In a shocking incident that was captured on CCTV, a woman was seen slapping a toll booth operator seven times in four seconds, at the Chhijarsi&nbsp;Toll Plaza&nbsp;in Hapur. The video of the incident has gone viral on the internet. Reportedly, the woman attacked the toll booth worker violently when she was told that her vehicle did not have insufficient FASTag balance.&nbsp;
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Kalesh b/w a Lady and a Toll-Staff (A woman entered inside the toll booth and slapped the toll worker seven times in four seconds, Hapur UP) <a href="https://t.co/D6RiFkHNVE">pic.twitter.com/D6RiFkHNVE</a>
&mdash; Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/gharkekalesh/status/1911640369143439482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also Read&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/biohacker-bryan-johnson-gets-a-setback-on-anti-aging-experiment-reveals-he-made-himself-older-8933909">Bryan Johnson gets a setback on anti-aging experiment, reveals he made himself older</a>
According to multiple reports, the car bearing registration number HR40J6483 was coming from Ghaziabad and had two men and two women inside. When the FASTag scanner showed a low balance, the booth worker asked the group to pay the toll fee manually along with the applicable fine, as per government rules.&nbsp;Instead of complying, one of the women in the car got out, entered the booth, and began slapping the worker.&nbsp;CCTV footage of the incident also&nbsp;shows the women attempting to strangle the toll booth worker. A report in Times of India alleged that the two male passengers also misbehaved with toll staff.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-viral-sensation-arshad-chaiwala-not-pakistani-as-passport-id-card-blocked-over-afghan-father-what-to-know-8959336">Pakistan viral sensation Arshad 'chaiwala' is not Pakistani? Passport, ID card blocked, Khan faces deportation for being...</a>
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&ldquo;A simple request to pay toll turned into a violent attack. The woman barged into the booth and beat up our staff mercilessly. This is unacceptable,&rdquo; said Avnish Singh, an employee at the toll plaza, to Times of India.
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As the video went viral, Hapur Police took cognisance of the matter and commented on the viral video, stating that necessary actions would be taken and that they had identified the vehicle. &ldquo;A case has been filed under BNS sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt) and 351 (criminal intimidation). The vehicle has been identified, and efforts are being made to trace the woman&rdquo; said Patneesh Yadav, SHO of Pilakhua police station.
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उक्त प्रकरण में थाना पिलखुवा पुलिस द्वारा सुसंगत धाराओं में अभियोग पंजीकृत कर अग्रिम विधिक कार्यवाही की जा रही है।
&mdash; HAPUR POLICE (@hapurpolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/hapurpolice/status/1911781580378349642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<div id="article-index-7" class="storyPage_alsoRead__6h9uq">Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-elephants-form-alert-circle-to-protect-their-young-when-earthquake-hits-southern-california-8963951">VIDEO: Elephants form 'alert circle' to protect their young when earthquake hits southern California</a></div>
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Notably, this is not the first such incident in this toll plaza of Hapur. In June 2024, a&nbsp;bulldozer&nbsp;driver, angry over being asked to pay toll, rammed his vehicle into two booths and attempted to run over toll employees. The video of that incident had also gone viral but little has changed since then as far as the security of the poll booth workers are concerned.&nbsp;
In this case, the woman and other passengers have not issued any statement on the matter.&nbsp;
Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/controversial-statements-by-indian-courts-on-sexual-abuse-cases-women-say-sensitisation-necessary-8964602">Controversial statements by Indian courts on sexual abuse cases: Women say 'sensitisation necessary'</a>
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Trending, India News | In a shocking incident that was captured on CCTV, a woman was seen slapping a toll booth operator seven times in four seconds in Hapur

In a shocking incident that was captured on CCTV, a woman was seen slapping a toll booth operator seven times in four seconds, at the Chhijarsi Toll Plaza in Hapur. The video of the incident has gone viral on the internet. Reportedly, the woman attacked the toll booth worker violently when she was told that her vehicle did not have insufficient FASTag balance. Kalesh b/w a Lady and a Toll-Staff (A woman entered inside the toll booth and slapped the toll worker seven times in four seconds, Hapur UP) pic.twitter.com/D6RiFkHNVE — Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) April 14, 2025 Also Read | Bryan Johnson gets a setback on anti-aging experiment, reveals he made himself older According to multiple reports, the car bearing registration number HR40J6483 was coming from Ghaziabad and had two men and two women inside. When the FASTag scanner showed a low balance, the booth worker asked the group to pay the toll fee manually along with the applicable fine, as per government rules. Instead of complying, one of the women in the car got out, entered the booth, and began slapping the worker. CCTV footage of the incident also shows the women attempting to strangle the toll booth worker. A report in Times of India alleged that the two male passengers also misbehaved with toll staff. Also Read | Pakistan viral sensation Arshad 'chaiwala' is not Pakistani? Passport, ID card blocked, Khan faces deportation for being... “A simple request to pay toll turned into a violent attack. The woman barged into the booth and beat up our staff mercilessly. This is unacceptable,” said Avnish Singh, an employee at the toll plaza, to Times of India. As the video went viral, Hapur Police took cognisance of the matter and commented on the viral video, stating that necessary actions would be taken and that they had identified the vehicle. “A case has been filed under BNS sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt) and 351 (criminal intimidation). The vehicle has been identified, and efforts are being made to trace the woman” said Patneesh Yadav, SHO of Pilakhua police station. उक्त प्रकरण में थाना पिलखुवा पुलिस द्वारा सुसंगत धाराओं में अभियोग पंजीकृत कर अग्रिम विधिक कार्यवाही की जा रही है। — HAPUR POLICE (@hapurpolice) April 14, 2025 Also Read | VIDEO: Elephants form 'alert circle' to protect their young when earthquake hits southern California Notably, this is not the first such incident in this toll plaza of Hapur. In June 2024, a bulldozer driver, angry over being asked to pay toll, rammed his vehicle into two booths and attempted to run over toll employees. The video of that incident had also gone viral but little has changed since then as far as the security of the poll booth workers are concerned. In this case, the woman and other passengers have not issued any statement on the matter. Also Read |Controversial statements by Indian courts on sexual abuse cases: Women say 'sensitisation necessary'

