The health minister of New South Wales, Australia's most populated state, likened receiving a vaccine in the country to the "Hunger Games."&nbsp;

"I fear...it is almost a sense now of The Hunger Games, of people chasing vaccines," New South Wales (NSW) Health Minister Brad Hazzard said in response to a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines.

"Until we obtain enough vaccines...the Hunger Games will continue to play out here in NSW," the Australian minister added.&nbsp;

The reference to the popular trilogy, which is set in a dystopian future in which a group of young people fight to the death in a televised battle, seems to be intended to highlight the desperation of many residents seeking appointments for the life-saving vaccines.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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NSW recorded 18 new locally acquired cases of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. 
 
Of these locally acquired cases, 16 are linked to a known case or cluster – nine are household contacts – and the source of infection for two cases remain under investigation. <a href="https://t.co/apOPenadHa">pic.twitter.com/apOPenadHa</a>
— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSWHealth/status/1412215220567560192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Australia has managed to vaccinate just 7% of its 25 million population — the lowest inoculation rate among industrialised nations.

Speedy contact tracing, lockdowns, tough social distancing rules and high community compliance have kept Australia’s COVID-19 numbers much lower among developed economies, with just over 30,800 cases and 910 deaths since the pandemic began.

(With inputs from agencies)

The health minister of New South Wales, Australia's most populated state, likened receiving a vaccine in the country to the "Hunger Games." "I fear...it is almost a sense now of The Hunger Games, of people chasing vaccines," New South Wales (NSW) Health Minister Brad Hazzard said in response to a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines.

The health minister of New South Wales, Australia's most populated state, likened receiving a vaccine in the country to the "Hunger Games." "I fear...it is almost a sense now of The Hunger Games, of people chasing vaccines," New South Wales (NSW) Health Minister Brad Hazzard said in response to a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines. "Until we obtain enough vaccines...the Hunger Games will continue to play out here in NSW," the Australian minister added. The reference to the popular trilogy, which is set in a dystopian future in which a group of young people fight to the death in a televised battle, seems to be intended to highlight the desperation of many residents seeking appointments for the life-saving vaccines. NSW recorded 18 new locally acquired cases of #COVID19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Of these locally acquired cases, 16 are linked to a known case or cluster – nine are household contacts – and the source of infection for two cases remain under investigation. pic.twitter.com/apOPenadHa — NSW Health (@NSWHealth) July 6, 2021 × Australia has managed to vaccinate just 7% of its 25 million population — the lowest inoculation rate among industrialised nations. Speedy contact tracing, lockdowns, tough social distancing rules and high community compliance have kept Australia’s COVID-19 numbers much lower among developed economies, with just over 30,800 cases and 910 deaths since the pandemic began. (With inputs from agencies)

Australians chasing COVID-19 vaccines like Hunger Games: Health minister amid low supply

Australia's New South Wales state experienced a dip in new daily coronavirus cases on Sunday, July 4, following two days of record 2021 infections. Australia's most populous state recorded 16 new COVID-19 infections on Saturday, out of of which 13 were already in isolation.

Australia's New South Wales state experienced a dip in new daily coronavirus cases on Sunday, July 4, following two days of record 2021 infections. Australia's most populous state recorded 16 new COVID-19 infections on Saturday, out of of which 13 were already in isolation. During a press conference, NSW state premier Gladys Berejiklian said, "Whilst the numbers overnight are very encouraging, we know they have potential to bounce around. The next few days are absolutely critical". NSW recorded 16 new locally acquired cases of #COVID19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, 14 of which are linked to previously confirmed cases. No new overseas-acquired cases were recorded in the same period. pic.twitter.com/ICvpPvFFoZ — NSW Health (@NSWHealth) July 4, 2021 × Australia has managed the coronavirus pandemic better than many other nations. However, the situation has been alarming due to the outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant over the past few weeks. Sydney, the capital of New South Wales state has been hard hit by the latest outbreaks of the Delta variant. Residents are halfway through a two-week lockdown. Also read | Australia faces AstraZeneca vaccine chaos over PM Morrison's statement Three of the New South Wales cases were detected in SummitCare nursing home in Sydney's Baulkham Hills. However, the residents were fully vaccinated and showing only mild symptoms. Also, the residents of Queensland state capital Brisbane emerged from nearly a week of lockdown, as the state recorded only one new locally acquired case. State premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told a media briefing, "This is excellent news". She further said, "It appears that everything is under control at this time so we are very, very relieved about that." Melbourne has recorded zero cases for nearly a week following a three-week lockdown in June. Meanwhile, Australian PM Scott Morrison allowed citizens under 40 to get the AstraZeneca vaccine several state governments resisted the central governments call to vaccinate people. The country's health minister Greg Hunt said that "COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca can be used in adults aged under 60 years of age for whom Pfizer is not available," while adding, "The benefits are likely to outweigh the risks for that individual." However, Western Australia's Premier Mark McGowan on giving access to those under 40, said: "That shouldn’t happen. Clearly, We get different advice, I suppose, or have a different approach."

Australian state reports drop in new COVID-19 cases

A car drove into a crowd of pedestrians in the northeastern Chinese port city of Dalian, killing five, state media reported on Sunday.&nbsp;

A black sedan drove into a crowd of people crossing a street at 11:47 am (0347 GMT) on Saturday and fled the scene, the official Xinhua news agency reported, citing Dalian's public security bureau.&nbsp;

Four people died at the scene and another was confirmed dead after being sent to hospital, while five, who sustained injuries, were receiving medical treatment in hospital, according to Xinhua.&nbsp;

The driver, surnamed Liu, has been caught and was determined not to have been driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Xinhua said.&nbsp;

Further investigation was underway, it said.&nbsp;

A car drove into a crowd of pedestrians in the northeastern Chinese port city of Dalian, killing five, state media reported on Sunday. A black sedan drove into a crowd of people crossing a street at 11:47 am (0347 GMT) on Saturday and fled the scene, the official Xinhua news agency reported, citing Dalian's public security bureau.

A car drove into a crowd of pedestrians in the northeastern Chinese port city of Dalian, killing five, state media reported on Sunday. A black sedan drove into a crowd of people crossing a street at 11:47 am (0347 GMT) on Saturday and fled the scene, the official Xinhua news agency reported, citing Dalian's public security bureau. Four people died at the scene and another was confirmed dead after being sent to hospital, while five, who sustained injuries, were receiving medical treatment in hospital, according to Xinhua. The driver, surnamed Liu, has been caught and was determined not to have been driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Xinhua said. Further investigation was underway, it said.

Car drives into crowd in China, killing five: State media 

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stall the implementation of Citizenship (Amendment) Act after a three judge-bench led by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde along with Justice BR Gavai and Justice Surya Kant heard 20 petitions challenging the Act.&nbsp;

Up to 60 petitions have been filed so far questioning the legal validity of the Act that has stirred violent protests throughout the country.

The court also issued a notice to the Centre on a batch of pleas challenging the CAA, asking the Centre to file its response by the second week of January.&nbsp;

The petitioners come from all walks of life including Political parties like Indian union of Muslim League, Asom Gana Parishad, Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam; leading politicians Jairam Ramesh, Mahua Moitra and Asaduddin Owaisi; a lawyers association from Assam and student movements like Democratic Youth Federation of India and All Assam Students Union.&nbsp;

The petitioners want the newly enforced law to be struck down as violative of Fundamental Rights (Article 14), opposed to Secularism that forms a basic feature of our Constitution and also wants the Court to decide whether religion can be the basis to declare someone a citizen as it has never happened in the past.

The petitioners want to know the basis on which Centre has concluded that non-Muslim migrants need to be included as citizens while denying it to Muslim migrants along with questioning the discretion of Centre to exclude Sri Lanka and Burma where religious persecution has forced many to take shelter in India.

They question the assumption that Muslims in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh face no discrimination and list out Shias and Ahmediyas in Pakistan and Hazaras in Afghanistan as examples.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 became an Act after receiving formal assent from President Ram Nath Kovind on December 13.&nbsp;

The highly contentious Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to undocumented religious minorities-namely Hindus, Sikh, Jain, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians from the neighbouring Pakistan, Bangladesh or Afghanistan who moved to the country before the date of December 31, 2014.

&nbsp;It amends the Citizenship Act, 1955 which regulates who may acquire Indian citizenship and on what grounds by adding provisions for Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian community in section 2, in sub-section (1), in clause (b) that they shall not be treated as illegal migrants. Illegal migrants are not eligible for Indian Citizenship.

&nbsp;Under the provisions for procurement of citizenship by naturalisation, the BJP lead Indian government seeks to amend the requirement that the applicant must have resided in India "not less than five years" in place of "not less than eleven years" for the mentioned six religious communities from the three Muslim majority countries through Section 2(1) (b).

The Bill also seeks to amend provisions related to Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders, making it possible to cancel OCI registration of these persons in case of violation of any law notified by the Central Government.

The apex court said it would hear petitions challenging the law on January 22 as December 18 is the last working day of the Supreme Court before it reopens January 1 after winter break.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stall the implementation of Citizenship (Amendment) Act after a three judge-bench led by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde along with Justice BR Gavai and Justice Surya Kant heard 20 petitions challenging the Act.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stall the implementation of Citizenship (Amendment) Act after a three judge-bench led by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde along with Justice BR Gavai and Justice Surya Kant heard 20 petitions challenging the Act. Up to 60 petitions have been filed so far questioning the legal validity of the Act that has stirred violent protests throughout the country. The court also issued a notice to the Centre on a batch of pleas challenging the CAA, asking the Centre to file its response by the second week of January. The petitioners come from all walks of life including Political parties like Indian union of Muslim League, Asom Gana Parishad, Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam; leading politicians Jairam Ramesh, Mahua Moitra and Asaduddin Owaisi; a lawyers association from Assam and student movements like Democratic Youth Federation of India and All Assam Students Union. The petitioners want the newly enforced law to be struck down as violative of Fundamental Rights (Article 14), opposed to Secularism that forms a basic feature of our Constitution and also wants the Court to decide whether religion can be the basis to declare someone a citizen as it has never happened in the past. The petitioners want to know the basis on which Centre has concluded that non-Muslim migrants need to be included as citizens while denying it to Muslim migrants along with questioning the discretion of Centre to exclude Sri Lanka and Burma where religious persecution has forced many to take shelter in India. They question the assumption that Muslims in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh face no discrimination and list out Shias and Ahmediyas in Pakistan and Hazaras in Afghanistan as examples. The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 became an Act after receiving formal assent from President Ram Nath Kovind on December 13. The highly contentious Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to undocumented religious minorities-namely Hindus, Sikh, Jain, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians from the neighbouring Pakistan, Bangladesh or Afghanistan who moved to the country before the date of December 31, 2014. It amends the Citizenship Act, 1955 which regulates who may acquire Indian citizenship and on what grounds by adding provisions for Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian community in section 2, in sub-section (1), in clause (b) that they shall not be treated as illegal migrants. Illegal migrants are not eligible for Indian Citizenship. Under the provisions for procurement of citizenship by naturalisation, the BJP lead Indian government seeks to amend the requirement that the applicant must have resided in India "not less than five years" in place of "not less than eleven years" for the mentioned six religious communities from the three Muslim majority countries through Section 2(1) (b). The Bill also seeks to amend provisions related to Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders, making it possible to cancel OCI registration of these persons in case of violation of any law notified by the Central Government. The apex court said it would hear petitions challenging the law on January 22 as December 18 is the last working day of the Supreme Court before it reopens January 1 after winter break.

