British vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi on Sunday said a decision had not yet been taken on whether healthy children aged 12&nbsp;to 15-years-old should be vaccinated against COVID-19, following reports that a rollout could begin in the coming days.

Britain's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on Friday declined to recommend vaccinations for children in that group, taking a precautionary approach due to a rare risk of heart inflammation, but adding the issue was finely balanced.

The government is consulting medical advisers to seek advice on wider considerations, such as the impact on schools, and may still give the go-ahead to broad vaccination of the age group.

Some newspapers reported confidence among ministers that the chief medical officers would swiftly back shots for healthy 12- to 15-year-olds, but Zahawi said the government would not prejudge the decision.

"No decision will be made until we hear back from the chief medical officers," Zahawi told the BBC.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-600-taliban-fighters-killed-in-panjshir-clashes-against-resistance-forces-410830">Also read |&nbsp;At least 600 Taliban fighters killed in Panjshir clashes against resistance forces</a>

Children are being widely vaccinated already in the United States, Israel and many European countries.

British officials have emphasised that 12- to 15-year-olds who are vulnerable to COVID-19 are already eligible for vaccination, as well as all people over 16.

The four nations of the United Kingdom, which have recorded 133,000 COVID deaths, control their own health policy, although all have followed JCVI advice on vaccine rollout thus far.

Zahawi confirmed that proof of vaccination would be required in England for some large events from the end of this month once all adults have been offered two shots.

He also said that the government was still finalising plans for a vaccine booster programme following interim advice from the JCVI that one might be needed for the vulnerable and elderly.

"It is very likely that we will begin boosting those groups, as&nbsp;I hope the interim then becomes final advice, by the middle of this month," he said.

British vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi on Sunday said a decision had not yet been taken on whether healthy children aged 12 to 15-years-old should be vaccinated against COVID-19, following reports that a rollout could begin in the coming days.

British vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi on Sunday said a decision had not yet been taken on whether healthy children aged 12 to 15-years-old should be vaccinated against COVID-19, following reports that a rollout could begin in the coming days. Britain's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on Friday declined to recommend vaccinations for children in that group, taking a precautionary approach due to a rare risk of heart inflammation, but adding the issue was finely balanced. The government is consulting medical advisers to seek advice on wider considerations, such as the impact on schools, and may still give the go-ahead to broad vaccination of the age group. Some newspapers reported confidence among ministers that the chief medical officers would swiftly back shots for healthy 12- to 15-year-olds, but Zahawi said the government would not prejudge the decision. "No decision will be made until we hear back from the chief medical officers," Zahawi told the BBC. Also read | At least 600 Taliban fighters killed in Panjshir clashes against resistance forces Children are being widely vaccinated already in the United States, Israel and many European countries. British officials have emphasised that 12- to 15-year-olds who are vulnerable to COVID-19 are already eligible for vaccination, as well as all people over 16. The four nations of the United Kingdom, which have recorded 133,000 COVID deaths, control their own health policy, although all have followed JCVI advice on vaccine rollout thus far. Zahawi confirmed that proof of vaccination would be required in England for some large events from the end of this month once all adults have been offered two shots. He also said that the government was still finalising plans for a vaccine booster programme following interim advice from the JCVI that one might be needed for the vulnerable and elderly. "It is very likely that we will begin boosting those groups, as I hope the interim then becomes final advice, by the middle of this month," he said.

UK minister: No decision yet on COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children

At least 10,000 children in South Africa have dropped out of school since the pandemic started, with students learning half or less than average in 2020 due to coronavirus, the education ministry said Sunday.

Face-to-face lessons have only partially resumed since South Africa's schools reopened in June last year, after more than two months of home-schooling to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Public schools have since been shut again over shorter periods -- including a delayed start to the 2021 academic year -- and most students still only physically attend class on a rotational basis to avoid crowding.

Education Minister Angie Motshekga on Sunday said that as a result, children in 2020 learnt between 50 and 75 percent less than the previous year's average.

Coronavirus interruptions have also affected attendance, with 10,000 fewer children aged between seven and 14 enrolled in school in 2021, according to a preliminary analysis by the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-visits-us-air-base-to-pay-tribute-to-service-personnel-killed-in-kabul-409232">Also read |&nbsp;Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul</a>

Enrolment was also 25,000 lower than expected for children aged between four and six, although less concerning for secondary school students.

"The unprecedented closures of our schools, and the unplanned disruptions to teaching and learning, have resulted in the reversal of gains made in the last 20 years," Motshekga said at a press briefing.

Most learning losses were observed in poorer rural areas and townships, where internet access is limited.

"If children are not in contact with teachers, especially children from disadvantaged communities, learning does not happen as it should," DBE researcher Martin Gustafsson told the briefing.

He added that primary school children were still only in class for an average of three days a week and had already missed half of planned learning this year.

South Africa is the continent's worst virus-hit country, with over 2.7 million confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 81,000 deaths.

The nation is currently battling a persistent third infection wave that experts warn could overlap with a looming fourth.

At least 10,000 children in South Africa have dropped out of school since the pandemic started, with students learning half or less than average in 2020 due to coronavirus, the education ministry said Sunday.

At least 10,000 children in South Africa have dropped out of school since the pandemic started, with students learning half or less than average in 2020 due to coronavirus, the education ministry said Sunday. Face-to-face lessons have only partially resumed since South Africa's schools reopened in June last year, after more than two months of home-schooling to limit the spread of COVID-19. Public schools have since been shut again over shorter periods -- including a delayed start to the 2021 academic year -- and most students still only physically attend class on a rotational basis to avoid crowding. Education Minister Angie Motshekga on Sunday said that as a result, children in 2020 learnt between 50 and 75 percent less than the previous year's average. Coronavirus interruptions have also affected attendance, with 10,000 fewer children aged between seven and 14 enrolled in school in 2021, according to a preliminary analysis by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). Also read | Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul Enrolment was also 25,000 lower than expected for children aged between four and six, although less concerning for secondary school students. "The unprecedented closures of our schools, and the unplanned disruptions to teaching and learning, have resulted in the reversal of gains made in the last 20 years," Motshekga said at a press briefing. Most learning losses were observed in poorer rural areas and townships, where internet access is limited. "If children are not in contact with teachers, especially children from disadvantaged communities, learning does not happen as it should," DBE researcher Martin Gustafsson told the briefing. He added that primary school children were still only in class for an average of three days a week and had already missed half of planned learning this year. South Africa is the continent's worst virus-hit country, with over 2.7 million confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 81,000 deaths. The nation is currently battling a persistent third infection wave that experts warn could overlap with a looming fourth.

Virus sets South Africa schools back 20 years: Minister

In a step towards forming a government in crisis-ridden Afghanistan, the Taliban on Saturday appointed Abdul Baqi Haqqani as the acting higher education minister and Bashir Ahmad Rostamzai as the acting director of Afghanistan’s sports federation.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> have appointed Bashir Ahmad Rostamzai as acting director of Afghanistan's Sports federation <a href="https://t.co/CnrW8aIzti">pic.twitter.com/CnrW8aIzti</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1431635711497670662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> | Abdul Baqi Haqqani has been appointed as the Acting Higher Education Minister by Taliban <a href="https://t.co/lOj0czQZOQ">pic.twitter.com/lOj0czQZOQ</a>
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The latest announcement comes days after the Taliban appointed Haji Mohammad Idris as the acting head of the Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) —Afghanistan’s central bank.

According to local media reports in Afghanistan, apart from the above appointments, the Taliban have so far nominated&nbsp;seven senior leaders to key ministerial posts. They are:

1. Gul Agha named as the finance minister.

2. Sadr Ibrahim named as&nbsp;the acting interior minister.

3. Najibullah named as&nbsp; Afghanistan’s intelligence chief

4. Sakhaullah named as the acting head of education.

5. Mullah Shirin named as the new governor of Kabul.

6. Hamdullah Nomani named as the mayor of Kabul.

7. Mullah Abdul Qayyum Zakir named as the acting defence minister.

Gul Agha, also known as Gul Agha Ishakzai is the head of the Taliban's financial commission. He has been designated as a target of UN sanctions.

He was a childhood friend of late Taliban founder Mullah Omar, a U.N./Interpol sanctions notice said.

Zakir is a veteran Taliban battlefield commander and also a close associate of Omar. He was captured when US-led forces engaged in Afghanistan in 2001 and was incarcerated at the US&nbsp;military prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba until 2007, according to media reports. He was released and handed over to the Afghan government

Sadr, the interior ministry appointee, is believed to be a powerful and trusted figure within the Taliban.

Haji Mohammad Idris, the acting head of the central bank, is from the northern province of Jawzjan. According to reports, he had long experience working on financial issues with the previous leader of the movement, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, who was killed in a drone strike in 2016.

While appointing loyalists to senior positions, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had told reporters in Kabul on Tuesday that it “was time for people to work for their country”.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a step towards forming a government in crisis-ridden Afghanistan, the Taliban on Saturday appointed Abdul Baqi Haqqani as the acting higher education minister and Bashir Ahmad Rostamzai as the acting director of Afghanistan’s sports federation.

In a step towards forming a government in crisis-ridden Afghanistan, the Taliban on Saturday appointed Abdul Baqi Haqqani as the acting higher education minister and Bashir Ahmad Rostamzai as the acting director of Afghanistan’s sports federation. #Taliban have appointed Bashir Ahmad Rostamzai as acting director of Afghanistan's Sports federation pic.twitter.com/CnrW8aIzti — WION (@WIONews) August 28, 2021 × #BREAKING | Abdul Baqi Haqqani has been appointed as the Acting Higher Education Minister by Taliban pic.twitter.com/lOj0czQZOQ — WION (@WIONews) August 28, 2021 × The latest announcement comes days after the Taliban appointed Haji Mohammad Idris as the acting head of the Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) —Afghanistan’s central bank. According to local media reports in Afghanistan, apart from the above appointments, the Taliban have so far nominated seven senior leaders to key ministerial posts. They are: 1. Gul Agha named as the finance minister. 2. Sadr Ibrahim named as the acting interior minister. 3. Najibullah named as Afghanistan’s intelligence chief 4. Sakhaullah named as the acting head of education. 5. Mullah Shirin named as the new governor of Kabul. 6. Hamdullah Nomani named as the mayor of Kabul. 7. Mullah Abdul Qayyum Zakir named as the acting defence minister. Gul Agha, also known as Gul Agha Ishakzai is the head of the Taliban's financial commission. He has been designated as a target of UN sanctions. He was a childhood friend of late Taliban founder Mullah Omar, a U.N./Interpol sanctions notice said. Zakir is a veteran Taliban battlefield commander and also a close associate of Omar. He was captured when US-led forces engaged in Afghanistan in 2001 and was incarcerated at the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba until 2007, according to media reports. He was released and handed over to the Afghan government Sadr, the interior ministry appointee, is believed to be a powerful and trusted figure within the Taliban. Haji Mohammad Idris, the acting head of the central bank, is from the northern province of Jawzjan. According to reports, he had long experience working on financial issues with the previous leader of the movement, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, who was killed in a drone strike in 2016. While appointing loyalists to senior positions, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had told reporters in Kabul on Tuesday that it “was time for people to work for their country”. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban appoint acting higher education minister, director of sport’s federation

With evacuations from Afghanistan going on in full swing, India also welcomed three Guru Granth Sahib from Kabul at Delhi airport. &nbsp;&nbsp;

India's Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs &amp; Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri welcomed the holy books along with Union Minister of State for External Affairs &amp; Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and BJP National General Secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam and members of Sikh Sangat. &nbsp;

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ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਬਾਣੀ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ਹੈ 
ਤਿਸੁ ਜੇਵਡੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ।। 
 
Deeply privileged &amp; fortunate to welcome the three holy Swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul at ⁦⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiAirport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiAirport</a>⁩ along with Sh ⁦⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/VMBJP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VMBJP</a>⁩ Ji, Sh ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/dushyanttgautam?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dushyanttgautam</a>⁩ Ji &amp; members of Sikh Sangat. <a href="https://t.co/mWhTwpnoOs">pic.twitter.com/mWhTwpnoOs</a>
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) <a href="https://twitter.com/HardeepSPuri/status/1430054013299429378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Puri, said that he was deeply privileged and fortunate to welcome the three holy swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul at Delhi Airport. &nbsp;

Also Watch | Reports: WHO says Kabul airport curbs blocking medical supplies for Afghans

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In a tweet on the microblogging site, former diplomat &amp; author Puri said, “Blessed to receive and pay obeisance to three holy Swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul to Delhi a short while ago.” &nbsp;

Several pictures and video of the arrival are doing rounds on social media. Netizens are sharing numerous messages in the form of comments. Several people have also tweeted and retweeted the pictures and video.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-over-25000-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-active-infections-decline-407959">India records over 25,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours; active infections decline</a>&nbsp;

Meanwhile, An Air India flight AI 1956 had arrived in New Delhi from Dushanbe, Tajikistan with 78 passengers onboard. Around 25 Indian nationals also came in the flight.&nbsp;

With evacuations from Afghanistan going on in full swing, India also welcomed three Guru Granth Sahib from Kabul at Delhi airport. India's Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs & Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri welcomed the holy books along with Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and BJP National General Secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam and members of Sikh Sangat.