Watch | Woman slaps toll worker 7 times in 4 seconds, video goes viral

Israel and Hezbollah are reportedly nearing a US-backed ceasefire deal amid ongoing violence. As negotiations progress, the death toll in Lebanon has surpassed a grim milestone, highlighting the urgency of halting hostilities.

Israel-Hezbollah War: Ceasefire Deal ‘Very Close,’ As Lebanon Death Toll Climbs

A devastating wildfire is burning parts of Chile's central and southern regions. officials are warning that the toll can rise soon. Watch to know more!

Chile orders evacuation in tourist city Vina Del Mer

After several countries criticised and questioned WHO's official COVID-19 death figures. It admits to making another mistake and is recalculating the official COVID-19 death toll.

WHO admits to making another mistake and is recalculating the official COVID-19 death toll

Police, army and volunteer rescuers on Friday widened the search for dozens still missing five days after the deadliest storm to strike&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa's coastal city of Durban in living memory as the death toll rose to nearly 400.

The&nbsp;floods, which affected nearly 41,000, left a trail of destruction and at least 395 people dead, regional head of the disaster managing ministry Sipho Hlomuka said.

With the government&nbsp;coordinating the search-and-rescue operation, the official number of people missing in KwaZulu-Natal province stood at 55.

A fleet of cars and helicopters carrying police experts set out early Friday to comb through a valley in Marianhill suburb, west of Durban, to look for 12 people reported missing in the&nbsp;floods, AFP correspondents said.

It is an increasingly desperate search for survivors.

Travis Trower, a director for the volunteer-run organisation Rescue&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa, said his teams had found only corpses after following up 85 calls on Thursday.

President Cyril Ramaphosa -- recalling the Covid 19 pandemic and the deadly July riots, described the&nbsp;floods&nbsp;as "a catastrophe of enormous proportions... not seen before in our country" -- urged Good Friday prayers for survivors.

"Just as we thought it was safe to get out of (the Covid) disaster, we have another disaster, a natural disaster descending on our country, particularly on our KwaZulu-Natal province.

"The&nbsp;floods&nbsp;have cause a lot of devastation a lot of havoc," he said.

"Let us pray for our people in KwaZulu-Natal so that they receive the healing that is required... so that they can get on with their lives," Ramaphosa told El-Shaddai Tabernacle church congregants in the eastern town of Ermelo.

Thousands of survivors, left homeless after their houses were destroyed, are being housed in shelters scattered across the city, sleeping on cardboard sheets and mattresses on the floors.

Housing minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, told reporters 13,593 houses have been damaged, with nearly 4,000 of them totally destroyed.&nbsp;

Meanwhile volunteers, with gloves and trash bags, fanned across the city's beaches to pick up debris left by the massive storms ahead of an expected surge of Easter weekend holidaymakers.

'Absolute devastation'

Software manager Morne Mustard, 35, was among the scores of volunteers, who included children, picking up debris and &nbsp;broken reeds from Durban's famous Umhlanga beach.

"This is my local beach where I bring my kids, and this is where we spend our weekend, so this is for our community,".

He roped in workmates, families and friends to help clean up as beach restaurants offered free breakfast for the volunteers.

Recalling the day the rain fell, Mustard said, "It didn't feel real, absolute devastation, a horrendous sight, stuff spilling out on the beach must have come from someone's house... brooms and mops, household utensils, it was such a heart sore to see."

Some of Durban's poorest residents have been lining up to collect water from burst pipes and dug through layers of mud to retrieve their scant possessions.

Ramaphosa declared the region a state of disaster to unlock relief funds.

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika television Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said an initial tranche of a billion rand ($68 million) in emergency relief funding was immediately available.

Weather forecasters said apocalyptic levels of rain were dumped on the region over&nbsp;several days.

Some areas received more than 450 millimetres&nbsp;(18 inches) over 48 hours, or nearly half of Durban's annual rainfall, the national weather service said.

The&nbsp;South&nbsp;African Weather Service issued an Easter weekend warning of thunderstorms and flooding in KwaZulu-Natal.

"According to the warning that we have received, damaging winds are forecast for areas along the coast from midday (Friday) into Saturday evening," said Hlomuka, adding disaster teams were on "high alert".

Over 4,000 police officers have been deployed to help with relief efforts and maintain law and order amid reports of sporadic looting.

The Durban port, one of the southern hemisphere's largest, resumed shipping operations on Thursday afternoon, after closing during the&nbsp;floods, state logistics firm Transnet.

Police, army and volunteer rescuers on Friday widened the search for dozens still missing five days after the deadliest storm to strike South Africa's coastal city of Durban in living memory as the death toll rose to nearly 400.

