is waging a violent campaign to take control of drug trafficking routes. Mexico is suffering drug-related violence that has claimed more than 300,000 lives since 2006, when the government started deploying federal army troops to fight the country's drug cartels.

Drug gang shootout leaves 18 dead in Mexico, says government

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 12-year hold on power was set to end on Sunday when parliament votes on a new government, ushering in an administration that has pledged to heal a nation bitterly divided over the departure of the country's longest serving leader. 
 
Netanyahu, 71, the most dominant Israeli politician of his generation, had failed to form a government after Israel's March 23 election, its fourth in two years. The new cabinet, which will be sworn in after a Knesset confidence vote it is expected to win, was cobbled together by the centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid and ultra-nationalist Naftali Bennett. 
 
Bennett, a hawkish hi-tech millionaire, will serve as premier for two years before Lapid, a former popular TV host, takes over. They will head a government that comprises parties from across the political spectrum, including for the first time one that represents the 21% Arab minority. They plan largely to avoid sweeping moves on hot-button international issues, such as policy towards the Palestinians while they focus on domestic reforms. 
 
With little to no prospect of progress towards resolving the decades-long conflict with Israel, many Palestinians will be unmoved by the change of administration, saying Bennett will likely pursue the same right-wing agenda as Netanyahu. 
 
On the international stage, with his polished English and booming baritone voice, the telegenic Netanyahu has become the face of Israel. Serving in his first term as prime minister in the 1990s and since 2009 winning four more terms in succession, he has been a polarising figure, both abroad and at home. 
 
Often referred to by his nickname Bibi, Netanyahu is loved by his hard-core supporters and loathed by critics. His ongoing corruption trial, on charges he denies, has only deepened the chasm. 
 
His opponents have long reviled what they see as Netanyahu's divisive rhetoric, underhanded political tactics and subjection of state interests to his own political survival. Some have dubbed him 'Crime Minister' and have accused him of mishandling the coronavirus crisis and its economic fallout. 
 
Celebrations by his opponents to mark the end of the Netanyahu era began late on Saturday outside his official residence in Jerusalem, the site of weekly protests against the right-wing leader for the past year, where a black banner stretched across a wall read: "Bye Bye, Bibi, Bye bye", and demonstrators sang, beat drums and danced. 
 
But for Netanyahu's large and loyal voter base, the departure of 'King Bibi' as some call him, may be difficult to accept. His supporters are angered by what they see as the country turning its back on a leader dedicated to its security and a bulwark against international pressure for any steps that could lead to a Palestinian state, even as he promoted diplomatic deals with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan. 
 
None of those moves, however, nor the role he played in securing COVID-19 vaccines for the country's world-beating inoculation campaign, were enough to grant Netanyahu's Likud party enough votes to secure him a sixth term in office. 
 
Bennett in particular has drawn anger from within the right-wing camp for breaking a campaign pledge by joining forces with Lapid. He has justified the move by saying another election, which would likely be called were no government formed, would have been a disaster for Israel. 
 
Both he and Lapid have said they want to bridge political divides and unite Israelis under a government that will work hard for all its citizens. 
 
Their cabinet faces considerable diplomatic, security and financial challenges: Iran, a fragile ceasefire with Palestinian militants in Gaza, a war crimes probe by the International Criminal Court, and economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
On top of that, their patchwork coalition of parties commands only a razor-thin majority in parliament, 61 of the Knesset's 120 seats, and will still have to contend with Netanyahu - who is sure to be a combative head of the opposition. And no one is ruling out a Netanyahu comeback. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 12-year hold on power was set to end on Sunday when parliament votes on a new government, ushering in an administration that has pledged to heal a nation bitterly divided over the departure of the country's longest serving leader.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 12-year hold on power was set to end on Sunday when parliament votes on a new government, ushering in an administration that has pledged to heal a nation bitterly divided over the departure of the country's longest serving leader. Netanyahu, 71, the most dominant Israeli politician of his generation, had failed to form a government after Israel's March 23 election, its fourth in two years. The new cabinet, which will be sworn in after a Knesset confidence vote it is expected to win, was cobbled together by the centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid and ultra-nationalist Naftali Bennett. Bennett, a hawkish hi-tech millionaire, will serve as premier for two years before Lapid, a former popular TV host, takes over. They will head a government that comprises parties from across the political spectrum, including for the first time one that represents the 21% Arab minority. They plan largely to avoid sweeping moves on hot-button international issues, such as policy towards the Palestinians while they focus on domestic reforms. With little to no prospect of progress towards resolving the decades-long conflict with Israel, many Palestinians will be unmoved by the change of administration, saying Bennett will likely pursue the same right-wing agenda as Netanyahu. On the international stage, with his polished English and booming baritone voice, the telegenic Netanyahu has become the face of Israel. Serving in his first term as prime minister in the 1990s and since 2009 winning four more terms in succession, he has been a polarising figure, both abroad and at home. Often referred to by his nickname Bibi, Netanyahu is loved by his hard-core supporters and loathed by critics. His ongoing corruption trial, on charges he denies, has only deepened the chasm. His opponents have long reviled what they see as Netanyahu's divisive rhetoric, underhanded political tactics and subjection of state interests to his own political survival. Some have dubbed him 'Crime Minister' and have accused him of mishandling the coronavirus crisis and its economic fallout. Celebrations by his opponents to mark the end of the Netanyahu era began late on Saturday outside his official residence in Jerusalem, the site of weekly protests against the right-wing leader for the past year, where a black banner stretched across a wall read: "Bye Bye, Bibi, Bye bye", and demonstrators sang, beat drums and danced. But for Netanyahu's large and loyal voter base, the departure of 'King Bibi' as some call him, may be difficult to accept. His supporters are angered by what they see as the country turning its back on a leader dedicated to its security and a bulwark against international pressure for any steps that could lead to a Palestinian state, even as he promoted diplomatic deals with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan. None of those moves, however, nor the role he played in securing COVID-19 vaccines for the country's world-beating inoculation campaign, were enough to grant Netanyahu's Likud party enough votes to secure him a sixth term in office. Bennett in particular has drawn anger from within the right-wing camp for breaking a campaign pledge by joining forces with Lapid. He has justified the move by saying another election, which would likely be called were no government formed, would have been a disaster for Israel. Both he and Lapid have said they want to bridge political divides and unite Israelis under a government that will work hard for all its citizens. Their cabinet faces considerable diplomatic, security and financial challenges: Iran, a fragile ceasefire with Palestinian militants in Gaza, a war crimes probe by the International Criminal Court, and economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic. On top of that, their patchwork coalition of parties commands only a razor-thin majority in parliament, 61 of the Knesset's 120 seats, and will still have to contend with Netanyahu - who is sure to be a combative head of the opposition. And no one is ruling out a Netanyahu comeback. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel's Knesset to vote on new government, end Netanyahu's record reign

The government has come out with comprehensive guidelines for the management of COVID-19 among children in which Remdesivir has not been recommended and rational use of HRCT imaging has been suggested.

The guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the health ministry also said that steroids are harmful in asymptomatic and mild cases of infection.

The DGHS recommended steroids only in hospitalised moderately severe and critically ill COVID-19 cases under strict supervision. "Steroids should be used at the right time, in the right dose, and for the right duration. Self-medication of steroids must be avoided," it said.

The guidelines also said Remdesivir (an emergency use authorisation drug) is not recommended in children. "There is lack of sufficient safety and efficacy data with respect to Remdesivir in children below 18 years of age," the guidelines said. 
The guidelines suggested rational use of High-resolution CT (HRCT) for seeing the extent and nature of lung involvement in patients with COVID-19.

"However, any additional information gained from HRCT scan of the chest often has little impact on treatment decisions, which are based almost entirely on clinical severity and physiological impairment.

"Therefore, treating physicians should be highly selective in ordering HRCT imaging of the chest in COVID-19 patients," the guidelines said.

They said COVID-19 is a viral infection, and antimicrobials have no role in the prevention or treatment of uncomplicated COVID-19 infection

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-made-commitment-to-send-vaccines-to-india-says-us-nsa-389471">Also Read |&nbsp;Joe Biden made commitment to send vaccines to India, says US NSA</a>

For asymptomatic and mild cases, the guidelines said antimicrobials are not recommended for therapy or prophylaxis while for moderate and severe cases antimicrobials should not be prescribed unless there is clinical suspicion of a superadded infection. 
Hospital admission increases the risk of healthcare-associated infections with multidrug-resistant organisms.

For asymptomatic infection among children, the guidelines recommended no specific medication and promoted COVID-appropriate behaviour (mask, strict hand hygiene, physical distancing), and suggested giving a nutritious diet.

The guidelines said that for mild infection paracetamol 10-15mg/kg/dose may be given every 4-6 hours for fever and throat soothing agents and warm saline gargles in older children and adolescents have been recommended for cough. 
In case of moderate infection, the guidelines suggested initiating immediate oxygen therapy.

"Corticosteroids are not required in all children with moderate illness; they may be administered in rapidly progressive disease and anticoagulants may also be indicated," the guidelines said. For severe COVID-19 among children, the guidelines said if Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) develops, necessary management to be initiated.

"In case shock develops, necessary management should be initiated. Antimicrobials to be administered if there is evidence/strong suspicion of superadded bacterial infection. May need organ support in case of organ dysfunction, e.g.&nbsp;renal replacement therapy," it said.

The guidelines also recommended a six-minute walk test for children above 12 years under the supervision of parents/guardians. "It is a simple clinical test to assess cardiopulmonary exercise tolerance and is used to unmask hypoxia. Attach a pulse oximeter to his/her finger and ask the child to walk in the confines of their room for six minutes continuously," it said.

The government has come out with comprehensive guidelines for the management of COVID-19 among children in which Remdesivir has not been recommended and rational use of HRCT imaging has been suggested.