With evacuations from Afghanistan going on in full swing, India also welcomed three Guru Granth Sahib from Kabul at Delhi airport. India's Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs & Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri welcomed the holy books along with Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and BJP National General Secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam and members of Sikh Sangat. ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਬਾਣੀ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ਹੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਜੇਵਡੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ।। Deeply privileged & fortunate to welcome the three holy Swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul at ⁦⁦@DelhiAirport⁩ along with Sh ⁦⁦@VMBJP⁩ Ji, Sh ⁦@dushyanttgautam⁩ Ji & members of Sikh Sangat. pic.twitter.com/mWhTwpnoOs — Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) August 24, 2021 × Puri, said that he was deeply privileged and fortunate to welcome the three holy swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul at Delhi Airport. Also Watch | Reports: WHO says Kabul airport curbs blocking medical supplies for Afghans × In a tweet on the microblogging site, former diplomat & author Puri said, “Blessed to receive and pay obeisance to three holy Swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul to Delhi a short while ago.” Several pictures and video of the arrival are doing rounds on social media. Netizens are sharing numerous messages in the form of comments. Several people have also tweeted and retweeted the pictures and video. Also Read: India records over 25,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours; active infections decline Meanwhile, An Air India flight AI 1956 had arrived in New Delhi from Dushanbe, Tajikistan with 78 passengers onboard. Around 25 Indian nationals also came in the flight.

Watch: India welcomes three Sikh holy books brought from Kabul

Career&nbsp;diplomat&nbsp;Oscar Maurtua was sworn in as&nbsp;Peru's&nbsp;new&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;minister&nbsp;on Friday to replace a leftist professor who resigned just weeks into the job over controversial comments he made before taking the role.

Maurtua already served as&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;minister&nbsp;in the early 2000s under centrist President Alejandro Toledo, and will now serve the far-left administration led by Pedro&nbsp;Castillo, a former elementary school teacher.

His appointment is crucial to&nbsp;Castillo's political future, as his Cabinet will face a confirmation vote from the opposition-led Congress before the end of the month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-look-at-toxic-algae-after-california-family-is-found-dead-on-hiking-trail-407267">Also read |&nbsp;Experts look at toxic algae after California family is found dead on hiking trail</a>

He was sworn in during a ceremony at the government headquarters that was broadcast on state television, without further government comment.

Maurtua replaces Hector Bejar, who resigned under intense pressure because of comments he made before taking the&nbsp;minister&nbsp;job that resurfaced in recent days. He had said last year that the US Central Intelligence Agency was partly responsible for the creation of Maoist rebel group Shining Path.

Maurtua has also served as Peruvian ambassador to several countries, including Canada and Thailand.

Career diplomat Oscar Maurtua was sworn in as Peru's new foreign minister on Friday to replace a leftist professor who resigned just weeks into the job over controversial comments he made before taking the role.

Career diplomat Oscar Maurtua was sworn in as Peru's new foreign minister on Friday to replace a leftist professor who resigned just weeks into the job over controversial comments he made before taking the role. Maurtua already served as foreign minister in the early 2000s under centrist President Alejandro Toledo, and will now serve the far-left administration led by Pedro Castillo, a former elementary school teacher. His appointment is crucial to Castillo's political future, as his Cabinet will face a confirmation vote from the opposition-led Congress before the end of the month. Also read | Experts look at toxic algae after California family is found dead on hiking trail He was sworn in during a ceremony at the government headquarters that was broadcast on state television, without further government comment. Maurtua replaces Hector Bejar, who resigned under intense pressure because of comments he made before taking the minister job that resurfaced in recent days. He had said last year that the US Central Intelligence Agency was partly responsible for the creation of Maoist rebel group Shining Path. Maurtua has also served as Peruvian ambassador to several countries, including Canada and Thailand.

Peru's Castillo picks career diplomat as new foreign minister

In an attempt to hold talks on peace process and security issues, Taliban’s nine-member delegation has visited China. In the two-day visit, the delegation met the foreign minister of the country, the group's spokesperson said on Wednesday. &nbsp;

Taliban spokesperson Mohammad Naeem tweeted, “Politics, economy and issues related to the security of both countries and the current situation of Afghanistan and the peace process were discussed in the meetings." &nbsp;

Taliban has made deep inroads into western and northern regions mainly in the rural areas as US troops pull out of the region. &nbsp;&nbsp;

President Joe Biden had announced the last US troops will pull out by August 31, reports say the bulk of NATO troops have already exited from the region. &nbsp;

The militant group has seized border crossings along the Pakistan border including with Iran and Tajikistan even as peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban remain inconclusive. &nbsp;

As the Taliban continues its offensive, US defence secretary Lloyd Austin said the Taliban's military momentum needs to be slowed down as it continues to gain territories even as US Marine General Kenneth McKenzie had said his forces will continue to provide further air support to Afghan troops against the Taliban. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In an attempt to hold talks on peace process and security issues, Taliban’s nine-member delegation has visited China. In the two-day visit, the delegation met the foreign minister of the country, the group's spokesperson said on Wednesday.

In an attempt to hold talks on peace process and security issues, Taliban’s nine-member delegation has visited China. In the two-day visit, the delegation met the foreign minister of the country, the group's spokesperson said on Wednesday. Taliban spokesperson Mohammad Naeem tweeted, “Politics, economy and issues related to the security of both countries and the current situation of Afghanistan and the peace process were discussed in the meetings." Taliban has made deep inroads into western and northern regions mainly in the rural areas as US troops pull out of the region. President Joe Biden had announced the last US troops will pull out by August 31, reports say the bulk of NATO troops have already exited from the region. The militant group has seized border crossings along the Pakistan border including with Iran and Tajikistan even as peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban remain inconclusive. As the Taliban continues its offensive, US defence secretary Lloyd Austin said the Taliban's military momentum needs to be slowed down as it continues to gain territories even as US Marine General Kenneth McKenzie had said his forces will continue to provide further air support to Afghan troops against the Taliban. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban delegation meets Chinese foreign minister, holds talks

In an attempt to counter threats from the Taliban in the Tajikistan and Afghanistan border areas,&nbsp;Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Tajik counterpart Sherali Mirzo&nbsp;on Saturday discussed several joint measures to be taken, reported Russia’s TASS news agency.

On Friday,&nbsp;Russia pledged to help ally Tajikistan in building a new outpost on the border. Next month, these&nbsp;two countries are also going to hold drills.

Russian foreign ministry said,&nbsp;"The parties discussed the situation in the Tajik-Afghan border area and joint measures to neutralise threats related to the escalating situation in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan."&nbsp;

In the&nbsp;former Soviet republic,&nbsp;Tajikistan,&nbsp;Russia still&nbsp;operates a military base. Tajikistan's&nbsp;government has expressed concern over the deteriorating security conditions in Afghanistan.

According to Reuters report,&nbsp;Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are going to&nbsp;hold joint military drills close to the Tajikistan and Afghanistan border next month.

To prevent possible threats,&nbsp;Russia has already sent military equipment to Tajikistan-Afghanistan border areas.

Earlier, Tajikistan&nbsp;held its largest-ever military exercise involving its entire army. The Central Asian country's President Emomali Rakhmon urged vigilance. The military exercise has come amid Taliban's offensive in Afghanistan to control territory as US-led international forces leave.

Since the US&nbsp;announced its withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban has been on the offensive. At present, they control large part of the country and have been able to encircle many of the main cities. The border crossing between Afghanistan and Tajikistan is now under Taliban's control.

(With inputs from agencies)

In an attempt to counter threats from the Taliban in the Tajikistan and Afghanistan border areas, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Tajik counterpart Sherali Mirzo on Saturday discussed several joint measures to be taken, reported Russia’s TASS news agency.

In an attempt to counter threats from the Taliban in the Tajikistan and Afghanistan border areas, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Tajik counterpart Sherali Mirzo on Saturday discussed several joint measures to be taken, reported Russia’s TASS news agency. On Friday, Russia pledged to help ally Tajikistan in building a new outpost on the border. Next month, these two countries are also going to hold drills. Russian foreign ministry said, "The parties discussed the situation in the Tajik-Afghan border area and joint measures to neutralise threats related to the escalating situation in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan." In the former Soviet republic, Tajikistan, Russia still operates a military base. Tajikistan's government has expressed concern over the deteriorating security conditions in Afghanistan. According to Reuters report, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are going to hold joint military drills close to the Tajikistan and Afghanistan border next month. To prevent possible threats, Russia has already sent military equipment to Tajikistan-Afghanistan border areas. Earlier, Tajikistan held its largest-ever military exercise involving its entire army. The Central Asian country's President Emomali Rakhmon urged vigilance. The military exercise has come amid Taliban's offensive in Afghanistan to control territory as US-led international forces leave. Since the US announced its withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban has been on the offensive. At present, they control large part of the country and have been able to encircle many of the main cities. The border crossing between Afghanistan and Tajikistan is now under Taliban's control. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian Defence Minister, Tajik counterpart discuss ways to check Taliban threat

The&nbsp;death&nbsp;toll&nbsp;from recent&nbsp;riots&nbsp;in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;has risen to&nbsp;276, and police are investigating 168 cases for murder, a cabinet&nbsp;minister&nbsp;said on Wednesday.

The unrest started as protests over former president Jacob Zuma's jailing two weeks ago in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal. But it quickly escalated into arson and looting, and spread to Gauteng province where the biggest city Johannesburg is located.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mozambique-militants-beheading-children-as-young-as-11-save-the-children-370902">Also read |&nbsp;Mozambique militants beheading children as young as 11: Save the Children&nbsp;</a>

The scale of the destruction and loss of life, which was fuelled by poverty and inequality that persist almost three decades after the end of apartheid in 1994, is still becoming clear. The&nbsp;death&nbsp;toll&nbsp;had stood at 215 on Monday.

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, acting&nbsp;minister&nbsp;in the presidency, told a news conference there were now 234&nbsp;deaths linked to the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and 42 in Gauteng.

Authorities have managed to bring the violence under control. But the economic cost is estimated at 20 billion rand ($1.37 billion) in KwaZulu-Natal alone, as 161 shopping malls, 11 warehouses and eight factories were extensively damaged. The extent of the damage in Gauteng is still being collated.

The death toll from recent riots in South Africa has risen to 276, and police are investigating 168 cases for murder, a cabinet minister said on Wednesday. The unrest started as protests over former president Jacob Zuma's jailing two weeks ago in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal.

The death toll from recent riots in South Africa has risen to 276, and police are investigating 168 cases for murder, a cabinet minister said on Wednesday. The unrest started as protests over former president Jacob Zuma's jailing two weeks ago in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal. But it quickly escalated into arson and looting, and spread to Gauteng province where the biggest city Johannesburg is located. Also read | Mozambique militants beheading children as young as 11: Save the Children The scale of the destruction and loss of life, which was fuelled by poverty and inequality that persist almost three decades after the end of apartheid in 1994, is still becoming clear. The death toll had stood at 215 on Monday. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, acting minister in the presidency, told a news conference there were now 234 deaths linked to the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and 42 in Gauteng. Authorities have managed to bring the violence under control. But the economic cost is estimated at 20 billion rand ($1.37 billion) in KwaZulu-Natal alone, as 161 shopping malls, 11 warehouses and eight factories were extensively damaged. The extent of the damage in Gauteng is still being collated.