Police, army and volunteer rescuers on Friday widened the search for dozens still missing five days after the deadliest storm to strike South Africa's coastal city of Durban in living memory as the death toll rose to nearly 400. The floods, which affected nearly 41,000, left a trail of destruction and at least 395 people dead, regional head of the disaster managing ministry Sipho Hlomuka said. With the government coordinating the search-and-rescue operation, the official number of people missing in KwaZulu-Natal province stood at 55. A fleet of cars and helicopters carrying police experts set out early Friday to comb through a valley in Marianhill suburb, west of Durban, to look for 12 people reported missing in the floods, AFP correspondents said. It is an increasingly desperate search for survivors. Travis Trower, a director for the volunteer-run organisation Rescue South Africa, said his teams had found only corpses after following up 85 calls on Thursday. President Cyril Ramaphosa -- recalling the Covid 19 pandemic and the deadly July riots, described the floods as "a catastrophe of enormous proportions... not seen before in our country" -- urged Good Friday prayers for survivors. "Just as we thought it was safe to get out of (the Covid) disaster, we have another disaster, a natural disaster descending on our country, particularly on our KwaZulu-Natal province. "The floods have cause a lot of devastation a lot of havoc," he said. "Let us pray for our people in KwaZulu-Natal so that they receive the healing that is required... so that they can get on with their lives," Ramaphosa told El-Shaddai Tabernacle church congregants in the eastern town of Ermelo. Thousands of survivors, left homeless after their houses were destroyed, are being housed in shelters scattered across the city, sleeping on cardboard sheets and mattresses on the floors. Housing minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, told reporters 13,593 houses have been damaged, with nearly 4,000 of them totally destroyed. Meanwhile volunteers, with gloves and trash bags, fanned across the city's beaches to pick up debris left by the massive storms ahead of an expected surge of Easter weekend holidaymakers. 'Absolute devastation' Software manager Morne Mustard, 35, was among the scores of volunteers, who included children, picking up debris and broken reeds from Durban's famous Umhlanga beach. "This is my local beach where I bring my kids, and this is where we spend our weekend, so this is for our community,". He roped in workmates, families and friends to help clean up as beach restaurants offered free breakfast for the volunteers. Recalling the day the rain fell, Mustard said, "It didn't feel real, absolute devastation, a horrendous sight, stuff spilling out on the beach must have come from someone's house... brooms and mops, household utensils, it was such a heart sore to see." Some of Durban's poorest residents have been lining up to collect water from burst pipes and dug through layers of mud to retrieve their scant possessions. Ramaphosa declared the region a state of disaster to unlock relief funds. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika television Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said an initial tranche of a billion rand ($68 million) in emergency relief funding was immediately available. Weather forecasters said apocalyptic levels of rain were dumped on the region over several days. Some areas received more than 450 millimetres (18 inches) over 48 hours, or nearly half of Durban's annual rainfall, the national weather service said. The South African Weather Service issued an Easter weekend warning of thunderstorms and flooding in KwaZulu-Natal. "According to the warning that we have received, damaging winds are forecast for areas along the coast from midday (Friday) into Saturday evening," said Hlomuka, adding disaster teams were on "high alert". Over 4,000 police officers have been deployed to help with relief efforts and maintain law and order amid reports of sporadic looting. The Durban port, one of the southern hemisphere's largest, resumed shipping operations on Thursday afternoon, after closing during the floods, state logistics firm Transnet.

South Africa flood toll nears 400 as rescuers search for missing

World Health Organisation's director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday warned that the pandemic is 'far from over.'

He further said that even after two years, the virus is still evolving and even surging in some parts of the world. "Two years later, more than six million people have died," Tedros told a press conference.

"Although reported cases and deaths are declining globally, and several countries have lifted restrictions, the pandemic is far from over -- and it will not be over anywhere until it's over everywhere." 
444 million cases have been registered so far.&nbsp;

"The virus continues to evolve, and we continue to face major obstacles in distributing vaccines, tests and treatments everywhere they are needed," Tedros said.

While remote Pacific islands are struggling with their first-ever Covid outbreak, several European nations have removed all Covid-related restrictions.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-pandemic-enters-third-year-covid-related-deaths-to-soon-reach-6-million-459928">Also read |&nbsp;As pandemic enters third year, Covid related deaths to soon reach 6 million</a>

Top US officials, on the other hand, recently laid out a plan to move the nation to a new stage of the pandemic. The new plan focuses on four goals, to help the nation move forward safely. This includes protection against COVID, preparing for new variants, preventing shutdowns and continuing to vaccinate the world.&nbsp;

Hong Kong is struggling with another wave of cases. The densely populated metropolis is in the throes of a record virus surge with thousands of confirmed cases every day.

The US has the biggest official death toll in the world. However, the numbers have been seeing a downward trend over the last month.

Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's Covid-19 technical lead said, "The virus is still spreading at far too intensive a level, three years into this pandemic."

"Even though we are seeing declining trends... there were still more than 10 million reported cases reported at a global level last week. We have to remain vigilant."

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation's director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday warned that the pandemic is 'far from over.' He further said that even after two years, the virus is still evolving and even surging in some parts of the world.