The government has come out with comprehensive guidelines for the management of COVID-19 among children in which Remdesivir has not been recommended and rational use of HRCT imaging has been suggested. The guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the health ministry also said that steroids are harmful in asymptomatic and mild cases of infection. The DGHS recommended steroids only in hospitalised moderately severe and critically ill COVID-19 cases under strict supervision. "Steroids should be used at the right time, in the right dose, and for the right duration. Self-medication of steroids must be avoided," it said. The guidelines also said Remdesivir (an emergency use authorisation drug) is not recommended in children. "There is lack of sufficient safety and efficacy data with respect to Remdesivir in children below 18 years of age," the guidelines said. The guidelines suggested rational use of High-resolution CT (HRCT) for seeing the extent and nature of lung involvement in patients with COVID-19. "However, any additional information gained from HRCT scan of the chest often has little impact on treatment decisions, which are based almost entirely on clinical severity and physiological impairment. "Therefore, treating physicians should be highly selective in ordering HRCT imaging of the chest in COVID-19 patients," the guidelines said. They said COVID-19 is a viral infection, and antimicrobials have no role in the prevention or treatment of uncomplicated COVID-19 infection Also Read | Joe Biden made commitment to send vaccines to India, says US NSA For asymptomatic and mild cases, the guidelines said antimicrobials are not recommended for therapy or prophylaxis while for moderate and severe cases antimicrobials should not be prescribed unless there is clinical suspicion of a superadded infection. Hospital admission increases the risk of healthcare-associated infections with multidrug-resistant organisms. For asymptomatic infection among children, the guidelines recommended no specific medication and promoted COVID-appropriate behaviour (mask, strict hand hygiene, physical distancing), and suggested giving a nutritious diet. The guidelines said that for mild infection paracetamol 10-15mg/kg/dose may be given every 4-6 hours for fever and throat soothing agents and warm saline gargles in older children and adolescents have been recommended for cough. In case of moderate infection, the guidelines suggested initiating immediate oxygen therapy. "Corticosteroids are not required in all children with moderate illness; they may be administered in rapidly progressive disease and anticoagulants may also be indicated," the guidelines said. For severe COVID-19 among children, the guidelines said if Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) develops, necessary management to be initiated. "In case shock develops, necessary management should be initiated. Antimicrobials to be administered if there is evidence/strong suspicion of superadded bacterial infection. May need organ support in case of organ dysfunction, e.g. renal replacement therapy," it said. The guidelines also recommended a six-minute walk test for children above 12 years under the supervision of parents/guardians. "It is a simple clinical test to assess cardiopulmonary exercise tolerance and is used to unmask hypoxia. Attach a pulse oximeter to his/her finger and ask the child to walk in the confines of their room for six minutes continuously," it said.

Indian govt issues guidelines on COVID-19 in children, says Remdesivir not recommended

The government on Saturday issued a notice to Twitter giving it one last chance to 'immediately' comply with the new IT rules and warned that failure to adhere to the norms will lead to the platform losing exemption from liability under the IT Act.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) said that Twitter's refusal to comply with the rules demonstrated the microblogging site's 'lack of commitment and efforts towards providing a safe experience for the people of India on its platform'.

"Despite being operational in India for more than a decade, it is beyond belief that Twitter Inc has doggedly refused to create mechanism that will enable the people of India to resolve their issues on the platform in a timely and transparent manner and through fair processes, by India based, clearly identified resources," the IT ministry said.

The ministry said that though with effect from May 26, 2021, 'consequences follow' given Twitter's non-compliance with rules "however, as a gesture of goodwill, Twitter Inc is hereby given one last notice to immediately comply with the rules, failing which the exemption from liability available...Shall stand withdrawn and Twitter shall be liable for consequences as per the IT Act and other penal laws of India."

The notice, however, did not given a specific deadline to comply with the rules.

(With inputs from agencies)

The government on Saturday issued a notice to Twitter giving it one last chance to 'immediately' comply with the new IT rules and warned that failure to adhere to the norms will lead to the platform losing exemption from liability under the IT Act.

The government on Saturday issued a notice to Twitter giving it one last chance to 'immediately' comply with the new IT rules and warned that failure to adhere to the norms will lead to the platform losing exemption from liability under the IT Act. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) said that Twitter's refusal to comply with the rules demonstrated the microblogging site's 'lack of commitment and efforts towards providing a safe experience for the people of India on its platform'. "Despite being operational in India for more than a decade, it is beyond belief that Twitter Inc has doggedly refused to create mechanism that will enable the people of India to resolve their issues on the platform in a timely and transparent manner and through fair processes, by India based, clearly identified resources," the IT ministry said. The ministry said that though with effect from May 26, 2021, 'consequences follow' given Twitter's non-compliance with rules "however, as a gesture of goodwill, Twitter Inc is hereby given one last notice to immediately comply with the rules, failing which the exemption from liability available...Shall stand withdrawn and Twitter shall be liable for consequences as per the IT Act and other penal laws of India." The notice, however, did not given a specific deadline to comply with the rules. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian govt issues 'one last notice' to Twitter to comply with IT rules

A coronavirus outbreak on Mount Everest has infected at least 100 climbers and support staff, an expert mountaineering guide said, giving the first comprehensive estimate amid official Nepalese denials that the disease has spread to the world's highest peak.&nbsp;

Lukas Furtenbach of Austria, who last week became the only prominent outfitter to halt his Everest expedition due to virus fears, said on Saturday one of his foreign guides and six Nepali Sherpa guides have tested positive.&nbsp;

"I think with all the confirmed cases, we know now confirmed from (rescue) pilots, from insurance, from doctors, from expedition leaders. I have the positive tests so we can prove this," Furtenbach said in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu.&nbsp;

"We have at least 100 people positive for Covid in base camp, and then the numbers might be something like 150 or 200," he said.&nbsp;

He said it was obvious there were many cases at the Everest base camp because he could visibly see people were sick, and could hear people coughing in their tents.&nbsp;

A total of 408 foreign climbers were issued permits to climb Everest this season, aided by several hundred Sherpas and support staff, who've been stationed at base camp since April.&nbsp;

Nepalese mountaineering officials have denied there are any active cases this season among climbers and support staff at all base camps for the country's Himalayan mountains. Mountaineering was closed last year due to the pandemic.&nbsp;

Nepalese officials could not immediately be reached for comment on Saturday. Other climbing teams have not announced any COVID-19 infections among their members or staff. Several climbers have reported testing positive after they were brought down from the Everest base camp.&nbsp;

Furtenbach said most teams on the mountain were not carrying virus testing kits, and that before his team pulled out, they had helped conduct tests and had confirmed two cases.&nbsp;

Most teams are still at base camp, hoping for clear weather next week so they can make a final push to the summit before the climbing season closes at the end of the month, Furtenbach said.&nbsp;

In late April, a Norwegian climber became the first to test positive at the Everest base camp. He was flown by helicopter to Kathmandu, where he was treated and later returned home.&nbsp;

Nepal is experiencing a virus surge, with record numbers of new infections and deaths. China last week canceled climbing from its side of Mount Everest due to fears the virus could be spread from the Nepalese side.&nbsp;

Nepal reported 8,607 new infections and 177 deaths on Friday, bringing the nation's totals since the pandemic began to more than 497,000 infections and 6,024 deaths. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A coronavirus outbreak on Mount Everest has infected at least 100 climbers and support staff, an expert mountaineering guide said, giving the first comprehensive estimate amid official Nepalese denials that the disease has spread to the world's highest peak.

A coronavirus outbreak on Mount Everest has infected at least 100 climbers and support staff, an expert mountaineering guide said, giving the first comprehensive estimate amid official Nepalese denials that the disease has spread to the world's highest peak. Lukas Furtenbach of Austria, who last week became the only prominent outfitter to halt his Everest expedition due to virus fears, said on Saturday one of his foreign guides and six Nepali Sherpa guides have tested positive. "I think with all the confirmed cases, we know now confirmed from (rescue) pilots, from insurance, from doctors, from expedition leaders. I have the positive tests so we can prove this," Furtenbach said in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. "We have at least 100 people positive for Covid in base camp, and then the numbers might be something like 150 or 200," he said. He said it was obvious there were many cases at the Everest base camp because he could visibly see people were sick, and could hear people coughing in their tents. A total of 408 foreign climbers were issued permits to climb Everest this season, aided by several hundred Sherpas and support staff, who've been stationed at base camp since April. Nepalese mountaineering officials have denied there are any active cases this season among climbers and support staff at all base camps for the country's Himalayan mountains. Mountaineering was closed last year due to the pandemic. Nepalese officials could not immediately be reached for comment on Saturday. Other climbing teams have not announced any COVID-19 infections among their members or staff. Several climbers have reported testing positive after they were brought down from the Everest base camp. Furtenbach said most teams on the mountain were not carrying virus testing kits, and that before his team pulled out, they had helped conduct tests and had confirmed two cases. Most teams are still at base camp, hoping for clear weather next week so they can make a final push to the summit before the climbing season closes at the end of the month, Furtenbach said. In late April, a Norwegian climber became the first to test positive at the Everest base camp. He was flown by helicopter to Kathmandu, where he was treated and later returned home. Nepal is experiencing a virus surge, with record numbers of new infections and deaths. China last week canceled climbing from its side of Mount Everest due to fears the virus could be spread from the Nepalese side. Nepal reported 8,607 new infections and 177 deaths on Friday, bringing the nation's totals since the pandemic began to more than 497,000 infections and 6,024 deaths. (With inputs from agencies)

Guide: Over 100 virus cases on Everest despite Nepal denials 

The Russian Navy will receive about 40 warships and vessels of different classes in 2021, Vladimir Pospelov, member of the Military-Industrial Commission under the Government of the Russian Federation, told Sputnik.

In December of last year, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that the Russian Navy was going to get 32 vessels in 2021, including four submarines, six surface vessels, as well as 22 motorboats and service vessels.

"Overall, in 2021, the Navy should receive about 40 warships and support vessels of various classes," Pospelov told Sputnik, specifying that the list includes Knyaz Oleg - the first serial Borei-A class nuclear submarine.

The Russian Navy will receive about 40 warships and vessels of different classes in 2021, Vladimir Pospelov, member of the Military-Industrial Commission under the Government of the Russian Federation, told Sputnik.

The Russian Navy will receive about 40 warships and vessels of different classes in 2021, Vladimir Pospelov, member of the Military-Industrial Commission under the Government of the Russian Federation, told Sputnik. In December of last year, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that the Russian Navy was going to get 32 vessels in 2021, including four submarines, six surface vessels, as well as 22 motorboats and service vessels. "Overall, in 2021, the Navy should receive about 40 warships and support vessels of various classes," Pospelov told Sputnik, specifying that the list includes Knyaz Oleg - the first serial Borei-A class nuclear submarine.

Russian navy to get 40 warships, vessels of various classes this year: Government

Britain's Queen Elizabeth will present Prime Minister Boris Johnson`s post-pandemic agenda on Tuesday in a speech, in her first public appearance since the funeral of her husband Prince Philip.