Death toll in South Africa riots rises to 276, minister says

Britain will work with the Taliban should they enter the government in Afghanistan, British Defence Minister Ben Wallace told the Daily Telegraph in an interview published on Tuesday. 
 
"Whatever the government of the day is, provided it adheres to certain international norms, the UK government will engage with it," he was quoted as saying in the newspaper. 
 
However, Wallace warned that Britain will review any relationship 'if they behave in a way that is seriously against human rights'.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-take-a-stand-against-them-taliban-warns-turkey-over-involvement-in-kabul-airport-397830">Taliban warns Turkey over involvement in Kabul airport</a>

The Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan with an iron fist from 1996 to 2001, have been fighting for 20 years to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul. 
 
Emboldened by the departure of foreign forces by a September target, the Sunni Muslim insurgent group is making a fresh push to surround cities and gain territory. 
 
In his interview with the newspaper, Wallace recognised that the prospect of the UK working with the Taliban would be controversial. 
 
"What (the Taliban) desperately want is international recognition. They need to unlock financing and support (for) nation building, and you don't do that with a terrorist balaclava on," he said. 
 
"You have to be a partner for peace otherwise you risk isolation. Isolation led them to where they were last time", he added.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-kills-22-afghan-commandos-after-they-try-to-surrender-report-397798">Taliban kills 22 Afghan commandos after they try to surrender: Report&nbsp;</a>

Wallace appealed for the Taliban and Afghanistan's president, Ashraf Ghani, to work together to bring stability to the country after decades of conflict. 
 
Senior Afghan leaders will fly to Doha for talks with the Taliban this week, as the insurgent group takes a hard stance on negotiations, even warning Turkey against plans to keep some troops in Afghanistan to run and guard Kabul's main airport. 
 
Taliban officials said last week the group had taken control of 85% of territory in Afghanistan.

Britain will work with the Taliban should they enter the government in Afghanistan, British Defence Minister Ben Wallace told the Daily Telegraph in an interview published on Tuesday.

Britain will work with the Taliban should they enter the government in Afghanistan, British Defence Minister Ben Wallace told the Daily Telegraph in an interview published on Tuesday. "Whatever the government of the day is, provided it adheres to certain international norms, the UK government will engage with it," he was quoted as saying in the newspaper. However, Wallace warned that Britain will review any relationship 'if they behave in a way that is seriously against human rights'. Also Read | Taliban warns Turkey over involvement in Kabul airport The Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan with an iron fist from 1996 to 2001, have been fighting for 20 years to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul. Emboldened by the departure of foreign forces by a September target, the Sunni Muslim insurgent group is making a fresh push to surround cities and gain territory. In his interview with the newspaper, Wallace recognised that the prospect of the UK working with the Taliban would be controversial. "What (the Taliban) desperately want is international recognition. They need to unlock financing and support (for) nation building, and you don't do that with a terrorist balaclava on," he said. "You have to be a partner for peace otherwise you risk isolation. Isolation led them to where they were last time", he added. Also Read | Taliban kills 22 Afghan commandos after they try to surrender: Report Wallace appealed for the Taliban and Afghanistan's president, Ashraf Ghani, to work together to bring stability to the country after decades of conflict. Senior Afghan leaders will fly to Doha for talks with the Taliban this week, as the insurgent group takes a hard stance on negotiations, even warning Turkey against plans to keep some troops in Afghanistan to run and guard Kabul's main airport. Taliban officials said last week the group had taken control of 85% of territory in Afghanistan.

British defence minister says UK will work with Taliban should they come to power: Report

Saudi Arabia will invest over 500 billion riyals ($133.34 billion) in airports, sea ports, rail and other infrastructure by the end of the decade in a bid to make the kingdom a global transportation and logistics hub, its transport minister said on Monday. 
 
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is pushing economic diversification to wean Saudi Arabia off oil revenues and create jobs, announced a transport and logistics drive, of which few details have been released publicly, last Tuesday. 
 
Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh bin Nasser al-Jasser said at an event in Saudi Arabia that the strategy included many mega projects, with over 500 billion riyals earmarked for investment. 
 
The strategy is the latest economic policy to put Riyadh in competition with the United Arab Emirates, the region's business, trade and tourism hub. 
 
Saudi Arabia plans to increase the number of international aviation routes from 99 to over 250 and more than triple total annual passenger traffic from 103 million in 2019 to 330 million by 2030, Abdulaziz Al-Duauilj, the head of the aviation authority, said at the same event. 
 
The kingdom's international network is currently significantly smaller than that of neighbouring smaller states the UAE or Qatar, which are both large air transit hubs. 
 
Al-Duauilj said annual capacity at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport would each expand to 100 million passengers, without saying by when. 
 
He also said the kingdom was aiming to become a global air freight logistics hub, handling 4.5 million tonnes of air cargo a year, up from 900,000 in 2019. 
 
Saudi Arabia earlier announced a new national carrier would be launched as part of the strategy, which aims to make the kingdom the fifth biggest global air passenger transit hub. 
 
Sources familiar with the plans have told Reuters the new airline would target international transit traffic, pitting it directly against Gulf giants Emirates and Qatar Airways. 
 
Saudi Arabia's other airlines, like state-owned Saudia and its low cost subsidiary flyadeal, mostly operate domestic services and point-to-point flights to and from the country of 35 million people.

Saudi Arabia will invest over 500 billion riyals ($133.34 billion) in airports, sea ports, rail and other infrastructure by the end of the decade in a bid to make the kingdom a global transportation and logistics hub, its transport minister said on Monday.

Saudi Arabia will invest over 500 billion riyals ($133.34 billion) in airports, sea ports, rail and other infrastructure by the end of the decade in a bid to make the kingdom a global transportation and logistics hub, its transport minister said on Monday. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is pushing economic diversification to wean Saudi Arabia off oil revenues and create jobs, announced a transport and logistics drive, of which few details have been released publicly, last Tuesday. Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh bin Nasser al-Jasser said at an event in Saudi Arabia that the strategy included many mega projects, with over 500 billion riyals earmarked for investment. The strategy is the latest economic policy to put Riyadh in competition with the United Arab Emirates, the region's business, trade and tourism hub. Saudi Arabia plans to increase the number of international aviation routes from 99 to over 250 and more than triple total annual passenger traffic from 103 million in 2019 to 330 million by 2030, Abdulaziz Al-Duauilj, the head of the aviation authority, said at the same event. The kingdom's international network is currently significantly smaller than that of neighbouring smaller states the UAE or Qatar, which are both large air transit hubs. Al-Duauilj said annual capacity at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport would each expand to 100 million passengers, without saying by when. He also said the kingdom was aiming to become a global air freight logistics hub, handling 4.5 million tonnes of air cargo a year, up from 900,000 in 2019. Saudi Arabia earlier announced a new national carrier would be launched as part of the strategy, which aims to make the kingdom the fifth biggest global air passenger transit hub. Sources familiar with the plans have told Reuters the new airline would target international transit traffic, pitting it directly against Gulf giants Emirates and Qatar Airways. Saudi Arabia's other airlines, like state-owned Saudia and its low cost subsidiary flyadeal, mostly operate domestic services and point-to-point flights to and from the country of 35 million people.

Saudi Arabia to invest over $133 billion in transport sector, minister says

Nicaragua's government on Saturday launched a blistering attack on Spain and Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya, accusing Madrid of interference in its affairs and imperial attitudes towards the Central American nation. 
 
Nicaragua's foreign ministry, in a four-page letter addressed to Gonzalez Laya, accused her of making 'offensive statements' about Nicaragua and President Daniel Ortega, and 'showing daring ignorance and ferocity improper for diplomacy'. 
 
The letter does not specify which remarks by the Spanish foreign minister offended Nicaragua's leftist government. 
 
Over the past few weeks, the Spanish government had urged Nicaragua to release prominent opposition leaders, who had been detained in a widespread crackdown by the Ortega's government ahead of presidential elections in November. 
 
Spain's embassy in Nicaragua did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 
 
In the crackdown, Ortega's government has arrested about 20 political opponents, including five presidential hopefuls, ahead of the presidential vote in which the long-ruling leader will run for a fourth consecutive term. 
 
Nicaragua's clash with Spain represents a sharp reversal of the cordial relations in recent years between Nicaragua and Spain, which is ruled by the socialist government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon. 
 
The United States and many Western powers have criticised the crackdown, warning that democracy was under threat by Ortega's authoritarian move to arrest all his political opponents. 
 
In the letter, Nicaragua also singled out Spain's ambassador in Nicaragua, Maria del Mar Fernandez-Palacios Carmona, for criticism. 
 
Fernandez-Palacios was "just a pale reflection of an interfering, intrusive, badly educated, spoiled, capricious, devitalised and servile policy" that was submissive to the United States, the letter stated. 
 
The letter also highlighted crimes committed by colonial administrations when Spain controlled the area from the 16th century until Nicaragua's independence in 1821, and to the indigenous people of Latin America. 
 
While Ortega often brings up imperialism in stump speeches, it is usually directed at the United States. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Nicaragua's government on Saturday launched a blistering attack on Spain and Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya, accusing Madrid of interference in its affairs and imperial attitudes towards the Central American nation.

Nicaragua's government on Saturday launched a blistering attack on Spain and Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya, accusing Madrid of interference in its affairs and imperial attitudes towards the Central American nation. Nicaragua's foreign ministry, in a four-page letter addressed to Gonzalez Laya, accused her of making 'offensive statements' about Nicaragua and President Daniel Ortega, and 'showing daring ignorance and ferocity improper for diplomacy'. The letter does not specify which remarks by the Spanish foreign minister offended Nicaragua's leftist government. Over the past few weeks, the Spanish government had urged Nicaragua to release prominent opposition leaders, who had been detained in a widespread crackdown by the Ortega's government ahead of presidential elections in November. Spain's embassy in Nicaragua did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In the crackdown, Ortega's government has arrested about 20 political opponents, including five presidential hopefuls, ahead of the presidential vote in which the long-ruling leader will run for a fourth consecutive term. Nicaragua's clash with Spain represents a sharp reversal of the cordial relations in recent years between Nicaragua and Spain, which is ruled by the socialist government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon. The United States and many Western powers have criticised the crackdown, warning that democracy was under threat by Ortega's authoritarian move to arrest all his political opponents. In the letter, Nicaragua also singled out Spain's ambassador in Nicaragua, Maria del Mar Fernandez-Palacios Carmona, for criticism. Fernandez-Palacios was "just a pale reflection of an interfering, intrusive, badly educated, spoiled, capricious, devitalised and servile policy" that was submissive to the United States, the letter stated. The letter also highlighted crimes committed by colonial administrations when Spain controlled the area from the 16th century until Nicaragua's independence in 1821, and to the indigenous people of Latin America. While Ortega often brings up imperialism in stump speeches, it is usually directed at the United States. (With inputs from agencies)

Nicaragua lambastes Spanish foreign minister in furious broadside

India's&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;Minister Rajnath Singh will be on a visit to the union territory of Ladakh from Sunday.&nbsp;In this&nbsp;more than one day&nbsp;visit, BRO infrastructure&nbsp;programmes&nbsp;will be&nbsp;the key focus. While&nbsp;being&nbsp;in Ladakh, his visit to the Line of actual control (LAC) can’t&nbsp;be ruled out.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The visit comes even as the Chinese still have not disengaged from other areas of the LAC like Gogra and hot springs.&nbsp;Over the last year,&nbsp;the Chinese forces at the LAC&nbsp;had been growing continuously, raising&nbsp;tensions in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Refusing to defuse the&nbsp;tense&nbsp;situation, the Chinese foreign ministry blamed India for&nbsp;it&nbsp;last week. India was quick to rebut&nbsp;it&nbsp;with the ministry of external affairs,&nbsp;saying, "It is well&nbsp;recognised&nbsp;that it has been the Chinese actions over the last year, including amassing of a large number of troops close to border areas in the western sector and trying to unilaterally alter the status quo along the LAC, which have seriously disturbed peace and&nbsp;tranquillity&nbsp;in the border areas."&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Meanwhile,&nbsp;Friday saw the 22nd round of diplomatic level talks,&nbsp;the WMCC or Working Mechanism for Consultation&nbsp;and&nbsp;Coordination. During the talks, both sides decided to hold the 12th round of military-level talks,&nbsp;which the MEA said should be focused on achieving&nbsp;'complete disengagement from all the friction points along the LAC in the western&nbsp;sector in accordance with the existing bilateral agreements and protocols.'&nbsp;

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be on a visit to the union territory of Ladakh from Sunday. In this more than one day visit, BRO infrastructure programmes will be the key focus.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be on a visit to the union territory of Ladakh from Sunday. In this more than one day visit, BRO infrastructure programmes will be the key focus. While being in Ladakh, his visit to the Line of actual control (LAC) can’t be ruled out. The visit comes even as the Chinese still have not disengaged from other areas of the LAC like Gogra and hot springs. Over the last year, the Chinese forces at the LAC had been growing continuously, raising tensions in the region. Refusing to defuse the tense situation, the Chinese foreign ministry blamed India for it last week. India was quick to rebut it with the ministry of external affairs, saying, "It is well recognised that it has been the Chinese actions over the last year, including amassing of a large number of troops close to border areas in the western sector and trying to unilaterally alter the status quo along the LAC, which have seriously disturbed peace and tranquillity in the border areas." Meanwhile, Friday saw the 22nd round of diplomatic level talks, the WMCC or Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination. During the talks, both sides decided to hold the 12th round of military-level talks, which the MEA said should be focused on achieving 'complete disengagement from all the friction points along the LAC in the western sector in accordance with the existing bilateral agreements and protocols.'