World Health Organisation's director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday warned that the pandemic is 'far from over.' He further said that even after two years, the virus is still evolving and even surging in some parts of the world. "Two years later, more than six million people have died," Tedros told a press conference. "Although reported cases and deaths are declining globally, and several countries have lifted restrictions, the pandemic is far from over -- and it will not be over anywhere until it's over everywhere." 444 million cases have been registered so far. "The virus continues to evolve, and we continue to face major obstacles in distributing vaccines, tests and treatments everywhere they are needed," Tedros said. While remote Pacific islands are struggling with their first-ever Covid outbreak, several European nations have removed all Covid-related restrictions. Also read | As pandemic enters third year, Covid related deaths to soon reach 6 million Top US officials, on the other hand, recently laid out a plan to move the nation to a new stage of the pandemic. The new plan focuses on four goals, to help the nation move forward safely. This includes protection against COVID, preparing for new variants, preventing shutdowns and continuing to vaccinate the world. Hong Kong is struggling with another wave of cases. The densely populated metropolis is in the throes of a record virus surge with thousands of confirmed cases every day. The US has the biggest official death toll in the world. However, the numbers have been seeing a downward trend over the last month. Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's Covid-19 technical lead said, "The virus is still spreading at far too intensive a level, three years into this pandemic." "Even though we are seeing declining trends... there were still more than 10 million reported cases reported at a global level last week. We have to remain vigilant." (With inputs from agencies)

WHO warns pandemic 'far from over' as Covid death toll reaches 6 million

Brazil on Friday surpassed 600,000 deaths from the deadly coronavirus, reveals the health ministry. The country of 213 million has also recorded more than 21.5 million cases of the deadly virus.&nbsp;

This comes in when Latin America's death toll from coronavirus surpassed 1.5 million. The toll is at least 1,500,350 deaths, with more than 45 million cases of the virus recorded.&nbsp;

Brazil is the second hardest-hit country, after the United States.&nbsp;After Brazil comes Mexico, Peru, Colombia and Argentina in terms of deaths.

Margareth Dalcolmo, pulmonologist and researcher at the prestigious Fiocruz research institute, while speaking to AFP said, "The situation has improved but we cannot lower our guard."She said that the pandemic could only be considered under control once "we have 80 per cent of the population vaccinated."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-covid-19-update-high-infection-rate-in-0-19-age-group-in-india-globally-new-cases-fall-by-9-419214">Also read |&nbsp;WHO COVID-19 Update: High infection rate in 0-19 age group in India, globally new cases fall by 9%</a>

As of now, 71.4 per cent of Brazilians have received at least one vaccination dose but only 45.9 per cent are fully immunised.&nbsp;

Brazil's vaccination program began in late January, weeks after Argentina and the US. Specialists have blamed a lack of government planning.

Things have dramatically improved from three months ago. However, before this, 2,000 Brazilians a day were dying from the deadly virus.

That death rate dropped below 1,000 at the end of July and kept shrinking until it stabilised around 500 in September.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-had-the-vaccines-and-a-plan-to-reopen-instead-they-got-cold-feet-419189">Also read |&nbsp;They had the vaccines and a plan to reopen. Instead they got cold feet.</a>

Brazil is far from seeing "the light at the end of the tunnel, the situation remains worrying," said Domingos Alves, a researcher at the Sao Paulo University's faculty of medicine.

Globally the pandemic has now claimed more than 4.8 million lives, with more than 237 million cases of the disease reported.

Brazil on Friday surpassed 600,000 deaths from the deadly coronavirus, reveals the health ministry. The country of 213 million has also recorded more than 21.5 million cases of the deadly virus.

Brazil on Friday surpassed 600,000 deaths from the deadly coronavirus, reveals the health ministry. The country of 213 million has also recorded more than 21.5 million cases of the deadly virus. This comes in when Latin America's death toll from coronavirus surpassed 1.5 million. The toll is at least 1,500,350 deaths, with more than 45 million cases of the virus recorded. Brazil is the second hardest-hit country, after the United States. After Brazil comes Mexico, Peru, Colombia and Argentina in terms of deaths. Margareth Dalcolmo, pulmonologist and researcher at the prestigious Fiocruz research institute, while speaking to AFP said, "The situation has improved but we cannot lower our guard."She said that the pandemic could only be considered under control once "we have 80 per cent of the population vaccinated." Also read | WHO COVID-19 Update: High infection rate in 0-19 age group in India, globally new cases fall by 9% As of now, 71.4 per cent of Brazilians have received at least one vaccination dose but only 45.9 per cent are fully immunised. Brazil's vaccination program began in late January, weeks after Argentina and the US. Specialists have blamed a lack of government planning. Things have dramatically improved from three months ago. However, before this, 2,000 Brazilians a day were dying from the deadly virus. That death rate dropped below 1,000 at the end of July and kept shrinking until it stabilised around 500 in September. Also read | They had the vaccines and a plan to reopen. Instead they got cold feet. Brazil is far from seeing "the light at the end of the tunnel, the situation remains worrying," said Domingos Alves, a researcher at the Sao Paulo University's faculty of medicine. Globally the pandemic has now claimed more than 4.8 million lives, with more than 237 million cases of the disease reported.

Latin America's COVID-19 death toll surpasses 1.5 million with 600,000 deaths in Brazil

The official global death toll from COVID-19 has passed 4.5 million, however, the true figure may be more than three times higher, at 15 million lives lost.

The huge disparity between recorded deaths and the real scale of the pandemic can be attributed to the undercounting caused by some of the most populous countries and regions, including China, India and Russia, as well as much of Latin America and Africa, researchers said.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has announced sweeping mandates to ''turn the tide'' in the battle against coronavirus pandemic.

Lambasting the people who refuse to receive a vaccine Biden said in a harsh tone that ''your refusal cost us.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turn-the-tide-biden-announces-new-vaccine-mandates-in-covid-19-battle-411974">Also read |&nbsp;'Turn the tide': Biden announces new vaccine mandates in COVID-19 battle</a>

In his new plan vaccine mandate, Biden asked all federal employees and 17 million healthcare workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Striving to restore public confidence in his handling of the pandemic, Biden said ''we can and we will turn the tide of COVID-19.''

''It’ll take a lot of hard work and it’s going to take some time. Many of us are frustrated with the nearly 80 million Americans who are still not vaccinated even though the vaccine is safe, effective and free,'' he added.