The speech, written by the government, will set out the new laws that ministers intend to pass in the coming year.&nbsp;

The grand 'State Opening of Parliament', a heavily choreographed and costumed ceremony led by the 95-year-old monarch, will this year involve face masks, social distancing, and fewer guests.&nbsp;

The speech will set out Johnson's policymaking priorities as he plans Britain's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and seeks to fulfil the promises he made to voters in 2019 on creating new opportunities for left-behind regions and communities.&nbsp;

Since his election, Johnson's government has been overwhelmed by efforts to manage a coronavirus pandemic that has shuttered swathes of the economy and put voters in months of restrictive lockdowns.&nbsp;

Now, with Britain's vaccination programme far ahead of most international peers and the spread of the virus contained at very low levels, Johnson is hoping to revive his so-called 'levelling up' narrative.&nbsp;

The speech will contain reforms to the education system, including some to help adults access life-long learning. This is seen by ministers as key to reshaping the British labour force and making it better placed to adapting to new technologies in areas like climate change.&nbsp;

"These new laws are the rocket fuel that we need to level up this country and ensure equal opportunities for all," Johnson said in a statement before the speech. "We know that having the right skills and training is the route to better, well-paid jobs."&nbsp;

The Queen's Speech usually lasts around 10 minutes and is fleshed out by a raft of documents containing details of legislative proposals, consultation plans and other policy papers.&nbsp;

It is expected to detail plans for new asylum rules, reforms of the social care system and to make good a manifesto promise to scrap legislation which limits government's powers to call new elections.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Britain's Queen Elizabeth will present Prime Minister Boris Johnson`s post-pandemic agenda on Tuesday in a speech, in her first public appearance since the funeral of her husband Prince Philip.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth will present Prime Minister Boris Johnson`s post-pandemic agenda on Tuesday in a speech, in her first public appearance since the funeral of her husband Prince Philip. The speech, written by the government, will set out the new laws that ministers intend to pass in the coming year. The grand 'State Opening of Parliament', a heavily choreographed and costumed ceremony led by the 95-year-old monarch, will this year involve face masks, social distancing, and fewer guests. The speech will set out Johnson's policymaking priorities as he plans Britain's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and seeks to fulfil the promises he made to voters in 2019 on creating new opportunities for left-behind regions and communities. Since his election, Johnson's government has been overwhelmed by efforts to manage a coronavirus pandemic that has shuttered swathes of the economy and put voters in months of restrictive lockdowns. Now, with Britain's vaccination programme far ahead of most international peers and the spread of the virus contained at very low levels, Johnson is hoping to revive his so-called 'levelling up' narrative. The speech will contain reforms to the education system, including some to help adults access life-long learning. This is seen by ministers as key to reshaping the British labour force and making it better placed to adapting to new technologies in areas like climate change. "These new laws are the rocket fuel that we need to level up this country and ensure equal opportunities for all," Johnson said in a statement before the speech. "We know that having the right skills and training is the route to better, well-paid jobs." The Queen's Speech usually lasts around 10 minutes and is fleshed out by a raft of documents containing details of legislative proposals, consultation plans and other policy papers. It is expected to detail plans for new asylum rules, reforms of the social care system and to make good a manifesto promise to scrap legislation which limits government's powers to call new elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Queen Elizabeth to make first public appearance since funeral of Prince Philip, in parliament

India saw a record 4,187 fatalities due to COVID-19 in a single day, taking the country's death toll to 2,38,270, while 4,01,078 new infections were reported in a day, pushing the tally to 2,18,92,676, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Saturday.&nbsp;

Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 37,23,446, comprising 17.01 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has dropped to 81.90 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;

The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,79,30, 960, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.09 per cent, the data stated.&nbsp;

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 30,04,10,043 samples have been tested up to May 7 with 18,08,344 samples being tested on Friday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India saw a record 4,187 fatalities due to COVID-19 in a single day, taking the country's death toll to 2,38,270, while 4,01,078 new infections were reported in a day, pushing the tally to 2,18,92,676, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Saturday.

India saw a record 4,187 fatalities due to COVID-19 in a single day, taking the country's death toll to 2,38,270, while 4,01,078 new infections were reported in a day, pushing the tally to 2,18,92,676, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Saturday. Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 37,23,446, comprising 17.01 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has dropped to 81.90 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed. The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,79,30, 960, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.09 per cent, the data stated. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 30,04,10,043 samples have been tested up to May 7 with 18,08,344 samples being tested on Friday. (With inputs from agencies)

India sees record 4,187 COVID-19 deaths, 4,01,078 new cases: Govt 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has failed to meet a midnight deadline to put together a new governing coalition, raising the possibility that his Likud party could be pushed into the opposition for the first time in 12 years.&nbsp;

The deadline closed a four-week window granted to Netanyahu by Israel's figurehead president.&nbsp;

The matter now bounces back to President Reuven Rivlin, who announced just after midnight that he would contact on Wednesday the 13 parties with seats in parliament to discuss the continuation of the process of forming a government.&nbsp;

Rivlin is expected in the coming days to give one of Netanyahu's opponents a chance to form an alternative coalition government.&nbsp;

He also could ask the parliament to select one of its own members as prime minister. If all else fails, the country would be forced into another election this fall, the fifth in just over two years.&nbsp;

The turmoil does not mean that Netanyahu will immediately be forced out as prime minister. But he now faces a serious threat to his lengthy rule.&nbsp;

His opponents, despite deep ideological differences, already have been holding informal talks in recent weeks in hopes of forging a power-sharing agreement.&nbsp;

Netanyahu had struggled to secure a parliamentary majority since March 23, when elections ended in deadlock for the fourth consecutive time in the past two years.&nbsp;

Despite repeated meetings with many of his rivals and unprecedented outreach to the leader of a small Islamist Arab party, Netanyahu was unable to close a deal.&nbsp;

Rivlin gave Netanyahu the first chance to form a coalition after 52 members of parliament endorsed him as prime minister last month. That was short of a majority, but the highest number for any party leader.&nbsp;

Opposition leader Yair Lapid, who received the backing of 45 lawmakers, now seems to be the most likely candidate to get a chance to form a government.&nbsp;

Naftali Bennett, head of the small religious, nationalist Yamina party, is also a possibility. Bennett, a former Netanyahu ally turned rival, controls just seven seats in parliament, but he has emerged as a kingmaker of sorts and appears to carry the votes that Lapid would need to secure a parliamentary majority.&nbsp;

Lapid already has said he is ready to share the prime minister's job with Bennett, with Bennett serving first in a rotation. So far, they have not reached any firm agreements.&nbsp;

In a brief statement, Netanyahu's Likud party blamed Bennett for the prime minister's failure. &nbsp;

"Because of Bennett's refusal to commit to a right-wing government, something that would have certainly led to the formation of a government along with other members of Knesset, Prime Minister Netanyahu returned the mandate to the president,” the statement said.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Benny Gantz, leader of the centrist Blue and White party, called on Netanyahu's opponents to line up behind Lapid.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has failed to meet a midnight deadline to put together a new governing coalition, raising the possibility that his Likud party could be pushed into the opposition for the first time in 12 years.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has failed to meet a midnight deadline to put together a new governing coalition, raising the possibility that his Likud party could be pushed into the opposition for the first time in 12 years. The deadline closed a four-week window granted to Netanyahu by Israel's figurehead president. The matter now bounces back to President Reuven Rivlin, who announced just after midnight that he would contact on Wednesday the 13 parties with seats in parliament to discuss the continuation of the process of forming a government. Rivlin is expected in the coming days to give one of Netanyahu's opponents a chance to form an alternative coalition government. He also could ask the parliament to select one of its own members as prime minister. If all else fails, the country would be forced into another election this fall, the fifth in just over two years. The turmoil does not mean that Netanyahu will immediately be forced out as prime minister. But he now faces a serious threat to his lengthy rule. His opponents, despite deep ideological differences, already have been holding informal talks in recent weeks in hopes of forging a power-sharing agreement. Netanyahu had struggled to secure a parliamentary majority since March 23, when elections ended in deadlock for the fourth consecutive time in the past two years. Despite repeated meetings with many of his rivals and unprecedented outreach to the leader of a small Islamist Arab party, Netanyahu was unable to close a deal. Rivlin gave Netanyahu the first chance to form a coalition after 52 members of parliament endorsed him as prime minister last month. That was short of a majority, but the highest number for any party leader. Opposition leader Yair Lapid, who received the backing of 45 lawmakers, now seems to be the most likely candidate to get a chance to form a government. Naftali Bennett, head of the small religious, nationalist Yamina party, is also a possibility. Bennett, a former Netanyahu ally turned rival, controls just seven seats in parliament, but he has emerged as a kingmaker of sorts and appears to carry the votes that Lapid would need to secure a parliamentary majority. Lapid already has said he is ready to share the prime minister's job with Bennett, with Bennett serving first in a rotation. So far, they have not reached any firm agreements. In a brief statement, Netanyahu's Likud party blamed Bennett for the prime minister's failure. "Because of Bennett's refusal to commit to a right-wing government, something that would have certainly led to the formation of a government along with other members of Knesset, Prime Minister Netanyahu returned the mandate to the president,” the statement said. Defence Minister Benny Gantz, leader of the centrist Blue and White party, called on Netanyahu's opponents to line up behind Lapid. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu misses deadline to form govt, political future in question 

The company providing internet services for Belgium's parliament, government agencies, universities and scientific institutions said on Tuesday that its network was under cyberattack, with connections to several customers disrupted. &nbsp;

Belnet said in a statement the attack is still in progress and takes place in successive waves. Our teams are working hard to mitigate them. The company has around 200 customers.&nbsp;

Two hours later it said, the effect of the attack seems to be diminishing, but provided no other details.&nbsp;

Belgian media reported that online services for coronavirus vaccination centres were partly disrupted and that prosecutors' offices in Brussels had experienced problems.&nbsp;

Belnet Director Dirk Haex told broadcaster VRT, this is the first time that we've faced such a gigantic attack. It is tough to counter an attack like this. The company has been in operation since 1993.&nbsp;

"Everything reached a crescendo around noon," Haex said, insisting that no information was stolen. “The point of such an attack is to disable the system, not to steal information."&nbsp;

Haex said it was too early to say, who could be behind the attack. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The company providing internet services for Belgium's parliament, government agencies, universities and scientific institutions said on Tuesday that its network was under cyberattack, with connections to several customers disrupted.