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Ladakh 

Britain's streaming services and broadcasters should be on a level-playing field, as traditional broadcasters now compete with 'one hand tied behind their backs', Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said on Wednesday. 
 
Dowden is to unveil plans for a white paper on broadcasting that aims to make streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ follow the code of British regulator Ofcom, he said in the Times newspaper. 
 
"Every 'linear' broadcaster - BBC, Sky and so on - has to comply with stringent content and audience protection standards," Dowden said in an article published on Wednesday. 
 
"You might assume the same is true of video-on-demand services, such as Amazon Prime and Disney+. You'd be wrong." 
 
The government will consult this summer on whether it is time to set the same basic rules for video-on-demand services as is done for traditional broadcasters, he added. 
 
"The white paper will also set out proposals on how we ensure public service broadcasters are given sufficient visibility...online, and ensure viewers can continue to find and watch original and high-quality British programmes." 
 
Separately, Britain's Conservative government said it plans to sell Channel 4, launched 39 years ago as an alternative to the BBC and ITV, to help secure its future as a public service broadcaster. 
 
"In summer, I will consult on the sale of Channel 4," Dowden wrote, adding that he would proceed on the lines that an alternative ownership model retaining the broadcaster's public service remit would better serve both it and Britain. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's streaming services and broadcasters should be on a level-playing field, as traditional broadcasters now compete with 'one hand tied behind their backs', Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said on Wednesday.

Britain's streaming services and broadcasters should be on a level-playing field, as traditional broadcasters now compete with 'one hand tied behind their backs', Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said on Wednesday. Dowden is to unveil plans for a white paper on broadcasting that aims to make streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ follow the code of British regulator Ofcom, he said in the Times newspaper. "Every 'linear' broadcaster - BBC, Sky and so on - has to comply with stringent content and audience protection standards," Dowden said in an article published on Wednesday. "You might assume the same is true of video-on-demand services, such as Amazon Prime and Disney+. You'd be wrong." The government will consult this summer on whether it is time to set the same basic rules for video-on-demand services as is done for traditional broadcasters, he added. "The white paper will also set out proposals on how we ensure public service broadcasters are given sufficient visibility...online, and ensure viewers can continue to find and watch original and high-quality British programmes." Separately, Britain's Conservative government said it plans to sell Channel 4, launched 39 years ago as an alternative to the BBC and ITV, to help secure its future as a public service broadcaster. "In summer, I will consult on the sale of Channel 4," Dowden wrote, adding that he would proceed on the lines that an alternative ownership model retaining the broadcaster's public service remit would better serve both it and Britain. (With inputs from agencies)

British minister urges same rules for streaming services, broadcasters: Times

Britain is working on easing travel restrictions for the fully vaccinated to allow people to enjoy a summer holiday on Europe's beaches but the plans are not finalised yet, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Tuesday. 
 
Currently, British citizens are essentially prevented from travelling to most countries, including those in the European Union, as the quarantine and testing rules are so cumbersome and expensive. 
 
British tourists are the second biggest outbound holiday spenders in Europe after Germans so their absence hurts the economies of southern Europe while the British tourism sector is reeling from a ruinous loss of income due to the restrictions. 
 
Hancock told Sky News that the government did want to let people have a family holiday abroad, but only when it was safe to do so. 
 
"The whole point of the vaccine programme is to be able to remove restrictions, and for people to be able to be kept safe by the vaccine, rather than by these rules," Hancock told LBC. 
 
"So we are working on a plan for double vaccinated people, using tests, to have that testing regime in place, instead of having to have the quarantine, in some circumstances," he said. 
 
Asked by Sky if vaccinated people would get their freedom back by August and so enjoy a foreign holiday this year, Hancock said he understood people wanted their freedoms back. 
 
For months, British ministers have given a host of contradictory signals about when and how travel rules will be eased more than a year since the most onerous restrictions in Britain's peacetime history were imposed to halt the virus. 
 
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday that travellers would face hassle and delays this year if they sought to go abroad because the priority would be keeping the country safe. 
 
Johnson, who was slow to impose an initial lockdown in 2020, is wary of moving too fast to open up travel as the Delta variant first detected in India spreads. 
 
Britain has the seventh highest death toll from COVID-19 globally of nearly 128,000 deaths but has one of the fastest vaccine rollouts in the world, with 80% of adults having received a first COVID-19 vaccine dose and nearly 60% a second shot. 
 
Popular European holiday destinations for Britons, including Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Greece, are currently rated 'amber', which require returning passengers to take three expensive COVID-19 tests and isolate for 10 days on return. 
 
But travel companies are desperate to avoid another summer lost to COVID-19, and have demanded the government acts. 
 
European Union countries have already agreed to an easing of travel restrictions over summer that will allow fully vaccinated tourists to avoid tests or quarantines and broaden the list of EU regions from which it is safe to travel, but Britain has yet to announce a similar scheme. 
 
Britain's leading travel companies, such as the British Airways-owner IAG and easyJet, have cut thousands of jobs and raised billions of pounds to survive the pandemic. 
 
The Times newspaper reported that Britain would announce an easing on Thursday to allow British holidaymakers, who have had both coronavirus jabs to enjoy more quarantine-free travel from August. 
 
It is unclear how children, who have not yet been offered a vaccine in Britain, will travel. Hancock refused to give details or a timeframe for an easing of restrictions but said he was supportive of a change. 
 
"It is absolutely something we're working on - it's something I want to see," he said.

Britain is working on easing travel restrictions for the fully vaccinated to allow people to enjoy a summer holiday on Europe's beaches but the plans are not finalised yet, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Tuesday.

Britain is working on easing travel restrictions for the fully vaccinated to allow people to enjoy a summer holiday on Europe's beaches but the plans are not finalised yet, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Tuesday. Currently, British citizens are essentially prevented from travelling to most countries, including those in the European Union, as the quarantine and testing rules are so cumbersome and expensive. British tourists are the second biggest outbound holiday spenders in Europe after Germans so their absence hurts the economies of southern Europe while the British tourism sector is reeling from a ruinous loss of income due to the restrictions. Hancock told Sky News that the government did want to let people have a family holiday abroad, but only when it was safe to do so. "The whole point of the vaccine programme is to be able to remove restrictions, and for people to be able to be kept safe by the vaccine, rather than by these rules," Hancock told LBC. "So we are working on a plan for double vaccinated people, using tests, to have that testing regime in place, instead of having to have the quarantine, in some circumstances," he said. Asked by Sky if vaccinated people would get their freedom back by August and so enjoy a foreign holiday this year, Hancock said he understood people wanted their freedoms back. For months, British ministers have given a host of contradictory signals about when and how travel rules will be eased more than a year since the most onerous restrictions in Britain's peacetime history were imposed to halt the virus. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday that travellers would face hassle and delays this year if they sought to go abroad because the priority would be keeping the country safe. Johnson, who was slow to impose an initial lockdown in 2020, is wary of moving too fast to open up travel as the Delta variant first detected in India spreads. Britain has the seventh highest death toll from COVID-19 globally of nearly 128,000 deaths but has one of the fastest vaccine rollouts in the world, with 80% of adults having received a first COVID-19 vaccine dose and nearly 60% a second shot. Popular European holiday destinations for Britons, including Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Greece, are currently rated 'amber', which require returning passengers to take three expensive COVID-19 tests and isolate for 10 days on return. But travel companies are desperate to avoid another summer lost to COVID-19, and have demanded the government acts. European Union countries have already agreed to an easing of travel restrictions over summer that will allow fully vaccinated tourists to avoid tests or quarantines and broaden the list of EU regions from which it is safe to travel, but Britain has yet to announce a similar scheme. Britain's leading travel companies, such as the British Airways-owner IAG and easyJet, have cut thousands of jobs and raised billions of pounds to survive the pandemic. The Times newspaper reported that Britain would announce an easing on Thursday to allow British holidaymakers, who have had both coronavirus jabs to enjoy more quarantine-free travel from August. It is unclear how children, who have not yet been offered a vaccine in Britain, will travel. Hancock refused to give details or a timeframe for an easing of restrictions but said he was supportive of a change. "It is absolutely something we're working on - it's something I want to see," he said.

Vaccinated Brits could be back on Europe's beaches soon: Minister

Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Wednesday he aimed to hold talks with Australia's foreign and defence ministers on strengthening bilateral cooperation to raise the two countries' security ties to new levels. 
 
Motegi made the comment at the start of a meeting, via video conferencing, between foreign and defence ministers from Japan and Australia. 
 
Meanwhile, Japan and Australia said on Wednesday they had 'serious concerns' about reported human rights abuses against Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in China's Xinjiang region.

In a joint statement, they also expressed concern about recent moves that they said weakened Hong Kong's democratic institutions, and grave concerns about the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.

The meeting, between the foreign and defence ministers of both nations, took place via video conferencing.

Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Wednesday he aimed to hold talks with Australia's foreign and defence ministers on strengthening bilateral cooperation to raise the two countries' security ties to new levels.

Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Wednesday he aimed to hold talks with Australia's foreign and defence ministers on strengthening bilateral cooperation to raise the two countries' security ties to new levels. Motegi made the comment at the start of a meeting, via video conferencing, between foreign and defence ministers from Japan and Australia. Meanwhile, Japan and Australia said on Wednesday they had 'serious concerns' about reported human rights abuses against Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in China's Xinjiang region. In a joint statement, they also expressed concern about recent moves that they said weakened Hong Kong's democratic institutions, and grave concerns about the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. The meeting, between the foreign and defence ministers of both nations, took place via video conferencing.

Japan minister says aims to raise security ties with Australia to new levels

Greece reacted angrily on Sunday a statement by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu that described members of a Muslim minority in northern Greece as Turkish and that said they were not accorded full civic rights. 
 
The statement by Cavusoglu, during a private visit to the northern Greek region of Thrace on Sunday, came ahead of his official meetings on Monday with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias in Athens. 
 
The two foreign ministers clashed openly last month at a news conference in Ankara following a meeting aimed at easing months of tension between the two historic rivals. 
 
"We want Greece to give the same rights as we provide to the Greek Orthodox Church and Greek minority to the Turks in Western Thrace," Cavusoglu said,&nbsp;according to a video provided by the Turkish Foreign Ministry. 
 
A century after the two countries fought a war that displaced more than a million people on both sides of the border, Turkey says the roughly 120,000-strong Muslim community in the region is a Turkish minority, a position rejected by Athens, which describes them as Greek Muslims. 
 
"Turkey's continuous efforts to distort reality, as well as its claims alleging lack of protection of these citizens' rights or discrimination, are unfounded and are rejected in their entirety," Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexandros Papaioannou said in a news release. 
 
The two countries, both members of the NATO alliance, are at odds over issues ranging from competing maritime territorial claims in the eastern Mediterranean to the status of Cyprus and the treatment of migrant boats. 
 
