Fifty Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) teams, special sniper units, drones and sharpshooters have been deployed ahead of Indian home minister Amit Shah’s three-day visit, to the northern Jammu and Kashmir state, which has witnessed a spate of civilian killings by the terrorists recently.

Notably, this will be the minister’s first visit to the Union Territory since its formation following the scrapping of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.

Shah will arrive in Srinagar on Saturday accompanied by the other senior officials of the home ministry, heads of most of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the intelligence agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB).

Temporary checkpoints and new bunkers have been created in Srinagar and other parts of the Valley. For the first time since 1990s, women CRPF personnel have been deployed in the city centre, Lal Chowk, and other areas to frisk women.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorists-involved-in-killing-migrant-workers-in-jk-eliminated-police-422491">Terrorists involved in killing migrant workers in J&amp;K eliminated: Police</a>

The authorities have also suspended mobile internet in some parts of the Valley as a precautionary measure.

The visit comes in the backdrop of heightened terrorism activity in the state. Eleven civilians—most from the minority communities, including migrant labourers from other states—were shot down in targeted killings by the terrorists this month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-13-terrorists-killed-in-9-encounters-after-civilian-killings-421340">J&amp;K: 13 terrorists killed in 9 encounters after civilian killings</a>

The visit also comes amidst ongoing anti-terror operations in Poonch forests, where nine Army personnel were killed, increasing use of drones by Pakistan to ferry weapons and explosives along the Line of Control border, and attacks on security establishments in the region.

As per the itinerary schedule, Shah will hold security review meetings with armed forces and will meet the families of those killed in the recent civilian killings.

Apart from that, Amit Shah will reportedly inaugurate a direct flight between Srinagar and Sharjah on the first day of his visit and lay foundation stones of two medical colleges.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/19-year-old-pakistani-terrorist-ali-babar-patra-surrendered-in-jk-416600">19-year-old Pakistani terrorist, Ali Babar Patra, surrendered in J&amp;K</a>

He is then scheduled to chair a meeting of the Unified Command to review the security situation on the ground.

On Sunday, Amit Shah will travel to Jammu where he will address a public rally.

On Monday, the Union Home Minister is likely to meet sarpanches (village heads) to address their concerns before flying out.

(With inputs from agencies)

Fifty Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) teams, special sniper units, drones and sharpshooters have been deployed ahead of Indian home minister Amit Shah’s three-day visit, to the northern Jammu and Kashmir state, which has witnessed a spate of civilian killings by the terrorists recently.

Fifty Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) teams, special sniper units, drones and sharpshooters have been deployed ahead of Indian home minister Amit Shah’s three-day visit, to the northern Jammu and Kashmir state, which has witnessed a spate of civilian killings by the terrorists recently. Notably, this will be the minister’s first visit to the Union Territory since its formation following the scrapping of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. Shah will arrive in Srinagar on Saturday accompanied by the other senior officials of the home ministry, heads of most of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the intelligence agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Temporary checkpoints and new bunkers have been created in Srinagar and other parts of the Valley. For the first time since 1990s, women CRPF personnel have been deployed in the city centre, Lal Chowk, and other areas to frisk women. Also read | Terrorists involved in killing migrant workers in J&K eliminated: Police The authorities have also suspended mobile internet in some parts of the Valley as a precautionary measure. The visit comes in the backdrop of heightened terrorism activity in the state. Eleven civilians—most from the minority communities, including migrant labourers from other states—were shot down in targeted killings by the terrorists this month. Also read | J&K: 13 terrorists killed in 9 encounters after civilian killings The visit also comes amidst ongoing anti-terror operations in Poonch forests, where nine Army personnel were killed, increasing use of drones by Pakistan to ferry weapons and explosives along the Line of Control border, and attacks on security establishments in the region. As per the itinerary schedule, Shah will hold security review meetings with armed forces and will meet the families of those killed in the recent civilian killings. Apart from that, Amit Shah will reportedly inaugurate a direct flight between Srinagar and Sharjah on the first day of his visit and lay foundation stones of two medical colleges. Also read | 19-year-old Pakistani terrorist, Ali Babar Patra, surrendered in J&K He is then scheduled to chair a meeting of the Unified Command to review the security situation on the ground. On Sunday, Amit Shah will travel to Jammu where he will address a public rally. On Monday, the Union Home Minister is likely to meet sarpanches (village heads) to address their concerns before flying out. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s Jammu and Kashmir turns into fortress ahead of home minister Amit Shah’s 3-day visit

Indian Army Chief General M M Naravane is on a two-day visit to the Jammu region where the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps will give him an update on security situation and operational preparedness, the Indian Army said.

The Indian Army said on Twitter on Monday: "General MM Naravane, COAS (Chief of Army Staff) is on a two-day visit to Jammu Region wherein GOC White Knight Corps will give an update on security situation and operational preparedness."

"COAS will visit forward areas and interact with troops and commanders on ground," it added.&nbsp;

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General MM Naravane <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COAS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COAS</a> is on a two day visit to Jammu Region wherein GOC White Knight Corps will give an update on security situation and operational preparedness. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COAS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COAS</a> will visit forward areas and interact with troops and commanders on ground. <a href="https://t.co/duufoKOCUT">pic.twitter.com/duufoKOCUT</a>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1450047467404267526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Army chief's visit comes in the backdrop of a spate of non-local civilian killings by terrorists.

Terrorists shot dead two non-local labourers and injured another on Sunday in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, the latest in the series of attacks targeting civilians.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-seven-terrorists-killed-in-five-operations-in-24-hours-420120">Jammu and Kashmir: Seven terrorists killed in five operations in 24 hours</a>

This was the third attack on non-local labourers in less than 24 hours. A street vendor from Bihar and a carpenter from Uttar Pradesh were shot dead by the ultras on Saturday evening.

Amid the spate of civilian killings, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had on Sunday vowed to avenge every drop of their blood by hunting down terrorists and their sympathisers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Army Chief General M M Naravane is on a two-day visit to the Jammu region where the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps will give him an update on security situation and operational preparedness, the Indian Army said.

Indian Army Chief General M M Naravane is on a two-day visit to the Jammu region where the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps will give him an update on security situation and operational preparedness, the Indian Army said. The Indian Army said on Twitter on Monday: "General MM Naravane, COAS (Chief of Army Staff) is on a two-day visit to Jammu Region wherein GOC White Knight Corps will give an update on security situation and operational preparedness." "COAS will visit forward areas and interact with troops and commanders on ground," it added. General MM Naravane #COAS is on a two day visit to Jammu Region wherein GOC White Knight Corps will give an update on security situation and operational preparedness. #COAS will visit forward areas and interact with troops and commanders on ground. pic.twitter.com/duufoKOCUT — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) October 18, 2021 × The Army chief's visit comes in the backdrop of a spate of non-local civilian killings by terrorists. Terrorists shot dead two non-local labourers and injured another on Sunday in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, the latest in the series of attacks targeting civilians. Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir: Seven terrorists killed in five operations in 24 hours This was the third attack on non-local labourers in less than 24 hours. A street vendor from Bihar and a carpenter from Uttar Pradesh were shot dead by the ultras on Saturday evening. Amid the spate of civilian killings, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had on Sunday vowed to avenge every drop of their blood by hunting down terrorists and their sympathisers. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid civilian killings, Indian Army chief visits Jammu to review security situation

The European Union (EU) parliament published an 18-page resolution on a new EU-China strategy on September 16 whose fundamental message was that Beijing poses serious political, economic, security, and technological challenges to the group. Di Valerio Fabbri, writing in Geopolitica.info said that quite aptly, the resolution was released soon after the United States announced the creation of a new alliance with the United Kingdom and Australia (AUKUS).

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/imf-cuts-chinas-growth-forecast-amid-disorderly-corporate-debt-defaults-420197">IMF cuts China's growth forecast amid 'disorderly corporate debt defaults'</a>

The fundamental message of the resolution is that "China is asserting a stronger global role both as an economic power and as a foreign-policy actor, which poses serious political, economic, security and technological challenges to the EU.&nbsp;In turn, this has significant and long-lasting consequences for the world order and poses serious threats to rules-based multilateralism and core democratic values. True to its core values, the EU also highlighted every aspect of the complicated relationship with China, including Bejing's gross violation of human rights in Xinjiang and Tibet.

In this regard, particular attention was paid to the Chinese government's 'Strike hard against violent terrorism'&nbsp;campaign launched in 2014, which has led to a rapid deterioration in the condition of the situation of Uyghur in Xinjiang, reported Geopolitica.info.

Perhaps the most recent illustration of the totalitarian nature of the Chinese state, which also finds mention in the EU document, is the departure of some foreign correspondents from the mainland, said Fabbri.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dasu-bus-blast-china-demands-38-million-from-pakistan-for-the-dead-workers-420930">Dasu bus blast: China demands $38 million from Pakistan for the dead workers</a>

Furthermore, the ridiculous labelling by the Chinese government of the Foreign Correspondents&nbsp;Club, the professional association of Beijing-based journalists reporting on China globally, as an 'illegal organisation'&nbsp;is the latest in a long and increasing instances of harassment and obstruction of foreign journalists. This is part of the effort to police speech about China globally and, as the EU rightly concludes, to determine what kind of speech and discussions are allowed as part of a totalitarian threat, said Fabbri.

The document also expressed regret over China's one-party system and its commitment to Marxism-Leninism, which precludes the possibility to embrace "democratic values such as individual freedom, freedom of speech and freedom of religion". The latest report makes a number of recommendations, including calls to adopt targeted sanctions against senior Chinese officials responsible for abuses in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. It called for better coordination to counter Beijing's growing global influence and anti-rights agenda and for a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing, reported Geopolitica.info.

The European Parliament also urged the EU's foreign policy branch to seek a more effective and benchmark-based human rights dialogue.Moreover, the EU perceives the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a "threat stemming from China," among other initiatives like the "dual circulation strategy, Made in China 2025, China Standards 2035" and other policies, including its military modernization and capacity build-up. For this reason, the EU welcomed the G7 leaders&nbsp;agreement to develop a partnership called Build Back Better World (B3W) initiative as an alternative to China's BRI.

The European Union (EU) parliament published an 18-page resolution on a new EU-China strategy on September 16 whose fundamental message was that Beijing poses serious political, economic, security, and technological challenges to the group.

The European Union (EU) parliament published an 18-page resolution on a new EU-China strategy on September 16 whose fundamental message was that Beijing poses serious political, economic, security, and technological challenges to the group. Di Valerio Fabbri, writing in Geopolitica.info said that quite aptly, the resolution was released soon after the United States announced the creation of a new alliance with the United Kingdom and Australia (AUKUS). Also Read | IMF cuts China's growth forecast amid 'disorderly corporate debt defaults' The fundamental message of the resolution is that "China is asserting a stronger global role both as an economic power and as a foreign-policy actor, which poses serious political, economic, security and technological challenges to the EU. In turn, this has significant and long-lasting consequences for the world order and poses serious threats to rules-based multilateralism and core democratic values. True to its core values, the EU also highlighted every aspect of the complicated relationship with China, including Bejing's gross violation of human rights in Xinjiang and Tibet. In this regard, particular attention was paid to the Chinese government's 'Strike hard against violent terrorism' campaign launched in 2014, which has led to a rapid deterioration in the condition of the situation of Uyghur in Xinjiang, reported Geopolitica.info. Perhaps the most recent illustration of the totalitarian nature of the Chinese state, which also finds mention in the EU document, is the departure of some foreign correspondents from the mainland, said Fabbri. Also Read | Dasu bus blast: China demands $38 million from Pakistan for the dead workers Furthermore, the ridiculous labelling by the Chinese government of the Foreign Correspondents Club, the professional association of Beijing-based journalists reporting on China globally, as an 'illegal organisation' is the latest in a long and increasing instances of harassment and obstruction of foreign journalists. This is part of the effort to police speech about China globally and, as the EU rightly concludes, to determine what kind of speech and discussions are allowed as part of a totalitarian threat, said Fabbri. The document also expressed regret over China's one-party system and its commitment to Marxism-Leninism, which precludes the possibility to embrace "democratic values such as individual freedom, freedom of speech and freedom of religion". The latest report makes a number of recommendations, including calls to adopt targeted sanctions against senior Chinese officials responsible for abuses in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. It called for better coordination to counter Beijing's growing global influence and anti-rights agenda and for a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing, reported Geopolitica.info. The European Parliament also urged the EU's foreign policy branch to seek a more effective and benchmark-based human rights dialogue.Moreover, the EU perceives the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a "threat stemming from China," among other initiatives like the "dual circulation strategy, Made in China 2025, China Standards 2035" and other policies, including its military modernization and capacity build-up. For this reason, the EU welcomed the G7 leaders agreement to develop a partnership called Build Back Better World (B3W) initiative as an alternative to China's BRI.

China poses serious political, economic, security, technological challenges to EU

Britain's interior minister on Sunday said MPs' security would be beefed up, after a lawmaker was stabbed to death as he held a public meeting with constituents, in the second such attack in five years.

Veteran Conservative MP David Amess, 69, was talking with voters at a church in the small town of Leigh-on-Sea, east of London, when he was killed on Friday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-conservative-mp-dies-after-getting-stabbed-multiple-times-suspect-arrested-421026">UK: Conservative MP dies after getting stabbed multiple times; Suspect arreste</a>d

The attack has spread fear among MPs, coming just over five years after the similar killing of Labour MP Jo Cox in the febrile run-up to the Brexit referendum.

Police have said they are investigating "a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism". The investigation is being led by Scotland Yard's Counter Terrorism Command.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has ordered a review of security measures for lawmakers and told Sky News that "we need to close any gaps" in security provision for MPs, whose work includes regular meetings with constituents, called "surgeries".

She said that police and parliamentary authorities were implementing "immediate changes and measures that are actively being put in place, and discussed with MPs".