Businesses with more than 100 employees will need to have their workers vaccinated or tested weekly as a rule that the US Department of Labour will issue.

Covering about two-thirds or 100 million workers in the US, the vaccination speed will blunt the rapid spread of the virus in the country.

The official global death toll from COVID-19 has passed 4.5 million, however, the true figure may be more than three times higher, at 15 million lives lost. The huge disparity between recorded deaths and the real scale of the pandemic can be attributed to the undercounting caused by some of the most populous countries and regions, including China, India and Russia, as well as much of Latin America and Africa, researchers said.

The official global death toll from COVID-19 has passed 4.5 million, however, the true figure may be more than three times higher, at 15 million lives lost. The huge disparity between recorded deaths and the real scale of the pandemic can be attributed to the undercounting caused by some of the most populous countries and regions, including China, India and Russia, as well as much of Latin America and Africa, researchers said. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has announced sweeping mandates to ''turn the tide'' in the battle against coronavirus pandemic. Lambasting the people who refuse to receive a vaccine Biden said in a harsh tone that ''your refusal cost us.'' Also read | 'Turn the tide': Biden announces new vaccine mandates in COVID-19 battle In his new plan vaccine mandate, Biden asked all federal employees and 17 million healthcare workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Striving to restore public confidence in his handling of the pandemic, Biden said ''we can and we will turn the tide of COVID-19.'' ''It’ll take a lot of hard work and it’s going to take some time. Many of us are frustrated with the nearly 80 million Americans who are still not vaccinated even though the vaccine is safe, effective and free,'' he added. Businesses with more than 100 employees will need to have their workers vaccinated or tested weekly as a rule that the US Department of Labour will issue. Covering about two-thirds or 100 million workers in the US, the vaccination speed will blunt the rapid spread of the virus in the country.

True global COVID-19 death toll ‘may be more than 15 million’

The preliminary death toll from the major earthquake that struck southwestern Haiti last weekend surged to 1,941 on Tuesday as the search for survivors resumed after a tropical storm passed and quake-hit Haitians clamored for food, shelter and medical aid. 
 
Hospitals struggled to tend to all those injured, the official tally of which rose to 9,915, with many people still missing or under the rubble, the Civil Protection Service said on Tuesday afternoon. 
 
"There weren't enough doctors and now she's dead," said Lanette Nuel, sitting listlessly next to her daughter's corpse outside the main hospital of Les Cayes, one of the towns worst hit by both the tremor and the storm's heavy rains and winds. 
 
The 26-year-old deceased woman, herself a mother of two, had been crushed by debris during the magnitude 7.2 quake. Now, she lay under a white sheet on the floor. 
 
"We came in yesterday afternoon, she died this morning. I can't do anything," her mother said. 
 
The quake on Saturday brought down tens of thousands of buildings in the poorest country in the Americas, which is still recovering from a temblor 11 years ago that killed over 200,000 people. 
 
Relief efforts were already complicated due to a weak state and difficult road access from the capital to the south due to gang control of key points. Flash flooding and landslides in the wake of Tropical Storm Grace, which by Thursday afternoon had continued on past Jamaica, further complicated matters. 
 
"Countless Haitian families who have lost everything due to the earthquake are now living literally with their feet in the water due to the flooding," said Bruno Maes, the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) representative in Haiti. 
 
"Right now, about half a million Haitian children have limited or no access to shelter, safe water, healthcare and nutrition." 
 
The United Nations said it had allocated $8 million in emergency funds to provide essential healthcare, clean water, emergency shelter and sanitation for all affected people. 
 
"We will continue to scale up our response to the hardest-hit areas," UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. 
 
The hospital in Les Cayes, about 150 km (90 miles) west of the capital Port-au-Prince, was even more overwhelmed on Tuesday than before as patients who had been camping outside moved indoors overnight to escape the tropical storm. 
 
Director Peterson Gede said medics were doing the best they could, but it was not enough. 
 
"We couldn't handle all the patients," he said. "And we have been receiving supplies, but it's not enough." 
 
At a tent city in Les Cayes containing many children and babies, over a hundred people scrambled to repair makeshift coverings made of wooden poles and tarps that were destroyed by Grace overnight. Some took cover under plastic sheets. 
 
Mathieu Jameson, deputy head of the committee formed by the tent city residents, said hundreds of people there were in urgent need of food shelter and medical care. 
 
"We don't have a doctor. We don't have food. Every morning more people are arriving. We have no bathroom, no place to sleep. We need food, we need more umbrellas," said Jameson, adding the tent city was still waiting for government aid.

The preliminary death toll from the major earthquake that struck southwestern Haiti last weekend surged to 1,941 on Tuesday as the search for survivors resumed after a tropical storm passed and quake-hit Haitians clamored for food, shelter and medical aid.