COVID-19: Sri Lanka bans all state, private functions 

New York's state Assembly hired the law firm Davis Polk&nbsp;and&nbsp;Wardwell LLP to lead its investigation into Governor Andrew Cuomo over sexual harassment allegations, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Judiciary Committee Chair Charles Lavine announced&nbsp;on&nbsp;Wednesday.&nbsp;

Since Thursday, Chairman Lavine led a vigorous search for a top-flight firm to assist with the investigation. I have the utmost faith that Assemblymember Lavine and our Judiciary Committee will conduct a full and fair&nbsp;investigation,&nbsp;Heastie said in a statement.&nbsp;

Hiring Davis Polk will give the Committee the experience, independence and resources needed to handle this important investigation in a thorough and expeditious manner.&nbsp;

Leaders in the Democrat-controlled Assembly announced&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday that they would conduct an impeachment investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate&nbsp;behaviour&nbsp;by Cuomo, also a Democrat.&nbsp;

Attorney General Letitia James is also investigating claims that the governor sexually harassed or inappropriately touched several female aides.&nbsp;

Cuomo has denied touching any women inappropriately and has rebuffed calls for his resignation.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden said in an interview with ABC News on Tuesday that Cuomo should resign if the state attorney general's investigation confirms the claims against him.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

New York's state Assembly hired the law firm Davis Polk and Wardwell LLP to lead its investigation into Governor Andrew Cuomo over sexual harassment allegations, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Judiciary Committee Chair Charles Lavine announced on Wednesday.

New York's state Assembly hired the law firm Davis Polk and Wardwell LLP to lead its investigation into Governor Andrew Cuomo over sexual harassment allegations, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Judiciary Committee Chair Charles Lavine announced on Wednesday. Since Thursday, Chairman Lavine led a vigorous search for a top-flight firm to assist with the investigation. I have the utmost faith that Assemblymember Lavine and our Judiciary Committee will conduct a full and fair investigation, Heastie said in a statement. Hiring Davis Polk will give the Committee the experience, independence and resources needed to handle this important investigation in a thorough and expeditious manner. Leaders in the Democrat-controlled Assembly announced on Thursday that they would conduct an impeachment investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour by Cuomo, also a Democrat. Attorney General Letitia James is also investigating claims that the governor sexually harassed or inappropriately touched several female aides. Cuomo has denied touching any women inappropriately and has rebuffed calls for his resignation. President Joe Biden said in an interview with ABC News on Tuesday that Cuomo should resign if the state attorney general's investigation confirms the claims against him. (With inputs from agencies)

NY state Assembly hires top law firm for Cuomo investigation 

One of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's main election campaign advisory firms has been informed that it had been targetted by suspected Russian state-backed hackers by Microsoft Corp.

The hacking attempts targetted staff at Washington-based SKDKnickerbocker, a campaign strategy and communications firm working with Biden and other prominent Democrats, over the past two months, sources said.

A person familiar with SKDK's response to the attempts said the hackers failed to gain access to the firm's networks. "They are well-defended, so there has been no breach," the person said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the allegations as "nonsense." Moscow has repeatedly denied using hacking to interfere in other countries' elections.

US intelligence agencies have raised alarms about possible efforts by foreign governments to interfere in the November presidential election.

Investigations by former special counsel Robert Mueller and the Senate intelligence committee both concluded that affiliates of the Russian government interfered in the 2016 presidential election to try to help Republican Donald Trump get elected. Mueller has warned that Russia was meddling in the current campaign.

One of the sources said it was not clear whether Biden’s campaign was the target or whether the hackers were attempting to gain access to information about other SKDK clients.

SKDK managing director Anita Dunn was a White House communications director during the Barack Obama presidency and serves the Biden campaign as a senior advisor.

The attempts to infiltrate SKDK were recently flagged to the campaign firm by Microsoft, which identified hackers tied to the Russian government as the likely culprits, according to the three sources briefed on the matter.

The attacks included phishing, a hacking method which seeks to trick users into disclosing passwords, as well as other efforts to infiltrate SKDK's network, the three sources said.

The company, which has extraordinary visibility on digital threats via its widely used Windows operating system and cloud services such as Office 365, has taken an increasingly active role in calling out state-backed cyberespionage. In 2018, the company launched its Defending Democracy initiative, aimed in part at safeguarding campaigns from hackers.

SKDK is closely associated with the Democratic Party, having worked on six presidential campaigns and numerous congressional races. In addition to its current work for Biden, the firm in 2018 worked on successful governors' races in Kansas and Connecticut.

One of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's main election campaign advisory firms has been informed that it had been targetted by suspected Russian state-backed hackers by Microsoft Corp.

One of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's main election campaign advisory firms has been informed that it had been targetted by suspected Russian state-backed hackers by Microsoft Corp. The hacking attempts targetted staff at Washington-based SKDKnickerbocker, a campaign strategy and communications firm working with Biden and other prominent Democrats, over the past two months, sources said. A person familiar with SKDK's response to the attempts said the hackers failed to gain access to the firm's networks. "They are well-defended, so there has been no breach," the person said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the allegations as "nonsense." Moscow has repeatedly denied using hacking to interfere in other countries' elections. US intelligence agencies have raised alarms about possible efforts by foreign governments to interfere in the November presidential election. Investigations by former special counsel Robert Mueller and the Senate intelligence committee both concluded that affiliates of the Russian government interfered in the 2016 presidential election to try to help Republican Donald Trump get elected. Mueller has warned that Russia was meddling in the current campaign. One of the sources said it was not clear whether Biden’s campaign was the target or whether the hackers were attempting to gain access to information about other SKDK clients. SKDK managing director Anita Dunn was a White House communications director during the Barack Obama presidency and serves the Biden campaign as a senior advisor. The attempts to infiltrate SKDK were recently flagged to the campaign firm by Microsoft, which identified hackers tied to the Russian government as the likely culprits, according to the three sources briefed on the matter. The attacks included phishing, a hacking method which seeks to trick users into disclosing passwords, as well as other efforts to infiltrate SKDK's network, the three sources said. The company, which has extraordinary visibility on digital threats via its widely used Windows operating system and cloud services such as Office 365, has taken an increasingly active role in calling out state-backed cyberespionage. In 2018, the company launched its Defending Democracy initiative, aimed in part at safeguarding campaigns from hackers. SKDK is closely associated with the Democratic Party, having worked on six presidential campaigns and numerous congressional races. In addition to its current work for Biden, the firm in 2018 worked on successful governors' races in Kansas and Connecticut.

US election 2020: Russian state hackers suspected in targetting Biden campaign firm: Microsoft

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Retd) B D Mishra Monday emphasized on strengthening the coordination between the border state and the Indian Army to reinforce the sense of security among the people and the territorial integrity of the country.

Mishra, who chaired a coordination meeting of the state government and the Army at the Raj Bhawan here, advised regular meetings between the two sides at various levels, a communiqu informed here. The general security arrangements on the entire Indo-China border opposite were also reviewed during the meeting.

Lt General Anil Chauhan GoC Eastern Command and Lt General Shantanu Dayal GoC 4 Corps along with Army officials were present in the meeting in which various security and border infrastructure related issues were discussed. Chauhan apprised the governor of action taken by the Army in coordination with other agencies for maintaining peace and security in the state, the communique said.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Legislative Assembly Speaker P D Sona, Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, DGP R P Upadhyaya and Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao also attended the meeting, it said.

The Army Commander assured the governor and the chief minister of assistance by the Army whenever required. Mishra suggested the general officers commanding of the Eastern Command and 4 Corps to enhance the socio-economic activities of the people of the state, it added.

In a separate meeting with Khandu at the Raj Bhawan, the governor discussed the administrative issues and deliberated on removing the hurdles and bottlenecks in the implementation of welfare projects. Issues related to border area development, farmers, agriculture and allied sectors were also discussed in the meeting, the communique added.

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Retd) B D Mishra Monday emphasized on strengthening the coordination between the border state and the Indian Army to reinforce the sense of security among the people and the territorial integrity of the country.

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Retd) B D Mishra Monday emphasized on strengthening the coordination between the border state and the Indian Army to reinforce the sense of security among the people and the territorial integrity of the country. Mishra, who chaired a coordination meeting of the state government and the Army at the Raj Bhawan here, advised regular meetings between the two sides at various levels, a communiqu informed here. The general security arrangements on the entire Indo-China border opposite were also reviewed during the meeting. Lt General Anil Chauhan GoC Eastern Command and Lt General Shantanu Dayal GoC 4 Corps along with Army officials were present in the meeting in which various security and border infrastructure related issues were discussed. Chauhan apprised the governor of action taken by the Army in coordination with other agencies for maintaining peace and security in the state, the communique said. Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Legislative Assembly Speaker P D Sona, Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, DGP R P Upadhyaya and Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao also attended the meeting, it said. The Army Commander assured the governor and the chief minister of assistance by the Army whenever required. Mishra suggested the general officers commanding of the Eastern Command and 4 Corps to enhance the socio-economic activities of the people of the state, it added. In a separate meeting with Khandu at the Raj Bhawan, the governor discussed the administrative issues and deliberated on removing the hurdles and bottlenecks in the implementation of welfare projects. Issues related to border area development, farmers, agriculture and allied sectors were also discussed in the meeting, the communique added.