This includes MPs sharing information on their whereabouts with police. Close protection at surgeries was also "in consideration right now", she added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="With lawmaker’s killing, the UK confronts a new episode of terrorism">With lawmaker’s killing, the UK confronts a new episode of terrorism</a>

The Sunday Telegraph reported that uniformed police were guarding some surgeries following the attack, which prompted calls from some MPs for a pause in face-to-face meetings.

Police said late on Saturday that detectives had until Friday to question the suspected attacker after he was detained under the Terrorism Act, which allowed them to extend his detention.&nbsp;

He has not been charged.

British media, citing unnamed official sources, identified the suspect as Ali Harbi Ali.&nbsp;

Reports said he was a British national of Somali descent who had been referred to Prevent, the UK's official counter-terrorist scheme for those thought to be at risk of radicalisation.

Ali is believed not have spent long on the programme, which is voluntary, and was never formally a "subject of interest" to MI5, the domestic security agency, said the BBC.

The Prevent programme is currently under independent review.

"We want to ensure it (the Prevent programme) is fit for purpose, robust, doing the right thing, but importantly, learning lessons," Patel told Sky News.

'Fast-paced investigation'&nbsp;

Detectives said they have been carrying out searches at three addresses in the London area in a "fast-paced investigation".

Police and security services believe the suspected attacker acted alone and was "self-radicalised", The Sunday Times reported, while adding he may have been inspired by Al-Shabaab, Al-Qaeda-linked Islamists in Somalia.

Ali's father, named as Harbi Ali Kullane and said to be a former adviser to the prime minister of Somalia, confirmed to The Sunday Times that his son was in custody, adding: "I'm feeling very traumatised."&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-visits-church-where-british-lawmaker-david-amess-was-stabbed-to-death-421323">UK PM Boris Johnson visits church where British lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death&nbsp;</a>

Patel nevertheless stressed to the BBC that, "We have the best security and intelligence agencies in the world."

The government stepped up security for MPs following the 2016 murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, 41, who was shot and stabbed outside her constituency meeting near Leeds, northern England.

House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle in The Observer wrote that "we need to take stock" and review whether security measures introduced after Cox's murder are "adequate to safeguard members, staff and constituents, especially during surgeries".

Tobias Ellwood, a Conservative MP who tried to save a stabbed police officer during a 2017 terror attack near the Houses of Parliament, on Saturday urged a temporary pause in face-to-face meetings with constituents, until the security review is complete.

Britain's interior minister on Sunday said MPs' security would be beefed up, after a lawmaker was stabbed to death as he held a public meeting with constituents, in the second such attack in five years.

Britain's interior minister on Sunday said MPs' security would be beefed up, after a lawmaker was stabbed to death as he held a public meeting with constituents, in the second such attack in five years. Veteran Conservative MP David Amess, 69, was talking with voters at a church in the small town of Leigh-on-Sea, east of London, when he was killed on Friday. Also Read | UK: Conservative MP dies after getting stabbed multiple times; Suspect arrested The attack has spread fear among MPs, coming just over five years after the similar killing of Labour MP Jo Cox in the febrile run-up to the Brexit referendum. Police have said they are investigating "a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism". The investigation is being led by Scotland Yard's Counter Terrorism Command. Home Secretary Priti Patel has ordered a review of security measures for lawmakers and told Sky News that "we need to close any gaps" in security provision for MPs, whose work includes regular meetings with constituents, called "surgeries". She said that police and parliamentary authorities were implementing "immediate changes and measures that are actively being put in place, and discussed with MPs". This includes MPs sharing information on their whereabouts with police. Close protection at surgeries was also "in consideration right now", she added. Also Read | With lawmaker’s killing, the UK confronts a new episode of terrorism The Sunday Telegraph reported that uniformed police were guarding some surgeries following the attack, which prompted calls from some MPs for a pause in face-to-face meetings. Police said late on Saturday that detectives had until Friday to question the suspected attacker after he was detained under the Terrorism Act, which allowed them to extend his detention. He has not been charged. British media, citing unnamed official sources, identified the suspect as Ali Harbi Ali. Reports said he was a British national of Somali descent who had been referred to Prevent, the UK's official counter-terrorist scheme for those thought to be at risk of radicalisation. Ali is believed not have spent long on the programme, which is voluntary, and was never formally a "subject of interest" to MI5, the domestic security agency, said the BBC. The Prevent programme is currently under independent review. "We want to ensure it (the Prevent programme) is fit for purpose, robust, doing the right thing, but importantly, learning lessons," Patel told Sky News. 'Fast-paced investigation' Detectives said they have been carrying out searches at three addresses in the London area in a "fast-paced investigation". Police and security services believe the suspected attacker acted alone and was "self-radicalised", The Sunday Times reported, while adding he may have been inspired by Al-Shabaab, Al-Qaeda-linked Islamists in Somalia. Ali's father, named as Harbi Ali Kullane and said to be a former adviser to the prime minister of Somalia, confirmed to The Sunday Times that his son was in custody, adding: "I'm feeling very traumatised." Also Read | UK PM Boris Johnson visits church where British lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death Patel nevertheless stressed to the BBC that, "We have the best security and intelligence agencies in the world." The government stepped up security for MPs following the 2016 murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, 41, who was shot and stabbed outside her constituency meeting near Leeds, northern England. House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle in The Observer wrote that "we need to take stock" and review whether security measures introduced after Cox's murder are "adequate to safeguard members, staff and constituents, especially during surgeries". Tobias Ellwood, a Conservative MP who tried to save a stabbed police officer during a 2017 terror attack near the Houses of Parliament, on Saturday urged a temporary pause in face-to-face meetings with constituents, until the security review is complete.

UK says will beef up MPs' security after MP killed

Taliban authorities pledged to step up security at Shi'ite mosques after the second Islamic State attack in a week on worshippers killed more than 40 people in the Afghan city of Kandahar on Friday.

The hardline Sunni group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on the Fatima mosque in Kandahar which saw a group of suicide bombers shoot their way into the mosque before blowing themselves up among the worshippers.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-market-named-after-george-w-bush-is-now-mujahideen-bazar-taliban-on-name-change-spree-420874">Kabul market named after George W Bush is now Mujahideen bazar: Taliban on name change spree</a>

A health official said the casualty toll from the attack stood at 41 dead and 70 wounded but the toll could still rise further. "Some of the wounded are in a critical condition and we are trying to transfer them to Kabul," he said.

The head of Kandahar police said units would be assigned to protect the Shi'ite mosques which have so far been guarded by local volunteer forces with special permission to carry weapons.

"Unfortunately they could not protect this area and in future we will assign special security guards for the protection of mosques and Madrasas," he said in a statement posted on Twitter by a Taliban spokesman.

The attack on the Fatima mosque, the largest Shi'ite mosque in Kandahar, also known as the Imam Bargah mosque, came a week after a similar attack on a mosque in the northern city of Kunduz, which killed as many as 80 people.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-55-killed-in-afghanistans-kunduz-mosque-blast-taliban-official-419134">At least 55 killed in Afghanistan's Kunduz mosque blast: Taliban official</a>

Attacks on Shi'ite mosques and targets associated with the Hazara ethnic minority, who make up the biggest Shi'ite group in Afghanistan, were regular occurrences under the former Western-backed government.

There has been deep shock as the attacks have continued since the Taliban seized power in August, tarnishing the movement's claim to have brought peace to Afghanistan after decades of war.

Since the takeover, Islamic State has conducted dozens of operations, from small scale attacks on Taliban targets to large-scale operations such as Friday's suicide bombing, killing scores of civilians.

Taliban authorities pledged to step up security at Shi'ite mosques after the second Islamic State attack in a week on worshippers killed more than 40 people in the Afghan city of Kandahar on Friday.

Taliban authorities pledged to step up security at Shi'ite mosques after the second Islamic State attack in a week on worshippers killed more than 40 people in the Afghan city of Kandahar on Friday. The hardline Sunni group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on the Fatima mosque in Kandahar which saw a group of suicide bombers shoot their way into the mosque before blowing themselves up among the worshippers. Also Read | Kabul market named after George W Bush is now Mujahideen bazar: Taliban on name change spree A health official said the casualty toll from the attack stood at 41 dead and 70 wounded but the toll could still rise further. "Some of the wounded are in a critical condition and we are trying to transfer them to Kabul," he said. The head of Kandahar police said units would be assigned to protect the Shi'ite mosques which have so far been guarded by local volunteer forces with special permission to carry weapons. "Unfortunately they could not protect this area and in future we will assign special security guards for the protection of mosques and Madrasas," he said in a statement posted on Twitter by a Taliban spokesman. The attack on the Fatima mosque, the largest Shi'ite mosque in Kandahar, also known as the Imam Bargah mosque, came a week after a similar attack on a mosque in the northern city of Kunduz, which killed as many as 80 people. Also Read | At least 55 killed in Afghanistan's Kunduz mosque blast: Taliban official Attacks on Shi'ite mosques and targets associated with the Hazara ethnic minority, who make up the biggest Shi'ite group in Afghanistan, were regular occurrences under the former Western-backed government. There has been deep shock as the attacks have continued since the Taliban seized power in August, tarnishing the movement's claim to have brought peace to Afghanistan after decades of war. Since the takeover, Islamic State has conducted dozens of operations, from small scale attacks on Taliban targets to large-scale operations such as Friday's suicide bombing, killing scores of civilians.

Taliban pledge to step up security at Shi'ite mosques after Friday's attack

A 37-year-old security guard at an Apple store in New York City was reportedly stabbed on Friday evening by a male customer over a dispute on the store’s masking policy, says police.&nbsp;

As per reports by ABC7 New York, the guard was stabbed multiple times around 6:30 pm after a customer was told that masks had to be worn if he wanted to go inside. After the man refused to wear the mask, the interaction turned into an act of violence.&nbsp; 
By the time the police arrives, the suspect had left the crime scene.&nbsp;

As per preliminary information, the name of the suspect is not known. Police believe he was wearing blue jeans, a black mask and a black shirt.

Detective Sophia Mason, a spokesperson for the Office of Deputy Commissioner of Public Information said that the guard told police that "he was stabbed one time in the left arm and one time in the forehead with a knife."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-appeals-verdict-in-app-store-battle-with-epic-games-419396">Also read |&nbsp;Apple appeals verdict in App Store battle with Epic Games</a>

The guard was taken to Bellevue Hospital and is expected to recover from his injuries.&nbsp;

Kimberly, a woman who works nearby and knew the security guard in passing was quoted by NBC New York as saying, "I saw him coming out on the stretcher, and I was like, ouch." 
She further said, "Everybody was in a big commotion, crying. Everyone was in shock."

The store closed early that day as employees spoke to police officers investigating the incident and collected evidence. Workers with a cleaning company arrived later Friday night to clean the trail of blood.&nbsp;

The investigation is ongoing but no one has been arrested as of now.

A 37-year-old security guard at an Apple store in New York City was reportedly stabbed on Friday evening by a male customer over a dispute on the store’s masking policy, says police.

A 37-year-old security guard at an Apple store in New York City was reportedly stabbed on Friday evening by a male customer over a dispute on the store’s masking policy, says police. As per reports by ABC7 New York, the guard was stabbed multiple times around 6:30 pm after a customer was told that masks had to be worn if he wanted to go inside. After the man refused to wear the mask, the interaction turned into an act of violence. By the time the police arrives, the suspect had left the crime scene. As per preliminary information, the name of the suspect is not known. Police believe he was wearing blue jeans, a black mask and a black shirt. Detective Sophia Mason, a spokesperson for the Office of Deputy Commissioner of Public Information said that the guard told police that "he was stabbed one time in the left arm and one time in the forehead with a knife." Also read | Apple appeals verdict in App Store battle with Epic Games The guard was taken to Bellevue Hospital and is expected to recover from his injuries. Kimberly, a woman who works nearby and knew the security guard in passing was quoted by NBC New York as saying, "I saw him coming out on the stretcher, and I was like, ouch." She further said, "Everybody was in a big commotion, crying. Everyone was in shock." The store closed early that day as employees spoke to police officers investigating the incident and collected evidence. Workers with a cleaning company arrived later Friday night to clean the trail of blood. The investigation is ongoing but no one has been arrested as of now.

NYC: Security guard stabbed over mask dispute at Apple store

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson addresses MPs in the House of Commons about the newly announced 'AUKUS' pact. The security grouping AUKUS will focus on advancing strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

UK PM Boris Johnson debates 'AUKUS' partnership in Parliament

Gunmen&nbsp;have killed&nbsp;12&nbsp;Nigerian&nbsp;security&nbsp;forces members in a weekend&nbsp;attack&nbsp;on&nbsp;a&nbsp;military&nbsp;base&nbsp;in&nbsp;northwest&nbsp;Zamfara state, before stealing weapons and torching buildings, two&nbsp;security&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said Monday.

It was not immediately clear who carried out the Saturday raid in Mutumji, but the army is engaged in operations in Zamfara against armed criminal gangs known as bandits who are blamed for a series of mass abductions.

Telecommunications have also been cut in Zamfara and in parts of neighbouring state Katsina in an attempt to disrupt bandit communications about army movements during the crackdown.

"The attackers stormed the&nbsp;base&nbsp;around 10:30 am and engaged the troops in a fierce gun battle," one&nbsp;security&nbsp;source said.

"They subdued the troops and killed&nbsp;12&nbsp;of them. They included nine navy, a soldier and two policemen."&nbsp;

A second&nbsp;security&nbsp;source confirmed the casualties.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-conducts-airstrikes-in-gaza-targets-militant-sites-412669">Also read |&nbsp;Israel conducts airstrikes in Gaza; targets militant sites</a>

The&nbsp;base&nbsp;in Mutumji, Dansadau district, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the state capital Gusau, is a key site for logistics and reconnaissance in the army's fight against bandits in the area.

Jihadists in&nbsp;Nigeria's northeast frequently&nbsp;attack&nbsp;military&nbsp;bases in Borno State, the heart of a&nbsp;12-year insurgency that has killed 40,000 people.

But large, heavily armed criminal gangs who raid villages and kidnap for ransom in the&nbsp;northwest&nbsp;and central states have also become more brazen.