They came close to armed conflict last year when naval vessels from each side manoeuvered close to each other in disputed waters during a standoff over energy exploration. 
 
Tensions have eased slightly in recent months and officials resumed exploratory talks over their disputes earlier this year following a five-year hiatus. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Greece reacted angrily on Sunday a statement by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu that described members of a Muslim minority in northern Greece as Turkish and that said they were not accorded full civic rights.

Greece reacted angrily on Sunday a statement by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu that described members of a Muslim minority in northern Greece as Turkish and that said they were not accorded full civic rights. The statement by Cavusoglu, during a private visit to the northern Greek region of Thrace on Sunday, came ahead of his official meetings on Monday with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias in Athens. The two foreign ministers clashed openly last month at a news conference in Ankara following a meeting aimed at easing months of tension between the two historic rivals. "We want Greece to give the same rights as we provide to the Greek Orthodox Church and Greek minority to the Turks in Western Thrace," Cavusoglu said, according to a video provided by the Turkish Foreign Ministry. A century after the two countries fought a war that displaced more than a million people on both sides of the border, Turkey says the roughly 120,000-strong Muslim community in the region is a Turkish minority, a position rejected by Athens, which describes them as Greek Muslims. "Turkey's continuous efforts to distort reality, as well as its claims alleging lack of protection of these citizens' rights or discrimination, are unfounded and are rejected in their entirety," Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexandros Papaioannou said in a news release. The two countries, both members of the NATO alliance, are at odds over issues ranging from competing maritime territorial claims in the eastern Mediterranean to the status of Cyprus and the treatment of migrant boats. They came close to armed conflict last year when naval vessels from each side manoeuvered close to each other in disputed waters during a standoff over energy exploration. Tensions have eased slightly in recent months and officials resumed exploratory talks over their disputes earlier this year following a five-year hiatus. (With inputs from agencies)

Greece rejects Turkish minister's comments on Muslim minority

The Lahore High Court on Friday has granted conditional permission to Pakistan Leader of Opposition and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif to travel abroad once for medical treatment.

"Keeping in view the past conduct and travel history, the fact that name of the petitioner is not in Exit Control List (ECL) at the moment, the name of the petitioner in blacklist, if already placed, will not stop the petitioner from a one-time visit to UK from May 8,2021, to July 3, 2021 for his medical checkup as per his personal commitment made before this court," said the interim order, a copy of which is available with Dawn.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Pakistan’s youth hooked to crystal meth, the country sees rise in addiction">Pakistan’s youth hooked to crystal meth, the country sees rise in addiction</a>

Shehbaz had approached the LHC a day earlier to challenge the placement of his name on a travel blacklist/no-fly list and seek one-time permission to go abroad for medical treatment.

In the petition, filed through advocates Azam Nazir Tarar and Amjad Pervez, the opposition leader, who is on bail in multiple references of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), contended that the government had previously placed him on the ECL.

During the hearing, Shehbaz`s counsel said that the government had put his name on the ECL in 2019 which was subsequently removed by the high court in March 2019.

"After that, the government devised a new method and put his name in the blacklist."&nbsp;

He informed the court that Shehbaz had already booked an appointment with a doctor in the UK for a check-up and his flight was booked for tomorrow.

Last month, the Lahore High Court granted Shehbaz Sharif post-arrest bail in a money laundering case.

Shehbaz, the brother of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who is in London since 2019, was arrested on September 28, 2020, in the money laundering reference after the LHC refused to further extend his pre-arrest bail.

He was first granted interim pre-arrest bail last year on June 3.

After his arrest, he remained in the bureau`s custody for 23 days till the trial court sent him on judicial remand on October 20, 2020.

Shehbaz Sharif, the former Punjab Chief Minister, is accused of accumulating assets worth Pakistani Rs7,328 million in connivance with his co-accused family members, benamidars, front persons and close associations and for developing an organized system of money laundering.

The anti-graft watchdog has nominated a total of 20 individuals in the reference - Shehbaz`s wife Nusrat, his sons Hamza and Suleman, and daughters Rabia Imran and Javeria Ali.

Previously, Shehbaz was also arrested by NAB on October 5, 2018 in Ashiana-i-Iqbal Housing Scheme and later in the Ramzan Sugar Mills case. The LHC had released him on bail in both cases on February 17, 2019.

The Lahore High Court on Friday has granted conditional permission to Pakistan Leader of Opposition and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif to travel abroad once for medical treatment.

The Lahore High Court on Friday has granted conditional permission to Pakistan Leader of Opposition and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif to travel abroad once for medical treatment. "Keeping in view the past conduct and travel history, the fact that name of the petitioner is not in Exit Control List (ECL) at the moment, the name of the petitioner in blacklist, if already placed, will not stop the petitioner from a one-time visit to UK from May 8,2021, to July 3, 2021 for his medical checkup as per his personal commitment made before this court," said the interim order, a copy of which is available with Dawn. Also read | Pakistan’s youth hooked to crystal meth, the country sees rise in addiction Shehbaz had approached the LHC a day earlier to challenge the placement of his name on a travel blacklist/no-fly list and seek one-time permission to go abroad for medical treatment. In the petition, filed through advocates Azam Nazir Tarar and Amjad Pervez, the opposition leader, who is on bail in multiple references of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), contended that the government had previously placed him on the ECL. During the hearing, Shehbaz`s counsel said that the government had put his name on the ECL in 2019 which was subsequently removed by the high court in March 2019. "After that, the government devised a new method and put his name in the blacklist." He informed the court that Shehbaz had already booked an appointment with a doctor in the UK for a check-up and his flight was booked for tomorrow. Last month, the Lahore High Court granted Shehbaz Sharif post-arrest bail in a money laundering case. Shehbaz, the brother of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who is in London since 2019, was arrested on September 28, 2020, in the money laundering reference after the LHC refused to further extend his pre-arrest bail. He was first granted interim pre-arrest bail last year on June 3. After his arrest, he remained in the bureau`s custody for 23 days till the trial court sent him on judicial remand on October 20, 2020. Shehbaz Sharif, the former Punjab Chief Minister, is accused of accumulating assets worth Pakistani Rs7,328 million in connivance with his co-accused family members, benamidars, front persons and close associations and for developing an organized system of money laundering. The anti-graft watchdog has nominated a total of 20 individuals in the reference - Shehbaz`s wife Nusrat, his sons Hamza and Suleman, and daughters Rabia Imran and Javeria Ali. Previously, Shehbaz was also arrested by NAB on October 5, 2018 in Ashiana-i-Iqbal Housing Scheme and later in the Ramzan Sugar Mills case. The LHC had released him on bail in both cases on February 17, 2019.

Pakistan court grants Shehbaz Sharif permission to go abroad for medical treatment

Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe on Wednesday called on Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and discussed ways to further cement bilateral ties, including defence cooperation and post-pandemic economic recovery.&nbsp;

The Chinese defence minister arrived here along with a high-level delegation on Tuesday on a two-day official visit after he made a brief trip to Bangladesh.&nbsp;

"Had a fruitful discussion with #china defense minister General Wei Fenghe this morning. This visit will further strengthen the ties between two countries," the president tweeted along with photographs of their meeting.&nbsp;

The Chinese defence minister also called on President Gotabaya's brother and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.&nbsp;

"I conveyed my gratitude to the Govt Of China for the generous donation of Sinopharm vaccines and PPE kits since the outbreak of the #COVID19 pandemic," the Prime Minister tweeted.&nbsp;

"We also discussed post-pandemic economic recovery and steps to be taken to ensure economic stability. Assistance in rebuilding investor confidence and attracting investments- I explained is a key priority for #SriLanka and essential in the path to economic growth of the country," Mahinda Rajapaksa said in another tweet.&nbsp;

Earlier, a Sri Lankan delegation led by Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) had a fruitful discussion with the visiting Chinese delegation led by General Wei, the Sri Lankan defence ministry said in a press release.&nbsp;

Recalling the long existed bilateral ties between two countries, General Gunaratne said China had been a 'historical ally' of Sri Lanka across a multitude of avenues including Buddhism, trade, infrastructure development and global connectivity.&nbsp;

He also appreciated the recent supportive measure extended by Beijing during the UN Human Rights Council resolution tabled against Sri Lanka, the statement said.&nbsp;

The UN body passed a strong resolution, which establishes a new accountability process to collect, analyse and preserve evidence of international crimes allegedly committed in Sri Lanka for use in future prosecutions. &nbsp;

"We are looking forward to work together with Sri Lanka to enhance practical cooperation and to promote bilateral relations to a greater extent,” said Wei, while highlighting the existing military ties between two countries.&nbsp;

The Chinese defence minister also launched the official website of the Chinese National Defence University Alumni Association of Sri Lanka, the statement said. &nbsp;

The two sides also signed a military assistance protocol, it said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe on Wednesday called on Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and discussed ways to further cement bilateral ties, including defence cooperation and post-pandemic economic recovery.

Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe on Wednesday called on Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and discussed ways to further cement bilateral ties, including defence cooperation and post-pandemic economic recovery. The Chinese defence minister arrived here along with a high-level delegation on Tuesday on a two-day official visit after he made a brief trip to Bangladesh. "Had a fruitful discussion with #china defense minister General Wei Fenghe this morning. This visit will further strengthen the ties between two countries," the president tweeted along with photographs of their meeting. The Chinese defence minister also called on President Gotabaya's brother and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. "I conveyed my gratitude to the Govt Of China for the generous donation of Sinopharm vaccines and PPE kits since the outbreak of the #COVID19 pandemic," the Prime Minister tweeted. "We also discussed post-pandemic economic recovery and steps to be taken to ensure economic stability. Assistance in rebuilding investor confidence and attracting investments- I explained is a key priority for #SriLanka and essential in the path to economic growth of the country," Mahinda Rajapaksa said in another tweet. Earlier, a Sri Lankan delegation led by Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) had a fruitful discussion with the visiting Chinese delegation led by General Wei, the Sri Lankan defence ministry said in a press release. Recalling the long existed bilateral ties between two countries, General Gunaratne said China had been a 'historical ally' of Sri Lanka across a multitude of avenues including Buddhism, trade, infrastructure development and global connectivity. He also appreciated the recent supportive measure extended by Beijing during the UN Human Rights Council resolution tabled against Sri Lanka, the statement said. The UN body passed a strong resolution, which establishes a new accountability process to collect, analyse and preserve evidence of international crimes allegedly committed in Sri Lanka for use in future prosecutions. "We are looking forward to work together with Sri Lanka to enhance practical cooperation and to promote bilateral relations to a greater extent,” said Wei, while highlighting the existing military ties between two countries. The Chinese defence minister also launched the official website of the Chinese National Defence University Alumni Association of Sri Lanka, the statement said. The two sides also signed a military assistance protocol, it said. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese def minister calls on Lanka's leaders; discusses steps to boost ties

A federal minister in Pakistan found himself in hot waters on Tuesday after video clips showing his family getting shots of coronavirus vaccine surfaced online, creating a stir as netizens accused him of 'jumping the queue' and demanded an apology from him.&nbsp;

The clips showed a nurse giving vaccine jabs to family members of Minister for Housing Tariq Bashir Cheema, which seems to be a clear violation of government policy regarding Covid-19 vaccination.&nbsp;

Cheema belongs to the Pakistan Muslim League Quaid (PML-Q), which is an ally of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).&nbsp;

Pakistan's vaccination drive began on February 2 starting with frontline workers followed by general health workers and people over 60 years of age. The government expanded it to people above the age of 50 from Tuesday.&nbsp;

Eligible people register themselves by sending an SMS to a designated phone number and get a message about the date and place of vaccination.&nbsp;

The people in the video clips were seen flashing the thumbs-up sign after getting the shots. Former model and television host, Iffat Omar, was also shown in one of the videos.&nbsp;

The videos were shared on the Instagram account of one of Cheema's relatives but the account is no longer active and apparently has been deactivated after backlash on social media.&nbsp;

The video clips stirred up a storm on social media as netizens and journalists called out the minister for&nbsp;'jumping the queue'.&nbsp;

"I expect and demand an apology from Cheema. First, he along with his family did an immoral thing, and then he had the audacity to lie about it calling it a trial shot," said journalist Mehr Tarar.&nbsp;

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Communication Shehbaz Gill took a shot at television host Iffat Omar, who often posted videos critical of the government.&nbsp;

"These fake liberals are liberal to the extent of swearing. They have no morals or shame. They portray themselves as law-abiding citizens but their actions show otherwise," Gill tweeted.&nbsp;

Cheema, in a statement, denied using his political influence to get his family members vaccinated and claimed that the teams from the University of Health Sciences came to his home to administer a booster shot of a trial vaccine, adding that it had done the same before.&nbsp;

However, the university rejected it by saying that all trials of the vaccines had already ended.&nbsp;

“No&nbsp;trial vaccination is going on as we are now following up the trials' results which will go on for months,"&nbsp;said Mohammad Asif, University's Director, Media.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A federal minister in Pakistan found himself in hot waters on Tuesday after video clips showing his family getting shots of coronavirus vaccine surfaced online, creating a stir as netizens accused him of 'jumping the queue' and demanded an apology from him.