Arunachal Pradesh Governor emphasizes on strengthening coordination between state and Army

In an apparent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-media-mogul-rejects-rape-accusations-by-filmmaker-271209">reference to Pakistan</a>, Army Chief General MM Naravane on Tuesday said that the "neighbouring country" uses terrorism as a tool of state policy. 
 
In an exclusive interview to ANI hours after taking the charge as the new Army Chief, General Naravane asserted that terrorism is a worldwide problem. 
"Terrorism is a worldwide problem, India has been at the receiving end of terrorism for a long time. It is only now that the entire world and many countries affected with terrorism are coming to realise what a threat it is," he said. 
 
"As far as our neighbour is concerned they are trying to use terrorism as a tool of state policy, as a way of carrying out a proxy war against us...while maintaining deniability. However, this state can't last long, as they say, you can't fool all the people, all the time," General Naravane added. 
 
The new Army Chief said that post the abrogation of Article 370, there has been a definite improvement in the situation on the ground. 
 
"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-better-prepared-to-take-on-challenges-at-pakistan-china-borders-cds-general-rawat-271188">Incidents of violence</a> have seen a marked decline, this augurs very well for the population of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a step forward towards bringing peace and prosperity to the region," he said.

In an apparent reference to Pakistan, Army Chief General MM Naravane on Tuesday said that the "neighbouring country" uses terrorism as a tool of state policy. In an exclusive interview to ANI hours after taking the charge as the new Army Chief, General Naravane asserted that terrorism is a worldwide problem.

In an apparent reference to Pakistan, Army Chief General MM Naravane on Tuesday said that the "neighbouring country" uses terrorism as a tool of state policy. In an exclusive interview to ANI hours after taking the charge as the new Army Chief, General Naravane asserted that terrorism is a worldwide problem. "Terrorism is a worldwide problem, India has been at the receiving end of terrorism for a long time. It is only now that the entire world and many countries affected with terrorism are coming to realise what a threat it is," he said. "As far as our neighbour is concerned they are trying to use terrorism as a tool of state policy, as a way of carrying out a proxy war against us...while maintaining deniability. However, this state can't last long, as they say, you can't fool all the people, all the time," General Naravane added. The new Army Chief said that post the abrogation of Article 370, there has been a definite improvement in the situation on the ground. "Incidents of violence have seen a marked decline, this augurs very well for the population of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a step forward towards bringing peace and prosperity to the region," he said.

Pakistan uses terrorism as tool of state policy: Army Chief Naravane

As his party, Janata Dal (United) gears for the elections scheduled for 2020 in Delhi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday vouched for granting full statehood to the national capital.

"My party and I have always vouched for giving full statehood for Delhi. And we have said this everytime. So that they can look after everything from law and order, development among others," Kumar said addressing his party workers here.

The JDU chief also raised the demand for special category status for Bihar in the meeting.

"Just like we want special status for Bihar, we have always wanted statehood for Delhi," Kumar said.

The JDU is looking to contest Assembly elections next year in the national capital and is eyeing the voter base from Bihar and Poorvanchal region in Delhi.

"Even if just for a day the people of Bihar residing in Delhi decide that they will not work then the whole Delhi will come to a stop," Kumar said in an attempt to woo the voters from the region.&nbsp;

As his party, Janata Dal (United) gears for the elections scheduled for 2020 in Delhi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday vouched for granting full statehood to the national capital.

As his party, Janata Dal (United) gears for the elections scheduled for 2020 in Delhi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday vouched for granting full statehood to the national capital. "My party and I have always vouched for giving full statehood for Delhi. And we have said this everytime. So that they can look after everything from law and order, development among others," Kumar said addressing his party workers here. The JDU chief also raised the demand for special category status for Bihar in the meeting. "Just like we want special status for Bihar, we have always wanted statehood for Delhi," Kumar said. The JDU is looking to contest Assembly elections next year in the national capital and is eyeing the voter base from Bihar and Poorvanchal region in Delhi. "Even if just for a day the people of Bihar residing in Delhi decide that they will not work then the whole Delhi will come to a stop," Kumar said in an attempt to woo the voters from the region.

Nitish Kumar vouches for full statehood for Delhi

The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre and several states on a plea seeking proper implementation of the court's 2018 judgement laying down guidelines to prevent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alwar-lynching-case-victim-pehlu-khan-sons-charged-for-smuggling-cattle-231421">mob lynching</a>.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Aniruddha Bose sought reponse from the Home Ministry and states including Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir while hearing a plea filed by Anti Corruption Council of India Trust (ACCIT).

ACCIT sought a direction to the states to comply with the apex court's directions in true letter and spirit as incidents of mob lynching were taking place.

In its verdict of July 17 last year, the Supreme Court had said that "horrendous acts of mobocracy" cannot be allowed to overrun the law of the land and issued a slew of guidelines to deal with mob lynching and cow vigilantism.

The court had ordered the appointment of nodal police officers in all districts, efficient patrolling in areas where there was a possibility of such incidents, and the completion of trial in these cases within six months.

The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre and several states on a plea seeking proper implementation of the court's 2018 judgement laying down guidelines to prevent mob lynching.

The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre and several states on a plea seeking proper implementation of the court's 2018 judgement laying down guidelines to prevent mob lynching. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Aniruddha Bose sought reponse from the Home Ministry and states including Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir while hearing a plea filed by Anti Corruption Council of India Trust (ACCIT). ACCIT sought a direction to the states to comply with the apex court's directions in true letter and spirit as incidents of mob lynching were taking place. In its verdict of July 17 last year, the Supreme Court had said that "horrendous acts of mobocracy" cannot be allowed to overrun the law of the land and issued a slew of guidelines to deal with mob lynching and cow vigilantism. The court had ordered the appointment of nodal police officers in all districts, efficient patrolling in areas where there was a possibility of such incidents, and the completion of trial in these cases within six months.

Supreme Court notice to Centre, states for implementation of guidelines to prevent mob lynching

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday responded to the fitness challenge given to him by Prime Minister Narendra Modi this morning.&nbsp;

In his tweet, the Chief Minister of Karnataka spoke about his fitness regime and added that he was more concerned about the fitness of his state.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-accepts-virat-kohlis-fitness-challenge-nominates-karnataka-cm-144030">Watch: Modi accepts Virat Kohli’s fitness challenge, passes it on to Karnataka CM</a>

"Dear Narendra Modi Ji, I am honoured and thank you very much for d concern about my health I believe physical fitness is important for all&support d cause. Yoga-treadmill r part of my daily workout regime. Yet, I am more concerned about the development fitness of my state&seek ur support for it," Kumaraswamy tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji 
I am honoured& thankU very much for d concern about my health 
I believe physical fitness is imptnt for all&support d cause. Yoga-treadmill r part of my daily workout regime. 
Yet, I am more concerned about devlpment fitness of my state&seek ur support for it.
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMofKarnataka/status/1006761540543016963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier this morning, PM Modi accepted Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli’s fitness challenge and shared a video that shows him meditating, walking on a track inspired by five elements of nature, and doing yoga exercises. He also passed on the fitness challenge to Kumaraswamy, table tennis player Manika Batra and police fraternity, especially those above 40 years of age.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took up fitness challenge and shared a clip on his Twitter and Facebook page strengthening his muscles in the morning at his residence.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday responded to the fitness challenge given to him by Prime Minister Narendra Modi this morning. In his tweet, the Chief Minister of Karnataka spoke about his fitness regime and added that he was more concerned about the fitness of his state. Watch: Modi accepts Virat Kohli’s fitness challenge, passes it on to Karnataka CM "Dear Narendra Modi Ji, I am honoured and thank you very much for d concern about my health I believe physical fitness is important for all&support d cause. Yoga-treadmill r part of my daily workout regime. Yet, I am more concerned about the development fitness of my state&seek ur support for it," Kumaraswamy tweeted. Dear @narendramodi ji I am honoured& thankU very much for d concern about my health I believe physical fitness is imptnt for all&support d cause. Yoga-treadmill r part of my daily workout regime. Yet, I am more concerned about devlpment fitness of my state&seek ur support for it. — CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) June 13, 2018 × Earlier this morning, PM Modi accepted Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli’s fitness challenge and shared a video that shows him meditating, walking on a track inspired by five elements of nature, and doing yoga exercises. He also passed on the fitness challenge to Kumaraswamy, table tennis player Manika Batra and police fraternity, especially those above 40 years of age.

Karnataka CM replies to PM Modi's fitness challenge, says 'more concerned about fitness of my state'

HD Kumaraswamy, who will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, will be in Delhi today to meet Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy and the Gandhis will discuss the nitty gritties of government formation in the southern state.&nbsp;

News reports said Monday that the Congress — which has 78 MLAs, the JD(S) now has 37 after Kumaraswamy gave up the second seat he contested from — is expected to end up with 20 ministers in the 33-member cabinet.&nbsp;

News reports added that Karnataka could get two deputy chief ministers. It had earlier been decided that the deputy chief ministership would go to a Dalit, with the Congress's G Parameshwara expected to fill the post.&nbsp;

There has now been a second demand for a Lingayat to be made deputy chief minister, which may lead to the state having two of them.&nbsp;

The reports added that the Congress would make no demands of the JD(S) in order to keep the coalition stable.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Kumaraswamy termed reports of a power-sharing formula of 30 months each between the two parties as "bogus".

"I'm visiting New Delhi tomorrow...I will meet Congress President Rahul Gandhi and the party's senior leader Sonia Gandhi," he told reporters in Bengaluru.

Based on the outcome of discussions with them, a decision will be taken on the number of Congress and JD(S) MLAs who will become ministers, Kumaraswamy added.

BS Yeddyurappa had on Saturday stepped down as the chief minister without facing the floor test in the state assembly as the BJP fell short of numbers, following which Kumaraswamy met Governor Vajubhai Vala, and said he had been invited to form the government.

The May 12 Karnataka assembly polls threw up a hung assembly, with the BJP emerging as the single largest party with 104 seats.

While making it clear that there have been no discussions yet on the portfolio allocation, Kumaraswamy requested the media not to create confusion among the public and MLAs with such "speculative" reports.