In July, bandit&nbsp;gunmen&nbsp;shot down an air force jet over Zamfara while it was returning from operations. The pilot safely ejected and managed to escape capture.

Gunmen&nbsp;also attacked the country's elite defence academy in&nbsp;northwest&nbsp;Kaduna State last month, killing two officers and kidnapping another in a raid in one of the symbols of the armed forces. &nbsp;

Gunmen have killed 12 Nigerian security forces members in a weekend attack on a military base in northwest Zamfara state, before stealing weapons and torching buildings, two security sources said Monday.

Gunmen have killed 12 Nigerian security forces members in a weekend attack on a military base in northwest Zamfara state, before stealing weapons and torching buildings, two security sources said Monday. It was not immediately clear who carried out the Saturday raid in Mutumji, but the army is engaged in operations in Zamfara against armed criminal gangs known as bandits who are blamed for a series of mass abductions. Telecommunications have also been cut in Zamfara and in parts of neighbouring state Katsina in an attempt to disrupt bandit communications about army movements during the crackdown. "The attackers stormed the base around 10:30 am and engaged the troops in a fierce gun battle," one security source said. "They subdued the troops and killed 12 of them. They included nine navy, a soldier and two policemen." A second security source confirmed the casualties. Also read | Israel conducts airstrikes in Gaza; targets militant sites The base in Mutumji, Dansadau district, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the state capital Gusau, is a key site for logistics and reconnaissance in the army's fight against bandits in the area. Jihadists in Nigeria's northeast frequently attack military bases in Borno State, the heart of a 12-year insurgency that has killed 40,000 people. But large, heavily armed criminal gangs who raid villages and kidnap for ransom in the northwest and central states have also become more brazen. In July, bandit gunmen shot down an air force jet over Zamfara while it was returning from operations. The pilot safely ejected and managed to escape capture. Gunmen also attacked the country's elite defence academy in northwest Kaduna State last month, killing two officers and kidnapping another in a raid in one of the symbols of the armed forces.

Gunmen kill 12 in attack on Nigeria military base in northwest: Security sources

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz in the West Bank city of Ramallah during which they discussed ‘security-policy, civilian and economic issues’.

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz meets Palestinian Prez Abbas

As India celebrates its seventy-fifth independence day, security has been scaled up across the country. Thousands of personnel have been deployed across the length and breadth of the country, to oversee the security at strategic locations.

India celebrates 75 years of Independence, security beefed up

In a tweet, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar announced that he is meeting Qatar Special Envoy Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani in New Delhi.&nbsp;

During the meeting,&nbsp;the Minister shared the Indian perspective on recent developments in Afghanistan with the envoy. He also raised concerns of the region that he came to know during recent interactions.&nbsp;

“Rapid deterioration of the security situation in Afghanistan is a serious matter. A peaceful and stable Afghanistan requires that the rights and interests of all sections of society are promoted and protected,” said the minister on the micro blogging site. &nbsp;

Jaishankar also said, “Pleased to receive Qatar Special Envoy Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani.” &nbsp;

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Pleased to receive Qatar Special Envoy Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani. 
 
Shared the Indian perspective on recent developments in Afghanistan. Also the concerns of the region that I heard during recent interactions. <a href="https://t.co/D6yA7EB4JL">pic.twitter.com/D6yA7EB4JL</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1423910550115819524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Mohammad Haneef Atmar, the Afghan foreign minister, had spoken to his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar about holding an emergency session of the UN Security Council to address the Taliban's brutality and crimes across Afghanistan.&nbsp;

India is the President of the United Nations Security Council for August and decides upon the work of the top United Nations body.&nbsp;

An Afghan government readout said Afghan FM called Dr S Jaishankar to "discuss convening an emergency UN Security Council Session on Afghanistan" and that the "UN &amp; international community must play a greater role in stopping the unfolding tragedy in Afghanistan due to Taliban violence &amp; atrocities. Appreciate the lead role of India as the current UNSC President."&nbsp;

In a tweet, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar announced that he is meeting Qatar Special Envoy Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani in New Delhi. During the meeting, the Minister shared the Indian perspective on recent developments in Afghanistan with the envoy.

In a tweet, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar announced that he is meeting Qatar Special Envoy Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani in New Delhi. During the meeting, the Minister shared the Indian perspective on recent developments in Afghanistan with the envoy. He also raised concerns of the region that he came to know during recent interactions. “Rapid deterioration of the security situation in Afghanistan is a serious matter. A peaceful and stable Afghanistan requires that the rights and interests of all sections of society are promoted and protected,” said the minister on the micro blogging site. Jaishankar also said, “Pleased to receive Qatar Special Envoy Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani.” Pleased to receive Qatar Special Envoy Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani. Shared the Indian perspective on recent developments in Afghanistan. Also the concerns of the region that I heard during recent interactions. pic.twitter.com/D6yA7EB4JL — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 7, 2021 × Earlier, Mohammad Haneef Atmar, the Afghan foreign minister, had spoken to his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar about holding an emergency session of the UN Security Council to address the Taliban's brutality and crimes across Afghanistan. India is the President of the United Nations Security Council for August and decides upon the work of the top United Nations body. An Afghan government readout said Afghan FM called Dr S Jaishankar to "discuss convening an emergency UN Security Council Session on Afghanistan" and that the "UN & international community must play a greater role in stopping the unfolding tragedy in Afghanistan due to Taliban violence & atrocities. Appreciate the lead role of India as the current UNSC President."

Jaishankar meets Qatar special envoy, discusses Afghan security situation 

Governments and businesses hoping to plant trees and restore forests to reach net-zero emissions must limit such efforts to avoid driving up food prices in the developing world, the charity Oxfam has warned.

Nafkote Dabi, climate policy lead at Oxfam and co-author of the report, explained, "It is difficult to tell how much land would be required, as governments have not been transparent about how they plan to meet their net-zero commitments. But many countries and companies are talking about afforestation and reforestation, and the first question is: where is this land going to come from?".

As per few estimates, the food prices could rise by 80 per cent by 2050.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/japan-reserve-gets-first-alpha-female-in-70-year-history-402680">Also read |&nbsp;Japan reserve gets first alpha female in 70-year history</a>

Also, about 350m hectares of land could be used for offsetting without disrupting agriculture around the world.&nbsp;

However, taken together the plans for offsetting from countries and companies around the world could soon exceed this.

The Guardian quoted Dabi as saying, "Already, hundreds of millions of people, around the world are going hungry. We need to consult countries on how they are going to use their land, and countries and companies need to reduce their emissions first [before relying on offsetting]. We also need to reduce emissions from agriculture, which is the second biggest source of emissions globally.”

The report further highlighted that two of the most commonly used offsetting measures, reforestation and the planting of new forests, were among the worst at putting food security at risk.

Governments and businesses hoping to plant trees and restore forests to reach net-zero emissions must limit such efforts to avoid driving up food prices in the developing world, the charity Oxfam has warned.

Governments and businesses hoping to plant trees and restore forests to reach net-zero emissions must limit such efforts to avoid driving up food prices in the developing world, the charity Oxfam has warned. Nafkote Dabi, climate policy lead at Oxfam and co-author of the report, explained, "It is difficult to tell how much land would be required, as governments have not been transparent about how they plan to meet their net-zero commitments. But many countries and companies are talking about afforestation and reforestation, and the first question is: where is this land going to come from?". As per few estimates, the food prices could rise by 80 per cent by 2050. Also read | Japan reserve gets first alpha female in 70-year history Also, about 350m hectares of land could be used for offsetting without disrupting agriculture around the world. However, taken together the plans for offsetting from countries and companies around the world could soon exceed this. The Guardian quoted Dabi as saying, "Already, hundreds of millions of people, around the world are going hungry. We need to consult countries on how they are going to use their land, and countries and companies need to reduce their emissions first [before relying on offsetting]. We also need to reduce emissions from agriculture, which is the second biggest source of emissions globally.” The report further highlighted that two of the most commonly used offsetting measures, reforestation and the planting of new forests, were among the worst at putting food security at risk.

Reforestation might threaten global security, warns Oxfam

India has taken over the UN Security Council presidency for the month of August, during which the global body is set to host signature events in three major areas of peacekeeping, maritime security and counter-terrorism.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador T S Tirumurti, is representing the country for the influential position at the council.

Indian presidency’s first working day will be on August 2 when Tirumurti is likely to hold a press briefing at the UN headquarters in New York on the body's programme of&nbsp;work for the month.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiainUNSC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiainUNSC</a> 
 
Thank you Ambassador <a href="https://twitter.com/NDeRiviere?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NDeRiviere</a>, PR of France for steering the UN <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SecurityCouncil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SecurityCouncil</a> for the month of July. 👏 
 
India takes over the Presidency for August ⬇️ <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaembFrance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaembFrance</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/franceonu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@franceonu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FranceinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FranceinIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/afpfr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@afpfr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Yoshita_Singh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Yoshita_Singh</a> <a href="https://t.co/fCAdYj244g">pic.twitter.com/fCAdYj244g</a>
— PR/Amb T S Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) <a href="https://twitter.com/ambtstirumurti/status/1421660603513454592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In a tweet, Tirumurti announced, “India takes over the Presidency for August”. He also thanked Permanent Representative of France to the UN Nicolas de Rivière for steering the UN Security Council for the month of July.

French and Russian ambassadors &nbsp;congratulated India on the occasion. Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India, said on Twitter, “Delighted that India is today taking over UNSC presidency from France. We are committed to working with India on strategic issues as maritime security, peacekeeping and counter terrorism, and upholding a rules-based, multilateral system to face today’s many ongoing crisis.”

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Delighted that India is today taking over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNSC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNSC</a> presidency from France. We are committed to working with India on strategic issues as maritime security, peacekeeping &amp; counter-terrorism, and upholding a rules-based, multilateral system to face today’s many ongoing crises. <a href="https://t.co/f91aWoBjUQ">pic.twitter.com/f91aWoBjUQ</a>
— Emmanuel Lenain (@FranceinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/FranceinIndia/status/1421668132167426060?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Nikolay Kudashev, Russian Ambassador to India, tweeted:&nbsp;“Congratulations on India's taking over the UNSC presidency! Truly impressed with the agenda, which embraces pressing global issues including maritime security, peacekeeping and counter terrorism. Expecting fruitful and effective work. Wishing many happy returns and all the success!”&nbsp;

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Congratulations on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>'s taking over the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNSC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNSC</a> presidency! Truly impressed with the agenda, which embraces pressing global issues including maritime security, peacekeeping &amp; counter-terrorism. Expecting fruitful &amp; effective work. Wishing many happy returns &amp; all the success! <a href="https://t.co/1f8tDfbxel">pic.twitter.com/1f8tDfbxel</a>
— Nikolay Kudashev 🇷🇺 (@NKudashev) <a href="https://twitter.com/NKudashev/status/1421672163149422593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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As the president of the top UN body for August, India has the power to decide the agenda for the month, coordinate important meetings and other related issues. &nbsp;India began its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, for a two-year period starting January 1, 2021. &nbsp;

In a video message on the eve of India assuming the rotating presidency, Tirumurti had said, "It is a singular honour for us to be presiding over the Security Council the same month when we are celebrating our 75th Independence Day."

India has been president of the body in June 1950, September 1967, December 1972, October 1977, February 1985, October 1991, December 1992, August 2011, November 2012. &nbsp;

India has taken over the UN Security Council presidency for the month of August, during which the global body is set to host signature events in three major areas of peacekeeping, maritime security and counter-terrorism.

India has taken over the UN Security Council presidency for the month of August, during which the global body is set to host signature events in three major areas of peacekeeping, maritime security and counter-terrorism. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador T S Tirumurti, is representing the country for the influential position at the council. Indian presidency’s first working day will be on August 2 when Tirumurti is likely to hold a press briefing at the UN headquarters in New York on the body's programme of work for the month. #IndiainUNSC Thank you Ambassador @NDeRiviere, PR of France for steering the UN #SecurityCouncil for the month of July. 👏 India takes over the Presidency for August ⬇️ @MEAIndia @IndiaembFrance @franceonu @FranceinIndia @afpfr @Yoshita_Singh pic.twitter.com/fCAdYj244g — PR/Amb T S Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) August 1, 2021 × In a tweet, Tirumurti announced, “India takes over the Presidency for August”. He also thanked Permanent Representative of France to the UN Nicolas de Rivière for steering the UN Security Council for the month of July. French and Russian ambassadors congratulated India on the occasion. Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India, said on Twitter, “Delighted that India is today taking over UNSC presidency from France. We are committed to working with India on strategic issues as maritime security, peacekeeping and counter terrorism, and upholding a rules-based, multilateral system to face today’s many ongoing crisis.” Delighted that India is today taking over #UNSC presidency from France. We are committed to working with India on strategic issues as maritime security, peacekeeping & counter-terrorism, and upholding a rules-based, multilateral system to face today’s many ongoing crises. pic.twitter.com/f91aWoBjUQ — Emmanuel Lenain (@FranceinIndia) August 1, 2021 × Nikolay Kudashev, Russian Ambassador to India, tweeted: “Congratulations on India's taking over the UNSC presidency! Truly impressed with the agenda, which embraces pressing global issues including maritime security, peacekeeping and counter terrorism. Expecting fruitful and effective work. Wishing many happy returns and all the success!” Congratulations on #India's taking over the #UNSC presidency! Truly impressed with the agenda, which embraces pressing global issues including maritime security, peacekeeping & counter-terrorism. Expecting fruitful & effective work. Wishing many happy returns & all the success! pic.twitter.com/1f8tDfbxel — Nikolay Kudashev 🇷🇺 (@NKudashev) August 1, 2021 × As the president of the top UN body for August, India has the power to decide the agenda for the month, coordinate important meetings and other related issues. India began its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, for a two-year period starting January 1, 2021. In a video message on the eve of India assuming the rotating presidency, Tirumurti had said, "It is a singular honour for us to be presiding over the Security Council the same month when we are celebrating our 75th Independence Day." India has been president of the body in June 1950, September 1967, December 1972, October 1977, February 1985, October 1991, December 1992, August 2011, November 2012.