The preliminary death toll from the major earthquake that struck southwestern Haiti last weekend surged to 1,941 on Tuesday as the search for survivors resumed after a tropical storm passed and quake-hit Haitians clamored for food, shelter and medical aid. Hospitals struggled to tend to all those injured, the official tally of which rose to 9,915, with many people still missing or under the rubble, the Civil Protection Service said on Tuesday afternoon. "There weren't enough doctors and now she's dead," said Lanette Nuel, sitting listlessly next to her daughter's corpse outside the main hospital of Les Cayes, one of the towns worst hit by both the tremor and the storm's heavy rains and winds. The 26-year-old deceased woman, herself a mother of two, had been crushed by debris during the magnitude 7.2 quake. Now, she lay under a white sheet on the floor. "We came in yesterday afternoon, she died this morning. I can't do anything," her mother said. The quake on Saturday brought down tens of thousands of buildings in the poorest country in the Americas, which is still recovering from a temblor 11 years ago that killed over 200,000 people. Relief efforts were already complicated due to a weak state and difficult road access from the capital to the south due to gang control of key points. Flash flooding and landslides in the wake of Tropical Storm Grace, which by Thursday afternoon had continued on past Jamaica, further complicated matters. "Countless Haitian families who have lost everything due to the earthquake are now living literally with their feet in the water due to the flooding," said Bruno Maes, the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) representative in Haiti. "Right now, about half a million Haitian children have limited or no access to shelter, safe water, healthcare and nutrition." The United Nations said it had allocated $8 million in emergency funds to provide essential healthcare, clean water, emergency shelter and sanitation for all affected people. "We will continue to scale up our response to the hardest-hit areas," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. The hospital in Les Cayes, about 150 km (90 miles) west of the capital Port-au-Prince, was even more overwhelmed on Tuesday than before as patients who had been camping outside moved indoors overnight to escape the tropical storm. Director Peterson Gede said medics were doing the best they could, but it was not enough. "We couldn't handle all the patients," he said. "And we have been receiving supplies, but it's not enough." At a tent city in Les Cayes containing many children and babies, over a hundred people scrambled to repair makeshift coverings made of wooden poles and tarps that were destroyed by Grace overnight. Some took cover under plastic sheets. Mathieu Jameson, deputy head of the committee formed by the tent city residents, said hundreds of people there were in urgent need of food shelter and medical care. "We don't have a doctor. We don't have food. Every morning more people are arriving. We have no bathroom, no place to sleep. We need food, we need more umbrellas," said Jameson, adding the tent city was still waiting for government aid.

Haiti quake death toll surges to nearly 2,000, survivors clamour for aid

A day after the&nbsp;powerful&nbsp;7.2-magnitude&nbsp;earthquake ravaged Haiti, the&nbsp;death toll&nbsp;soared to&nbsp;1,297 on Sunday.&nbsp;The quake had razed&nbsp;thousands of structures in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;rescue efforts are now being undertaken by the personnel in the country.&nbsp;A&nbsp;tropical storm is also heading towards&nbsp;Haiti to make matters worse.&nbsp;

At least 5,700 people have also got injured in the Caribbean nation.&nbsp;Thousands more have been&nbsp;displaced due to the destruction. Several homes have either been&nbsp;destroyed or damaged.&nbsp;

In numerous&nbsp;areas,&nbsp;survivors have been forced to live&nbsp;out in the open.&nbsp;On Sunday, people could also be seen&nbsp;lining up to buy whatever little was available at a local street market.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;coming of Tropical Depression Grace, which may&nbsp;reach Haiti on Monday night, has left several residents worried.&nbsp;The&nbsp;tropical storm was although demoted&nbsp;to a depression on&nbsp;Sunday by&nbsp;the US National Hurricane Centre.&nbsp;It may&nbsp;bring heavy rain, flooding and landslides.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;earthquake struck at a crucial time when the&nbsp;country was&nbsp;already grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, a presidential assassination and a wave of gang violence.&nbsp;

On Sunday,&nbsp;Pope Francis expressed his closeness to the people of Haiti. He also prayed for the victims and wished encouragement for survivors. In order to&nbsp;help the people of Haiti&nbsp;in these difficult times,&nbsp;the pope called for the solidarity of the international community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden&nbsp;authorised&nbsp;an immediate response and named USAID Administrator Samantha Power to oversee the US effort to help Haiti.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A day after the powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake ravaged Haiti, the death toll soared to 1,297 on Sunday. The quake had razed thousands of structures in the country.

A day after the powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake ravaged Haiti, the death toll soared to 1,297 on Sunday. The quake had razed thousands of structures in the country. The rescue efforts are now being undertaken by the personnel in the country. A tropical storm is also heading towards Haiti to make matters worse. At least 5,700 people have also got injured in the Caribbean nation. Thousands more have been displaced due to the destruction. Several homes have either been destroyed or damaged. In numerous areas, survivors have been forced to live out in the open. On Sunday, people could also be seen lining up to buy whatever little was available at a local street market. The coming of Tropical Depression Grace, which may reach Haiti on Monday night, has left several residents worried. The tropical storm was although demoted to a depression on Sunday by the US National Hurricane Centre. It may bring heavy rain, flooding and landslides. The earthquake struck at a crucial time when the country was already grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, a presidential assassination and a wave of gang violence. On Sunday, Pope Francis expressed his closeness to the people of Haiti. He also prayed for the victims and wished encouragement for survivors. In order to help the people of Haiti in these difficult times, the pope called for the solidarity of the international community. US President Joe Biden authorised an immediate response and named USAID Administrator Samantha Power to oversee the US effort to help Haiti. (With inputs from agencies)

Quake death toll surges to 1,297 in Haiti as rescue efforts continue 

The&nbsp;death&nbsp;toll&nbsp;from&nbsp;Turkey's&nbsp;flash&nbsp;floods&nbsp;soared to&nbsp;27&nbsp;on Friday as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepared to inspect one of the hardest-hit regions and lend his moral support.

The devastation across&nbsp;Turkey's northern Black Sea regions came just as the disaster-hit country was winning control over hundreds of wildfires that killed eight people and destroyed swathes of forest along its scenic southern coast.

Turkey&nbsp;suffered another bout of flooding in the northeastern province of Rize that killed six people last month.

Scientists believe such natural disasters are becoming more intense and frequent because of global warming caused by harmful emissions.