The company providing internet services for Belgium's parliament, government agencies, universities and scientific institutions said on Tuesday that its network was under cyberattack, with connections to several customers disrupted. Belnet said in a statement the attack is still in progress and takes place in successive waves. Our teams are working hard to mitigate them. The company has around 200 customers. Two hours later it said, the effect of the attack seems to be diminishing, but provided no other details. Belgian media reported that online services for coronavirus vaccination centres were partly disrupted and that prosecutors' offices in Brussels had experienced problems. Belnet Director Dirk Haex told broadcaster VRT, this is the first time that we've faced such a gigantic attack. It is tough to counter an attack like this. The company has been in operation since 1993. "Everything reached a crescendo around noon," Haex said, insisting that no information was stolen. “The point of such an attack is to disable the system, not to steal information." Haex said it was too early to say, who could be behind the attack. (With inputs from agencies)

Belgian government, parliament, colleges hit by cyberattack 

A Hyderabad-based woman has sought help from the state and&nbsp;central governments in locating her husband in Qatar, who has not contacted her for the last five years.

Haleema, who is a resident of Hashimabad of Bandlaguda in Hyderabad, got married to Mohammad Naveed Ahmed in January 2008.&nbsp;

In 2014, in search of work, Naveed left for Qatar and had been in regular touch with Haleema till 2016. However, since 2016, as told by Haleema, her husband has not been in touch with her and their two children.

Speaking to ANI, Haleema informed her husband left for Qatar in search of a job as a driver in 2014 and till 2016 he had been in contact with her on regular basis and used to send her money for the expenses.

It has become extremely difficult for her to look after the children as Naveed is the sole breadwinner in her family. She has now appealed to the Telangana government as well as the central government to help her in locating her husband.&nbsp;

To support Haleema and her two children, following the appeal of Amjed Ullah Khan, the spokesperson of Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT), many people have come forward to help her with her expenses.

She has received Rs 56,000 in her bank account to date while other people have been helping her with groceries and other stuff.&nbsp;

A Hyderabad-based woman has sought help from the state and central governments in locating her husband in Qatar, who has not contacted her for the last five years.

A Hyderabad-based woman has sought help from the state and central governments in locating her husband in Qatar, who has not contacted her for the last five years. Haleema, who is a resident of Hashimabad of Bandlaguda in Hyderabad, got married to Mohammad Naveed Ahmed in January 2008. In 2014, in search of work, Naveed left for Qatar and had been in regular touch with Haleema till 2016. However, since 2016, as told by Haleema, her husband has not been in touch with her and their two children. Speaking to ANI, Haleema informed her husband left for Qatar in search of a job as a driver in 2014 and till 2016 he had been in contact with her on regular basis and used to send her money for the expenses. It has become extremely difficult for her to look after the children as Naveed is the sole breadwinner in her family. She has now appealed to the Telangana government as well as the central government to help her in locating her husband. To support Haleema and her two children, following the appeal of Amjed Ullah Khan, the spokesperson of Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT), many people have come forward to help her with her expenses. She has received Rs 56,000 in her bank account to date while other people have been helping her with groceries and other stuff.

Hyderabad woman seeks help from government to locate her husband in Qatar

Violence during Sunday's protests from Manchester United fans, which led to the Premier League game with Liverpool being postponed, has been condemned by the UK government's sports minister and the mayor of Greater Manchester.

United fans protesting against the club's American owners, the Glazer family, stormed into the stadium which was closed to fans due to COVID-19 restrictions.

A flare was thrown at the broadcasters podium as fans ran onto the field and protesters clashed with police outside the ground.

Greater Manchester Police&nbsp;said two officers were injured with one requiring hospital treatment after he was attacked with a bottle and suffered a slash wound to his face.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thousands-of-manchester-united-fans-break-into-old-trafford-ahead-of-liverpool-clash-382299" hreflang="en">Thousands of Manchester United fans break into Old Trafford ahead of Liverpool clash!</a>

"Passions are running high in&nbsp;football&nbsp;but there are ways to protest and make your voice heard without hurting or endangering others," said Nigel Huddleston, Minister for Tourism and Sport.

"We understand the frustrations, but the violence by a small minority of fans at Old Trafford yesterday was unacceptable," he said.

The fan protests against the Glazers, which have been taken place since they bought the club in 2005, have been reignited since United's involvement in the attempt to create a breakaway European Super League. [L1N2MP0FH]

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham expressed support for the aims of the protesters but criticized the violence.

"I fully understand the long-standing concerns of Manchester United supporters about both the ownership and financing of their club and the wider running of&nbsp;football," he said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-uniteds-american-owners-facing-strongest-opposition-yet-382438" hreflang="en">Manchester United's American owners facing strongest opposition yet</a>

"It is important to make clear that the majority of supporters made their protest peacefully...however, there is no excuse for the actions of a minority who injured police officers and endangered the safety of others," he added.

British foreign office minister James Cleverly said there was a need to understand the mood of&nbsp;football&nbsp;supporters.

"(We) cannot, cannot condone the images that we've seen about storming the ground," Cleverly told Sky News. "But we do need to understand the frustrations that fans have not just with Manchester United, but with a number of clubs across the game."

GMP Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson said the behavior of the fans was "reckless and dangerous".&nbsp;

&nbsp; "We have launched an investigation and we will be working closely alongside partners to ensure we establish the full circumstances surrounding today's events and prosecute those responsibly," he said.

No decision has yet been made on the rescheduling of the match or about any sanctions for Sunday's events.

Violence during Sunday's protests from Manchester United fans, which led to the Premier League game with Liverpool being postponed, has been condemned by the UK government's sports minister and the mayor of Greater Manchester.

Violence during Sunday's protests from Manchester United fans, which led to the Premier League game with Liverpool being postponed, has been condemned by the UK government's sports minister and the mayor of Greater Manchester. United fans protesting against the club's American owners, the Glazer family, stormed into the stadium which was closed to fans due to COVID-19 restrictions. A flare was thrown at the broadcasters podium as fans ran onto the field and protesters clashed with police outside the ground. Greater Manchester Police said two officers were injured with one requiring hospital treatment after he was attacked with a bottle and suffered a slash wound to his face. IN PICS | Thousands of Manchester United fans break into Old Trafford ahead of Liverpool clash! "Passions are running high in football but there are ways to protest and make your voice heard without hurting or endangering others," said Nigel Huddleston, Minister for Tourism and Sport. "We understand the frustrations, but the violence by a small minority of fans at Old Trafford yesterday was unacceptable," he said. The fan protests against the Glazers, which have been taken place since they bought the club in 2005, have been reignited since United's involvement in the attempt to create a breakaway European Super League. [L1N2MP0FH] Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham expressed support for the aims of the protesters but criticized the violence. "I fully understand the long-standing concerns of Manchester United supporters about both the ownership and financing of their club and the wider running of football," he said. ALSO READ: Manchester United's American owners facing strongest opposition yet "It is important to make clear that the majority of supporters made their protest peacefully...however, there is no excuse for the actions of a minority who injured police officers and endangered the safety of others," he added. British foreign office minister James Cleverly said there was a need to understand the mood of football supporters. "(We) cannot, cannot condone the images that we've seen about storming the ground," Cleverly told Sky News. "But we do need to understand the frustrations that fans have not just with Manchester United, but with a number of clubs across the game." GMP Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson said the behavior of the fans was "reckless and dangerous". "We have launched an investigation and we will be working closely alongside partners to ensure we establish the full circumstances surrounding today's events and prosecute those responsibly," he said. No decision has yet been made on the rescheduling of the match or about any sanctions for Sunday's events.

Manchester United fan violence condemned by government and mayor

Myanmar's neighbours have to negotiate with a newly formed government of national unity if they want to help resolve the turmoil triggered a by a February 1 military coup and they should not recognise the junta, a unity government official said.&nbsp;

The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been trying to find a way out of the bloody crisis that has racked member Myanmar since the military ousted an elected government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

The military has shown little willingness to engage with its neighbours and no sign of wanting to talk with the government it ousted.&nbsp;

But in the first hint of progress for the grouping, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing will attend an ASEAN summit in Indonesia on April 24, a Thai government official said on Saturday.&nbsp;

It will be the military chief`s first known foreign trip and meeting with foreign leaders since he seized power. The junta has not commented on the ASEAN meeting. &nbsp;

Moe Zaw Oo, a deputy minister of foreign affairs in a National Unity Government (NUG) set up last week, said ASEAN should not recognise the Myanmar junta.&nbsp;

"If ASEAN is considering action related to Myanmar affairs, I’d like to say it won’t succeed unless it negotiates with the NUG, which is supported by the people and has complete legitimacy," Moe Zaw Oo told Voice of America's Burmese-language service in an interview published on Sunday.&nbsp;

Pro-democracy politicians including ousted members of parliament from Suu Kyi's party announced the formation of the NUG on Friday. It includes Suu Kyi, who has been in detention since the coup, as well as leaders of the pro-democracy protests and ethnic minorities.&nbsp;

The NUG has called for international recognition as the legitimate authority and had requested an invitation to the ASEAN meeting in Min Aung Hlaing's place.&nbsp;

"It’s very important that the junta council is not recognised," Moe Zaw Oo told VOA, adding the unity government had not been invited to the meeting in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta.&nbsp;

Myanmar's security forces have killed 730 people in their efforts to end protests against the coup, activist group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners says, drawing condemnation from Western countries and unprecedented criticism from several members of ASEAN despite a bloc principle of not interfering in each other's affairs.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Myanmar's neighbours have to negotiate with a newly formed government of national unity if they want to help resolve the turmoil triggered a by a February 1 military coup and they should not recognise the junta, a unity government official said.