India takes over UN Security Council presidency for August  

Cuba's embassy in Paris said on Tuesday it had been attacked overnight with petrol bombs that caused some damage but no injuries to its staff, in an incident that prompted French authorities to beef up security around the building.

Three petrol bombs were thrown by two unnamed individuals, causing a fire on the facade and the entrance of the building, the embassy said in a statement.

Cuba has been rocked by protests against a deep economic crisis, the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and curbs on civil liberties, prompting the Communist-run country to restrict access to social media.

Cuba's foreign ministry published photos of the petrol bombs on its official Twitter feed.

"Those directly responsible for these acts are those who incite violence and hatred against our country," it said.

Its embassy in Paris pointed the finger at the United States, saying such acts had been "encouraged by campaigns by the U.S. government against our country."

The foreign ministers of the United States and 20 other countries on Monday condemned mass arrests in Cuba and called for full restoration of Internet access.&nbsp;

France's foreign ministry condemned the attack on the Cuban embassy, adding that a judicial investigation had been opened to try and determine who was behind it. It confirmed that there had been some material damage but no injuries.

Cuba's embassy in Paris said on Tuesday it had been attacked overnight with petrol bombs that caused some damage but no injuries to its staff, in an incident that prompted French authorities to beef up security around the building.

Cuba's embassy in Paris said on Tuesday it had been attacked overnight with petrol bombs that caused some damage but no injuries to its staff, in an incident that prompted French authorities to beef up security around the building. Three petrol bombs were thrown by two unnamed individuals, causing a fire on the facade and the entrance of the building, the embassy said in a statement. Cuba has been rocked by protests against a deep economic crisis, the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and curbs on civil liberties, prompting the Communist-run country to restrict access to social media. Cuba's foreign ministry published photos of the petrol bombs on its official Twitter feed. "Those directly responsible for these acts are those who incite violence and hatred against our country," it said. Its embassy in Paris pointed the finger at the United States, saying such acts had been "encouraged by campaigns by the U.S. government against our country." The foreign ministers of the United States and 20 other countries on Monday condemned mass arrests in Cuba and called for full restoration of Internet access. France's foreign ministry condemned the attack on the Cuban embassy, adding that a judicial investigation had been opened to try and determine who was behind it. It confirmed that there had been some material damage but no injuries.

Cuban Embassy in Paris attacked with petrol bombs, France beefs up security

To make the social media platform a friendlier yet safer place for children, Instagram has decided to launch some safety changes in the app.

To catch "suspicious behaviour", Instagram is rolling out software updates in Australia, Japan, France, the US and the UK. This update in the software will catch any adult trying to illegally connect with underage children through the platform.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/anti-terror-organisation-set-up-by-tech-firms-to-compile-database-of-right-wing-militias-400817" hreflang="en">Anti-terror organisation set up by tech firms to compile database of right-wing militias</a>

"Wherever we can, we want to stop young people from hearing from adults they don’t know, or that they don’t want to hear from,"&nbsp;Instagram said in a blog post.

This has come after the Facebook-owned platform decided to introduce a similar app tailored for children only.

Now, in the new safety features, all the accounts created for underage children will be set to "private" mode by default instead of being given the option to make it public or private. This will help limit the audience of underage children.

The underage children who already have public accounts will be alerted with notifications and tutorials of&nbsp;making their account private and also the importance of keeping a limited audience.

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"Encouraging young people to have private accounts is a big step in the right direction when it comes to stopping unwanted contact from adults," Instagram said. "But we're going even further to make young people's accounts difficult to find for certain adults."

In addition to this, Instagram will also keep a look out for all suspicious accounts, mainly those blocked or reported by children. "By 'potentially suspicious behavior,' we mean accounts belonging to adults that may have recently been blocked or reported by a young person for example," Instagram explained.

All the adult accounts that have been blocked or reported even once for such reasons will not be allowed to follow young people and will also not be able to view any content from the accounts of young people.

To make the social media platform a friendlier yet safer place for children, Instagram has decided to launch some safety changes in the app. To catch "suspicious behaviour", Instagram is rolling out software updates in Australia, Japan, France, the US and the UK.

To make the social media platform a friendlier yet safer place for children, Instagram has decided to launch some safety changes in the app. To catch "suspicious behaviour", Instagram is rolling out software updates in Australia, Japan, France, the US and the UK. This update in the software will catch any adult trying to illegally connect with underage children through the platform. Also read | Anti-terror organisation set up by tech firms to compile database of right-wing militias "Wherever we can, we want to stop young people from hearing from adults they don’t know, or that they don’t want to hear from," Instagram said in a blog post. This has come after the Facebook-owned platform decided to introduce a similar app tailored for children only. Now, in the new safety features, all the accounts created for underage children will be set to "private" mode by default instead of being given the option to make it public or private. This will help limit the audience of underage children. The underage children who already have public accounts will be alerted with notifications and tutorials of making their account private and also the importance of keeping a limited audience. Also read | What is Facebook's $1 billion gamble to regain lost users? "Encouraging young people to have private accounts is a big step in the right direction when it comes to stopping unwanted contact from adults," Instagram said. "But we're going even further to make young people's accounts difficult to find for certain adults." In addition to this, Instagram will also keep a look out for all suspicious accounts, mainly those blocked or reported by children. "By 'potentially suspicious behavior,' we mean accounts belonging to adults that may have recently been blocked or reported by a young person for example," Instagram explained. All the adult accounts that have been blocked or reported even once for such reasons will not be allowed to follow young people and will also not be able to view any content from the accounts of young people.

Instagram rolls out new security features for underage children

In support of the Afghan National&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;and Security Forces (ANDSF) in their fight against the Taliban,&nbsp;the United&nbsp;States&nbsp;carried out airstrikes&nbsp;across Afghanistan in the last several days, says Pentagon spokesman&nbsp;on Thursday.&nbsp;

In an off-camera press briefing,&nbsp;Pentagon spokesman John Kirby refused to provide details about the airstrikes.&nbsp;Kirby said,&nbsp;“Without&nbsp;going into specifics, I can say that in the last several days, we have acted through airstrikes to support the ANDSF.&nbsp;But I won't get into tactical details of those strikes.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

The spokesman added,&nbsp;“But we continue to be able to and we continue to, as the Secretary said yesterday, conduct airstrikes in support of the ANDSF. General McKenzie has those authorities.”&nbsp;

In a statement on Friday,&nbsp;the Afghan&nbsp;defence&nbsp;ministry said 17 Taliban fighters were killed in an airstrike by Afghan Air Force on Thursday night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Around 10 Taliban fighters were also killed in another airstrike conducted in&nbsp;Nijrab&nbsp;district,&nbsp;Kapisa province on Thursday night, the&nbsp;defence&nbsp;Ministry&nbsp;added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Although the Taliban has rejected the Ministry of&nbsp;Defence’s&nbsp;figures,&nbsp;the ministry has&nbsp;also&nbsp;not mentioned anything in its statements about US airstrikes on Taliban targets.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In support of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) in their fight against the Taliban, the United States carried out airstrikes across Afghanistan in the last several days, says Pentagon spokesman on Thursday.

In support of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) in their fight against the Taliban, the United States carried out airstrikes across Afghanistan in the last several days, says Pentagon spokesman on Thursday. In an off-camera press briefing, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby refused to provide details about the airstrikes. Kirby said, “Without going into specifics, I can say that in the last several days, we have acted through airstrikes to support the ANDSF. But I won't get into tactical details of those strikes.” The spokesman added, “But we continue to be able to and we continue to, as the Secretary said yesterday, conduct airstrikes in support of the ANDSF. General McKenzie has those authorities.” In a statement on Friday, the Afghan defence ministry said 17 Taliban fighters were killed in an airstrike by Afghan Air Force on Thursday night. Around 10 Taliban fighters were also killed in another airstrike conducted in Nijrab district, Kapisa province on Thursday night, the defence Ministry added. Although the Taliban has rejected the Ministry of Defence’s figures, the ministry has also not mentioned anything in its statements about US airstrikes on Taliban targets. (With inputs from agencies)

US holds airstrikes to support Afghan security forces against Taliban, says Pentagon

Hong Kong authorities have used a new national security law to target dissent and justify 'censorship, harassment, arrests and prosecutions that violate human rights', Amnesty International said on Wednesday, a year after the law was implemented. 
 
Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in June last year that sets out punishment for anything it deems as subversion, secession, colluding with foreign forces and terrorism with up to life in prison, setting the city on a more authoritarian path. 
 
Authorities have said the law would affect an 'extremely small minority' of people and that it had restored stability after months of often-violent protests in 2019. They have said rights and freedoms in the former British colony remain protected but they are not absolute. 
 
Most high-profile democratic politicians and activists have been arrested under the new law or for protest-related charges, or are in self-exile.

"In one year, the National Security Law has put Hong Kong on a rapid path to becoming a police state and created a human rights emergency for the people living there," said Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific Regional Director Yamini Mishra. 
 
"Ultimately, this sweeping and repressive legislation threatens to make the city a human rights wasteland increasingly resembling mainland China." 
 
The Hong Kong government did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 
 
Authorities have said all arrests have been lawful and no one was above the law, regardless of their occupation. 
 
In its 47-page report, the international human rights group cited analysis of court judgements, court hearing notes and interviews with activists, concluding the legislation has been used 'to carry out a wide range of human rights violations'. 
 
Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with the promise of a high degree of autonomy from Beijing and that wide-ranging rights and freedoms would be protected for at least 50 years. 
 
Mishra said the law "has infected every part of Hong Kong society and fomented a climate of fear that forces residents to think twice about what they say, what they tweet and how they live their lives". 
 
More than 100 people were arrested and more than 60 charged in the first year under the security law, according to a tally by Reuters. 
 
"Hong Kong's NSL has been used as a false pretext to curb dissent," the rights group said, referring to the security law. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong authorities have used a new national security law to target dissent and justify 'censorship, harassment, arrests and prosecutions that violate human rights', Amnesty International said on Wednesday, a year after the law was implemented.

Hong Kong authorities have used a new national security law to target dissent and justify 'censorship, harassment, arrests and prosecutions that violate human rights', Amnesty International said on Wednesday, a year after the law was implemented. Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in June last year that sets out punishment for anything it deems as subversion, secession, colluding with foreign forces and terrorism with up to life in prison, setting the city on a more authoritarian path. Authorities have said the law would affect an 'extremely small minority' of people and that it had restored stability after months of often-violent protests in 2019. They have said rights and freedoms in the former British colony remain protected but they are not absolute. Most high-profile democratic politicians and activists have been arrested under the new law or for protest-related charges, or are in self-exile. "In one year, the National Security Law has put Hong Kong on a rapid path to becoming a police state and created a human rights emergency for the people living there," said Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific Regional Director Yamini Mishra. "Ultimately, this sweeping and repressive legislation threatens to make the city a human rights wasteland increasingly resembling mainland China." The Hong Kong government did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Authorities have said all arrests have been lawful and no one was above the law, regardless of their occupation. In its 47-page report, the international human rights group cited analysis of court judgements, court hearing notes and interviews with activists, concluding the legislation has been used 'to carry out a wide range of human rights violations'. Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with the promise of a high degree of autonomy from Beijing and that wide-ranging rights and freedoms would be protected for at least 50 years. Mishra said the law "has infected every part of Hong Kong society and fomented a climate of fear that forces residents to think twice about what they say, what they tweet and how they live their lives". More than 100 people were arrested and more than 60 charged in the first year under the security law, according to a tally by Reuters. "Hong Kong's NSL has been used as a false pretext to curb dissent," the rights group said, referring to the security law. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong security law is 'a human rights emergency': Amnesty

US&nbsp;Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas said on Tuesday the US&nbsp;southern border is not open to irregular migration, adding the Biden administration is developing 'lawful pathways' aimed at slowing the flow of people at the border. 
 
The Homeland Security secretary's remarks during a visit to Mexico City come amid months of high migration that has become an early policy challenge for US&nbsp;President Joe Biden, as hundreds of thousands of people flee violence and poverty in Central America and parts of Mexico. 
 
Mayorkas said both Mexico and the United States were working to curtail irregular migration. 
 
"We have challenged one another," he told a news conference. "It`s not just a question of the US&nbsp;asking of Mexico, it's a matter of what we both can do." 
 
Echoing Vice President Kamala Harris's comments to migrants during a visit to Guatemala last week, he said the government has sent a clear message to migrants: 'Do not come." 
 
He emphasised that the government is working on alternatives he described as 'lawful pathways',&nbsp;listing programmes, such as temporary worker visas and US&nbsp;investment to tackle violence, corruption and weak economies in the countries with high migration rates. 
 
"We are devoted and dedicated to bringing different types of relief," Mayorkas said. 
 
Critics said the US&nbsp;government was sending mixed messages that could fuel further migration, after Harris described the United States as a safe haven for asylum seekers only days after warning migrants they would be turned back at the border. 
 
Mayorkas noted that Title 42, a COVID-19 health order implemented under former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump to slow migration during the pandemic, would remain in place as long as needed for public health reasons. 
 
Biden has faced growing pressure from migrant advocates and health experts to end the policy as more evidence emerges that migrants are being expelled into danger in Mexico. 
 
Mayorkas added that his department would be prepared to address border issues once the order is lifted. 
 
"It's not a tool of immigration policy," he said. 
 
In meetings with Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard and other top Mexican officials, Mayorkas also discussed speeding up vaccinations at the border amid efforts to phase out pandemic-related travel restrictions. 
 
The United States is not considering requiring a so-called vaccine passport for crossings, he said. 
 
Biden on Tuesday picked Latino lawyer and former US&nbsp;senator Ken Salazar as ambassador for Mexico, whose role includes working to limit migration from Central America. 
 
Salazar in 2017 criticized Trump's migration policies, saying border relations were about 'building trust, not walls'. 
 