He also asserted that within 24 hours of taking oath, he would prove his majority on the floor of the House.

"Mostly on Wednesday there will be oath-taking ceremony after that on Thursday we will complete the process of Speaker's election and trust vote," he added.

After meeting the governor, Kumaraswamy had said the swearing-in ceremony would take place tentatively between 12 noon and 1.50 pm at Kanteerava stadium on May 21.

But, later he announced that the event would be held on May 23 as May 21 happens to be the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

The venue of the swearing-in is also likely to be changed, with party sources now saying it is likely to take place at Vidhana Soudha (the seat of the state legislature).

However, Kumaraswamy said he had spoken to the Chief Secretary and other senior officials about it and they would take a call on the venue.

Kumaraswamy met his father and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda at his residence on Sunday and later visited the hotel where JD(S) MLAs are camping and held a meeting with them.

Asked about reports on power-sharing formula of 30 months each that is being worked out with the Congress, Kumaraswamy said, "No such talks have taken place."

On reports about parleys with Congress leaders regarding elections in Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagar assembly constituencies, Kumarasamy described it as "bogus".

"It is a bogus news...No such discussions have taken place. Winning Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagara is a necessity. Till now, no such discussions have happened," he said.

While polling was deferred in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency over allegations of electoral malpractice, election to Jayanagar seat was countermanded following the death of the BJP candidate.

(With inputs from PTI)

Kumaraswamy will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday. He is expected to take his floor test on Thursday

HD Kumaraswamy, who will be sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday, will be in Delhi today to meet Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Kumaraswamy and the Gandhis will discuss the nitty gritties of government formation in the southern state. News reports said Monday that the Congress — which has 78 MLAs, the JD(S) now has 37 after Kumaraswamy gave up the second seat he contested from — is expected to end up with 20 ministers in the 33-member cabinet. News reports added that Karnataka could get two deputy chief ministers. It had earlier been decided that the deputy chief ministership would go to a Dalit, with the Congress's G Parameshwara expected to fill the post. There has now been a second demand for a Lingayat to be made deputy chief minister, which may lead to the state having two of them. The reports added that the Congress would make no demands of the JD(S) in order to keep the coalition stable. On Sunday, Kumaraswamy termed reports of a power-sharing formula of 30 months each between the two parties as "bogus". "I'm visiting New Delhi tomorrow...I will meet Congress President Rahul Gandhi and the party's senior leader Sonia Gandhi," he told reporters in Bengaluru. Based on the outcome of discussions with them, a decision will be taken on the number of Congress and JD(S) MLAs who will become ministers, Kumaraswamy added. BS Yeddyurappa had on Saturday stepped down as the chief minister without facing the floor test in the state assembly as the BJP fell short of numbers, following which Kumaraswamy met Governor Vajubhai Vala, and said he had been invited to form the government. The May 12 Karnataka assembly polls threw up a hung assembly, with the BJP emerging as the single largest party with 104 seats. While making it clear that there have been no discussions yet on the portfolio allocation, Kumaraswamy requested the media not to create confusion among the public and MLAs with such "speculative" reports. He also asserted that within 24 hours of taking oath, he would prove his majority on the floor of the House. "Mostly on Wednesday there will be oath-taking ceremony after that on Thursday we will complete the process of Speaker's election and trust vote," he added. After meeting the governor, Kumaraswamy had said the swearing-in ceremony would take place tentatively between 12 noon and 1.50 pm at Kanteerava stadium on May 21. But, later he announced that the event would be held on May 23 as May 21 happens to be the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The venue of the swearing-in is also likely to be changed, with party sources now saying it is likely to take place at Vidhana Soudha (the seat of the state legislature). However, Kumaraswamy said he had spoken to the Chief Secretary and other senior officials about it and they would take a call on the venue. Kumaraswamy met his father and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda at his residence on Sunday and later visited the hotel where JD(S) MLAs are camping and held a meeting with them. Asked about reports on power-sharing formula of 30 months each that is being worked out with the Congress, Kumaraswamy said, "No such talks have taken place." On reports about parleys with Congress leaders regarding elections in Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagar assembly constituencies, Kumarasamy described it as "bogus". "It is a bogus news...No such discussions have taken place. Winning Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Jayanagara is a necessity. Till now, no such discussions have happened," he said. While polling was deferred in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency over allegations of electoral malpractice, election to Jayanagar seat was countermanded following the death of the BJP candidate. (With inputs from PTI)

Kumaraswamy to meet Sonia, Rahul Gandhi today in Delhi

Taking a dim view of clashes in Maharashtra's Aurangabad district that claimed two lives, the Shiv Sena today dubbed it as a "communal" and "pre-planned" act of violence.

It rapped the state Home department, headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, over the security lapses and failing to appoint a police commissioner for the city which is considered a "highly sensitive" area.

Two persons - a 65-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy - were killed in clashes on Friday night between groups of two communities over illegal water connections in the city, located in the Marathwada region.&nbsp

"It is clear that the riots were communal and not some clashes between two groups. The way petrol bombs were used within the first 15 minutes of riots is enough to conclude that it was pre-planned attack," the Sena in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

The post of the commissioner of police in Aurangabad has been lying vacant since some time, despite the city being one of the "highly sensitive areas" in the state, it noted.

"It is a failure of the Home department headed by the chief minister. Or is it because the chief minister wants a pro-BJP IPS officer to be appointed there?" it wondered.

According to the police, the violence also left more than 60 people, including police personnel, injured. Around 100 shops were also set on fire and more than 40 vehicles destroyed.

Sources earlier said tension was brewing up in Aurangabad's Moti Karanja area for the last few days as the municipal corporation was carrying out a drive against illegal water connections. It got a communal colour when an illegal water connection at a place of worship in the area was removed, they said.

The Sena mocked the reasons that have come to light -- like drive against illegal water connections, a quarrel over an exchange of mobile phone at a garage, removal of illegal 'paan' shops, and the alleged beating of a customer who complained to a shop owner for selling rotten mangoes -- for the possible trigger behind the violence.

Such incidents should not be the cause of riots, the BJP's bickering ally said, adding that "the riots are a proof of the collapse of the security agencies' network."

The Marathi daily said the image of Maharashtra was already dented by the Koregaon-Bhima violence in Pune district, where Dalits were targeted on January 1 this year.

Besides, there were two major incidents of "double murders" in Ahmednagar (of two Shiv Sena leaders and as many NCP workers last month) and still the chief minister claims the situation is under control, the Sena quipped, adding that the high-powered committees set up for probe in such cases were of no use.

"The rioters set ablaze the entire Shahganj Peth (a market area in Aurangabad). Hundreds of houses and several vehicles were set on fire or damaged and a senior citizen lost his life. How come some people act so blatantly?," it asked.

"It looks like the law and order does not exist in Maharashtra," the Sena said.

During the Koregaon-Bhima violence, no policeman opened fire or baton-charged the rioters. On the other hand, in the absence of a police commissioner, the cops in Aurangabad fired at the mob, it said, adding that this was "suspicious".

"We are not interested in whether it was a communal riot or not. It is the state's responsibility to find out why the violence happened. But, the incident has shown that certain areas in the city are equipped for such riots," the Sena publication said.&nbsp

Two persons - a 65-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy - were killed in clashes on Friday night between groups of two communities over illegal water connections in the city, located in the Marathwada region.

Taking a dim view of clashes in Maharashtra's Aurangabad district that claimed two lives, the Shiv Sena today dubbed it as a "communal" and "pre-planned" act of violence. It rapped the state Home department, headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, over the security lapses and failing to appoint a police commissioner for the city which is considered a "highly sensitive" area. Two persons - a 65-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy - were killed in clashes on Friday night between groups of two communities over illegal water connections in the city, located in the Marathwada region. "It is clear that the riots were communal and not some clashes between two groups. The way petrol bombs were used within the first 15 minutes of riots is enough to conclude that it was pre-planned attack," the Sena in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'. The post of the commissioner of police in Aurangabad has been lying vacant since some time, despite the city being one of the "highly sensitive areas" in the state, it noted. "It is a failure of the Home department headed by the chief minister. Or is it because the chief minister wants a pro-BJP IPS officer to be appointed there?" it wondered. According to the police, the violence also left more than 60 people, including police personnel, injured. Around 100 shops were also set on fire and more than 40 vehicles destroyed. Sources earlier said tension was brewing up in Aurangabad's Moti Karanja area for the last few days as the municipal corporation was carrying out a drive against illegal water connections. It got a communal colour when an illegal water connection at a place of worship in the area was removed, they said. The Sena mocked the reasons that have come to light -- like drive against illegal water connections, a quarrel over an exchange of mobile phone at a garage, removal of illegal 'paan' shops, and the alleged beating of a customer who complained to a shop owner for selling rotten mangoes -- for the possible trigger behind the violence. Such incidents should not be the cause of riots, the BJP's bickering ally said, adding that "the riots are a proof of the collapse of the security agencies' network." The Marathi daily said the image of Maharashtra was already dented by the Koregaon-Bhima violence in Pune district, where Dalits were targeted on January 1 this year. Besides, there were two major incidents of "double murders" in Ahmednagar (of two Shiv Sena leaders and as many NCP workers last month) and still the chief minister claims the situation is under control, the Sena quipped, adding that the high-powered committees set up for probe in such cases were of no use. "The rioters set ablaze the entire Shahganj Peth (a market area in Aurangabad). Hundreds of houses and several vehicles were set on fire or damaged and a senior citizen lost his life. How come some people act so blatantly?," it asked. "It looks like the law and order does not exist in Maharashtra," the Sena said. During the Koregaon-Bhima violence, no policeman opened fire or baton-charged the rioters. On the other hand, in the absence of a police commissioner, the cops in Aurangabad fired at the mob, it said, adding that this was "suspicious". "We are not interested in whether it was a communal riot or not. It is the state's responsibility to find out why the violence happened. But, the incident has shown that certain areas in the city are equipped for such riots," the Sena publication said.

Aurangabad clashes pre-planned; failure of state Home department: Sena

The Islamic State jihadist group has executed at least 24 civilians after seizing a village in northern Syria from a Kurdish-Arab alliance, a monitor said on Friday. 
 
&quot;IS has executed at least 24 civilians in the last 24 hours&quot; after seizing the village of Buyir close to the northern town of Manbij from the Syrian Democratic Forces, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. 
 