A federal minister in Pakistan found himself in hot waters on Tuesday after video clips showing his family getting shots of coronavirus vaccine surfaced online, creating a stir as netizens accused him of 'jumping the queue' and demanded an apology from him. The clips showed a nurse giving vaccine jabs to family members of Minister for Housing Tariq Bashir Cheema, which seems to be a clear violation of government policy regarding Covid-19 vaccination. Cheema belongs to the Pakistan Muslim League Quaid (PML-Q), which is an ally of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). Pakistan's vaccination drive began on February 2 starting with frontline workers followed by general health workers and people over 60 years of age. The government expanded it to people above the age of 50 from Tuesday. Eligible people register themselves by sending an SMS to a designated phone number and get a message about the date and place of vaccination. The people in the video clips were seen flashing the thumbs-up sign after getting the shots. Former model and television host, Iffat Omar, was also shown in one of the videos. The videos were shared on the Instagram account of one of Cheema's relatives but the account is no longer active and apparently has been deactivated after backlash on social media. The video clips stirred up a storm on social media as netizens and journalists called out the minister for 'jumping the queue'. "I expect and demand an apology from Cheema. First, he along with his family did an immoral thing, and then he had the audacity to lie about it calling it a trial shot," said journalist Mehr Tarar. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Communication Shehbaz Gill took a shot at television host Iffat Omar, who often posted videos critical of the government. "These fake liberals are liberal to the extent of swearing. They have no morals or shame. They portray themselves as law-abiding citizens but their actions show otherwise," Gill tweeted. Cheema, in a statement, denied using his political influence to get his family members vaccinated and claimed that the teams from the University of Health Sciences came to his home to administer a booster shot of a trial vaccine, adding that it had done the same before. However, the university rejected it by saying that all trials of the vaccines had already ended. “No trial vaccination is going on as we are now following up the trials' results which will go on for months," said Mohammad Asif, University's Director, Media. (With inputs from agencies)

Jumping queue? Pak minister creates stir for getting family vaccinated against Covid-19 

Germany will begin coronavirus vaccinations on December 27 with elderly care home residents, Health Minister Jens Spahn announced Wednesday, with the European Union aiming for all 27 member states to begin on the same day.

In a statement, Germany's 16 state-level health ministers said Spahn had announced "the expected approval and supply of the BioNTech vaccine" with distribution beginning shortly before year's end.

As Germany holds the EU's rotating presidency, that could mean December 27 will be the start date for all member countries.

Also, Wednesday French Prime Minister Jean Castex said that France could begin vaccinations "in the last week of December" if "all conditions are met".

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said that all the bloc's countries could begin on the same day once the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved.

The Commission will make the final call on authorisation once the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued its final verdict -- now expected on December 21 after the timetable was moved up a week.

But several days could pass between the EMA ruling and the Commission's green light, as Brussels must first consult with member states.

Castex said that between now and February, France will take delivery of some 3.5 million doses, enough to cover around 1.7 million people, and will also prioritise the elderly, the vulnerable and carers.

Covid vaccines are administered in two doses over several weeks.

Pfizer-BioNTech's jab has already been approved in several western countries, with Britain and the US administering the first inoculations in recent days.

Some other states around the world have also waved it through, including Mexico and Saudi Arabia.

Germany will begin coronavirus vaccinations on December 27 with elderly care home residents, Health Minister Jens Spahn announced Wednesday, with the European Union aiming for all 27 member states to begin on the same day.

Germany will begin coronavirus vaccinations on December 27 with elderly care home residents, Health Minister Jens Spahn announced Wednesday, with the European Union aiming for all 27 member states to begin on the same day. In a statement, Germany's 16 state-level health ministers said Spahn had announced "the expected approval and supply of the BioNTech vaccine" with distribution beginning shortly before year's end. As Germany holds the EU's rotating presidency, that could mean December 27 will be the start date for all member countries. Also, Wednesday French Prime Minister Jean Castex said that France could begin vaccinations "in the last week of December" if "all conditions are met". European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said that all the bloc's countries could begin on the same day once the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved. The Commission will make the final call on authorisation once the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued its final verdict -- now expected on December 21 after the timetable was moved up a week. But several days could pass between the EMA ruling and the Commission's green light, as Brussels must first consult with member states. Castex said that between now and February, France will take delivery of some 3.5 million doses, enough to cover around 1.7 million people, and will also prioritise the elderly, the vulnerable and carers. Covid vaccines are administered in two doses over several weeks. Pfizer-BioNTech's jab has already been approved in several western countries, with Britain and the US administering the first inoculations in recent days. Some other states around the world have also waved it through, including Mexico and Saudi Arabia.

Germany aims to begin coronavirus vaccinations on December 27: Minister 

The well number 5 at Baghjan has been spewing gas uncontrollably for the last 95 days since May 27 and it caught fire on June 9, killing two of OIL’s firefighters at the site.

Now the industry minister of Assam Chandra Mohan Patowary has said in the state assembly on Wednesday that It might take another six to eight weeks to douse the fire at a natural gas well in Baghjan.

"The experts are on their way to Assam from Canada with all advanced equipment. They will kill the well through snubbing technology. After carrying out preparatory works, the exercise may take 6-8 weeks to complete," Chandra Patowary said.

"The 12 houses that were completely burnt are being offered ₹ 24 lakh each. In addition to that 1,484 families living nearby the well have been offered one-time relief of ₹ 30,000, while 1,197 families staying little far were given ₹ 25,000 each," he added.

Besides, 57 families affected by the blaze will be provided ₹ 10 lakh each and 561 more families with partial impact will be given ₹ 2.5 lakh each as per the suggestions of the district administration, Chandra Patowary informed the House. He further said that the local people are getting restless due to delay in getting the compensation amount and the company's inability to douse the fire, and they have camped in front of the Tinsukia Deputy Commissioner''s office to protest since August 24.

"Under the aegis of the local group Baghjan Gaon Milanjyoti Yuva Sangha, around 200 villagers are protesting. As they are peaceful, we have allowed them to voice their anger. Taking note of their demands, we raised the concerns in front of the National Green Tribunal through its experts committee," Mr Patowary said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The well number 5 at Baghjan has been spewing gas uncontrollably for the last 95 days since May 27 and it caught fire on June 9, killing two of OIL’s firefighters at the site.

The well number 5 at Baghjan has been spewing gas uncontrollably for the last 95 days since May 27 and it caught fire on June 9, killing two of OIL’s firefighters at the site. Now the industry minister of Assam Chandra Mohan Patowary has said in the state assembly on Wednesday that It might take another six to eight weeks to douse the fire at a natural gas well in Baghjan. "The experts are on their way to Assam from Canada with all advanced equipment. They will kill the well through snubbing technology. After carrying out preparatory works, the exercise may take 6-8 weeks to complete," Chandra Patowary said. "The 12 houses that were completely burnt are being offered ₹ 24 lakh each. In addition to that 1,484 families living nearby the well have been offered one-time relief of ₹ 30,000, while 1,197 families staying little far were given ₹ 25,000 each," he added. Besides, 57 families affected by the blaze will be provided ₹ 10 lakh each and 561 more families with partial impact will be given ₹ 2.5 lakh each as per the suggestions of the district administration, Chandra Patowary informed the House. He further said that the local people are getting restless due to delay in getting the compensation amount and the company's inability to douse the fire, and they have camped in front of the Tinsukia Deputy Commissioner''s office to protest since August 24. "Under the aegis of the local group Baghjan Gaon Milanjyoti Yuva Sangha, around 200 villagers are protesting. As they are peaceful, we have allowed them to voice their anger. Taking note of their demands, we raised the concerns in front of the National Green Tribunal through its experts committee," Mr Patowary said. (With inputs from agencies)

Fire at Assam's Baghjan gas well may continue for two more months: Minister 

Postponing or cancelling the Tokyo Olympics is "inconceivable", Japan's Olympic minister said Wednesday, as the new coronavirus outbreak raises fears the event could be scrapped.

"From the viewpoint of athletes who are the main protagonists in the Tokyo Games, as they are making adjustments and preparations for this once-in-four-years event, it is inconceivable to cancel or postpone," Seiko Hashimoto told a parliament committee.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympic-ceo-calls-coronavirus-concern-irresponsible-rumours-280473">Tokyo Olympics CEO calls coronavirus concern 'irresponsible rumours'</a>

She conceded that "it is the IOC (International Olympic Committee) who will make a final decision on the Games".

Hashimoto added: "We think it is important that the government gives correct information so that the IOC makes an appropriate decision."

The rapid spread of the virus, which has infected more than 560 people and been linked to 12 deaths in Japan, has cast a shadow over preparations for the Games.

Hashimoto's comments came after the Wall Street Journal quoted a member of the Tokyo's organisers' executive board as saying a delay of two years would be the most realistic option if the Games cannot be held this summer.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-women-hockey-team-qualifies-for-tokyo-olympics-259565">Indian women hockey team qualifies for Tokyo Olympics</a>

"We'll have to start talking about this seriously from April," Haruyuki Takahashi told the Journal, adding the board has not yet discussed the issue.

Asked about the report, Hashimoto said she was told by the 2020 organisers that they are preparing for the Games as scheduled from July 24 to August 9.

Tokyo 2020 organisers said they had "sought clarification" from Takahashi.

"He stated he had inadvertently given his personal opinion in response to a hypothetical question," a statement said.

"As IOC President (Thomas) Bach stated the other day, neither the IOC nor the organising committee are considering postponing or cancelling the Tokyo 2020 Games, and we are proceeding with our preparations for a safe and secure Games opening on 24 July 2020 as planned."

Postponing or cancelling the Tokyo Olympics is "inconceivable", Japan's Olympic minister said Wednesday, as the new coronavirus outbreak raises fears the event could be scrapped.

Postponing or cancelling the Tokyo Olympics is "inconceivable", Japan's Olympic minister said Wednesday, as the new coronavirus outbreak raises fears the event could be scrapped. "From the viewpoint of athletes who are the main protagonists in the Tokyo Games, as they are making adjustments and preparations for this once-in-four-years event, it is inconceivable to cancel or postpone," Seiko Hashimoto told a parliament committee. Also Read: Tokyo Olympics CEO calls coronavirus concern 'irresponsible rumours' She conceded that "it is the IOC (International Olympic Committee) who will make a final decision on the Games". Hashimoto added: "We think it is important that the government gives correct information so that the IOC makes an appropriate decision." The rapid spread of the virus, which has infected more than 560 people and been linked to 12 deaths in Japan, has cast a shadow over preparations for the Games. Hashimoto's comments came after the Wall Street Journal quoted a member of the Tokyo's organisers' executive board as saying a delay of two years would be the most realistic option if the Games cannot be held this summer. Also Read: Indian women hockey team qualifies for Tokyo Olympics "We'll have to start talking about this seriously from April," Haruyuki Takahashi told the Journal, adding the board has not yet discussed the issue. Asked about the report, Hashimoto said she was told by the 2020 organisers that they are preparing for the Games as scheduled from July 24 to August 9. Tokyo 2020 organisers said they had "sought clarification" from Takahashi. "He stated he had inadvertently given his personal opinion in response to a hypothetical question," a statement said. "As IOC President (Thomas) Bach stated the other day, neither the IOC nor the organising committee are considering postponing or cancelling the Tokyo 2020 Games, and we are proceeding with our preparations for a safe and secure Games opening on 24 July 2020 as planned."