Trump on Tuesday said he would visit the Texas-Mexico border this month with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, after both complained about a rise in migrants crossing into the United States. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

US Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas said on Tuesday the US southern border is not open to irregular migration, adding the Biden administration is developing 'lawful pathways' aimed at slowing the flow of people at the border.

US Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas said on Tuesday the US southern border is not open to irregular migration, adding the Biden administration is developing 'lawful pathways' aimed at slowing the flow of people at the border. The Homeland Security secretary's remarks during a visit to Mexico City come amid months of high migration that has become an early policy challenge for US President Joe Biden, as hundreds of thousands of people flee violence and poverty in Central America and parts of Mexico. Mayorkas said both Mexico and the United States were working to curtail irregular migration. "We have challenged one another," he told a news conference. "It`s not just a question of the US asking of Mexico, it's a matter of what we both can do." Echoing Vice President Kamala Harris's comments to migrants during a visit to Guatemala last week, he said the government has sent a clear message to migrants: 'Do not come." He emphasised that the government is working on alternatives he described as 'lawful pathways', listing programmes, such as temporary worker visas and US investment to tackle violence, corruption and weak economies in the countries with high migration rates. "We are devoted and dedicated to bringing different types of relief," Mayorkas said. Critics said the US government was sending mixed messages that could fuel further migration, after Harris described the United States as a safe haven for asylum seekers only days after warning migrants they would be turned back at the border. Mayorkas noted that Title 42, a COVID-19 health order implemented under former US President Donald Trump to slow migration during the pandemic, would remain in place as long as needed for public health reasons. Biden has faced growing pressure from migrant advocates and health experts to end the policy as more evidence emerges that migrants are being expelled into danger in Mexico. Mayorkas added that his department would be prepared to address border issues once the order is lifted. "It's not a tool of immigration policy," he said. In meetings with Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard and other top Mexican officials, Mayorkas also discussed speeding up vaccinations at the border amid efforts to phase out pandemic-related travel restrictions. The United States is not considering requiring a so-called vaccine passport for crossings, he said. Biden on Tuesday picked Latino lawyer and former US senator Ken Salazar as ambassador for Mexico, whose role includes working to limit migration from Central America. Salazar in 2017 criticized Trump's migration policies, saying border relations were about 'building trust, not walls'. Trump on Tuesday said he would visit the Texas-Mexico border this month with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, after both complained about a rise in migrants crossing into the United States. (With inputs from agencies)

Homeland Security chief says US-Mexico border not open

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

The head of Israel's domestic security service issued a rare warning on Saturday of possible violence during one of the most politically charged periods in decades, with the country on the verge of unseating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, its longest serving leader. 
 
Netanyahu is facing the prospect of an end to his 12-year run as premier after Israel's centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid announced on Wednesday that he had succeeded in forming a governing coalition following a March 23 election. 
 
The new government, yet to be sworn in, is an unlikely patchwork of left-wing, liberal, rightist, nationalist and religious parties, as well as - for the first time in Israel's history - an Arab Islamist party. 
 
Netanyahu in online posts has warned the partnership was 'a dangerous leftist government'. 
 
Some right-wing groups are angry at Naftali Bennett, head of a small ultra-nationalist party, who is slated to replace Netanyahu in a power-sharing pact with Lapid, garnering many postings attacking him on social media. 
 
Before the election, Bennett had promised he would not join the centrist Lapid, or any Arab party in a coalition. 
 
"We have recently identified a rise in increasingly extreme violent and inciteful discourse particularly on social networks," Nadav Argaman, head of the Shin Bet security force, said in a statement without mentioning any names. 
 
"This discourse may be interpreted among certain groups or individuals, as one that permits violent and illegal activity that may even cause physical harm," he said. 
 
Since Bennett announced he was joining forces with Lapid, security services have ramped up his protection with right-wing demonstrations held near the homes of his party members, hoping to keep them from joining the government. 
 
Argaman called on political and religious leaders to show responsibility and tone down potential incitements. His warning was reminiscent to some in Israel of the days leading up to the 1995 assassination of then-prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was shot by a Jewish ultra-nationalist for pursuing a land-for-peace deal with the Palestinians. 
 
Israel's left has for years pointed the finger at Netanyahu, then head of the opposition, for playing a part in incitement that preceded the assassination. Netanyahu has vehemently rejected the accusation and has repeatedly condemned Rabin's killing. 
 
Lapid and Bennett have said they hope their 'unity government' will heal deep political divides among Israelis and end hate. A poll by Israel's N12 Television's Meet the Press on Saturday showed that 46% of Israelis support the Bennett-Lapid government, 38% would prefer another election - the fifth in about two years - and 15% did not state a preference. 
 
Tensions could flare further this week, when a Jewish right-wing march is expected to pass through Jerusalem's Old City's Damascus gate. Eleven days of intense fighting broke out last month between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, sparked by Israeli-Palestinian confrontations in Jerusalem, in and around the Old City. A similar march, its route diverted at the last minute, was held the day the fighting broke out. 
 
In the nearby flashpoint East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah, where the potential eviction of Palestinians by Jewish settlers played a major role in the buildup to the latest Israel-Hamas conflict, scuffles broke out on Saturday. 
 
Media network Al Jazeera said one of its reporters, Givara Budeiri, had been assaulted and arrested by Israeli police while covering a protest there. 
 
A police spokesperson said that Budeiri had assaulted officers and had refused to identify herself. Footage posted online showed Budeiri, wearing a press vest, being pulled and pushed while led away by three or four officers. Al Jazeera also said the reporter's camera was smashed. 
 
Al Jazeera said the journalist was released a few hours later and was banned from entering Sheikh Jarrah for 15 days. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The head of Israel's domestic security service issued a rare warning on Saturday of possible violence during one of the most politically charged periods in decades, with the country on the verge of unseating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, its longest serving leader.

The head of Israel's domestic security service issued a rare warning on Saturday of possible violence during one of the most politically charged periods in decades, with the country on the verge of unseating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, its longest serving leader. Netanyahu is facing the prospect of an end to his 12-year run as premier after Israel's centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid announced on Wednesday that he had succeeded in forming a governing coalition following a March 23 election. The new government, yet to be sworn in, is an unlikely patchwork of left-wing, liberal, rightist, nationalist and religious parties, as well as - for the first time in Israel's history - an Arab Islamist party. Netanyahu in online posts has warned the partnership was 'a dangerous leftist government'. Some right-wing groups are angry at Naftali Bennett, head of a small ultra-nationalist party, who is slated to replace Netanyahu in a power-sharing pact with Lapid, garnering many postings attacking him on social media. Before the election, Bennett had promised he would not join the centrist Lapid, or any Arab party in a coalition. "We have recently identified a rise in increasingly extreme violent and inciteful discourse particularly on social networks," Nadav Argaman, head of the Shin Bet security force, said in a statement without mentioning any names. "This discourse may be interpreted among certain groups or individuals, as one that permits violent and illegal activity that may even cause physical harm," he said. Since Bennett announced he was joining forces with Lapid, security services have ramped up his protection with right-wing demonstrations held near the homes of his party members, hoping to keep them from joining the government. Argaman called on political and religious leaders to show responsibility and tone down potential incitements. His warning was reminiscent to some in Israel of the days leading up to the 1995 assassination of then-prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was shot by a Jewish ultra-nationalist for pursuing a land-for-peace deal with the Palestinians. Israel's left has for years pointed the finger at Netanyahu, then head of the opposition, for playing a part in incitement that preceded the assassination. Netanyahu has vehemently rejected the accusation and has repeatedly condemned Rabin's killing. Lapid and Bennett have said they hope their 'unity government' will heal deep political divides among Israelis and end hate. A poll by Israel's N12 Television's Meet the Press on Saturday showed that 46% of Israelis support the Bennett-Lapid government, 38% would prefer another election - the fifth in about two years - and 15% did not state a preference. Tensions could flare further this week, when a Jewish right-wing march is expected to pass through Jerusalem's Old City's Damascus gate. Eleven days of intense fighting broke out last month between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, sparked by Israeli-Palestinian confrontations in Jerusalem, in and around the Old City. A similar march, its route diverted at the last minute, was held the day the fighting broke out. In the nearby flashpoint East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah, where the potential eviction of Palestinians by Jewish settlers played a major role in the buildup to the latest Israel-Hamas conflict, scuffles broke out on Saturday. Media network Al Jazeera said one of its reporters, Givara Budeiri, had been assaulted and arrested by Israeli police while covering a protest there. A police spokesperson said that Budeiri had assaulted officers and had refused to identify herself. Footage posted online showed Budeiri, wearing a press vest, being pulled and pushed while led away by three or four officers. Al Jazeera also said the reporter's camera was smashed. Al Jazeera said the journalist was released a few hours later and was banned from entering Sheikh Jarrah for 15 days. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel domestic security warns of violence as Netanyahu faces unseating

Road blockades connected to weeks of anti-government protests in Colombia will be lifted by security forces in coordination with mayors and provincial governors, President Ivan Duque said on Monday.&nbsp;

The deadly demonstrations, originally called in late April against a now-canceled tax plan, have expanded to include demands like a basic income, an end to police violence and opportunities for young people.&nbsp;

The blockades, many erected by local demonstrators or truckers, have caused shortages of food and gasoline across the country, especially in the city of Cali, an epicenter of protests. The government says some are connected to criminal and guerrilla groups, which it also blames for sparking looting and other violence.&nbsp;

Duque said he had ordered "the increase of all operational capacity of our public security forces on the ground to, together with mayors and governors, unblock the roads of our country with strict adherence to human rights."&nbsp;

The government will also subsidize 25% of the minimum wage for workers between 18 and 28 years old for at least a year, Duque said in a video, in an effort to encourage employers to hire young people.&nbsp;

Vandalism and the blockades have cost the economy about $1.6 billion, while road closures had halted the transport of 700,000 tonnes of food, the government said last week.&nbsp;

The number of deaths connected to the protests is disputed. The attorney general's office says just 15 deaths are tied directly to demonstrations, but human rights groups allege the toll is about two dozen people higher.&nbsp;

Government representatives were meeting late on Monday with representatives from the national strike committee, made up of unions, student groups and others, to agree to terms for a negotiation the government hopes will curb marches.&nbsp;

Protests continued over the weekend and into a federal holiday on Monday, with deaths reported in several smaller cities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Road blockades connected to weeks of anti-government protests in Colombia will be lifted by security forces in coordination with mayors and provincial governors, President Ivan Duque said on Monday.

Road blockades connected to weeks of anti-government protests in Colombia will be lifted by security forces in coordination with mayors and provincial governors, President Ivan Duque said on Monday. The deadly demonstrations, originally called in late April against a now-canceled tax plan, have expanded to include demands like a basic income, an end to police violence and opportunities for young people. The blockades, many erected by local demonstrators or truckers, have caused shortages of food and gasoline across the country, especially in the city of Cali, an epicenter of protests. The government says some are connected to criminal and guerrilla groups, which it also blames for sparking looting and other violence. Duque said he had ordered "the increase of all operational capacity of our public security forces on the ground to, together with mayors and governors, unblock the roads of our country with strict adherence to human rights." The government will also subsidize 25% of the minimum wage for workers between 18 and 28 years old for at least a year, Duque said in a video, in an effort to encourage employers to hire young people. Vandalism and the blockades have cost the economy about $1.6 billion, while road closures had halted the transport of 700,000 tonnes of food, the government said last week. The number of deaths connected to the protests is disputed. The attorney general's office says just 15 deaths are tied directly to demonstrations, but human rights groups allege the toll is about two dozen people higher. Government representatives were meeting late on Monday with representatives from the national strike committee, made up of unions, student groups and others, to agree to terms for a negotiation the government hopes will curb marches. Protests continued over the weekend and into a federal holiday on Monday, with deaths reported in several smaller cities. (With inputs from agencies)

Colombia president says security forces to lift road blockades 

The Libyan government postponed the prime minister's first visit to the east of the country late on Sunday, hours after an advance security team was turned back from Benghazi airport, a source told AFP.&nbsp;

A cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday in the city would also have marked national unity government leader Abdulhamid Dbeibah's first trip to Libya's east, a bastion of military strongman Khalifa Hafter. &nbsp;

But on Sunday a spokesperson said preparations were underway to arrange another date, without giving a reason for the postponement.&nbsp;

The announcement came several hours after a government security team was turned away by local authorities at Benghazi airport, forcing them to get back on their plane and return to the capital Tripoli, a local security source told AFP. &nbsp;

Dbeibah was selected earlier this year through an UN-backed inter-Libyan dialogue to lead the country to national elections in December 2021.&nbsp;

Libya has been mired in chaos since dictator Moamer Kadhafi was deposed and killed in a 2011 NATO-backed uprising.&nbsp;

Dbeibah's government replaced two rival administrations based in Tripoli and the country's east, the latter loyal to Hafter, whose forces tried but failed to seize the capital in a 2019-20 offensive.&nbsp;

The rival authorities have given their backing to the new administration, adding to tentative hopes that Libya can exit a decade of crisis.&nbsp;

Dbeibah had previously announced his intention to hold cabinet meetings in different cities across the country, most notably in Benghazi, Libya's second city and one of Hafter's strongholds. &nbsp;

The Libyan government postponed the prime minister's first visit to the east of the country late on Sunday, hours after an advance security team was turned back from Benghazi airport, a source told AFP.

The Libyan government postponed the prime minister's first visit to the east of the country late on Sunday, hours after an advance security team was turned back from Benghazi airport, a source told AFP. A cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday in the city would also have marked national unity government leader Abdulhamid Dbeibah's first trip to Libya's east, a bastion of military strongman Khalifa Hafter. But on Sunday a spokesperson said preparations were underway to arrange another date, without giving a reason for the postponement. The announcement came several hours after a government security team was turned away by local authorities at Benghazi airport, forcing them to get back on their plane and return to the capital Tripoli, a local security source told AFP. Dbeibah was selected earlier this year through an UN-backed inter-Libyan dialogue to lead the country to national elections in December 2021. Libya has been mired in chaos since dictator Moamer Kadhafi was deposed and killed in a 2011 NATO-backed uprising. Dbeibah's government replaced two rival administrations based in Tripoli and the country's east, the latter loyal to Hafter, whose forces tried but failed to seize the capital in a 2019-20 offensive. The rival authorities have given their backing to the new administration, adding to tentative hopes that Libya can exit a decade of crisis. Dbeibah had previously announced his intention to hold cabinet meetings in different cities across the country, most notably in Benghazi, Libya's second city and one of Hafter's strongholds.