Turkey's emergence as a frontline country in the battle against climate change also poses a challenge to Erdogan two years before the next scheduled general election.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-worked-closely-with-partners-as-unsc-condemns-turkey-on-varosha-issue-400297">Also read |&nbsp;India worked closely with partners as UNSC condemns Turkey on Varosha issue</a>

The powerful Turkish leader was roundly condemned on social media for tossing out bags of tea to locals while visiting one of the fire-ravaged regions when the wildfires were first spreading at the end of July.

Polls show that the climate is a top priority for up to seven million members of Generation Z whose votes Erdogan will need to extend his rule into a third decade in the 2023 vote.

Erdogan so far has said little about the&nbsp;floods.

"I offer my condolences to the loved ones of our 17 fellow citizens who lost their lives," he said when the&nbsp;toll&nbsp;was still 17 on Thursday night.

Media reports said Erdogan would chair a crisis response meeting attended by top ministers in one of the worst-hit parts of the inundated city of Kastamonu later Friday.

Building anger

But the anger appeared to be building in Black Sea towns and cities over what some said was a lack of proper warning from local officials about the dangers of the incoming storms.

"They told us to move our cars but they didn't tell us to save ourselves or our children," Kastamonu province resident Arzu Yucel told the private DHA news agency.

"If they had, I would have taken them and left in five minutes. They didn't even tell us that the river was overflowing," the elderly woman said.

Turkey's rugged Black Sea coast is dotted with villages built along valleys that frequently experience heavy flooding in the summer months.

Some longtime residents of the region said this year's flooding was the worst they could recall.

"I am 75 years old and have never seen anything like this," Batin province resident Adem Senol told the Anadolu state news agency.

"The water rose higher than the level of our windows, it broke down our door, even a wall," he said. "It was a powerful stream, enough to sweep away houses."

Emergency services said waters briefly rose in some parts as high as four metres (13 feet) before subsiding and spreading across a region stretching more than 150 miles (240 kilometres) wide.

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli has warned that the area was facing "a&nbsp;disaster that we had not seen in 50 or 100 years".

Images on television and social media showed stranded villagers being plucked off rooftops by helicopter, and bridges collapsing under the force of the rushing water below.

The Anadolu state news agency said rescuers were focusing on a four-floor apartment building that partially crumbled and another one next to it that completely collapsed.

Concern was also increasing over how high the&nbsp;death&nbsp;toll&nbsp;could climb.

Some locals told Turkish media Friday that they still had no news from their closest family and friends.

Weather services predicted rains to continue to lash the affected area for the remainder of the week.

The death toll from Turkey's flash floods soared to 27 on Friday as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepared to inspect one of the hardest-hit regions and lend his moral support.

The death toll from Turkey's flash floods soared to 27 on Friday as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepared to inspect one of the hardest-hit regions and lend his moral support. The devastation across Turkey's northern Black Sea regions came just as the disaster-hit country was winning control over hundreds of wildfires that killed eight people and destroyed swathes of forest along its scenic southern coast. Turkey suffered another bout of flooding in the northeastern province of Rize that killed six people last month. Scientists believe such natural disasters are becoming more intense and frequent because of global warming caused by harmful emissions. Turkey's emergence as a frontline country in the battle against climate change also poses a challenge to Erdogan two years before the next scheduled general election. Also read | India worked closely with partners as UNSC condemns Turkey on Varosha issue The powerful Turkish leader was roundly condemned on social media for tossing out bags of tea to locals while visiting one of the fire-ravaged regions when the wildfires were first spreading at the end of July. Polls show that the climate is a top priority for up to seven million members of Generation Z whose votes Erdogan will need to extend his rule into a third decade in the 2023 vote. Erdogan so far has said little about the floods. "I offer my condolences to the loved ones of our 17 fellow citizens who lost their lives," he said when the toll was still 17 on Thursday night. Media reports said Erdogan would chair a crisis response meeting attended by top ministers in one of the worst-hit parts of the inundated city of Kastamonu later Friday. Building anger But the anger appeared to be building in Black Sea towns and cities over what some said was a lack of proper warning from local officials about the dangers of the incoming storms. "They told us to move our cars but they didn't tell us to save ourselves or our children," Kastamonu province resident Arzu Yucel told the private DHA news agency. "If they had, I would have taken them and left in five minutes. They didn't even tell us that the river was overflowing," the elderly woman said. Turkey's rugged Black Sea coast is dotted with villages built along valleys that frequently experience heavy flooding in the summer months. Some longtime residents of the region said this year's flooding was the worst they could recall. "I am 75 years old and have never seen anything like this," Batin province resident Adem Senol told the Anadolu state news agency. "The water rose higher than the level of our windows, it broke down our door, even a wall," he said. "It was a powerful stream, enough to sweep away houses." Emergency services said waters briefly rose in some parts as high as four metres (13 feet) before subsiding and spreading across a region stretching more than 150 miles (240 kilometres) wide. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli has warned that the area was facing "a disaster that we had not seen in 50 or 100 years". Images on television and social media showed stranded villagers being plucked off rooftops by helicopter, and bridges collapsing under the force of the rushing water below. The Anadolu state news agency said rescuers were focusing on a four-floor apartment building that partially crumbled and another one next to it that completely collapsed. Concern was also increasing over how high the death toll could climb. Some locals told Turkish media Friday that they still had no news from their closest family and friends. Weather services predicted rains to continue to lash the affected area for the remainder of the week.

Death toll in Turkey's flash floods soars to 27

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

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

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

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

The death toll in the partial collapse of a budget hotel in China's eastern city of Suzhou on Monday has risen to 17, state media said on Wednesday. 
 