(AFP)

The village of Buyir was captured from a Kurdish-Arab alliance before the execution

The Islamic State jihadist group has executed at least 24 civilians after seizing a village in northern Syria from a Kurdish-Arab alliance, a monitor said on Friday. "IS has executed at least 24 civilians in the last 24 hours" after seizing the village of Buyir close to the northern town of Manbij from the Syrian Democratic Forces, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. (AFP)

Islamic State executes 24 in Syria: Monitor

Myanmar&#39;s most heavily-armed ethnic group held &quot;positive&quot; talks Friday with the country&#39;s de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, a spokesman for her office said, in a major boost for peace prospects. 
 
The United Wa State Army (UWSA) stopped fighting the government in 1989 in exchange for control of a remote portion of territory bordering China which is believed to be awash with drugs. 
 
But they have a 20-25,000-strong standing army and are yet to commit to a full nationwide ceasefire, undercutting Suu Kyi&#39;s aim of swiftly securing a lasting peace. Several complex ethic conflicts are rumbling across Myanmar&#39;s borderlands, hampering efforts to build the country&#39;s economy after the end of junta rule. 
 
Some groups who fought the army for decades have signed ceasefires but those are fragile, adding urgency to Suu Kyi&#39;s task. 
 
The Wa are accused of producing and trafficking huge amounts of methamphetamine and heroin from their secretive holdout, and buying weapons with the proceeds. 
 
Friday&#39;s &quot;very positive discussions&quot; between leaders of the Wa, a powerful group called the Mongla army, and Suu Kyi were an &quot;important first step&quot; in building trust, Zaw Htay, spokesman for her office, told reporters. 
 
Suu Kyi wants to convene a meeting to thrash out the precepts of greater federal autonomy for ethnic groups in exchange for peace. 
 
It is dubbed the 21st Panglong conference in a nod to a historic conference called by her independence hero father, Aung San, in 1947 that saw major ethnic groups commit to joining Myanmar.&nbsp;But that deal collapsed under the junta that took control several years after Aung San&#39;s assassination and embarked on almost 50 years of devastating rule. 
 
Suu Kyi has not set a date for the meeting but is ramping up efforts to ensure all rebel groups are at the table. Both the USWA and Mongla army &quot;support the 21st century Panglong conference and they will try to participate&quot;, Zaw Htay added. 
 
Experts say Myanmar&#39;s myriad conflicts are entwined with the illicit trade in drugs, jade and timber, which makes ending them all the more complicated. Tens of thousands of people have been killed or displaced by the decades of war. 
 
(AFP)

The nation's myriad conflicts are entwined with illicit trade in drugs, jade and timber, which makes ending them all the more complicated

Myanmar's most heavily-armed ethnic group held "positive" talks Friday with the country's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, a spokesman for her office said, in a major boost for peace prospects. The United Wa State Army (UWSA) stopped fighting the government in 1989 in exchange for control of a remote portion of territory bordering China which is believed to be awash with drugs. But they have a 20-25,000-strong standing army and are yet to commit to a full nationwide ceasefire, undercutting Suu Kyi's aim of swiftly securing a lasting peace. Several complex ethic conflicts are rumbling across Myanmar's borderlands, hampering efforts to build the country's economy after the end of junta rule. Some groups who fought the army for decades have signed ceasefires but those are fragile, adding urgency to Suu Kyi's task. The Wa are accused of producing and trafficking huge amounts of methamphetamine and heroin from their secretive holdout, and buying weapons with the proceeds. Friday's "very positive discussions" between leaders of the Wa, a powerful group called the Mongla army, and Suu Kyi were an "important first step" in building trust, Zaw Htay, spokesman for her office, told reporters. Suu Kyi wants to convene a meeting to thrash out the precepts of greater federal autonomy for ethnic groups in exchange for peace. It is dubbed the 21st Panglong conference in a nod to a historic conference called by her independence hero father, Aung San, in 1947 that saw major ethnic groups commit to joining Myanmar. But that deal collapsed under the junta that took control several years after Aung San's assassination and embarked on almost 50 years of devastating rule. Suu Kyi has not set a date for the meeting but is ramping up efforts to ensure all rebel groups are at the table. Both the USWA and Mongla army "support the 21st century Panglong conference and they will try to participate", Zaw Htay added. Experts say Myanmar's myriad conflicts are entwined with the illicit trade in drugs, jade and timber, which makes ending them all the more complicated. Tens of thousands of people have been killed or displaced by the decades of war. (AFP)

Myanmar conducts 'positive' talks with rebel group United Wa State Army

A northern Indian state will soon begin a multi-million dollar search in the Himalayas for a mythical plant believed to hold life-saving properties, a local minister said today. 
 
Uttarakhand will spend 250 million Rupees ($37 million) of state money hunting the herb Sanjeevani Booti, which is credited in the ancient Hindu text Ramayana with restoring life to the brother of a god. 
 
While many wild plants with medicinal properties grow in the Himalayas, there is scant evidence that the plant ever existed, with sages and modern researchers failing for centuries to find it. 
 
&quot;We have to try and it will never go to waste. If we are determined we will certainly find it,&quot; Surendra Singh Negi, the state&#39;s minister for alternative medicine, told AFP. 
 
The minister said the search will focus on the Dronagiri range of Himalayas near the Chinese border, one mountain of which is mentioned in the epic Ramayana as being the site where the magical herb grows. 
 
&quot;We have set an initial budget of 250 million Rupees ($37 million) for the project,&quot; Negi said. 
 
Scientists will start work in August, the minister said, adding that the central government has refused to fund the project. 
 
Ancient texts say the plant has life-restoring properties, grows in the high mountains of the Himalayas and glows in the dark. 
 
According to Ramayana, the monkey god Hanuman was tasked by the god Rama with fetching the herb after a healer said it would cure his dying brother Laxman. 
 
But Hanuman failed to identity the plant, instead uprooting the entire mountain and carrying it thousands of miles to treat the mortally injured prince during a war with demons in what is now Sri Lanka. 
 
India&#39;s 5,000-year-old medicine system Ayurveda uses herbs to cure ailments and has seen a revival under Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s government. 
 
(AFP)

The herb Sanjeevani Booti is credited in the ancient Hindu text Ramayana with restoring life, but there's scant evidence it exists

A northern Indian state will soon begin a multi-million dollar search in the Himalayas for a mythical plant believed to hold life-saving properties, a local minister said today. Uttarakhand will spend 250 million Rupees ($37 million) of state money hunting the herb Sanjeevani Booti, which is credited in the ancient Hindu text Ramayana with restoring life to the brother of a god. While many wild plants with medicinal properties grow in the Himalayas, there is scant evidence that the plant ever existed, with sages and modern researchers failing for centuries to find it. "We have to try and it will never go to waste. If we are determined we will certainly find it," Surendra Singh Negi, the state's minister for alternative medicine, told AFP. The minister said the search will focus on the Dronagiri range of Himalayas near the Chinese border, one mountain of which is mentioned in the epic Ramayana as being the site where the magical herb grows. "We have set an initial budget of 250 million Rupees ($37 million) for the project," Negi said. Scientists will start work in August, the minister said, adding that the central government has refused to fund the project. Ancient texts say the plant has life-restoring properties, grows in the high mountains of the Himalayas and glows in the dark. According to Ramayana, the monkey god Hanuman was tasked by the god Rama with fetching the herb after a healer said it would cure his dying brother Laxman. But Hanuman failed to identity the plant, instead uprooting the entire mountain and carrying it thousands of miles to treat the mortally injured prince during a war with demons in what is now Sri Lanka. India's 5,000-year-old medicine system Ayurveda uses herbs to cure ailments and has seen a revival under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. (AFP)

Indian state to spend $37 million hunting mythical 'life-saving' plant

The United Arab Emirates has urged men to avoid wearing the white robes, headscarf and headband of the national dress when travelling abroad, after a businessman visiting the United States was wrestled to the ground and held as an Islamic State suspect. 
 
UAE media reported that the Emirati man was detained in Avon, Ohio, last week after a female clerk at a local hotel called 911 to report what she had described as a man affiliated to Islamic State, according to the Arabic-language al-Bayan newspaper. It only identified him by his initials. 
 
The English language publication The National said the receptionist at the Fairfield Inn hotel called the police after she heard the man talking on his phone in the hotel lobby. 
 
UAE newspaper&nbsp;Gulf News&nbsp;published photos of the Emirati man in robes being wrestled to the ground and handcuffed before being led away by the police. 
 
In a message on a foreign ministry Twitter account focusing on citizens travelling abroad, the ministry said on Saturday:&nbsp;&quot;For citizens travelling outside the country, and in order to ensure their safety, we point out not to wear formal dress while travelling, especially in public places.&quot; The message was dated July 2, and made no reference to the Avon incident. 
 
The foreign ministry, in a message posted in Arabic and English on its website, urged citizens to abide by the laws of countries they are visiting. It alerted women to countries in Europe whose laws prohibit wearing of face covers, also without referring to the incident in Avon. 
 
Local newspapers said Avon police released the man after they realised their mistake, but he fainted and needed hospital treatment. 
 
Al-Bayan reported that the citizen had hired a lawyer to pursue the case, saying he had received no apology from either the police or the hotel. 
 
(Reuters)

An innocent Emirati man was detained in Ohio after a hotel clerk called 911 to report a man affiliated with Islamic State

The United Arab Emirates has urged men to avoid wearing the white robes, headscarf and headband of the national dress when travelling abroad, after a businessman visiting the United States was wrestled to the ground and held as an Islamic State suspect. UAE media reported that the Emirati man was detained in Avon, Ohio, last week after a female clerk at a local hotel called 911 to report what she had described as a man affiliated to Islamic State, according to the Arabic-language al-Bayan newspaper. It only identified him by his initials. The English language publication The National said the receptionist at the Fairfield Inn hotel called the police after she heard the man talking on his phone in the hotel lobby. UAE newspaper Gulf News published photos of the Emirati man in robes being wrestled to the ground and handcuffed before being led away by the police. In a message on a foreign ministry Twitter account focusing on citizens travelling abroad, the ministry said on Saturday: "For citizens travelling outside the country, and in order to ensure their safety, we point out not to wear formal dress while travelling, especially in public places." The message was dated July 2, and made no reference to the Avon incident. The foreign ministry, in a message posted in Arabic and English on its website, urged citizens to abide by the laws of countries they are visiting. It alerted women to countries in Europe whose laws prohibit wearing of face covers, also without referring to the incident in Avon. Local newspapers said Avon police released the man after they realised their mistake, but he fainted and needed hospital treatment. Al-Bayan reported that the citizen had hired a lawyer to pursue the case, saying he had received no apology from either the police or the hotel. (Reuters)

UAE advises citizens to avoid national dress while abroad after man held in US

Nearly 120 people were killed and 200 wounded in two bombings overnight in Baghdad, most of them in a busy shopping area as residents celebrated Ramzan, police and medical sources said on Sunday. 
 