Libya PM trip to country's east postponed after security team turned back 

Jordan’s neighbours and allies reacted with statements of support after the Jordanian military said on Saturday that King Abdullah’s half-brother and former Crown Prince Hamza bin Hussein had been told to halt actions used to target the country’s ‘security and stability’.

In a statement published by the state news agency, it said the action was part of a broader security investigation in which a former minister, a member of the royal family and some other unidentified individuals were detained.

In response to the action, US State Department spokesman Ned Price in an email, said, "We are closely following the reports and in touch with Jordanian officials. King Abdullah is a key partner of the United States, and he has our full support."

In a statement, the Saudi royal court said, "The kingdom affirms its full support, with all its capabilities, to all decisions and measures taken by King Abdullah and His Highness Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, the Crown Prince, to maintain security and stability."

In a separate statement, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said Jordan’s stability and prosperity was the ‘basis for the stability and prosperity of the whole region’ and vowed ‘firm and lasting’ support for it.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Presidential Affairs stressed the UAE’s full support for all decisions and measures taken by King Abdullah and his crown prince to maintain Jordan’s security and stability and ‘to defuse any attempt to impact them’.&nbsp;

Senior Emirati official Anwar Gargash said on Twitter Jordan’s ‘wise policy to build bridges in a turbulent region was not an easy choice but was, and remains, the necessary direction’.

Egypt voiced support for King Abdullah and his efforts ‘to maintain the security and stability of the kingdom against any attempts to undermine it’, its presidency spokesman wrote on Facebook.

Oman completely stands by Jordan under the leadership of King Abdullah and firmly supports anything that preserves Jordan’s security, sovereignty and stability, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa affirmed full support to the decisions and measures taken by King Abdullah to maintain Jordan’s security and stability and ‘defuse all disruptive attempts’, state news agency BNA said.

In a statement, GCC Secretary General Nayef Falah Mubarak al-Hajraf said the bloc affirmed its full support for all decisions and measures taken by King Abdullah to preserve the security and stability of Jordan.

"Jordan’s security and safety is a fundamental basis for the security and safety of the Arab world," Lebanese Prime Minister designate Saad al-Hariri said on Twitter. "All the solidarity with the Jordanian leadership and King Abdullah in defending the gains of the Jordanian people, protecting their stability, and refusing interference in their affairs."

Kuwait’s foreign ministry expressed its support to all measures taken by King Abdullah and his crown prince to maintain the security and stability of Jordan.

"The Iraqi government affirms that it stands with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, in any steps taken to preserve the security and stability of the country and take care of the interests of the brotherly people of Jordan, in a way that boosts their presence, by relying on measures that aim to extend the respect of the state," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Qatar expressed its full solidarity with Jordan and full support to the decisions and measures issued by King Abdullah to preserve security and stability, and boost the process of progress and prosperity, state news agency QNA said.

It said strategic bilateral relations ‘will remain an honest and strong guard against any attempts to undermine the security and stability in the two countries and the region’.

Yemen’s internationally recognised government ‘affirms its absolute support and totally stands with all decisions and measures taken by His Majesty King Abdullah aimed at maintaining security and ending any attempts to destabilise the sisterly Kingdom of Jordan,’ state news agency Saba said.

"Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that we stand by the sisterly Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the king, the government, and the people," the official Palestinian news agency WAFA said in a statement.

"We support the decisions taken by King Abdullah II to preserve Jordan`s security and ensure its stability and unity. 
"We support the steps taken by King Abdullah to maintain Jordanian national security, stressing that Jordan’s security and stability is a supreme Palestinian interest."

"The secretary-general of the Arab League expressed full solidarity with the measures taken by the Jordanian leadership to maintain the security of the kingdom and maintain the stability," the Arab League said in a statement on its Facebook page, citing Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

"He also stressed his confidence in the leadership’s wisdom and its keenness to secure the country’s stability in parallel with the respect for the constitution and the law.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry voiced support for King Abdullah and the government of Jordan, and said that it was watching developments with concern.

"We do not see the stability and calm of Jordan, a country that is key to peace in the Middle East, as separate from Turkey’s stability and calm," the ministry said in a statement.

"In this framework, we express our strong support for King Abdullah II and the Jordanian government, as well as for the tranquility, welfare and well-being of the friendly and brotherly people of Jordan," it said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Jordan’s neighbours and allies reacted with statements of support after the Jordanian military said on Saturday that King Abdullah’s half-brother and former Crown Prince Hamza bin Hussein had been told to halt actions used to target the country’s ‘security and stability’.

Jordan’s neighbours and allies reacted with statements of support after the Jordanian military said on Saturday that King Abdullah’s half-brother and former Crown Prince Hamza bin Hussein had been told to halt actions used to target the country’s ‘security and stability’. In a statement published by the state news agency, it said the action was part of a broader security investigation in which a former minister, a member of the royal family and some other unidentified individuals were detained. In response to the action, US State Department spokesman Ned Price in an email, said, "We are closely following the reports and in touch with Jordanian officials. King Abdullah is a key partner of the United States, and he has our full support." In a statement, the Saudi royal court said, "The kingdom affirms its full support, with all its capabilities, to all decisions and measures taken by King Abdullah and His Highness Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, the Crown Prince, to maintain security and stability." In a separate statement, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said Jordan’s stability and prosperity was the ‘basis for the stability and prosperity of the whole region’ and vowed ‘firm and lasting’ support for it. The Ministry of Presidential Affairs stressed the UAE’s full support for all decisions and measures taken by King Abdullah and his crown prince to maintain Jordan’s security and stability and ‘to defuse any attempt to impact them’. Senior Emirati official Anwar Gargash said on Twitter Jordan’s ‘wise policy to build bridges in a turbulent region was not an easy choice but was, and remains, the necessary direction’. Egypt voiced support for King Abdullah and his efforts ‘to maintain the security and stability of the kingdom against any attempts to undermine it’, its presidency spokesman wrote on Facebook. Oman completely stands by Jordan under the leadership of King Abdullah and firmly supports anything that preserves Jordan’s security, sovereignty and stability, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa affirmed full support to the decisions and measures taken by King Abdullah to maintain Jordan’s security and stability and ‘defuse all disruptive attempts’, state news agency BNA said. In a statement, GCC Secretary General Nayef Falah Mubarak al-Hajraf said the bloc affirmed its full support for all decisions and measures taken by King Abdullah to preserve the security and stability of Jordan. "Jordan’s security and safety is a fundamental basis for the security and safety of the Arab world," Lebanese Prime Minister designate Saad al-Hariri said on Twitter. "All the solidarity with the Jordanian leadership and King Abdullah in defending the gains of the Jordanian people, protecting their stability, and refusing interference in their affairs." Kuwait’s foreign ministry expressed its support to all measures taken by King Abdullah and his crown prince to maintain the security and stability of Jordan. "The Iraqi government affirms that it stands with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, in any steps taken to preserve the security and stability of the country and take care of the interests of the brotherly people of Jordan, in a way that boosts their presence, by relying on measures that aim to extend the respect of the state," the foreign ministry said in a statement. Qatar expressed its full solidarity with Jordan and full support to the decisions and measures issued by King Abdullah to preserve security and stability, and boost the process of progress and prosperity, state news agency QNA said. It said strategic bilateral relations ‘will remain an honest and strong guard against any attempts to undermine the security and stability in the two countries and the region’. Yemen’s internationally recognised government ‘affirms its absolute support and totally stands with all decisions and measures taken by His Majesty King Abdullah aimed at maintaining security and ending any attempts to destabilise the sisterly Kingdom of Jordan,’ state news agency Saba said. "Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that we stand by the sisterly Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the king, the government, and the people," the official Palestinian news agency WAFA said in a statement. "We support the decisions taken by King Abdullah II to preserve Jordan`s security and ensure its stability and unity. "We support the steps taken by King Abdullah to maintain Jordanian national security, stressing that Jordan’s security and stability is a supreme Palestinian interest." "The secretary-general of the Arab League expressed full solidarity with the measures taken by the Jordanian leadership to maintain the security of the kingdom and maintain the stability," the Arab League said in a statement on its Facebook page, citing Ahmed Aboul Gheit. "He also stressed his confidence in the leadership’s wisdom and its keenness to secure the country’s stability in parallel with the respect for the constitution and the law. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry voiced support for King Abdullah and the government of Jordan, and said that it was watching developments with concern. "We do not see the stability and calm of Jordan, a country that is key to peace in the Middle East, as separate from Turkey’s stability and calm," the ministry said in a statement. "In this framework, we express our strong support for King Abdullah II and the Jordanian government, as well as for the tranquility, welfare and well-being of the friendly and brotherly people of Jordan," it said. (With inputs from agencies)

Jordan's neighbours, allies voice support over its security moves

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is a personality politician. The kind that Britain hasn't known since Winston Churchill and much like Churchill, he is trying to shape the United Kingdom in his image. Look at the blueprint, the integrated defence and security review, that he unveiled while addressing the House of Commons on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

Boris Johnson announced a sweeping overhaul of Britain's domestic affairs, defence, diplomacy and international priorities. A revamp that reflects the Prime Minister's freewheeling and disruptive personality. It lays out a more activist approach to international relations. &nbsp;

It redirects London's foreign policy towards the Indo-Pacific. At the same time, it also lays out a plan to lift the cap on the number of nuclear warheads that the UK can stockpile and a plan to outlaw any protests that cause serious unease or annoyance. &nbsp;

This blueprint is both consequential and controversial. Team Johnson is billing it as the most wide-ranging re-evaluation of the UK's place in the world since the end of the cold war. How accurate is this assertion?&nbsp;

It's an ambitious new chapter for the United Kingdom on the global stage. The integrated defence and security review promises to make the UK a global force once again but without any old obligations. There are four areas of interest and importance. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Chinese regime has been recognised as the foremost state-based threat to Britain. Speaking in the House of Commons, Boris Johnson singled out China as a country that will pose great challenges for the free British society, but he was notably cautious and measured in his statement. He also promised to work with China where it is consistent with British values and interests.&nbsp;

The integrated review also sets out a significant foreign policy shift like the tilt to the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

This year, the Queen Elizabeth carrier will undertake its first operational deployment in the region. In April, the British Prime Minister will travel to India and he is also looking to build a Quad-like alliance with South-East Asian nations. With the G7 presidency in its hand, the UK has invited India, Australia and South Korea to attend the G7 summit scheduled for June this year.&nbsp;

Some controversial decisions have also been taken like a nuclear stockpile upgrade. Britain is lifting the cap on the number of Trident nuclear warheads, it can stockpile by 40%. This decision will end 30 years of gradual disarmament since the cold war ended. The increased limit from 180 to 260 warheads is largely aimed at building deterrence against hostile states.&nbsp;

Another controversial decision is a proposed law on protest. What kind of protests will be allowed?&nbsp;

Any protest, which is noisy or causes serious annoyance, will be outlawed. Those who indulge in such protests could face up to 10 years in prison. The law will also limit the right to protest outside the British Parliament. It will provide police officers with significantly greater powers to crackdown.&nbsp;

From global priorities to domestic concerns, this is indeed the biggest overhaul of British policy in a generation. Boris Johnson has laid the roadmap for a post-Brexit Britain. Whether he will be able to get the UK to the desired destination remains to be seen. &nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is a personality politician. The kind that Britain hasn't known since Winston Churchill and much like Churchill, he is trying to shape the United Kingdom in his image.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is a personality politician. The kind that Britain hasn't known since Winston Churchill and much like Churchill, he is trying to shape the United Kingdom in his image. Look at the blueprint, the integrated defence and security review, that he unveiled while addressing the House of Commons on Tuesday evening. Boris Johnson announced a sweeping overhaul of Britain's domestic affairs, defence, diplomacy and international priorities. A revamp that reflects the Prime Minister's freewheeling and disruptive personality. It lays out a more activist approach to international relations. It redirects London's foreign policy towards the Indo-Pacific. At the same time, it also lays out a plan to lift the cap on the number of nuclear warheads that the UK can stockpile and a plan to outlaw any protests that cause serious unease or annoyance. This blueprint is both consequential and controversial. Team Johnson is billing it as the most wide-ranging re-evaluation of the UK's place in the world since the end of the cold war. How accurate is this assertion? It's an ambitious new chapter for the United Kingdom on the global stage. The integrated defence and security review promises to make the UK a global force once again but without any old obligations. There are four areas of interest and importance. The Chinese regime has been recognised as the foremost state-based threat to Britain. Speaking in the House of Commons, Boris Johnson singled out China as a country that will pose great challenges for the free British society, but he was notably cautious and measured in his statement. He also promised to work with China where it is consistent with British values and interests. The integrated review also sets out a significant foreign policy shift like the tilt to the Indo-Pacific. This year, the Queen Elizabeth carrier will undertake its first operational deployment in the region. In April, the British Prime Minister will travel to India and he is also looking to build a Quad-like alliance with South-East Asian nations. With the G7 presidency in its hand, the UK has invited India, Australia and South Korea to attend the G7 summit scheduled for June this year. Some controversial decisions have also been taken like a nuclear stockpile upgrade. Britain is lifting the cap on the number of Trident nuclear warheads, it can stockpile by 40%. This decision will end 30 years of gradual disarmament since the cold war ended. The increased limit from 180 to 260 warheads is largely aimed at building deterrence against hostile states. Another controversial decision is a proposed law on protest. What kind of protests will be allowed? Any protest, which is noisy or causes serious annoyance, will be outlawed. Those who indulge in such protests could face up to 10 years in prison. The law will also limit the right to protest outside the British Parliament. It will provide police officers with significantly greater powers to crackdown. From global priorities to domestic concerns, this is indeed the biggest overhaul of British policy in a generation. Boris Johnson has laid the roadmap for a post-Brexit Britain. Whether he will be able to get the UK to the desired destination remains to be seen.