Myanmar's neighbours have to negotiate with a newly formed government of national unity if they want to help resolve the turmoil triggered a by a February 1 military coup and they should not recognise the junta, a unity government official said. The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been trying to find a way out of the bloody crisis that has racked member Myanmar since the military ousted an elected government led by democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi. The military has shown little willingness to engage with its neighbours and no sign of wanting to talk with the government it ousted. But in the first hint of progress for the grouping, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing will attend an ASEAN summit in Indonesia on April 24, a Thai government official said on Saturday. It will be the military chief`s first known foreign trip and meeting with foreign leaders since he seized power. The junta has not commented on the ASEAN meeting. Moe Zaw Oo, a deputy minister of foreign affairs in a National Unity Government (NUG) set up last week, said ASEAN should not recognise the Myanmar junta. "If ASEAN is considering action related to Myanmar affairs, I’d like to say it won’t succeed unless it negotiates with the NUG, which is supported by the people and has complete legitimacy," Moe Zaw Oo told Voice of America's Burmese-language service in an interview published on Sunday. Pro-democracy politicians including ousted members of parliament from Suu Kyi's party announced the formation of the NUG on Friday. It includes Suu Kyi, who has been in detention since the coup, as well as leaders of the pro-democracy protests and ethnic minorities. The NUG has called for international recognition as the legitimate authority and had requested an invitation to the ASEAN meeting in Min Aung Hlaing's place. "It’s very important that the junta council is not recognised," Moe Zaw Oo told VOA, adding the unity government had not been invited to the meeting in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. Myanmar's security forces have killed 730 people in their efforts to end protests against the coup, activist group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners says, drawing condemnation from Western countries and unprecedented criticism from several members of ASEAN despite a bloc principle of not interfering in each other's affairs. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar unity government says it must be part of any ASEAN bid to end crisis 

A lobbying scandal swirling around former British prime minister David Cameron has deepened with claims that a senior civil servant held down a part-time job with a now-bankrupt financial firm that was awarded lucrative government contracts.&nbsp;

The main opposition Labour Party called a vote in the House of Commons on Wednesday to demand a full parliamentary inquiry into the relationship between government ministers, civil servants and Greensill Capital, a financial services firm that collapsed last month, threatening thousands of jobs at a British steelmaker it helped finance.&nbsp;

The Conservative government has launched an investigation led by a lawyer, but opponents doubt it will get to the truth. Opposition parties are calling for tougher rules on contacts between business representatives and government officials, saying Britain's laxly enforced lobbying regulations leave the door open to corruption.&nbsp;

Opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer said the revelations showed the 'sleaze and cronyism that's at the heart of this Conservative government.' "We need to overhaul this whole broken system," he said.&nbsp;

A series of news reports over the last month revealed that Cameron lobbied senior government officials on behalf of a finance firm founded by Australian banker Lex Greensill, a former adviser to Cameron's 2010-2016 Conservative-led government.&nbsp;

Greensill Capital was given a lucrative role in 'supply chain finance' arrangements that saw it pay contractors on behalf of the government before being reimbursed by the Treasury. The system was designed to expedite payments to contractors, including pharmacies supplying the National Health Service, but critics say the government should just have paid the contractors directly.&nbsp;

Cameron worked as a part-time adviser to Greensill after he left office and held shares in the company.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, it emerged that a senior civil servant, Bill Crothers, began working as a part-time adviser to Greensill's board in September 2015, two months before he left his job as the government's chief commercial officer in charge of government purchasing.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he shared 'the widespread concern about some of the stuff that we're reading at the moment’. &nbsp;

"I do think it is a good idea in principle that civil servants should be able to engage with business and should have experience of private sector," Johnson told lawmakers in the House of Commons. But, he added, "it's not clear that those boundaries had been properly understood”. &nbsp;

British media began digging into Cameron's work for Greensill after the company's collapse forced the owner of Liberty Steel, which employs about 5,000 people, to seek a government bailout. Greensill was one of the company's key financial backers.&nbsp;

News reports have revealed that Cameron sent text messages to Treasury chief Rishi Sunak in an effort to secure government-backed loans for Greensill under a programme to help companies hurt by the Covid-19 pandemic. He also lobbied Health Secretary Matt Hancock on behalf of a Greensill product that would have allowed healthcare workers to receive advance payments on their salaries.&nbsp;

After weeks of silence, Cameron released a lengthy statement on Sunday, insisting that his work for the company didn't break any rules on the activities of former ministers. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A lobbying scandal swirling around former British prime minister David Cameron has deepened with claims that a senior civil servant held down a part-time job with a now-bankrupt financial firm that was awarded lucrative government contracts.

A lobbying scandal swirling around former British prime minister David Cameron has deepened with claims that a senior civil servant held down a part-time job with a now-bankrupt financial firm that was awarded lucrative government contracts. The main opposition Labour Party called a vote in the House of Commons on Wednesday to demand a full parliamentary inquiry into the relationship between government ministers, civil servants and Greensill Capital, a financial services firm that collapsed last month, threatening thousands of jobs at a British steelmaker it helped finance. The Conservative government has launched an investigation led by a lawyer, but opponents doubt it will get to the truth. Opposition parties are calling for tougher rules on contacts between business representatives and government officials, saying Britain's laxly enforced lobbying regulations leave the door open to corruption. Opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer said the revelations showed the 'sleaze and cronyism that's at the heart of this Conservative government.' "We need to overhaul this whole broken system," he said. A series of news reports over the last month revealed that Cameron lobbied senior government officials on behalf of a finance firm founded by Australian banker Lex Greensill, a former adviser to Cameron's 2010-2016 Conservative-led government. Greensill Capital was given a lucrative role in 'supply chain finance' arrangements that saw it pay contractors on behalf of the government before being reimbursed by the Treasury. The system was designed to expedite payments to contractors, including pharmacies supplying the National Health Service, but critics say the government should just have paid the contractors directly. Cameron worked as a part-time adviser to Greensill after he left office and held shares in the company. On Tuesday, it emerged that a senior civil servant, Bill Crothers, began working as a part-time adviser to Greensill's board in September 2015, two months before he left his job as the government's chief commercial officer in charge of government purchasing. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he shared 'the widespread concern about some of the stuff that we're reading at the moment’. "I do think it is a good idea in principle that civil servants should be able to engage with business and should have experience of private sector," Johnson told lawmakers in the House of Commons. But, he added, "it's not clear that those boundaries had been properly understood”. British media began digging into Cameron's work for Greensill after the company's collapse forced the owner of Liberty Steel, which employs about 5,000 people, to seek a government bailout. Greensill was one of the company's key financial backers. News reports have revealed that Cameron sent text messages to Treasury chief Rishi Sunak in an effort to secure government-backed loans for Greensill under a programme to help companies hurt by the Covid-19 pandemic. He also lobbied Health Secretary Matt Hancock on behalf of a Greensill product that would have allowed healthcare workers to receive advance payments on their salaries. After weeks of silence, Cameron released a lengthy statement on Sunday, insisting that his work for the company didn't break any rules on the activities of former ministers. (With inputs from agencies)

Opposition accuses government of sleaze amid lobbying scandal in UK 

Venezuela's government wants funds frozen in the United States to be put toward paying for coronavirus vaccines and will keep working with the opposition to negotiate this payment, the head of the government-controlled legislature said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Allies of opposition leader Juan Guaido have for months been in talks with state officials to buy vaccines through the COVAX programme using funds frozen by the US Treasury as part of sanctions against the government of President Nicolas Maduro.&nbsp;

Maduro over the weekend said his government had paid some $64 million to the GAVI Vaccine Alliance, spurring doubts as to whether the government would pull the plug on talks to use the frozen funds for the inoculation campaign.&nbsp;

Jorge Rodriguez, head of the National Assembly dominated by the ruling Socialist Party, said talks regarding the 'kidnapped' funds would continue.&nbsp;

"If more of the kidnapped resources are used, it would be to buy the vaccines that are needed via the (Pan American Health Organisation) and the (World Health Organisation)," Rodriguez said in a news conference.&nbsp;

In 2019, Washington froze $342 million held by the Venezuelan central bank in the United States, as part of a sanctions programme that sought to remove Maduro from power. &nbsp;

The funds were put under the control of opposition leader Guaido and the interim government he created, but moving them requires a license from the US Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).&nbsp;

A working group created last year to ensure Venezuela's access to COVAX, which includes health ministry officials as well as advisers to Guaido, will continue seeking to use the OFAC funds for vaccines, Rodriguez said. &nbsp;

His comments were the first time a government official has publicly acknowledged the discussions with the Guaido allies, who he described as 'kidnappers’. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Venezuela's government wants funds frozen in the United States to be put toward paying for coronavirus vaccines and will keep working with the opposition to negotiate this payment, the head of the government-controlled legislature said on Tuesday.

Venezuela's government wants funds frozen in the United States to be put toward paying for coronavirus vaccines and will keep working with the opposition to negotiate this payment, the head of the government-controlled legislature said on Tuesday. Allies of opposition leader Juan Guaido have for months been in talks with state officials to buy vaccines through the COVAX programme using funds frozen by the US Treasury as part of sanctions against the government of President Nicolas Maduro. Maduro over the weekend said his government had paid some $64 million to the GAVI Vaccine Alliance, spurring doubts as to whether the government would pull the plug on talks to use the frozen funds for the inoculation campaign. Jorge Rodriguez, head of the National Assembly dominated by the ruling Socialist Party, said talks regarding the 'kidnapped' funds would continue. "If more of the kidnapped resources are used, it would be to buy the vaccines that are needed via the (Pan American Health Organisation) and the (World Health Organisation)," Rodriguez said in a news conference. In 2019, Washington froze $342 million held by the Venezuelan central bank in the United States, as part of a sanctions programme that sought to remove Maduro from power. The funds were put under the control of opposition leader Guaido and the interim government he created, but moving them requires a license from the US Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). A working group created last year to ensure Venezuela's access to COVAX, which includes health ministry officials as well as advisers to Guaido, will continue seeking to use the OFAC funds for vaccines, Rodriguez said. His comments were the first time a government official has publicly acknowledged the discussions with the Guaido allies, who he described as 'kidnappers’. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela government wants to use funds frozen in US to pay for vaccines 

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s prospects of forming a new government waned on Saturday as a coalition partner seen as vital for securing a parliamentary majority ruled out joining a new administration led by him.

This threw already stalled talks about forming a new government further into disarray, setting them back by weeks if not months and making it virtually impossible to predict the outcome.

Rutte, 54, had narrowly survived a no-confidence vote on Friday after parliament passed a motion disapproving of his behaviour during government formation talks following last month’s election.

But ChristenUnie leader Gert Jan Segers, in an interview with newspaper Nederlands Dagblad, said: "We don’t want to return to ‘business as usual’. We cannot be part of a fourth Rutte government".

ChristenUnie has been one of four parties in the government led by Rutte’s conservative VVD party since 2017.

Parliament will next week appoint an independent official tasked with mapping out ways to get the government formation process moving again.

But the two parties seen as indispensable for the VVD, the Christian Democrats and pro-European Union D66, filed the motion of disapproval on Friday and made it clear it would be very hard for Rutte to return to the negotiating table.

Rutte, who has been in office since 2010 and is often an influential figure in the European Union, was the decisive winner in the national elections two weeks ago.

But he only narrowly survived the no-confidence vote, which accused him of having not spoken the truth about suggestions he made over the possible future of a critical lawmaker from another party.&nbsp;

All the parties outside his coalition voted to have him removed immediately.&nbsp;That seemed to have left the current coalition as the only viable option for Rutte to form his fourth consecutive government, until Segers’ move on Saturday blocked that path.

"Without support of the ChristenUnie a fourth Rutte Cabinet seems unthinkable", political scientist Tom Louwerse said on Twitter.