The attack on the shopping area of Karrada is the deadliest since US-backed Iraqi forces last month scored a major victory when it dislodged Islamic State from their stronghold of Fallujah, an hour&#39;s drive West of the capital. It is also the deadliest so far this year. 
 
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi had ordered the offensive after a series of deadly bombings in Baghdad, saying Fallujah served as a launchpad for such attacks on the capital. However, bombings have continued.&nbsp; 
 
A convoy carrying Abadi who had come to tour the site of the bombings was pelted with stones and bottles by residents, angry at what they felt were false promises of better security.&nbsp; 
 
A refrigerator truck packed with explosives blew up in the central district of Karrada, killing 115 people and injuring at least 200. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement circulated online by supporters of the ultra-hard line Sunni group. It said the blast was a suicide bombing. 
 
Karrada was busy at the time as Iraqis eat out and shop late during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which ends next week with the Eid al-Fitr festival.&nbsp; 
 
Videos posted on social media showed people running after the SUV convoy of Abadi as he departed Karrada after touring the scene, throwing pavement stones, bottles of water, empty buckets and slippers, venting their anger at the inability of the security forces to protect the area. 
 
Another video posted on social media showed a large blaze in the main street of Karrada, a largely Shi`ite district with a small Christian community and a few Sunni mosques. 
 
Reuters TV footage taken in the morning showed at least four buildings severely damaged or partly collapsed, including a shopping mall believed to be the target, and gutted cars scattered all around.&nbsp; 
 
The toll climbed during the day as rescuers pulled out more bodies from under the rubble and people succumbed from their injuries. 
Comments posted on social media accused security forces of continuing to use fake bomb detectors at checkpoints filtering traffic in Baghdad, five years after the scandal broke out about a device commonly known as the `magic wand`. 
 
A police officer in Baghdad confirmed these hand-held ADE 651 detectors were still in use. They were sold to Iraq and other nations by a British businessman who was jailed for 10 years in 2013 in the United Kingdom for endangering lives for profit. 
 
AL SHAAB ATTACK 
In a second attack, a roadside explosive device also blew up around midnight in a market in al-Shaab, a Shi&#39;ite district in the North of the capital, killing at least two people, police and medical sources said. 
 
Iraqi forces on June 26 declared the defeat of IS militants in Fallujah, a historic bastion of Sunni insurgency, following a month of fighting. 
 
Now the militants were &quot;trying to compensate for their humiliating defeat in Falluja,&quot; said Jasim al-Bahadli, a former army officer and security analyst in Baghdad. 
 
&quot;It was a mistake for the government to think that the source of the bombings was restricted to just one area,&quot; he said. &quot;There are sleeper cells that operate independently from each other.&quot; 
 
Fallujah was the first Iraqi city to fall to Islamic State in January 2014. Abadi said the next target of the Iraqi forces is Mosul, the de facto capital of the militants and the largest city under their control in both Iraq and Syria. 
 
(Reuters) 
 
 
&nbsp;

The suicide car bombing and roadside explosion also injured almost 200. Islamic State claimed responsibility

Nearly 120 people were killed and 200 wounded in two bombings overnight in Baghdad, most of them in a busy shopping area as residents celebrated Ramzan, police and medical sources said on Sunday. The attack on the shopping area of Karrada is the deadliest since US-backed Iraqi forces last month scored a major victory when it dislodged Islamic State from their stronghold of Fallujah, an hour's drive West of the capital. It is also the deadliest so far this year. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi had ordered the offensive after a series of deadly bombings in Baghdad, saying Fallujah served as a launchpad for such attacks on the capital. However, bombings have continued. A convoy carrying Abadi who had come to tour the site of the bombings was pelted with stones and bottles by residents, angry at what they felt were false promises of better security. A refrigerator truck packed with explosives blew up in the central district of Karrada, killing 115 people and injuring at least 200. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement circulated online by supporters of the ultra-hard line Sunni group. It said the blast was a suicide bombing. Karrada was busy at the time as Iraqis eat out and shop late during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which ends next week with the Eid al-Fitr festival. Videos posted on social media showed people running after the SUV convoy of Abadi as he departed Karrada after touring the scene, throwing pavement stones, bottles of water, empty buckets and slippers, venting their anger at the inability of the security forces to protect the area. Another video posted on social media showed a large blaze in the main street of Karrada, a largely Shi`ite district with a small Christian community and a few Sunni mosques. Reuters TV footage taken in the morning showed at least four buildings severely damaged or partly collapsed, including a shopping mall believed to be the target, and gutted cars scattered all around. The toll climbed during the day as rescuers pulled out more bodies from under the rubble and people succumbed from their injuries. Comments posted on social media accused security forces of continuing to use fake bomb detectors at checkpoints filtering traffic in Baghdad, five years after the scandal broke out about a device commonly known as the `magic wand`. A police officer in Baghdad confirmed these hand-held ADE 651 detectors were still in use. They were sold to Iraq and other nations by a British businessman who was jailed for 10 years in 2013 in the United Kingdom for endangering lives for profit. AL SHAAB ATTACK In a second attack, a roadside explosive device also blew up around midnight in a market in al-Shaab, a Shi'ite district in the North of the capital, killing at least two people, police and medical sources said. Iraqi forces on June 26 declared the defeat of IS militants in Fallujah, a historic bastion of Sunni insurgency, following a month of fighting. Now the militants were "trying to compensate for their humiliating defeat in Falluja," said Jasim al-Bahadli, a former army officer and security analyst in Baghdad. "It was a mistake for the government to think that the source of the bombings was restricted to just one area," he said. "There are sleeper cells that operate independently from each other." Fallujah was the first Iraqi city to fall to Islamic State in January 2014. Abadi said the next target of the Iraqi forces is Mosul, the de facto capital of the militants and the largest city under their control in both Iraq and Syria. (Reuters)

Death toll in Baghdad twin bombing rises to 120

Spanish police arrested three brothers of Pakistani nationality suspected of spreading Islamic extremist propaganda via social media networks. 
 
Officers detained the men, aged between 25 and 31, in an early morning raid on their home in the northeastern city of Lleida, a police spokesman said. 
 
The brothers operated several social media accounts to upload videos praising group executions carried out by Islamic State, the Taliban and other Pakistan-based extremist groups, police said in a statement. 
 
Police said the brothers had attracted a large number of followers in their attempts to spread jihadist ideology. 
 
The raid comes three days after a gun attack by a suicide bomber at Istanbul&#39;s Ataturk airport killed 44 people and which Turkish officials said appeared to have been carried out by the Islamic State group. 
 
(AFP)

The brothers used social media profiles to upload videos in support of executions by Islamic State, Taliban and other extremist groups

Spanish police arrested three brothers of Pakistani nationality suspected of spreading Islamic extremist propaganda via social media networks. Officers detained the men, aged between 25 and 31, in an early morning raid on their home in the northeastern city of Lleida, a police spokesman said. The brothers operated several social media accounts to upload videos praising group executions carried out by Islamic State, the Taliban and other Pakistan-based extremist groups, police said in a statement. Police said the brothers had attracted a large number of followers in their attempts to spread jihadist ideology. The raid comes three days after a gun attack by a suicide bomber at Istanbul's Ataturk airport killed 44 people and which Turkish officials said appeared to have been carried out by the Islamic State group. (AFP)

Spain arrests 3 Pakistani brothers for propagating Islamic extremism

The Obama administration is considering a plan to coordinate air strikes on Nusra Front and Islamic State militants in Syria if Syria&#39;s government stops bombing &#39;moderate&#39; rebels, US officials said on Thursday. 
 
The US backs the &#39;moderate&#39; rebels, who are under pressure from Islamic State and government forces, but the plan depends in part on whether Russia is willing to press Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, its ally, to stop bombing them. Many US officials and outside experts doubt Moscow is willing to do that. 
 
It would also require moderate opposition forces to disentangle themselves from Nusra and move into identifiable areas where they would be vulnerable to government and Russian air attacks. 
 
Although Russia says it has targeted Islamic State, most of its strikes have been on the US-backed moderate rebels, who distrust the Assad government which has caused most of the ceasefire violation, as claimed by the moderate rebels and Washington. 
 
&quot;If the moderates separate themselves from Nusra, the Russians and Assad will immediately target them,&quot; said Chris Harmer, an analyst with the Institute for the Study of War. &quot;The idea that the moderate rebels will separate themselves from Nusra is just not going to happen. It (the administration plan) is a Hail Mary pass that is dead on arrival.&quot; 
 
&quot;It&rsquo;s staggering to me that anybody, even during the fifth year of this civil war, thought this would be a good idea,&quot; said Harmer. 
 
The Washington Post, which first reported the plan, said the Obama administration has submitted a written proposal to Moscow, but two US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that while the plan is under discussion within the administration, no decisions have been made. 
 
A &#39;Hail Mary&#39;pass? 
 
That Washington is even considering such a plan, however, reflects the unravelling of a February 27 cessation of hostilities agreement that was supposed to bring some calm to a country riven by five years of civil war and promote a political settlement, as well as the weakness of the US-backed moderate opposition forces. 
 
In one sign of their predicament, US-backed Syrian rebels on Wednesday were pushed back from Al-Bukamal, an Islamic State-held town on the Iraq border, suffering casualties and seeing some of their fighters and arms captured, a rebel source said. 
 
Finally, targeting the Nusra Front could end up boosting the popularity of the al Qaeda affiliate, which is widely hailed by anti-government Syrians as the most effective fighting force seeking to oust Assad. 
 
Prospects for a political deal to end the conflict appear dim, not least because there is no agreement on the future of Assad, whom the US wants to step down, but whom Russia has supported with its military intervention since last September. 
 