British Prime Minister unveils integrated defence, security review 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday acknowledged that China will pose a “great challenge” for the UK as he set out the findings of a major review of foreign policy.

In a Commons statement, Johnson said that the UK has led the international community in expressing our deep concern over China’s mass detention of the Uighur people and its actions in Hong Kong.

“There is no question China will pose a great challenge for an open society such as ours,” Johnson said.

“But we will also work with China where that is consistent with our values and interests, including building a stronger and positive economic relationship and in addressing climate change.”

“The review describes how we will bolster our alliances, strengthen our capabilities, find new ways of reaching solutions and re-learn the art of competing against states with opposing values.” 
&nbsp; 
Johnson said Brexit marked a “new chapter in our history” and the UK was now “open to the world, free to tread our own path” as the Integrated Review Of Security, Defence, Development And Foreign Policy was published. 
 
Russia remains “the most acute threat to our security," the UK government said, but the language on China was more muted. While acknowledging the risks and human rights challenges posed by a more assertive China, Johnson stressed he wanted a balanced approach and said the UK will continue pursuing a positive trade and investment relationship with Beijing.

Britain’s biggest foreign and defence policy review since the 1990 end of the Cold War sets out how Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to be at the forefront of a reinvigorated, rules-based international order based on cooperation and free trade. 
&nbsp; 
Calling the Indo-Pacific “increasingly the geopolitical centre of the world”, the government highlighted a planned British aircraft carrier deployment to the region and said a previously postponed visit to India would go ahead in April.

(With inputs from agencies)

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday acknowledged that China will pose a “great challenge” for the UK as he set out the findings of a major review of foreign policy.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday acknowledged that China will pose a “great challenge” for the UK as he set out the findings of a major review of foreign policy. In a Commons statement, Johnson said that the UK has led the international community in expressing our deep concern over China’s mass detention of the Uighur people and its actions in Hong Kong. “There is no question China will pose a great challenge for an open society such as ours,” Johnson said. “But we will also work with China where that is consistent with our values and interests, including building a stronger and positive economic relationship and in addressing climate change.” “The review describes how we will bolster our alliances, strengthen our capabilities, find new ways of reaching solutions and re-learn the art of competing against states with opposing values.” Johnson said Brexit marked a “new chapter in our history” and the UK was now “open to the world, free to tread our own path” as the Integrated Review Of Security, Defence, Development And Foreign Policy was published. Russia remains “the most acute threat to our security," the UK government said, but the language on China was more muted. While acknowledging the risks and human rights challenges posed by a more assertive China, Johnson stressed he wanted a balanced approach and said the UK will continue pursuing a positive trade and investment relationship with Beijing. Britain’s biggest foreign and defence policy review since the 1990 end of the Cold War sets out how Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to be at the forefront of a reinvigorated, rules-based international order based on cooperation and free trade. Calling the Indo-Pacific “increasingly the geopolitical centre of the world”, the government highlighted a planned British aircraft carrier deployment to the region and said a previously postponed visit to India would go ahead in April. (With inputs from agencies)

Beijing poses great challenges for an open society but the UK wants to work with China: Boris Johnson

Indian and Saudi armies will undertake joint bilateral exercise. According to sources the joint exercise will take place next year in Saudi Arabia. Security Cooperations and Intelligence sharing are important elements in this strategic partnership between the two nations.

Indian and Saudi armies will undertake joint bilateral exercise

A veteran CIA analyst who had led President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden’s</a> in-person briefings in the opening days of the administration is no longer doing so, intelligence officials said Saturday.

The duties of the briefer typically included coordinating work across 18 intelligence agencies, in what is known as mission integration, and overseeing the assembly of the written intelligence document delivered to the White House each day. In a shift from previous administrations, the job of leading the in-person briefing will be distinct from the other responsibilities and divided among various people.

The veteran analyst, Morgan Muir, is still set to take over as director of mission integration, a top post in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, succeeding Beth Sanner, who was the lead briefer for President Donald Trump. As director of mission integration, Muir will put together what is known as the President’s Daily Brief, or PDB, from various reports from across the intelligence community, but he will no longer lead the in-person briefings.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-should-not-receive-intelligence-briefings-joe-biden-feels-361686" hreflang="en">Donald Trump should not receive intelligence briefings, Joe Biden feels</a>

In his new role, Muir will oversee the agency’s efforts to integrate the intelligence community’s activities “from collection to analysis, including the interagency PDB process,” said Amanda Schoch, the spokesperson for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

The appointment of Muir as Biden’s briefer last month was unusual because it was his second tour in that job, the only time someone had returned to the post under a new administration. He had served as one of George W. Bush’s briefers midway through his presidency.

Former presidents, too, continue to receive briefings, though they are different from the classified one that a sitting president is given daily. Still, it is provided partly as a courtesy and partly for the instances in which a sitting president reaches out for advice. The team of CIA analysts who would brief a former president is not the same team who would brief a current president.

The question of whether <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump?page=1">Trump</a> should continue to get briefings has been raised in recent days. On Friday, Biden told CBS that there was “no need” for the former president to receive briefings, citing his “erratic” behavior. But a day later, the White House clarified those comments.

“The president was expressing his concern about former president Trump receiving access to sensitive intelligence,” Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said in a statement, “but he also has deep trust in his own intelligence team to make a determination about how to provide intelligence information if at any point the former president Trump requests a briefing.”

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-us-presidents-intelligence-briefing-is-and-why-biden-wants-trump-out-of-loop-361778" hreflang="en">What US President's intelligence briefing is and why Biden wants Trump out of loop</a>

On Saturday night, the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment clarifying whether Trump had asked for briefings.

The New York Times earlier reported that Muir was set to become the lead briefer, but at the time intelligence officials said that the director of national intelligence, Avril Haines, was still determining the final format of the briefing sessions and that additional briefers would work with Biden. Officials also said at the time that there had been no final decision about whether to split briefing duties from the broader responsibilities of the director of mission integration.

Some officials in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence have long pushed to delegate those tasks to different people.

But in recent days, Haines decided to bring in a series of expert briefers to lead the sessions in the Oval Office, Schoch said. Haines continues to participate in those meetings.

On Saturday, BuzzFeed News reported that in 2013, Muir, then a senior CIA analyst, led a delegation from the agency in tense talks with Senate Intelligence Committee staff members putting together what would become the report on the agency’s torture program. The article quoted Daniel J. Jones, one of the lead committee staff members at the time, saying that, in private talks with Senate aides, Muir had defended the value of the CIA’s torture program.

In a statement, Jones said that Muir had provided “verifiably false information” to the committee that year. The CIA later acknowledged that Muir’s statements were wrong, Jones said.

“One would hope that type of professional failure would be, at the very least, disqualifying for any future leadership positions,” Jones said.

The Senate report issued in 2014, a sweeping indictment of the CIA, outlined abuses and torture by the agency in interrogating terrorism suspects in the years after the Sept. 11 attacks and a pattern of misleading Congress and the White House about it.

While the report remains a sore point with many former senior agency officials, who disagree with its conclusions and characterization, a number of senators have expressed frustration that some top agency officials continue to question the report.

After the publication of the BuzzFeed article, two intelligence officials insisted the criticism of Muir’s interactions with the Senate committee had nothing to do with the decision to change how Biden was being briefed.

Schoch said Haines remained “confident in Morgan’s steady leadership.”

“Morgan Muir is a widely respected intelligence officer who has demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and professionalism throughout his career,” Schoch said.

A veteran CIA analyst who had led President Joe Biden’s in-person briefings in the opening days of the administration is no longer doing so, intelligence officials said Saturday.

A veteran CIA analyst who had led President Joe Biden’s in-person briefings in the opening days of the administration is no longer doing so, intelligence officials said Saturday. The duties of the briefer typically included coordinating work across 18 intelligence agencies, in what is known as mission integration, and overseeing the assembly of the written intelligence document delivered to the White House each day. In a shift from previous administrations, the job of leading the in-person briefing will be distinct from the other responsibilities and divided among various people. The veteran analyst, Morgan Muir, is still set to take over as director of mission integration, a top post in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, succeeding Beth Sanner, who was the lead briefer for President Donald Trump. As director of mission integration, Muir will put together what is known as the President’s Daily Brief, or PDB, from various reports from across the intelligence community, but he will no longer lead the in-person briefings. Also read| Donald Trump should not receive intelligence briefings, Joe Biden feels In his new role, Muir will oversee the agency’s efforts to integrate the intelligence community’s activities “from collection to analysis, including the interagency PDB process,” said Amanda Schoch, the spokesperson for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The appointment of Muir as Biden’s briefer last month was unusual because it was his second tour in that job, the only time someone had returned to the post under a new administration. He had served as one of George W. Bush’s briefers midway through his presidency. Former presidents, too, continue to receive briefings, though they are different from the classified one that a sitting president is given daily. Still, it is provided partly as a courtesy and partly for the instances in which a sitting president reaches out for advice. The team of CIA analysts who would brief a former president is not the same team who would brief a current president. The question of whether Trump should continue to get briefings has been raised in recent days. On Friday, Biden told CBS that there was “no need” for the former president to receive briefings, citing his “erratic” behavior. But a day later, the White House clarified those comments. “The president was expressing his concern about former president Trump receiving access to sensitive intelligence,” Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said in a statement, “but he also has deep trust in his own intelligence team to make a determination about how to provide intelligence information if at any point the former president Trump requests a briefing.” Also read| What US President's intelligence briefing is and why Biden wants Trump out of loop On Saturday night, the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment clarifying whether Trump had asked for briefings. The New York Times earlier reported that Muir was set to become the lead briefer, but at the time intelligence officials said that the director of national intelligence, Avril Haines, was still determining the final format of the briefing sessions and that additional briefers would work with Biden. Officials also said at the time that there had been no final decision about whether to split briefing duties from the broader responsibilities of the director of mission integration. Some officials in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence have long pushed to delegate those tasks to different people. But in recent days, Haines decided to bring in a series of expert briefers to lead the sessions in the Oval Office, Schoch said. Haines continues to participate in those meetings. On Saturday, BuzzFeed News reported that in 2013, Muir, then a senior CIA analyst, led a delegation from the agency in tense talks with Senate Intelligence Committee staff members putting together what would become the report on the agency’s torture program. The article quoted Daniel J. Jones, one of the lead committee staff members at the time, saying that, in private talks with Senate aides, Muir had defended the value of the CIA’s torture program. In a statement, Jones said that Muir had provided “verifiably false information” to the committee that year. The CIA later acknowledged that Muir’s statements were wrong, Jones said. “One would hope that type of professional failure would be, at the very least, disqualifying for any future leadership positions,” Jones said. The Senate report issued in 2014, a sweeping indictment of the CIA, outlined abuses and torture by the agency in interrogating terrorism suspects in the years after the Sept. 11 attacks and a pattern of misleading Congress and the White House about it. While the report remains a sore point with many former senior agency officials, who disagree with its conclusions and characterization, a number of senators have expressed frustration that some top agency officials continue to question the report. After the publication of the BuzzFeed article, two intelligence officials insisted the criticism of Muir’s interactions with the Senate committee had nothing to do with the decision to change how Biden was being briefed. Schoch said Haines remained “confident in Morgan’s steady leadership.” “Morgan Muir is a widely respected intelligence officer who has demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and professionalism throughout his career,” Schoch said.

Rotating group of analysts to provide Biden security briefs

Google has urged YouTubers around the world to complain to Australian authorities as it ratchets up its campaign against a plan to force digital giants to pay for news content.

Alongside pop-ups warning "the way Aussies use Google is at risk", which began appearing for Australian Google users on Monday, the tech titan also urged YouTube creators worldwide to complain to the nation's consumer watchdog.

"The YouTube you know and love is at risk in Australia," the company tweeted from its YouTube Creators account on Monday, also encouraging those outside of Australia to email their concerns to the body behind the plan.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The YouTube you know and love is at risk in Australia. A proposed new law, The News Media Bargaining Code, could have a significant, negative impact on creators in Australia. Your voice matters.→ <a href="https://t.co/gR5Hf81DIH">https://t.co/gR5Hf81DIH</a> <a href="https://t.co/oPnC6fi3If">pic.twitter.com/oPnC6fi3If</a>
— YouTube Creators (@ytcreators) <a href="https://twitter.com/ytcreators/status/1295148502285258753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The landmark measures would include fines worth millions of dollars for non-compliance and would force transparency around the closely guarded algorithms which tech firms use to rank content.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-warns-australia-could-lose-free-search-services-321099">Also read:&nbsp;Google warns Australia could lose free search services</a>

YouTube's boss in the region Gautam Anand, following a similar letter from the managing director of Google in Australia, wrote a message to the platform's creators and artists.

"My primary focus is supporting you and your work to build a thriving creator ecosystem," Anand said.

The proposal would create an "uneven playing field" and allow big news businesses to demand larger shares of money from the platform — taking funds away from smaller creators, he warned.

"The imbalances created by this proposed law could potentially affect all types of Australian creators, far beyond those who focus on news: from vloggers, to educational creators, to music artists and beyond."

The legislation will initially focus on Facebook and Google — two of the world's richest and most powerful companies -- but could eventually apply to any digital platform.

Virus crisis 
Australia's proposals are being closely watched around the world, as regulators increasingly train their focus on the rapidly changing sector.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-government-threatens-legal-action-against-facebook-over-posts-criticising-monarchy-320249">Also read:&nbsp;Thai government threatens legal action against Facebook over posts criticising monarchy</a>

News media worldwide have suffered in the digital economy, where big tech firms overwhelmingly capture advertising revenue.