Cancelling Tokyo Olympics 'inconceivable': Japan minister

France will be "pugnacious" over the latest US tariff threats on French products and will not go back on its digital tax plan, junior economy minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher said on Tuesday.

On Monday, the US government said it may slap punitive duties of up to 100% on $2.4 billion of imports from France of champagne, handbags, cheese and other products, after concluding that France's new digital services tax would harm US tech companies.

"It is very clear that we do not need to go back on this, with regards to a topic that economically speaking makes sense," Pannier-Runacher told Sud Radio, referring to the digital tax.

"We need to be pugnacious on the subject," she added.&nbsp;

France will be "pugnacious" over the latest US tariff threats on French products and will not go back on its digital tax plan, junior economy minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher said on Tuesday.

France will be "pugnacious" over the latest US tariff threats on French products and will not go back on its digital tax plan, junior economy minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher said on Tuesday. On Monday, the US government said it may slap punitive duties of up to 100% on $2.4 billion of imports from France of champagne, handbags, cheese and other products, after concluding that France's new digital services tax would harm US tech companies. "It is very clear that we do not need to go back on this, with regards to a topic that economically speaking makes sense," Pannier-Runacher told Sud Radio, referring to the digital tax. "We need to be pugnacious on the subject," she added.

France will be 'pugnacious' over new US tariff threat: Minister

PM Narendra Modi arrived in Varanasi on Saturday, 6 July, to launch the BJP's membership drive. He was welcomed upon arrival by BJP Working President JP Nadda, UP CM Yogi Adityanath and the party's UP Chief MN Pandey.

PM Narendra Modi reaches Varanasi

Mukhtar Naqvi and Pralhad Joshi take oath as cabinet minister. To know more watch the video

Mukhtar Naqvi and Pralhad Joshi take oath as minister

Pakistan's anti-graft body on Wednesday arrested Punjab government's powerful senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income.

The arrest has come as a jolt for Prime Minister Imran Khan who is already facing a barrage of criticism for running the province of over 100 million people through his 'puppet' Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.

"We have arrested Punjab senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income and he will be presented before an accountability court in Lahore on Thursday," National Accountability Bureau spokesperson Nawazish Ali Asim said in a statement.

The NAB has been probing Aleem Khan in multiple inquiries, including his offshore company Hexam Investment Overseas Ltd, owning assets beyond his known sources of income and his two housing societies - Park View housing society and River Age Housing Society in Lahore - for the last one year or so.

Punjab Information Minister Fayazul Hasan Chohan said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party will not protest over the NAB's decision to arrest the minister. "Unlike the opposition, we will not surround the NAB offices," he said.

Opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has welcomed the arrest of the minister and said that there should be across the board possibility.&nbsp;

"We want PM Khan to sack all those cabinet members who are facing NAB investigation on corruption charges," PML-N senior leader and former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair said.

PML-N president and opposition leader in the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of former premier Nawaz Sharif, is also in jail in NAB's custody in a corruption case.

Pakistan's anti-graft body on Wednesday arrested Punjab government's powerful senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income.

Pakistan's anti-graft body on Wednesday arrested Punjab government's powerful senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income. The arrest has come as a jolt for Prime Minister Imran Khan who is already facing a barrage of criticism for running the province of over 100 million people through his 'puppet' Chief Minister Usman Buzdar. "We have arrested Punjab senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income and he will be presented before an accountability court in Lahore on Thursday," National Accountability Bureau spokesperson Nawazish Ali Asim said in a statement. The NAB has been probing Aleem Khan in multiple inquiries, including his offshore company Hexam Investment Overseas Ltd, owning assets beyond his known sources of income and his two housing societies - Park View housing society and River Age Housing Society in Lahore - for the last one year or so. Punjab Information Minister Fayazul Hasan Chohan said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party will not protest over the NAB's decision to arrest the minister. "Unlike the opposition, we will not surround the NAB offices," he said. Opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has welcomed the arrest of the minister and said that there should be across the board possibility. "We want PM Khan to sack all those cabinet members who are facing NAB investigation on corruption charges," PML-N senior leader and former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair said. PML-N president and opposition leader in the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of former premier Nawaz Sharif, is also in jail in NAB's custody in a corruption case.

Pakistan's anti-graft body arrests Punjab government's senior minister

Afghan Interior Minister Amrullah Saleh stepped down from his post on Saturday in order to run for the vice-presidency alongside President Ashraf Ghani who plans to bid for a second term in July's election.

The former top security official told Reuters by phone that he had resigned and two political sources said he would join Ghani's team.

"He wants to contest for the post of vice-president," said a source from the presidential palace in Kabul.

Saleh, who commands strong support among Afghanistan's minority ethnic Tajiks, had been expected to oppose Ghani in the election, which has been pushed back from April to July.

Under Afghanistan's electoral system, all members of government except the president and vice president must step down in order to run for office.

In December, Ghani appointed Saleh, a former security official and an uncompromising opponent of the Taliban, to his government in a bid to secure the support of former opponents for a second term.

Afghan forces have been dying in record numbers in the face of a resurgent Taliban. US President Donald Trump is considering slashing the number of American troops in the country in half. However, the White House says there has been no official order.

Afghanistan's presidential race is now in full swing, with several former officials and politicians lining up to challenge Ghani who is expected to register his candidacy for a second term on Sunday.

Former warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, whose fighters killed thousands in Kabul during the bloody civil war of the 1990s, joined the presidential race on Saturday.

The political landscape is dominated by ethnic loyalties, personal alliances and often unstable coalitions between powerful regional leaders.

"Ghani's decision to include Saleh in his presidential bid reflects how alliances are being formed quickly and ideological differences are being ignored," said a Western diplomat in Kabul.

Under Afghanistan's electoral system, all members of government except the president and vice president must step down in order to run for office.

Afghan Interior Minister Amrullah Saleh stepped down from his post on Saturday in order to run for the vice-presidency alongside President Ashraf Ghani who plans to bid for a second term in July's election. The former top security official told Reuters by phone that he had resigned and two political sources said he would join Ghani's team. "He wants to contest for the post of vice-president," said a source from the presidential palace in Kabul. Saleh, who commands strong support among Afghanistan's minority ethnic Tajiks, had been expected to oppose Ghani in the election, which has been pushed back from April to July. Under Afghanistan's electoral system, all members of government except the president and vice president must step down in order to run for office. In December, Ghani appointed Saleh, a former security official and an uncompromising opponent of the Taliban, to his government in a bid to secure the support of former opponents for a second term. Afghan forces have been dying in record numbers in the face of a resurgent Taliban. US President Donald Trump is considering slashing the number of American troops in the country in half. However, the White House says there has been no official order. Afghanistan's presidential race is now in full swing, with several former officials and politicians lining up to challenge Ghani who is expected to register his candidacy for a second term on Sunday. Former warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, whose fighters killed thousands in Kabul during the bloody civil war of the 1990s, joined the presidential race on Saturday. The political landscape is dominated by ethnic loyalties, personal alliances and often unstable coalitions between powerful regional leaders. "Ghani's decision to include Saleh in his presidential bid reflects how alliances are being formed quickly and ideological differences are being ignored," said a Western diplomat in Kabul.

Afghan interior minister resigns to run for vice-presidency: Report

Nepal's USD 209.6-million Airbus deal, the largest ever in the country's aviation history, is turning out to be one of the biggest corruption scandals in the country as a parliamentary committee indicted a top minister and some senior bureaucrats of graft in the deal.

Nepal's Civil Aviation Minister Rabindra Adhikari and top-level bureaucrats have been accused by the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament of misappropriating at least Rs 435 crore while procuring the two Airbus A-330 jets for national flag carrier Nepal Airlines Corporation.

The sub-committee led by Nepali Congress lawmaker Rajan KC submitted a 58-page probe report to Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday, implicating officials at the highest levels who were in charge at the Civil Aviation Ministry during the procurement process.

The report, prepared after a three-week long investigation, has charged Civil Aviation Minister Adhikari and former ministers -- Jivan Bahadur Shahi and Jitendra Dev -- with shying away with their responsibilities to stop the deal.

The report has categorically termed NAC Managing Director Sugat Ratna Kansakar as the main accused of the scandal and recommended for his immediate suspension along with two sitting secretaries, Prem Kumar Rai and Krishna Prasad Devkota and former secretary Shankar Prasad Adhikari who had acted as NAC chairman during their tenure as tourism secretary.

Shahi has been accused of sending the commitment fee to purchase the jet through a ministerial-level decision.

In his statement to the investigation panel, he had denied having direct involvement in the NAC jet procurement process.

Former minister Dev has been accused of making the first payment to HiFly X Ireland, the supplier of the jets, during his tenure.

Minister Adhikari has been charged with negligence as he was found to have sent the final instalment of a payment to Portuguese leasing company HiFly.

Contrary to his earlier promise of a detailed investigation into the case, he had carried out only a minor in-house investigation.

"The NAC has not given us the bill of sale of the two jets. We suspect that the 'irregularities' amount could go further up if the bill of sale is calculated," Rajan told the lawmakers.

"It needs a further investigation on the amount released to HiFly X by NAC and the amount paid by HiFly to the aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

"There were no details on the discount received by the NAC during the purchase of the jets, he said, adding, 'We have asked PAC to get the payment details from the Airbus through the Foreign Ministry.

"The sub-committee has questioned the motive of the NAC and HiFly Portugal for forming a special purpose vehicle--Hi Fly X Ireland--to specifically look into the procurement process.

The committee has termed Hi Fly X as a 'fictitious' company and has suspected 'massive financial irregularities' in the deal.

While advance payment was released to the Portugal-based HiFly Transporte Aeroes, rest of the payment was released to Ireland based company, the report said.

It has also pointed out the mismatch in manufacturer's serial numbers assigned to NAC jets.

Initially, the numbers '1840' and '1842' were issued to NAC.

Airbus later assigned '1845' and '1854' after receiving the commitment fee.

However, at the Airbus' manufacturing plant in Toulouse, France, the aircraft serial numbers were '1872' and '1878'.

The '1845' and '1854' that NAC had claimed to be its own actually belong to Tibet Airlines and Spain's Iberia Airline respectively, the report explained.

As per Clause 236(1) of NAC financial bylaw, the national carrier is required to invite proposals only from the aircraft manufacturers to purchase brand new aircraft.

However, it went with Clause 236 (2) of the bylaw which allows the NAC to procure an old plane from a leasing agency, banker or airline operator besides manufacturers.

The sub-committee report states that NAC had signed a USD 209.6-million contract for two A330-200 jets with the United States-based AAR Corp in April 2017, ignoring the rate suggested by its sub-committee.

The report said that the sub-committee had suggested that each jet would cost USD 93,047,434 (after adjusting 2.76 per cent of price escalation rate) based on the 2016 sales price list.

This ignorance has incurred USD 23.6 million losses in the deal involving two jets, it said.

Specifications like maximum takeoff weight was revised downward to 230 tonnes from proposed 242 tonnes as specified in the bid documents, the report pointed out.

Nepal's USD 209.6-million Airbus deal, the largest ever in the country's aviation history, is turning out to be one of the biggest corruption scandals in the country as a parliamentary committee indicted a top minister and some senior bureaucrats of graft in the deal.