UN Syria envoy Staffan De Mistura is in Washington this week to meet senior US officials to discuss efforts to reduce attacks on civilians and the provision of humanitarian aid as he &quot;continues to work to advance a political transition,&quot; National security council spokesman Carl Woog said on Thursday.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)

The rebels backed by the US is under fire from the Islamic State and the government forces which has support from Moscow

The Obama administration is considering a plan to coordinate air strikes on Nusra Front and Islamic State militants in Syria if Syria's government stops bombing 'moderate' rebels, US officials said on Thursday. The US backs the 'moderate' rebels, who are under pressure from Islamic State and government forces, but the plan depends in part on whether Russia is willing to press Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, its ally, to stop bombing them. Many US officials and outside experts doubt Moscow is willing to do that. It would also require moderate opposition forces to disentangle themselves from Nusra and move into identifiable areas where they would be vulnerable to government and Russian air attacks. Although Russia says it has targeted Islamic State, most of its strikes have been on the US-backed moderate rebels, who distrust the Assad government which has caused most of the ceasefire violation, as claimed by the moderate rebels and Washington. "If the moderates separate themselves from Nusra, the Russians and Assad will immediately target them," said Chris Harmer, an analyst with the Institute for the Study of War. "The idea that the moderate rebels will separate themselves from Nusra is just not going to happen. It (the administration plan) is a Hail Mary pass that is dead on arrival." "It’s staggering to me that anybody, even during the fifth year of this civil war, thought this would be a good idea," said Harmer. The Washington Post, which first reported the plan, said the Obama administration has submitted a written proposal to Moscow, but two US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that while the plan is under discussion within the administration, no decisions have been made. A 'Hail Mary'pass? That Washington is even considering such a plan, however, reflects the unravelling of a February 27 cessation of hostilities agreement that was supposed to bring some calm to a country riven by five years of civil war and promote a political settlement, as well as the weakness of the US-backed moderate opposition forces. In one sign of their predicament, US-backed Syrian rebels on Wednesday were pushed back from Al-Bukamal, an Islamic State-held town on the Iraq border, suffering casualties and seeing some of their fighters and arms captured, a rebel source said. Finally, targeting the Nusra Front could end up boosting the popularity of the al Qaeda affiliate, which is widely hailed by anti-government Syrians as the most effective fighting force seeking to oust Assad. Prospects for a political deal to end the conflict appear dim, not least because there is no agreement on the future of Assad, whom the US wants to step down, but whom Russia has supported with its military intervention since last September. UN Syria envoy Staffan De Mistura is in Washington this week to meet senior US officials to discuss efforts to reduce attacks on civilians and the provision of humanitarian aid as he "continues to work to advance a political transition," National security council spokesman Carl Woog said on Thursday. (Reuters)

US to bomb Nusra and IS if Assad halts strikes on Washington-backed rebels

At least 34 Libyan pro-government forces were killed and 100 wounded in clashes with Islamic State (IS) group jihadists as they prepared for a final assault on the jihadist stronghold of Sirte. 
 
It was one of bloodiest days since forces loyal to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) launched an offensive in May to retake Sirte from IS. 
 
The fighting came as 29 people were killed and dozens wounded further west in the town of Garabulli when a blast ripped through an arms depot after militiamen and armed residents clashed yesterday. 
 
The fall of Sirte would be a major blow to IS, which has faced a series of setbacks in Syria and Iraq where local forces and a US-led coalition are pressing an offensive against their positions. 
 
A statement by the GNA said yesterday&#39;s fighting took place in several parts of Sirte, where jihadists are pinned down in pockets of the coastal city. 
 
Speaking from the western city of Misrata, the source said the death toll had risen from 18 to 34, with the number of wounded increasing from 70 to 100. 
 
It was one of the heaviest tolls since the pro-GNA forces launched an offensive in May to dislodge IS from Sirte -- hometown of ousted and slain dictator Moamer Kadhafi which IS seized in June last year. 
 
The GNA forces earlier said &quot;dozens&quot; of IS fighters had been killed within 24 hours. 
 
They also announced their &quot;intelligence network is in full swing in preparation for the decisive battle&quot; against IS fighters in the city, after repelling multiple counter-attacks. 
 
The statement said fighters were targeting IS-held areas of Sirte with heavy artillery while loyalist aircraft were carrying out sorties every day to strike IS or carry out reconnaissance missions. 
 
IS fighters &quot;are besieged in a small area of Sirte and although they have sought to break out our forces have repelled all attempts&quot;, the statement said. 
 
It said that the jihadists had barricaded themselves in residential buildings and deployed snipers and explosive devices to fend off pro-GNA forces. 
 
IS has hit back with a string of suicide car bombings in a bid to defend their stronghold on the Mediterranean coast. 
 
Around 200 loyalist troops have been killed and hundreds wounded since the start of the offensive to capture Sirte, 450 kilometres (280 miles) east of Tripoli. 
 
An unknown number of jihadists have been killed. 
 
Libya has been awash with weapons since the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed Kadhafi, with rival militias fighting for control of its cities and oil wealth. 
 
In Garabulli near the Libyan capital, armed residents stormed an arms depot after clashing with a militia from the western city of Misrata, which owned the weapons store.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP)

One of the bloodiest days in months as IS tries to maintain hold on key Libyan city, Sirte

At least 34 Libyan pro-government forces were killed and 100 wounded in clashes with Islamic State (IS) group jihadists as they prepared for a final assault on the jihadist stronghold of Sirte. It was one of bloodiest days since forces loyal to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) launched an offensive in May to retake Sirte from IS. The fighting came as 29 people were killed and dozens wounded further west in the town of Garabulli when a blast ripped through an arms depot after militiamen and armed residents clashed yesterday. The fall of Sirte would be a major blow to IS, which has faced a series of setbacks in Syria and Iraq where local forces and a US-led coalition are pressing an offensive against their positions. A statement by the GNA said yesterday's fighting took place in several parts of Sirte, where jihadists are pinned down in pockets of the coastal city. Speaking from the western city of Misrata, the source said the death toll had risen from 18 to 34, with the number of wounded increasing from 70 to 100. It was one of the heaviest tolls since the pro-GNA forces launched an offensive in May to dislodge IS from Sirte -- hometown of ousted and slain dictator Moamer Kadhafi which IS seized in June last year. The GNA forces earlier said "dozens" of IS fighters had been killed within 24 hours. They also announced their "intelligence network is in full swing in preparation for the decisive battle" against IS fighters in the city, after repelling multiple counter-attacks. The statement said fighters were targeting IS-held areas of Sirte with heavy artillery while loyalist aircraft were carrying out sorties every day to strike IS or carry out reconnaissance missions. IS fighters "are besieged in a small area of Sirte and although they have sought to break out our forces have repelled all attempts", the statement said. It said that the jihadists had barricaded themselves in residential buildings and deployed snipers and explosive devices to fend off pro-GNA forces. IS has hit back with a string of suicide car bombings in a bid to defend their stronghold on the Mediterranean coast. Around 200 loyalist troops have been killed and hundreds wounded since the start of the offensive to capture Sirte, 450 kilometres (280 miles) east of Tripoli. An unknown number of jihadists have been killed. Libya has been awash with weapons since the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed Kadhafi, with rival militias fighting for control of its cities and oil wealth. In Garabulli near the Libyan capital, armed residents stormed an arms depot after clashing with a militia from the western city of Misrata, which owned the weapons store. (AFP)

At least 34 Tripoli troops dead, 100 injured in fight against Islamic State

The band Maroon 5 is cancelling concerts planned in North Carolina, the latest musical act to take a stand against a state law on bathroom use that has been criticized as discriminatory against transgender people.

&quot;This was a difficult decision for us to make as a band,&quot; the American pop rock group said on its website on Friday.

&quot;We don&rsquo;t want to penalize our fans in North Carolina by not performing for them, but in the end it comes down to what we feel is morally right AS WE FEEL EVERYONE SHOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY.&quot;

With a law passed in March, North Carolina became the first state in the country to require transgender people to use multiple-occupancy public restrooms and changing facilities that correspond with the gender on their birth certificate rather than their gender identity.

The law, approved by the Republican-led legislature in a one-day special session, also blocks local governments from passing anti-discrimination ordinances that include protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

It has sparked lawsuits by both supporters and opponents of the law, and a mounting backlash from corporations, conventions, tourists and entertainers. Last week, the U.S. Justice Department asked a federal district court to declare that the state is violating the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

On Tuesday, renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman also backed out of a scheduled performance in North Carolina in protest of the law. Other performers who have canceled shows in the state include Bruce Springsteen, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, Boston, Pearl Jam, Ringo Starr and the group Cirque du Soleil.

The upcoming shows by Maroon 5, known for hits such as &ldquo;Moves Like Jagger,&rdquo; were to be held in Raleigh and Charlotte. The band&#39;s decision drew praise and criticism from fans posting comments on its website.

&quot;You shouldn&#39;t punish your fans who have no control over the politics!&quot; one post said.

Republican Governor Pat McCrory&#39;s campaign spokesman Ricky Diaz questioned the timing of the band&#39;s &quot;political statement.&quot; McCrory is up for re-election in November.

&quot;At this point, the only people they are hurting by hypocritically targeting North Carolina for selective outrage are their fans and the hardworking men and women servicing these shows while they keep tour dates overseas &ndash; even in Russia,&quot; Diaz said in a statement.

The band Maroon 5 is cancelling concerts planned in North Carolina, the latest musical act to take a stand against a state law on bathroom use that has been criticized as discriminatory against transgender people.