The crisis has been exacerbated by the coronavirus-triggered economic collapse, with dozens of Australian newspapers closed and hundreds of journalists sacked in recent months.

Unlike other countries' so-far unsuccessful efforts to force the platforms to pay for news, the Australian initiative relies on competition law rather than copyright regulations.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which is drafting the government's code of conduct, hit back at Google's open letter saying it "contains misinformation".

The consumer watchdog said the digital giant would "not be required" to share additional user data with the news media or charge Australians to use its free services "unless it chooses to do so".

"The draft code will allow Australian news businesses to negotiate for fair payment for their journalists' work that is included on Google services," it said in a statement.

It has strong support from local media outlets and is expected to be introduced this year.

Google has urged YouTubers around the world to complain to Australian authorities as it ratchets up its campaign against a plan to force digital giants to pay for news content.

Google has urged YouTubers around the world to complain to Australian authorities as it ratchets up its campaign against a plan to force digital giants to pay for news content. Alongside pop-ups warning "the way Aussies use Google is at risk", which began appearing for Australian Google users on Monday, the tech titan also urged YouTube creators worldwide to complain to the nation's consumer watchdog. "The YouTube you know and love is at risk in Australia," the company tweeted from its YouTube Creators account on Monday, also encouraging those outside of Australia to email their concerns to the body behind the plan. The YouTube you know and love is at risk in Australia. A proposed new law, The News Media Bargaining Code, could have a significant, negative impact on creators in Australia. Your voice matters.→ https://t.co/gR5Hf81DIH pic.twitter.com/oPnC6fi3If — YouTube Creators (@ytcreators) August 17, 2020 × The landmark measures would include fines worth millions of dollars for non-compliance and would force transparency around the closely guarded algorithms which tech firms use to rank content. Also read: Google warns Australia could lose free search services YouTube's boss in the region Gautam Anand, following a similar letter from the managing director of Google in Australia, wrote a message to the platform's creators and artists. "My primary focus is supporting you and your work to build a thriving creator ecosystem," Anand said. The proposal would create an "uneven playing field" and allow big news businesses to demand larger shares of money from the platform — taking funds away from smaller creators, he warned. "The imbalances created by this proposed law could potentially affect all types of Australian creators, far beyond those who focus on news: from vloggers, to educational creators, to music artists and beyond." The legislation will initially focus on Facebook and Google — two of the world's richest and most powerful companies -- but could eventually apply to any digital platform. Virus crisis Australia's proposals are being closely watched around the world, as regulators increasingly train their focus on the rapidly changing sector. Also read: Thai government threatens legal action against Facebook over posts criticising monarchy News media worldwide have suffered in the digital economy, where big tech firms overwhelmingly capture advertising revenue. The crisis has been exacerbated by the coronavirus-triggered economic collapse, with dozens of Australian newspapers closed and hundreds of journalists sacked in recent months. Unlike other countries' so-far unsuccessful efforts to force the platforms to pay for news, the Australian initiative relies on competition law rather than copyright regulations. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which is drafting the government's code of conduct, hit back at Google's open letter saying it "contains misinformation". The consumer watchdog said the digital giant would "not be required" to share additional user data with the news media or charge Australians to use its free services "unless it chooses to do so". "The draft code will allow Australian news businesses to negotiate for fair payment for their journalists' work that is included on Google services," it said in a statement. It has strong support from local media outlets and is expected to be introduced this year.

Google rallies YouTubers against Australian news payment plan

Hard days for the video-sharing app TikTok are not coming to an end. After India banned the app and the US is looking at a possible ban, Australia too has expressed concern over app's&nbsp;safety issues.

TikTok is owned by a Chinese company called ByteDance and has been alleged of sharing customer data with the Chinese government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-in-talks-with-uk-government-for-new-headquarters-in-london-sources-314485">Also read|&nbsp;TikTok in talks with UK government for new headquarters in London: Sources</a>

The company opened an office in Australia in the&nbsp;recent weeks. After the new office was established, offices of both the Home Affairs and Attorney-General are discussing TikTok's operations, the sources said.

Talking about how the government is strictly looking at the privacy issues,&nbsp;Prime Minister Scott Morrison said,&nbsp;"If we consider there is a need to take further action than we are taking now, then I can tell you we won`t be shy about it."

This scrutiny has come after Labor Senator Jenny McAllister urged the government to look into the app's data-sharing app noting that noting 1.6 million young Australians used the app. "Some of these approaches to moderating content might be inconsistent with Australian values," she said in a local radio interview.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tiktok-may-leave-chinese-parent-company-to-avoid-us-ban-trump-adviser-313981">Also read|&nbsp;TikTok may leave Chinese parent company to avoid US ban: Trump adviser</a>

"For example, removing material about Tiananmen Square, or deprioritising material about Hong Kong protests," she added, referring to student protests in Beijing in 1989 and pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong over the past year.

However, TikTok Australia's&nbsp;General Manager Lee Hunter has written to the Australian government assuring that the company will cooperate, but also raised concern that the app&nbsp;was "being used as a political football".

Hard days for the video-sharing app TikTok are not coming to an end. After India banned the app and the US is looking at a possible ban, Australia too has expressed concern over app's safety issues.

Hard days for the video-sharing app TikTok are not coming to an end. After India banned the app and the US is looking at a possible ban, Australia too has expressed concern over app's safety issues. TikTok is owned by a Chinese company called ByteDance and has been alleged of sharing customer data with the Chinese government. Also read| TikTok in talks with UK government for new headquarters in London: Sources The company opened an office in Australia in the recent weeks. After the new office was established, offices of both the Home Affairs and Attorney-General are discussing TikTok's operations, the sources said. Talking about how the government is strictly looking at the privacy issues, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said, "If we consider there is a need to take further action than we are taking now, then I can tell you we won`t be shy about it." This scrutiny has come after Labor Senator Jenny McAllister urged the government to look into the app's data-sharing app noting that noting 1.6 million young Australians used the app. "Some of these approaches to moderating content might be inconsistent with Australian values," she said in a local radio interview. Also read| TikTok may leave Chinese parent company to avoid US ban: Trump adviser "For example, removing material about Tiananmen Square, or deprioritising material about Hong Kong protests," she added, referring to student protests in Beijing in 1989 and pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong over the past year. However, TikTok Australia's General Manager Lee Hunter has written to the Australian government assuring that the company will cooperate, but also raised concern that the app was "being used as a political football".

TikTok faces scrutiny in Australia after India and US raise question on data security

The world order is in great flux and fluidity. Major geopolitical shifts, redistribution of power and shifts, along with a more unilateralist the United States are all conspiring together to create patterns of the disorder. The impact is perhaps felt on multilateralism and the institutional matrix that supported it. The overall shift is not merely confined to one region but is almost global. 
 
For example, Brexit and its consequences and implications on the EU might be a case in point here. The arena where multilateralism appears to be most weakened is in the use of force- a prerogative of states kept in check and hedged by norms and institutions of multilateralism. All this is overlaid by an evolving but intense geopolitical competition whose main axes are the China United States Faultline (held by some to be a metaphor for the ‘East’-West’ conflict).

Against this backdrop, questions of searing resonance are: should multilateralism be jettisoned? Does it have value under the current fluid conditions? Is there an alternative to multilateralism?

In varying permutations and combinations, the concept and practice of multilateralism kept the peace, to indifferent and varying degrees after World War II. But it must be noted here that multilateralism was never perfect; states ceded some power to organisations like the United Nations for their own purposes and interests. However, even in this perfect form, multilateralism held peace- albeit tenuously and in relative terms. It was the pre-emptive war launched by the United States in 2002 that could be said to have broken the back of multilateralism. The United States, in its unipolar moment, signalled that it was the only game in town, so to speak and no one could place a check on its power and its use. Thus, was the norm on the use of force weakened considerably.

This momentous development was followed or even complemented by power diffusion, and thereby, power transitions that empowered states like China and Russia. Allied to other structural trends like globalisation, and the weakening of multilateralism, states increasingly began to flex their muscles- China in what it holds to be ‘its sphere of influence’ and Russia what it holds to be ‘its near abroad’- Ukraine and Georgia. These developments were coeval with the rise of populism and nativism in the West of which Brexit was a casualty.

If the drift of events continues then there is a noticeably clear and present danger of the world sliding into an ‘anarchic’ zone where there will be no restraints on states even to go to war. Complemented by intense geopolitical rivalries that are growing by the day, this presents a danger to world peace and security. By themselves, states being states will not be and remain at peace with each other, especially when national interest is defined in narrow terms. The only hedge against war and conflict then lies in multilateralism. The caveat here is that the norms undergirding multilateralism must be revitalized and strengthened. The question of jettisoning it then does not arise.

It may even be that under current conditions of fluidity, volatility and geopolitical competition, it is revitalised multilateralism that can salvage peace and world order. Consider a contrapuntal here. In the absence of norms and other restraints, the world and its major states will revert to a pure balance of power competition. While it is not entirely known what configuration of power will emerge, bipolar or multipolar, but what appears to be certain is that the main axis of conflict will be China and the United States, with China being the challenger power. If the Thucydides trap which states that when one great power challenges another, war inevitably results, holds, then China and the US are destined to go to war with each other. 
 
This war, if it ensues will be a catastrophic one that will throw the world backward by decades and will exact a human toll and suffering that will be immense. What would the antidote to this ugly eventuality? Revitalized multilateralism that speaks to the needs of the times is the answer.

The alternatives to multilateralism are too bleak to even countenance. One other alternative could have been leadership provided by the United States. But, post 2016, the country has been on a disruptive insurgent path paradoxically also into a curious kind of quasi isolationism. Moreover, the United States even if it had an appetite for providing leadership, this would be resisted by others. (The opportunity provided by the COVID 19 for ‘shared leadership’ between China and the United States has been adroitly squandered).

This then, by elimination, leaves room and scope open only for revitalised multilateralism. But, as happened in its 20th-century avatar, where leaders and great powers saw eye to eye on major issues and the need for norms and multilateralism thereof, will the leaders and great powers of the 21st century do the same? This is a billion-dollar question whose answer even though it looks bleak now lies in the mists of the future. 
 
&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The world order is in great flux and fluidity. Major geopolitical shifts, redistribution of power and shifts, along with a more unilateralist the United States are all conspiring together to create patterns of the disorder.

The world order is in great flux and fluidity. Major geopolitical shifts, redistribution of power and shifts, along with a more unilateralist the United States are all conspiring together to create patterns of the disorder. The impact is perhaps felt on multilateralism and the institutional matrix that supported it. The overall shift is not merely confined to one region but is almost global. For example, Brexit and its consequences and implications on the EU might be a case in point here. The arena where multilateralism appears to be most weakened is in the use of force- a prerogative of states kept in check and hedged by norms and institutions of multilateralism. All this is overlaid by an evolving but intense geopolitical competition whose main axes are the China United States Faultline (held by some to be a metaphor for the ‘East’-West’ conflict). Against this backdrop, questions of searing resonance are: should multilateralism be jettisoned? Does it have value under the current fluid conditions? Is there an alternative to multilateralism? In varying permutations and combinations, the concept and practice of multilateralism kept the peace, to indifferent and varying degrees after World War II. But it must be noted here that multilateralism was never perfect; states ceded some power to organisations like the United Nations for their own purposes and interests. However, even in this perfect form, multilateralism held peace- albeit tenuously and in relative terms. It was the pre-emptive war launched by the United States in 2002 that could be said to have broken the back of multilateralism. The United States, in its unipolar moment, signalled that it was the only game in town, so to speak and no one could place a check on its power and its use. Thus, was the norm on the use of force weakened considerably. This momentous development was followed or even complemented by power diffusion, and thereby, power transitions that empowered states like China and Russia. Allied to other structural trends like globalisation, and the weakening of multilateralism, states increasingly began to flex their muscles- China in what it holds to be ‘its sphere of influence’ and Russia what it holds to be ‘its near abroad’- Ukraine and Georgia. These developments were coeval with the rise of populism and nativism in the West of which Brexit was a casualty. If the drift of events continues then there is a noticeably clear and present danger of the world sliding into an ‘anarchic’ zone where there will be no restraints on states even to go to war. Complemented by intense geopolitical rivalries that are growing by the day, this presents a danger to world peace and security. By themselves, states being states will not be and remain at peace with each other, especially when national interest is defined in narrow terms. The only hedge against war and conflict then lies in multilateralism. The caveat here is that the norms undergirding multilateralism must be revitalized and strengthened. The question of jettisoning it then does not arise. It may even be that under current conditions of fluidity, volatility and geopolitical competition, it is revitalised multilateralism that can salvage peace and world order. Consider a contrapuntal here. In the absence of norms and other restraints, the world and its major states will revert to a pure balance of power competition. While it is not entirely known what configuration of power will emerge, bipolar or multipolar, but what appears to be certain is that the main axis of conflict will be China and the United States, with China being the challenger power. If the Thucydides trap which states that when one great power challenges another, war inevitably results, holds, then China and the US are destined to go to war with each other. This war, if it ensues will be a catastrophic one that will throw the world backward by decades and will exact a human toll and suffering that will be immense. What would the antidote to this ugly eventuality? Revitalized multilateralism that speaks to the needs of the times is the answer. The alternatives to multilateralism are too bleak to even countenance. One other alternative could have been leadership provided by the United States. But, post 2016, the country has been on a disruptive insurgent path paradoxically also into a curious kind of quasi isolationism. Moreover, the United States even if it had an appetite for providing leadership, this would be resisted by others. (The opportunity provided by the COVID 19 for ‘shared leadership’ between China and the United States has been adroitly squandered). This then, by elimination, leaves room and scope open only for revitalised multilateralism. But, as happened in its 20th-century avatar, where leaders and great powers saw eye to eye on major issues and the need for norms and multilateralism thereof, will the leaders and great powers of the 21st century do the same? This is a billion-dollar question whose answer even though it looks bleak now lies in the mists of the future. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

In multilateralism, lies the hope of world order, peace and security

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