"The best scenario might be for Rutte to not be involved in the formation of a new government, but stay on as caretaker Prime Minister until there is a new administration."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s prospects of forming a new government waned on Saturday as a coalition partner seen as vital for securing a parliamentary majority ruled out joining a new administration led by him.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s prospects of forming a new government waned on Saturday as a coalition partner seen as vital for securing a parliamentary majority ruled out joining a new administration led by him. This threw already stalled talks about forming a new government further into disarray, setting them back by weeks if not months and making it virtually impossible to predict the outcome. Rutte, 54, had narrowly survived a no-confidence vote on Friday after parliament passed a motion disapproving of his behaviour during government formation talks following last month’s election. But ChristenUnie leader Gert Jan Segers, in an interview with newspaper Nederlands Dagblad, said: "We don’t want to return to ‘business as usual’. We cannot be part of a fourth Rutte government". ChristenUnie has been one of four parties in the government led by Rutte’s conservative VVD party since 2017. Parliament will next week appoint an independent official tasked with mapping out ways to get the government formation process moving again. But the two parties seen as indispensable for the VVD, the Christian Democrats and pro-European Union D66, filed the motion of disapproval on Friday and made it clear it would be very hard for Rutte to return to the negotiating table. Rutte, who has been in office since 2010 and is often an influential figure in the European Union, was the decisive winner in the national elections two weeks ago. But he only narrowly survived the no-confidence vote, which accused him of having not spoken the truth about suggestions he made over the possible future of a critical lawmaker from another party. All the parties outside his coalition voted to have him removed immediately. That seemed to have left the current coalition as the only viable option for Rutte to form his fourth consecutive government, until Segers’ move on Saturday blocked that path. "Without support of the ChristenUnie a fourth Rutte Cabinet seems unthinkable", political scientist Tom Louwerse said on Twitter. "The best scenario might be for Rutte to not be involved in the formation of a new government, but stay on as caretaker Prime Minister until there is a new administration." (With inputs from agencies)

Dutch PM's prospects of forming new government wane as coalition partner quits

The Afghan government said on Saturday it would participate in two separate US- and Russian-backed peace conferences in the coming weeks.&nbsp;

The Russian-backed conference is scheduled for March 18, while the US-sponsored one will take place in Turkey next month, officials said.&nbsp;

Peace negotiations between the Afghan government and the insurgent Taliban in Qatar's capital Doha have largely stalled.&nbsp;

"The Afghan government will take part in both the Moscow and Turkey conferences," Hamdullah Mohib, the country's national security council advisor told reporters in Kabul.&nbsp;

Mohammed Naeem, a spokesman for the Taliban, said it had received an invitation from Moscow, but had not yet decided whether to attend or not. The Taliban has not made any comment about the proposed meeting in Turkey.&nbsp;

It comes at a crunch time for the peace process as a May 1 deadline for foreign troops to withdraw from Afghanistan looms and the United States reviews its military commitments.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a letter to President Ashraf Ghani earlier this month made a new urgent push for a United Nations-led peace effort and asked Turkey to host a senior-level meeting of 'both sides in the coming weeks to finalise a peace agreement'.&nbsp;

Blinken wrote to Afghan leaders that the United States is 'considering the full withdrawal of forces by May 1 as we consider other options'.&nbsp;

Russia plans to hold a conference on Afghanistan in Moscow on March 18 and has invited several regional players, including Afghan government and politicians to jumpstart the peace process as Washington's diplomacy ramps up.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Afghan government said on Saturday it would participate in two separate US- and Russian-backed peace conferences in the coming weeks. The Russian-backed conference is scheduled for March 18, while the US-sponsored one will take place in Turkey next month, officials said.

The Afghan government said on Saturday it would participate in two separate US- and Russian-backed peace conferences in the coming weeks. The Russian-backed conference is scheduled for March 18, while the US-sponsored one will take place in Turkey next month, officials said. Peace negotiations between the Afghan government and the insurgent Taliban in Qatar's capital Doha have largely stalled. "The Afghan government will take part in both the Moscow and Turkey conferences," Hamdullah Mohib, the country's national security council advisor told reporters in Kabul. Mohammed Naeem, a spokesman for the Taliban, said it had received an invitation from Moscow, but had not yet decided whether to attend or not. The Taliban has not made any comment about the proposed meeting in Turkey. It comes at a crunch time for the peace process as a May 1 deadline for foreign troops to withdraw from Afghanistan looms and the United States reviews its military commitments. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a letter to President Ashraf Ghani earlier this month made a new urgent push for a United Nations-led peace effort and asked Turkey to host a senior-level meeting of 'both sides in the coming weeks to finalise a peace agreement'. Blinken wrote to Afghan leaders that the United States is 'considering the full withdrawal of forces by May 1 as we consider other options'. Russia plans to hold a conference on Afghanistan in Moscow on March 18 and has invited several regional players, including Afghan government and politicians to jumpstart the peace process as Washington's diplomacy ramps up. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan government to attend both US, Russia-backed peace conferences 

Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are the six states that cumulatively account for 86.25 per cent of the new coronavirus cases reported in the past 24 hours, the Health Ministry said on Monday.

Maharashtra has reported the highest daily new cases at 11,141, followed by Kerala with 2,100 and Punjab with 1,043 new infections, the ministry said.

The Centre is regularly holding high-level review meetings with the states and Union territories showing a surge in new daily cases and the health secretary is also holding weekly review meetings, it said.

"Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have been reporting a surge in the COVID daily new cases. They cumulatively account for 86.25 per cent of the new cases reported in the past 24 hours," the ministry said in a statement.

The Centre has recently rushed high-level public health teams to Maharashtra and Punjab to assist in COVID-19 control and containment measures in view of the recent spike in cases, it added.

The central government said it had already deputed high-level teams to Maharashtra, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Jammu and Kashmir to support them in their fight against the recent spike in COVID-19 cases.

"These teams interact with the state/UT authorities and get a firsthand understanding of the challenges and issues being faced by them so as to strengthen their ongoing activities and remove bottlenecks, if any," the ministry said.

It said eight states and Union territories -- Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka and Haryana -- were displaying an upward trajectory in daily new cases.

They have a weekly positivity rate more than the national average of 2.29 per cent. Maharashtra has the highest weekly positivity rate with 11.13 per cent, the government said.

The number of active cases in the country reached 1,88,747 on Monday and it is 1.68 per cent of the total infections.

Meanwhile, 18 states and Union territories have not reported any COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours. 
These are Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Sikkim and Tripura.

The ministry said that nearly 2.10 crore vaccine doses had been administered through 3,76,633 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am on Monday.

These include 69,85,911 healthcare workers (first dose), 35,47,548 healthcare workers (second dose), 66,09,537 frontline workers (first dose) and 2,13,559 frontline workers (second dose), 4,80,661 beneficiaries aged more than 45 years with specific comorbidities (first dose) and 31,51,794 beneficiaries aged more than 60 years.

Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are the six states that cumulatively account for 86.25 per cent of the new coronavirus cases reported in the past 24 hours, the Health Ministry said on Monday.

Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are the six states that cumulatively account for 86.25 per cent of the new coronavirus cases reported in the past 24 hours, the Health Ministry said on Monday. Maharashtra has reported the highest daily new cases at 11,141, followed by Kerala with 2,100 and Punjab with 1,043 new infections, the ministry said. The Centre is regularly holding high-level review meetings with the states and Union territories showing a surge in new daily cases and the health secretary is also holding weekly review meetings, it said. "Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have been reporting a surge in the COVID daily new cases. They cumulatively account for 86.25 per cent of the new cases reported in the past 24 hours," the ministry said in a statement. The Centre has recently rushed high-level public health teams to Maharashtra and Punjab to assist in COVID-19 control and containment measures in view of the recent spike in cases, it added. The central government said it had already deputed high-level teams to Maharashtra, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Jammu and Kashmir to support them in their fight against the recent spike in COVID-19 cases. "These teams interact with the state/UT authorities and get a firsthand understanding of the challenges and issues being faced by them so as to strengthen their ongoing activities and remove bottlenecks, if any," the ministry said. It said eight states and Union territories -- Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka and Haryana -- were displaying an upward trajectory in daily new cases. They have a weekly positivity rate more than the national average of 2.29 per cent. Maharashtra has the highest weekly positivity rate with 11.13 per cent, the government said. The number of active cases in the country reached 1,88,747 on Monday and it is 1.68 per cent of the total infections. Meanwhile, 18 states and Union territories have not reported any COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours. These are Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Sikkim and Tripura. The ministry said that nearly 2.10 crore vaccine doses had been administered through 3,76,633 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am on Monday. These include 69,85,911 healthcare workers (first dose), 35,47,548 healthcare workers (second dose), 66,09,537 frontline workers (first dose) and 2,13,559 frontline workers (second dose), 4,80,661 beneficiaries aged more than 45 years with specific comorbidities (first dose) and 31,51,794 beneficiaries aged more than 60 years.

86.25 per cent new COVID cases in 6 states: Government

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab threatened on Saturday to stop performing his duties to pressure politicians to form a new government.&nbsp;

"If seclusion helps with cabinet formation, then I am ready to resort to it, although it goes against my convictions for it disrupts the entire state and is detrimental to the Lebanese," Diab said in a speech.&nbsp;

Diab's cabinet resigned on the back of the August 4 Beirut port explosion that devastated swathes of the capital.&nbsp;

Prime minister-designate Saad al-Hariri was nominated in October but has failed to form a new cabinet so far due to political deadlock between him and President Michel Aoun.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, protesters blocked roads with burning tyres and dumpsters across Lebanon recently after the currency tumbled to a new low in a financial meltdown that has fueled poverty.&nbsp;

"We can't bear it anymore...The dollar is going up and they don't care about us. They're still dividing up their gains," Rabih Khaled, who has been unemployed for months, said at one of the protests.&nbsp;

Crushed under a mountain of debt, Lebanon is grappling with a financial crisis that has wiped out jobs, raised warnings of growing hunger and locked people out of their bank deposits.&nbsp;

The collapse of the Lebanese pound, which fell to 10,000 to the dollar on Tuesday, has slashed about 85% of its value in a country relying heavily on imports.&nbsp;

The decline was the last straw for many who have seen prices of consumer goods such as diapers or cereals nearly triple since the crisis erupted.&nbsp;

"They're taking away our dignity. We came down today to say no we have dignity ... We are not insects. They are controlling the dollar for your interests to steal money from the people," 43-year-old Tawfik Marei said.&nbsp;

Protesters shut down a main highway out of the capital Beirut and the airport road. People took to the streets in other cities as well after the cost of scarce dollars hit 10,000 Lebanese pounds on the informal market.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab threatened on Saturday to stop performing his duties to pressure politicians to form a new government. "If seclusion helps with cabinet formation, then I am ready to resort to it, although it goes against my convictions for it disrupts the entire state and is detrimental to the Lebanese," Diab said in a speech.