The band Maroon 5 is cancelling concerts planned in North Carolina, the latest musical act to take a stand against a state law on bathroom use that has been criticized as discriminatory against transgender people. "This was a difficult decision for us to make as a band," the American pop rock group said on its website on Friday. "We don’t want to penalize our fans in North Carolina by not performing for them, but in the end it comes down to what we feel is morally right AS WE FEEL EVERYONE SHOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY." With a law passed in March, North Carolina became the first state in the country to require transgender people to use multiple-occupancy public restrooms and changing facilities that correspond with the gender on their birth certificate rather than their gender identity. The law, approved by the Republican-led legislature in a one-day special session, also blocks local governments from passing anti-discrimination ordinances that include protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation. It has sparked lawsuits by both supporters and opponents of the law, and a mounting backlash from corporations, conventions, tourists and entertainers. Last week, the U.S. Justice Department asked a federal district court to declare that the state is violating the 1964 Civil Rights Act. On Tuesday, renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman also backed out of a scheduled performance in North Carolina in protest of the law. Other performers who have canceled shows in the state include Bruce Springsteen, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, Boston, Pearl Jam, Ringo Starr and the group Cirque du Soleil. The upcoming shows by Maroon 5, known for hits such as “Moves Like Jagger,” were to be held in Raleigh and Charlotte. The band's decision drew praise and criticism from fans posting comments on its website. "You shouldn't punish your fans who have no control over the politics!" one post said. Republican Governor Pat McCrory's campaign spokesman Ricky Diaz questioned the timing of the band's "political statement." McCrory is up for re-election in November. "At this point, the only people they are hurting by hypocritically targeting North Carolina for selective outrage are their fans and the hardworking men and women servicing these shows while they keep tour dates overseas – even in Russia," Diaz said in a statement.

Maroon 5 cancels shows in North Carolina in protest against transgender bathroom law

The Turkish military shelled Islamic State targets north of the city of Aleppo in Syria, killing 14 militants, television chanenls reported, citing a statement from the General Staff.

Turkey a NATO member&nbsp;&nbsp;is a part&nbsp;of the U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.

Extremists were killed in shelling near Aleppo

The Turkish military shelled Islamic State targets north of the city of Aleppo in Syria, killing 14 militants, television chanenls reported, citing a statement from the General Staff. Turkey a NATO member is a part of the U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.

Turkish army kills 14 Islamic State militants

The United Nations said today&nbsp;it was worried about 8,000 Syrians trapped by fighting north of Aleppo where Islamic State has advanced against rebels, and that both Kurdish and rebel authorities had hindered people fleeing the area.

The fighting has displaced thousands more Syrians near the Turkish frontier where more than 160,000 people are already sheltering, most of whom fled fighting earlier this year, the U.N. says.

&quot;An unknown number of people are also unable to flee due to fighting and the closure of the main road leading north towards the town of Azaz in northwestern Syria,&quot; said a joint statement from the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria and the Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis.

Islamic State advanced in recent days into the opposition-held town of Marea.

The Turkish-backed rebels who are battling Islamic State north of Aleppo have also been involved in hostilities with the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, which controls wide areas of territory to the west of Marea.

In a separate report on the situation, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said civilians fleeing the IS advance had been prevented by Syrian Kurdish authorities from entering areas under their control in response to rebel shelling of a Kurdish-held area of Aleppo.

It said about 2,000 people had managed to evacuate Marea and nearby Sheikh Issa, which were encircled by Islamic State on May 27. &quot;However, an estimated 7,000 civilians still remain inside and unable to leave due to restrictions imposed by Kurdish authorities,&quot; it added. OCHA said this was a Kurdish response to rebel shelling of Aleppo&#39;s Kurdish-held Sheikh Maqsoud area.

Meanwhile, opposition authorities in the rebel-held town of Azaz near the Turkish border had issued a directive on May 24 to not let in any more people fleeing Islamic State-held areas, OCHA said.

The court that issued the order cited fears of infiltration by covert Islamic State militants posing as internally displaced people (IDPs), after 8,000 IDPs arrived in Azaz.

&quot;Humanitarian agencies have continued to suspend operations and evacuate staff from towns in close proximity to hostilities,&quot; the OCHA report said.

The U.N. is worried about 8,000 Syrian trapped by fighting north of Aleppo

The United Nations said today it was worried about 8,000 Syrians trapped by fighting north of Aleppo where Islamic State has advanced against rebels, and that both Kurdish and rebel authorities had hindered people fleeing the area. The fighting has displaced thousands more Syrians near the Turkish frontier where more than 160,000 people are already sheltering, most of whom fled fighting earlier this year, the U.N. says. "An unknown number of people are also unable to flee due to fighting and the closure of the main road leading north towards the town of Azaz in northwestern Syria," said a joint statement from the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria and the Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis. Islamic State advanced in recent days into the opposition-held town of Marea. The Turkish-backed rebels who are battling Islamic State north of Aleppo have also been involved in hostilities with the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, which controls wide areas of territory to the west of Marea. In a separate report on the situation, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said civilians fleeing the IS advance had been prevented by Syrian Kurdish authorities from entering areas under their control in response to rebel shelling of a Kurdish-held area of Aleppo. It said about 2,000 people had managed to evacuate Marea and nearby Sheikh Issa, which were encircled by Islamic State on May 27. "However, an estimated 7,000 civilians still remain inside and unable to leave due to restrictions imposed by Kurdish authorities," it added. OCHA said this was a Kurdish response to rebel shelling of Aleppo's Kurdish-held Sheikh Maqsoud area. Meanwhile, opposition authorities in the rebel-held town of Azaz near the Turkish border had issued a directive on May 24 to not let in any more people fleeing Islamic State-held areas, OCHA said. The court that issued the order cited fears of infiltration by covert Islamic State militants posing as internally displaced people (IDPs), after 8,000 IDPs arrived in Azaz. "Humanitarian agencies have continued to suspend operations and evacuate staff from towns in close proximity to hostilities," the OCHA report said.

U.N. worried for Syrians stranded by Islamic State advance

A crocodile in Australia snatched a woman taking a late-night swim in a national park and is believed to have killed her, media reported on Monday. 
 
The 46-year-old woman was swimming with a friend late on Sunday in waist-deep water at a beach in Queensland state when she disappeared, police said. 
 
&quot;They felt a nudge, and a large crocodile is alleged to have grabbed one of the ladies and pulled her into the water,&quot; Neil Noble, a supervisor for the Queensland state ambulance service, told reporters. 
 
Police would only say the woman was believed to have been taken by a crocodile. Media reported that the friend struggled to pull the woman back from the crocodile`s jaws. 
 
Police did not identify the woman or give her nationality but said she lives in Australia and has family in New Zealand. 
A police spokesman told Reuters a search and rescue operation would continue on Tuesday. 
 
Warren Entsch, the area`s member of parliament, said the incident occurred in a place that is popular with crocodile-spotting tours, with many warning signs. 
 
The incident should not encourage reprisals against the animals, he said. 
 
&quot;You can`t legislate against human stupidity,&quot; Entsch told reporters. &quot;This is a tragedy but it was avoidable. There are warning signs everywhere up there.&quot;

A crocodile in Australia snatched a woman taking a late-night swim in a national park and is believed to have killed her, media reported on Monday. The 46-year-old woman was swimming with a friend late on Sunday in waist-deep water at a beach in Queensland state when she disappeared, police said.

A crocodile in Australia snatched a woman taking a late-night swim in a national park and is believed to have killed her, media reported on Monday. The 46-year-old woman was swimming with a friend late on Sunday in waist-deep water at a beach in Queensland state when she disappeared, police said. "They felt a nudge, and a large crocodile is alleged to have grabbed one of the ladies and pulled her into the water," Neil Noble, a supervisor for the Queensland state ambulance service, told reporters. Police would only say the woman was believed to have been taken by a crocodile. Media reported that the friend struggled to pull the woman back from the crocodile`s jaws. Police did not identify the woman or give her nationality but said she lives in Australia and has family in New Zealand. A police spokesman told Reuters a search and rescue operation would continue on Tuesday. Warren Entsch, the area`s member of parliament, said the incident occurred in a place that is popular with crocodile-spotting tours, with many warning signs. The incident should not encourage reprisals against the animals, he said. "You can`t legislate against human stupidity," Entsch told reporters. "This is a tragedy but it was avoidable. There are warning signs everywhere up there."

Crocodile attacked woman taking late-night swim in Australia

Heavy fighting between the Islamic State group and rebels gripped a town in northeastern Syria Saturday, a monitor and an activist said, after a lightning assault by the jihadists cut a main supply route. 
&quot;Heavy clashes took place overnight between IS fighters and rebels inside the walls of Marea town,&quot; the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. 
IS swept through rebel-held territory early Friday in a shock offensive in Aleppo province, cutting off the main road between Marea and Azaz, 20 kilometres (12 miles) to the northeast near the Turkish border.&nbsp; 
The surprise advance came as the jihadist group faced an offensive by a US-backed Kurdish-Arab alliance in its own heartland of Raqa province further east. 
Maamoun Khateeb, a journalist and activist from Azaz, told AFP that IS attacked Marea early Saturday mainly from the east and north using tanks and two car bombs. 
The advance has besieged around 15,000 residents remaining inside Marea, he said.&nbsp; 
Human rights groups have warned that the IS advance in Aleppo has left tens of thousands of displaced Syrians trapped along the closed Turkish border. 
To the east in Raqa province, warplanes from the US-led coalition conducted air strikes on IS positions north of Raqa city, Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said. 
But the Kurdish-Arab alliance fighting the jihadist group north of its de facto Syrian capital had made no strategic progress on the ground, he said. 
Syria`s war has killed more than 280,000 people and displaced millions since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011.

Heavy fighting between the Islamic State group and rebels gripped a town in northeastern Syria Saturday, a monitor and an activist said, after a lightning assault by the jihadists cut a main supply route.

Heavy fighting between the Islamic State group and rebels gripped a town in northeastern Syria Saturday, a monitor and an activist said, after a lightning assault by the jihadists cut a main supply route. "Heavy clashes took place overnight between IS fighters and rebels inside the walls of Marea town," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. IS swept through rebel-held territory early Friday in a shock offensive in Aleppo province, cutting off the main road between Marea and Azaz, 20 kilometres (12 miles) to the northeast near the Turkish border. The surprise advance came as the jihadist group faced an offensive by a US-backed Kurdish-Arab alliance in its own heartland of Raqa province further east. Maamoun Khateeb, a journalist and activist from Azaz, told AFP that IS attacked Marea early Saturday mainly from the east and north using tanks and two car bombs. The advance has besieged around 15,000 residents remaining inside Marea, he said. Human rights groups have warned that the IS advance in Aleppo has left tens of thousands of displaced Syrians trapped along the closed Turkish border. To the east in Raqa province, warplanes from the US-led coalition conducted air strikes on IS positions north of Raqa city, Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said. But the Kurdish-Arab alliance fighting the jihadist group north of its de facto Syrian capital had made no strategic progress on the ground, he said. Syria`s war has killed more than 280,000 people and displaced millions since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011.

IS-rebel clashes rock northeast Syria town

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