Nepal's USD 209.6-million Airbus deal, the largest ever in the country's aviation history, is turning out to be one of the biggest corruption scandals in the country as a parliamentary committee indicted a top minister and some senior bureaucrats of graft in the deal. Nepal's Civil Aviation Minister Rabindra Adhikari and top-level bureaucrats have been accused by the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament of misappropriating at least Rs 435 crore while procuring the two Airbus A-330 jets for national flag carrier Nepal Airlines Corporation. The sub-committee led by Nepali Congress lawmaker Rajan KC submitted a 58-page probe report to Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday, implicating officials at the highest levels who were in charge at the Civil Aviation Ministry during the procurement process. The report, prepared after a three-week long investigation, has charged Civil Aviation Minister Adhikari and former ministers -- Jivan Bahadur Shahi and Jitendra Dev -- with shying away with their responsibilities to stop the deal. The report has categorically termed NAC Managing Director Sugat Ratna Kansakar as the main accused of the scandal and recommended for his immediate suspension along with two sitting secretaries, Prem Kumar Rai and Krishna Prasad Devkota and former secretary Shankar Prasad Adhikari who had acted as NAC chairman during their tenure as tourism secretary. Shahi has been accused of sending the commitment fee to purchase the jet through a ministerial-level decision. In his statement to the investigation panel, he had denied having direct involvement in the NAC jet procurement process. Former minister Dev has been accused of making the first payment to HiFly X Ireland, the supplier of the jets, during his tenure. Minister Adhikari has been charged with negligence as he was found to have sent the final instalment of a payment to Portuguese leasing company HiFly. Contrary to his earlier promise of a detailed investigation into the case, he had carried out only a minor in-house investigation. "The NAC has not given us the bill of sale of the two jets. We suspect that the 'irregularities' amount could go further up if the bill of sale is calculated," Rajan told the lawmakers. "It needs a further investigation on the amount released to HiFly X by NAC and the amount paid by HiFly to the aircraft manufacturer Airbus. "There were no details on the discount received by the NAC during the purchase of the jets, he said, adding, 'We have asked PAC to get the payment details from the Airbus through the Foreign Ministry. "The sub-committee has questioned the motive of the NAC and HiFly Portugal for forming a special purpose vehicle--Hi Fly X Ireland--to specifically look into the procurement process. The committee has termed Hi Fly X as a 'fictitious' company and has suspected 'massive financial irregularities' in the deal. While advance payment was released to the Portugal-based HiFly Transporte Aeroes, rest of the payment was released to Ireland based company, the report said. It has also pointed out the mismatch in manufacturer's serial numbers assigned to NAC jets. Initially, the numbers '1840' and '1842' were issued to NAC. Airbus later assigned '1845' and '1854' after receiving the commitment fee. However, at the Airbus' manufacturing plant in Toulouse, France, the aircraft serial numbers were '1872' and '1878'. The '1845' and '1854' that NAC had claimed to be its own actually belong to Tibet Airlines and Spain's Iberia Airline respectively, the report explained. As per Clause 236(1) of NAC financial bylaw, the national carrier is required to invite proposals only from the aircraft manufacturers to purchase brand new aircraft. However, it went with Clause 236 (2) of the bylaw which allows the NAC to procure an old plane from a leasing agency, banker or airline operator besides manufacturers. The sub-committee report states that NAC had signed a USD 209.6-million contract for two A330-200 jets with the United States-based AAR Corp in April 2017, ignoring the rate suggested by its sub-committee. The report said that the sub-committee had suggested that each jet would cost USD 93,047,434 (after adjusting 2.76 per cent of price escalation rate) based on the 2016 sales price list. This ignorance has incurred USD 23.6 million losses in the deal involving two jets, it said. Specifications like maximum takeoff weight was revised downward to 230 tonnes from proposed 242 tonnes as specified in the bid documents, the report pointed out.

Nepal's biggest corruption scandal: Minister, bureaucrats indicted in Rs 435 crore Airbus deal

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has acknowledged that there are some differences of opinion with President Maithripala Sirisena on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-political-crisis-ends-as-president-sirisena-names-new-cabinet-185567">ministerial appointments</a>, but he is confident that the issues will be resolved.&nbsp;

President Sirisena on Thursday named a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-parliament-to-convene-on-tuesday-for-first-time-after-pm-wickremesinghes-reinstatement-185010">30-member Cabinet</a> while reportedly rejecting some of Prime Minister Wickremesinghe's nominees and retained control over the security forces and police, indicating that the power tussle between them is far from over.

Wickremesinghe on Friday slammed media, saying some had reported a "fake list" claiming they were nominated for ministry portfolios but had not been approved by the President, Colombo Gazette reported.

He said that some media had claimed that Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) member Wijith Wijayamuni Zoysa was in the list of MPs nominated for ministerial posts.

The Prime Minister, however, insisted that Zoysa was not on the list. 
Wickremesinghe said that some media were attempting to mislead the public and action must be taken against them.

He called for a debate next month on media which were reporting false information.

The Prime Minister said that while there were some differences of opinion with the President on the Ministerial appointments, he was confident the issues will be resolved.&nbsp;

He said he will make a statement in the House on how the Cabinet was appointed. 
The new Cabinet was appointed after an unexpected delay of three days since Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Prime Minister on December 16 following weeks of political crisis that led to government dysfunction.&nbsp;

The Cabinet formation was delayed as Sirisena reportedly did not agree with some nominees from the list submitted by Wickremesinghe.

Sirisena, who holds the Defence and Mahaweli Development and Environment Ministry portfolios, has retained his control over the police, which is investigating an alleged plot to kill him.

The plot widened the gulf between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe.

On October 26, Sirisena sacked prime minister Wickremesinghe and installed Rajapaksa in his place, triggering an unprecedented constitutional crisis. Sirisena also dissolved the 225-member Parliament and called for a snap election on January 5. He publicly vowed not to reinstate Wickremesinghe.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has acknowledged that there are some differences of opinion with President Maithripala Sirisena on the ministerial appointments, but he is confident that the issues will be resolved.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has acknowledged that there are some differences of opinion with President Maithripala Sirisena on the ministerial appointments, but he is confident that the issues will be resolved. President Sirisena on Thursday named a 30-member Cabinet while reportedly rejecting some of Prime Minister Wickremesinghe's nominees and retained control over the security forces and police, indicating that the power tussle between them is far from over. Wickremesinghe on Friday slammed media, saying some had reported a "fake list" claiming they were nominated for ministry portfolios but had not been approved by the President, Colombo Gazette reported. He said that some media had claimed that Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) member Wijith Wijayamuni Zoysa was in the list of MPs nominated for ministerial posts. The Prime Minister, however, insisted that Zoysa was not on the list. Wickremesinghe said that some media were attempting to mislead the public and action must be taken against them. He called for a debate next month on media which were reporting false information. The Prime Minister said that while there were some differences of opinion with the President on the Ministerial appointments, he was confident the issues will be resolved. He said he will make a statement in the House on how the Cabinet was appointed. The new Cabinet was appointed after an unexpected delay of three days since Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Prime Minister on December 16 following weeks of political crisis that led to government dysfunction. The Cabinet formation was delayed as Sirisena reportedly did not agree with some nominees from the list submitted by Wickremesinghe. Sirisena, who holds the Defence and Mahaweli Development and Environment Ministry portfolios, has retained his control over the police, which is investigating an alleged plot to kill him. The plot widened the gulf between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe. On October 26, Sirisena sacked prime minister Wickremesinghe and installed Rajapaksa in his place, triggering an unprecedented constitutional crisis. Sirisena also dissolved the 225-member Parliament and called for a snap election on January 5. He publicly vowed not to reinstate Wickremesinghe.

Sri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe acknowledges differences with Sirisena on ministerial appointments

Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Win Myat Aye said frequent earthquakes in 2018 have become a challenge for Myanmar adding that it should be addressed seriously.

"Earthquakes have become a challenge that must be seriously addressed in Myanmar," The Myanmar Times quoted Aye as saying.

Myanmar was hit by 31 earthquakes in January, 13 in February, 11 in March and 20 in April. The magnitude of earthquakes ranged from three to six on the Richter scale.

Awareness talks and preparedness rehearsals are being conducted throughout the, he added.

The major earthquakes of Myanmar include the Tarlay quake in March 2011, the Thabeikyin quake in November 2012, the Thabeikyin quake in April 2016 and the Chauk quake in August 2016.

Awareness talks and preparedness rehearsals are being conducted throughout

Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Win Myat Aye said frequent earthquakes in 2018 have become a challenge for Myanmar adding that it should be addressed seriously. "Earthquakes have become a challenge that must be seriously addressed in Myanmar," The Myanmar Times quoted Aye as saying. Myanmar was hit by 31 earthquakes in January, 13 in February, 11 in March and 20 in April. The magnitude of earthquakes ranged from three to six on the Richter scale. Awareness talks and preparedness rehearsals are being conducted throughout the, he added. The major earthquakes of Myanmar include the Tarlay quake in March 2011, the Thabeikyin quake in November 2012, the Thabeikyin quake in April 2016 and the Chauk quake in August 2016.

Myanmar minister calls for earthquake readiness

In what should come as a relief to railway passengers frustrated by delays in services, trains are now likely to run on time as any deviation from the schedule will cost officials of the national transporter their promotions.

Railway minister Piyush Goyal has warned heads of zonal railways that delays in train services will defer their appraisal proportionately, giving them a month to improve punctuality.

During an internal meeting last week, Goyal lashed out at zonal general managers and said that they cannot hide behind the pretext of maintenance work to explain delays in train services, a senior railway ministry source said.

In 2017-2018 fiscal, 30 per cent trains were running late on the railway network, with the numbers failing to pick up even during the holiday season this summer.

The General Manager (GM) of Northern Railway bore the brunt of Goyal's wrath, with the region recording an abysmal 49.59 per cent punctuality performance till May 29, a 32.74 per cent dip compared to the same period last year.

"While the minister has taken a lot of flak for the delays, he knew it was a price he had to pay for the large-scale renewal of tracks. However, the punctuality figures are way worse than what we had expected. Clearly, the zones are using maintenance work as an excuse to hide their inefficiency," the source said.

During the meeting, the minister called out every zonal head individually and asked them to explain the poor punctuality figures, the source said.

Goyal, who faced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's queries on punctuality of trains at the Pragati meeting last month, was particularly harsh on the Northern Railways chief as the zone was placed lowest on the punctuality index.

It was followed closely by the Northeast Frontier Railway and the Eastern Railway - which recorded 27 per cent and 26 per cent plunge respectively.&nbsp;

Goyal quoted reports to explain how misusing resources have led to delays. He recalled a recent incident when engineers apparently wasted Rs 25 lakh in a failed attempt to replace a girder at Nizamuddin railway station in New Delhi.

"The minister demanded accountability from the GMs and said such wasteful blocks should not be taken. He was aghast that such unnecessary delays were happening during the holiday season when trains are in high demand," the source said.

"He has now made it clear that by June 30, if he doesn't see improvement, the respective GMs will not be considered for promotion. He also said that their performance ratings will depend on where they figure on the delay list. The lower they are, the worse for them," the source, who was present during the meeting, said.&nbsp;

Railway minister Piyush Goyal has warned heads of zonal railways that delays in train services will defer their appraisal proportionately, giving them a month to improve punctuality.

In what should come as a relief to railway passengers frustrated by delays in services, trains are now likely to run on time as any deviation from the schedule will cost officials of the national transporter their promotions. Railway minister Piyush Goyal has warned heads of zonal railways that delays in train services will defer their appraisal proportionately, giving them a month to improve punctuality. During an internal meeting last week, Goyal lashed out at zonal general managers and said that they cannot hide behind the pretext of maintenance work to explain delays in train services, a senior railway ministry source said. In 2017-2018 fiscal, 30 per cent trains were running late on the railway network, with the numbers failing to pick up even during the holiday season this summer. The General Manager (GM) of Northern Railway bore the brunt of Goyal's wrath, with the region recording an abysmal 49.59 per cent punctuality performance till May 29, a 32.74 per cent dip compared to the same period last year. "While the minister has taken a lot of flak for the delays, he knew it was a price he had to pay for the large-scale renewal of tracks. However, the punctuality figures are way worse than what we had expected. Clearly, the zones are using maintenance work as an excuse to hide their inefficiency," the source said. During the meeting, the minister called out every zonal head individually and asked them to explain the poor punctuality figures, the source said. Goyal, who faced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's queries on punctuality of trains at the Pragati meeting last month, was particularly harsh on the Northern Railways chief as the zone was placed lowest on the punctuality index. It was followed closely by the Northeast Frontier Railway and the Eastern Railway - which recorded 27 per cent and 26 per cent plunge respectively. Goyal quoted reports to explain how misusing resources have led to delays. He recalled a recent incident when engineers apparently wasted Rs 25 lakh in a failed attempt to replace a girder at Nizamuddin railway station in New Delhi. "The minister demanded accountability from the GMs and said such wasteful blocks should not be taken. He was aghast that such unnecessary delays were happening during the holiday season when trains are in high demand," the source said. "He has now made it clear that by June 30, if he doesn't see improvement, the respective GMs will not be considered for promotion. He also said that their performance ratings will depend on where they figure on the delay list. The lower they are, the worse for them," the source, who was present during the meeting, said.

Train delays to cost officials their promotions: Union Railway Minister

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