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab threatened on Saturday to stop performing his duties to pressure politicians to form a new government. "If seclusion helps with cabinet formation, then I am ready to resort to it, although it goes against my convictions for it disrupts the entire state and is detrimental to the Lebanese," Diab said in a speech. Diab's cabinet resigned on the back of the August 4 Beirut port explosion that devastated swathes of the capital. Prime minister-designate Saad al-Hariri was nominated in October but has failed to form a new cabinet so far due to political deadlock between him and President Michel Aoun. Meanwhile, protesters blocked roads with burning tyres and dumpsters across Lebanon recently after the currency tumbled to a new low in a financial meltdown that has fueled poverty. "We can't bear it anymore...The dollar is going up and they don't care about us. They're still dividing up their gains," Rabih Khaled, who has been unemployed for months, said at one of the protests. Crushed under a mountain of debt, Lebanon is grappling with a financial crisis that has wiped out jobs, raised warnings of growing hunger and locked people out of their bank deposits. The collapse of the Lebanese pound, which fell to 10,000 to the dollar on Tuesday, has slashed about 85% of its value in a country relying heavily on imports. The decline was the last straw for many who have seen prices of consumer goods such as diapers or cereals nearly triple since the crisis erupted. "They're taking away our dignity. We came down today to say no we have dignity ... We are not insects. They are controlling the dollar for your interests to steal money from the people," 43-year-old Tawfik Marei said. Protesters shut down a main highway out of the capital Beirut and the airport road. People took to the streets in other cities as well after the cost of scarce dollars hit 10,000 Lebanese pounds on the informal market. (With inputs from agencies)

Caretaker PM threatens to stop running government in Lebanon 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the motto of his government is to "monetise and modernise", reiterating the government's commitment towards privatisation of PSUs and asset monetisation.

The government has an ambitious plan to monetise around 100 government-owned assets as part of the monetisation plan, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he spoke about various reforms undertaken in the Union Budget.

"With this the government will be aiming to achieve Rs 2.5 trillion investment, we are going ahead with the mantra of monetise and modernise," Modi said.

Speaking at a webinar on privatisation by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Modi said state-owned companies in four strategic sectors will be kept at bare minimum and that the government is committed to privatising PSUs in all sectors barring four strategic ones.

Further, Modi urged for feedback on the privatisation and monetisation initiative for swift implementation.

Outlining the government focus going forward, Modi said that the government is working on Rs 111 trillion national infrastructure pipeline (NIP) fund.

"The government has no business to be in business. When government monetises, that space is filled by private sector of the country. Private sector brings investment and best global practices with them," he said.

Modi said that the public sector enterprises are loss-making and several of them need the support of public money and that they should not be run because they were started many years ago and were someone's pet project.

"The Budget has given a clear roadmap to take India to a high growth trajectory," Modi said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the motto of his government is to "monetise and modernise", reiterating the government's commitment towards privatisation of PSUs and asset monetisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the motto of his government is to "monetise and modernise", reiterating the government's commitment towards privatisation of PSUs and asset monetisation. The government has an ambitious plan to monetise around 100 government-owned assets as part of the monetisation plan, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he spoke about various reforms undertaken in the Union Budget. "With this the government will be aiming to achieve Rs 2.5 trillion investment, we are going ahead with the mantra of monetise and modernise," Modi said. Speaking at a webinar on privatisation by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Modi said state-owned companies in four strategic sectors will be kept at bare minimum and that the government is committed to privatising PSUs in all sectors barring four strategic ones. Further, Modi urged for feedback on the privatisation and monetisation initiative for swift implementation. Outlining the government focus going forward, Modi said that the government is working on Rs 111 trillion national infrastructure pipeline (NIP) fund. "The government has no business to be in business. When government monetises, that space is filled by private sector of the country. Private sector brings investment and best global practices with them," he said. Modi said that the public sector enterprises are loss-making and several of them need the support of public money and that they should not be run because they were started many years ago and were someone's pet project. "The Budget has given a clear roadmap to take India to a high growth trajectory," Modi said. (With inputs from agencies)

Centre plans to privatise PSUs in all sectors barring 4 strategic ones: PM Modi

Union Minister Prakash Javdekar on Wednesday said that the second phase of the coronavirus vaccination drive will begin on March 1 in the country. Under phase 2, people aged above 60 years and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities will be vaccinated across the country.

Javadekar made the announcement after the Union Cabinet in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to launch the third phase of the world`s largest vaccination drive, which began in India on January 16.

"People above 60 years of age and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities will be vaccinated at 10,000 government and over 20,000 private vaccination centres from March 1," Javadekar said while addressing a press conference.

"The vaccine will be given free of cost at government centres," the Minister said.

The Minister further said that the private centres will charge for the vaccination and the rate will be decided in the next three or four days.

He said that the Union Health Ministry is engaged in talks with vaccine manufacturers and private hospitals to decide the charge for vaccination to all civilians.

The decision came as India`s cumulative vaccination coverage has crossed 1.14 crore recipients.

The vaccination drive was started on January 16 for the healthcare and frontline workers, and the number was estimated to be around three crores.

India`s drugs regulator on January 3 approved Oxford Covid-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Pune-based Serum Institute, and the indigenously-developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country.

Over 11 lakh people have been administered two doses of Covid vaccines so far amid reports of an upward trend in cases in the past one week.

The country reported 13,742 new cases in the last 24 hours on Wednesday with the overall tally mounting to 1,10,30,176 as per the Health Ministry`s latest data. With 104 deaths due to the disease, the overall toll has touched 1, 56,567.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Minister Prakash Javdekar on Wednesday said that the second phase of the coronavirus vaccination drive will begin on March 1 in the country. Under phase 2, people aged above 60 years and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities will be vaccinated across the country.

Union Minister Prakash Javdekar on Wednesday said that the second phase of the coronavirus vaccination drive will begin on March 1 in the country. Under phase 2, people aged above 60 years and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities will be vaccinated across the country. Javadekar made the announcement after the Union Cabinet in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to launch the third phase of the world`s largest vaccination drive, which began in India on January 16. "People above 60 years of age and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities will be vaccinated at 10,000 government and over 20,000 private vaccination centres from March 1," Javadekar said while addressing a press conference. "The vaccine will be given free of cost at government centres," the Minister said. The Minister further said that the private centres will charge for the vaccination and the rate will be decided in the next three or four days. He said that the Union Health Ministry is engaged in talks with vaccine manufacturers and private hospitals to decide the charge for vaccination to all civilians. The decision came as India`s cumulative vaccination coverage has crossed 1.14 crore recipients. The vaccination drive was started on January 16 for the healthcare and frontline workers, and the number was estimated to be around three crores. India`s drugs regulator on January 3 approved Oxford Covid-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Pune-based Serum Institute, and the indigenously-developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country. Over 11 lakh people have been administered two doses of Covid vaccines so far amid reports of an upward trend in cases in the past one week. The country reported 13,742 new cases in the last 24 hours on Wednesday with the overall tally mounting to 1,10,30,176 as per the Health Ministry`s latest data. With 104 deaths due to the disease, the overall toll has touched 1, 56,567. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19 vaccination for 60+, those over 45 with comorbidities to start from March 1: Government

The Sri Lankan Parliament on Thursday has cancelled the planned address of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during his upcoming visit to the island nation, reported Dawn.&nbsp;

This is being seen as a move by the Sri Lankan government to maintain ties with India. It was being speculated that Khan would raise the Kashmir issue during his speech, which could have upset Delhi. &nbsp;

Sri Lankan ‘Express’ newspaper stated that giving an opportunity to the Pakistani prime minister could have been implied as giving Khan parity to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, so the planned speech was cancelled.&nbsp;

It is significant to mention that Imran khan’s speech at the Sri Lankan parliament had been included in PM's itinerary on the Pakistan government's request. &nbsp;

Imran Khan is scheduled to travel to Colombo on a two-day trip from February 22. He was to address the Sri Lankan parliament on February 24. He will also meet Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and attend an investors' conference, reported Dawn.&nbsp;

Imran's speech was added at the request of the Pakistan government. However, it was later cancelled, according to Sri Lankan media. Sri Lankan media have cited different reasons for the cancellation of Khan's address. &nbsp;

Sri Lanka's daily ‘Express’ quoted Foreign Secretary Jayanath Colombage as having said that Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena had requested for cancellation on the pretext of Covid-19. However, the same newspaper cited unnamed sources as saying that there were elements within the Sri Lankan government, who did not want the speech to take place as they feared that doing so could further harm ties with India.

But another speculation doing the rounds is that the Sri Lankan government was concerned about Khan speaking about the rights of Muslims in Sri Lanka, who have faced abuses at the hands of the Buddhist majority, rising anti-Muslim sentiments, and biased government actions, reported Dawn.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan government had, moreover, made its compulsory cremation rule for those dying from Covid-19 applicable to Muslims in the country. The government, however, earlier this month exempted the Muslims from cremation and allowed them to bury their dead after a global outcry over the issue.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan Parliament on Thursday has cancelled the planned address of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during his upcoming visit to the island nation, reported Dawn.

The Sri Lankan Parliament on Thursday has cancelled the planned address of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during his upcoming visit to the island nation, reported Dawn. This is being seen as a move by the Sri Lankan government to maintain ties with India. It was being speculated that Khan would raise the Kashmir issue during his speech, which could have upset Delhi. Sri Lankan ‘Express’ newspaper stated that giving an opportunity to the Pakistani prime minister could have been implied as giving Khan parity to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, so the planned speech was cancelled. It is significant to mention that Imran khan’s speech at the Sri Lankan parliament had been included in PM's itinerary on the Pakistan government's request. Imran Khan is scheduled to travel to Colombo on a two-day trip from February 22. He was to address the Sri Lankan parliament on February 24. He will also meet Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and attend an investors' conference, reported Dawn. Imran's speech was added at the request of the Pakistan government. However, it was later cancelled, according to Sri Lankan media. Sri Lankan media have cited different reasons for the cancellation of Khan's address. Sri Lanka's daily ‘Express’ quoted Foreign Secretary Jayanath Colombage as having said that Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena had requested for cancellation on the pretext of Covid-19. However, the same newspaper cited unnamed sources as saying that there were elements within the Sri Lankan government, who did not want the speech to take place as they feared that doing so could further harm ties with India. But another speculation doing the rounds is that the Sri Lankan government was concerned about Khan speaking about the rights of Muslims in Sri Lanka, who have faced abuses at the hands of the Buddhist majority, rising anti-Muslim sentiments, and biased government actions, reported Dawn. The Sri Lankan government had, moreover, made its compulsory cremation rule for those dying from Covid-19 applicable to Muslims in the country. The government, however, earlier this month exempted the Muslims from cremation and allowed them to bury their dead after a global outcry over the issue.

Sri Lankan government cancels Pak PM Imran Khan's address to Parliament

The government should provide additional funds as well as incentives in the upcoming Budget to promote indigenous farm research, oilseeds production, food processing and organic farming for the overall growth of the agriculture sector, according to industry experts.

The direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme should be utilised more to support farmers instead of giving subsidies, they added.

"Food processing industry has played an important role in better price realisation for the farmer and reducing the cost of intermediaries. The budget must provide special incentives to food processing through incentives such as interest subvention, lower taxes, access to technology and so on," DCM Shriram Chairman and Senior MD Ajay Shriram said.

Referring to the successful PM-KISAN scheme under which Rs 6,000 is paid annually directly into farmers bank accounts, he said the DBT mechanism should be fine-tuned and gradually should be utilized to support farmers in lieu of other subsidies.

"Let the farmer decide how to judicially use the money. With the benefit of DBT, farmers can then buy better seed, use new-age fertilizers, optimize water usage and so on," Shriram said.

Stating that many Indian startups have invested in the agri-technology space, he advocated for a policy that encourages growth of these companies and adoption of latest techniques.

He said there has not been any significant breakthrough in recent years from indigenous agricultural research and development (R&amp;D) and this could be partly on account of resource crunch.

"Two areas that need immediate attention are firstly linking agricultural research with industry requirements and secondly avoiding ideological resistance to new-age technologies such GM crops," Shriram said.

Consulting firm Deloitte India suggested that more funds should be allocated for research and development as well as for increasing the domestic production of oilseeds to reduce imports of cooking oils.

Stating that livestock farming is one of the key pillars for augmenting farmers' income, the consulting firm said one of the big impediments for development of this sector is the prevalence of various diseases that affect mortality, productivity, and overall production.

"Supply of vaccines is not adequate to address the increasing demand. Funding for developing vaccines and creating necessary infrastructure would be required in this budget," Deloitte said.

Chirag Arora, Founder, Organisch Overseas, said the government must encourage farmers to adopt organic farming.

"The need of the hour is to encourage the private sector into the space by offering tax incentives to startups venturing into this domain. It also needs to augment investment on creation of cold-chains and increase storage capabilities," Arora said.

Last month, in a virtual pre-budget consultation with the finance ministry, Bharat Krishak Samaj (BKS) had said that the government should incentivise balanced use of fertilisers by increasing urea price and lowering rates of phosphatic and potassic (P&amp;K) nutrients in the upcoming Budget.

BKS Chairman Ajay Vir Jakhar had also sought reduction in taxes on diesel and transport subsidy on fruits and vegetables, but demanded tax on unhealthy foods.

He had pitched for tripling investment for micro-irrigation and solar pumps for individual farmers as well as funding for distribution of soil moisture measuring sensors.

"Prioritize investment in human resources over infrastructure. There are about 50 per cent vacancies in agriculture research institutions across India. Target 2 per cent expenditure on agri R&amp;D of agriculture GDP over the next few years," BKS had said.

The government should provide additional funds as well as incentives in the upcoming Budget to promote indigenous farm research, oilseeds production, food processing and organic farming for the overall growth of the agriculture sector, according to industry experts.

The government should provide additional funds as well as incentives in the upcoming Budget to promote indigenous farm research, oilseeds production, food processing and organic farming for the overall growth of the agriculture sector, according to industry experts. The direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme should be utilised more to support farmers instead of giving subsidies, they added. "Food processing industry has played an important role in better price realisation for the farmer and reducing the cost of intermediaries. The budget must provide special incentives to food processing through incentives such as interest subvention, lower taxes, access to technology and so on," DCM Shriram Chairman and Senior MD Ajay Shriram said. Referring to the successful PM-KISAN scheme under which Rs 6,000 is paid annually directly into farmers bank accounts, he said the DBT mechanism should be fine-tuned and gradually should be utilized to support farmers in lieu of other subsidies. "Let the farmer decide how to judicially use the money. With the benefit of DBT, farmers can then buy better seed, use new-age fertilizers, optimize water usage and so on," Shriram said. Stating that many Indian startups have invested in the agri-technology space, he advocated for a policy that encourages growth of these companies and adoption of latest techniques. He said there has not been any significant breakthrough in recent years from indigenous agricultural research and development (R&D) and this could be partly on account of resource crunch. "Two areas that need immediate attention are firstly linking agricultural research with industry requirements and secondly avoiding ideological resistance to new-age technologies such GM crops," Shriram said. Consulting firm Deloitte India suggested that more funds should be allocated for research and development as well as for increasing the domestic production of oilseeds to reduce imports of cooking oils. Stating that livestock farming is one of the key pillars for augmenting farmers' income, the consulting firm said one of the big impediments for development of this sector is the prevalence of various diseases that affect mortality, productivity, and overall production. "Supply of vaccines is not adequate to address the increasing demand. Funding for developing vaccines and creating necessary infrastructure would be required in this budget," Deloitte said. Chirag Arora, Founder, Organisch Overseas, said the government must encourage farmers to adopt organic farming. "The need of the hour is to encourage the private sector into the space by offering tax incentives to startups venturing into this domain. It also needs to augment investment on creation of cold-chains and increase storage capabilities," Arora said. Last month, in a virtual pre-budget consultation with the finance ministry, Bharat Krishak Samaj (BKS) had said that the government should incentivise balanced use of fertilisers by increasing urea price and lowering rates of phosphatic and potassic (P&K) nutrients in the upcoming Budget. BKS Chairman Ajay Vir Jakhar had also sought reduction in taxes on diesel and transport subsidy on fruits and vegetables, but demanded tax on unhealthy foods. He had pitched for tripling investment for micro-irrigation and solar pumps for individual farmers as well as funding for distribution of soil moisture measuring sensors. "Prioritize investment in human resources over infrastructure. There are about 50 per cent vacancies in agriculture research institutions across India. Target 2 per cent expenditure on agri R&D of agriculture GDP over the next few years," BKS had said.

Union Budget 2021: Government should provide additional funds, incentives for agri sector, say experts

Terming Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan government "illegitimate" and "incompetent", Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that supporters of the government are "culprits" and involved in all the problems being faced by the country at present.

Addressing a gathering of JUI-F workers in Tank on Monday, Fazlur Rehman said the incumbent government did not have the right to stay in office as it is a "product of fraud", Geo News reported. "This illegitimate government is a product of fraud. I am bound by the oath I have taken [...] In this situation, we have to do principled politics," he said, adding that the country belongs to everyone and that it was not anyone's personal property.

He added that all Opposition parties were on the same page that the 2018 general elections were "rigged". "Pakistan is facing internal and external problems," he said, adding that the state would be strong when its economic conditions improved.

Fazlur Rehman's remarks come a day after several political leaders of the PDM addressed crowds gathered on Sunday at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh in Larkana to commemorate the 13th death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Fazlur Rehman, who is also the chief of the PM, said the next meeting of the leadership of the alliance will be held on January 1 in Lahore to formulate its future strategy. The PDM has demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Imran Khan till January 31 and in case of no resignation, it has announced a long march.

Terming Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan government "illegitimate" and "incompetent", Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that supporters of the government are "culprits" and involved in all the problems being faced by the country at present.

Terming Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan government "illegitimate" and "incompetent", Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that supporters of the government are "culprits" and involved in all the problems being faced by the country at present. Addressing a gathering of JUI-F workers in Tank on Monday, Fazlur Rehman said the incumbent government did not have the right to stay in office as it is a "product of fraud", Geo News reported. "This illegitimate government is a product of fraud. I am bound by the oath I have taken [...] In this situation, we have to do principled politics," he said, adding that the country belongs to everyone and that it was not anyone's personal property. He added that all Opposition parties were on the same page that the 2018 general elections were "rigged". "Pakistan is facing internal and external problems," he said, adding that the state would be strong when its economic conditions improved. Fazlur Rehman's remarks come a day after several political leaders of the PDM addressed crowds gathered on Sunday at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh in Larkana to commemorate the 13th death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. Fazlur Rehman, who is also the chief of the PM, said the next meeting of the leadership of the alliance will be held on January 1 in Lahore to formulate its future strategy. The PDM has demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Imran Khan till January 31 and in case of no resignation, it has announced a long march.

Imran Khan government is illegitimate, incompetent: Pakistan's united opposition Chief Fazlur Rehman

The 2020-21 season of English National League will begin on Saturday after the fifth-tier competition secured significant financial support from the British government, the league announced on Friday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpools-sadio-mane-tests-positive-for-covid-19-332245" hreflang="en">Liverpool's Sadio Mane tests positive for Covid-19</a>

According to British media, the National League had secured a 10 million pounds ($12.93 million) grant over the next three months after negotiations between the league, FA and the government.

The fundings by the government is to compensate the losses faced by clubs in the league after the fans were banned amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The National League has now received confirmation of significant financial grant-aid support from the Government to compensate clubs for essential revenue lost from fans not returning in October..." the league said in a statement https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/national-league-statement-commencement-of-202021-s-63856.

"The 2020/21 National League season will now commence on Oct. 3 as planned with clubs playing 'behind closed doors' in compliance with the elite sport protocols,"

The 2020-21 season of English National League will begin on Saturday after the fifth-tier competition secured significant financial support from the British government, the league announced on Friday.

The 2020-21 season of English National League will begin on Saturday after the fifth-tier competition secured significant financial support from the British government, the league announced on Friday. Also read: Liverpool's Sadio Mane tests positive for Covid-19 According to British media, the National League had secured a 10 million pounds ($12.93 million) grant over the next three months after negotiations between the league, FA and the government. The fundings by the government is to compensate the losses faced by clubs in the league after the fans were banned amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "The National League has now received confirmation of significant financial grant-aid support from the Government to compensate clubs for essential revenue lost from fans not returning in October..." the league said in a statement https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/national-league-statement-commencement-of-202021-s-63856. "The 2020/21 National League season will now commence on Oct. 3 as planned with clubs playing 'behind closed doors' in compliance with the elite sport protocols,"

England's fifth-tier league to kick-off after government funding

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