Of the 23 people trapped in the rubble of the Siji Kaiyuan Hotel in Suzhou only six survived, according to state media. 
 
More than 650 people were involved in the search and rescue operation, which concluded on Wednesday morning. 
 
The provincial government of Jiangsu has set up a team to conduct an in-depth investigation on the specific causes of the collapse. 
 
The Siji Kaiyuan opened in 2018 and had a total of 54 rooms, according to online booking sites. The part of the hotel that collapsed was three storeys tall. 
 
According to some state media reports, the collapse was initially determined to be caused by the property owner`s alteration of the hotel structure. 
 
A hotel guest who checked out on Monday just before the collapsed spoke of loud drilling noises and the sound of the shovelling of sand, according toe Beijing Youth Daily. 
 
The building was shaking, the guest said. 
 
Cities in Jiangsu have since held an emergency meeting on the safety of existing building structures, and called for tougher inspection and supervision.

The death toll in the partial collapse of a budget hotel in China's eastern city of Suzhou on Monday has risen to 17, state media said on Wednesday. Of the 23 people trapped in the rubble of the Siji Kaiyuan Hotel in Suzhou only six survived, according to state media.

The death toll in the partial collapse of a budget hotel in China's eastern city of Suzhou on Monday has risen to 17, state media said on Wednesday. Of the 23 people trapped in the rubble of the Siji Kaiyuan Hotel in Suzhou only six survived, according to state media. More than 650 people were involved in the search and rescue operation, which concluded on Wednesday morning. The provincial government of Jiangsu has set up a team to conduct an in-depth investigation on the specific causes of the collapse. The Siji Kaiyuan opened in 2018 and had a total of 54 rooms, according to online booking sites. The part of the hotel that collapsed was three storeys tall. According to some state media reports, the collapse was initially determined to be caused by the property owner`s alteration of the hotel structure. A hotel guest who checked out on Monday just before the collapsed spoke of loud drilling noises and the sound of the shovelling of sand, according toe Beijing Youth Daily. The building was shaking, the guest said. Cities in Jiangsu have since held an emergency meeting on the safety of existing building structures, and called for tougher inspection and supervision.

Death toll rises to 17 in partial collapse of China hotel

India saw a single-day rise of 60,471 new coronavirus infections, the lowest after 75 days, taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,95,70,881, while the daily positivity rate declined to 3.45 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 3,77,031 with 2,726 fresh deaths, the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;The active cases further declined to 9,13,378 comprising 3.09 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 95.64 per cent.

A net decline of 59,780 cases has been recorded in the COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

Also, 17,51,358 tests were conducted on Monday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 38,13,75,984.

The daily positivity rate dropped to 3.45 per cent. It has been less than 5 per cent for 8 consecutive days, the ministry said, adding the weekly positivity rate has declined to 4.39 per cent.

Recoveries continue to outnumber daily new cases for the 33rd consecutive day. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,82,80,472, while the case fatality rate increased to 1.28 per cent, the data stated.

Cumulatively, 25,90,44,072 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the Nationwide Vaccination Drive.

The 2,726 new fatalities include 1,592 from Maharashtra, 254 from Tamil Nadu, 161 from Kerala and 120 from Karnataka. A total of 3,77,031 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,12,696 from Maharashtra, 33,033 from Karnataka, 29,801 from Tamil Nadu, 24,839 from Delhi, 21,858 from Uttar Pradesh, 16,974 from West Bengal, 15,602 from Punjab and 13,334 from Chhattisgarh.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.&nbsp;"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.&nbsp;

India saw a single-day rise of 60,471 new coronavirus infections, the lowest after 75 days, taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,95,70,881, while the daily positivity rate declined to 3.

India saw a single-day rise of 60,471 new coronavirus infections, the lowest after 75 days, taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,95,70,881, while the daily positivity rate declined to 3.45 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 3,77,031 with 2,726 fresh deaths, the data updated at 8 am showed. The active cases further declined to 9,13,378 comprising 3.09 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 95.64 per cent. A net decline of 59,780 cases has been recorded in the COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. Also, 17,51,358 tests were conducted on Monday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 38,13,75,984. The daily positivity rate dropped to 3.45 per cent. It has been less than 5 per cent for 8 consecutive days, the ministry said, adding the weekly positivity rate has declined to 4.39 per cent. Recoveries continue to outnumber daily new cases for the 33rd consecutive day. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,82,80,472, while the case fatality rate increased to 1.28 per cent, the data stated. Cumulatively, 25,90,44,072 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the Nationwide Vaccination Drive. The 2,726 new fatalities include 1,592 from Maharashtra, 254 from Tamil Nadu, 161 from Kerala and 120 from Karnataka. A total of 3,77,031 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,12,696 from Maharashtra, 33,033 from Karnataka, 29,801 from Tamil Nadu, 24,839 from Delhi, 21,858 from Uttar Pradesh, 16,974 from West Bengal, 15,602 from Punjab and 13,334 from Chhattisgarh. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

Daily COVID-19 count in India lowest after 75 days

At least 12 people were killed on Saturday in an explosion near a petrol station in the Yemeni city of Marib which members of the Saudi-backed government blamed on a missile strike by Houthi forces. 
 
A medical source said dozens of people, many of them badly burned, had been taken to Marib General Hospital and 12 of them had died of their injuries, including five children. 
 
"The rest are receiving treatment and we expect the number of victims to rise," the source added. 
 
Confirming the explosion, the Marib Governorate blamed the incident on a missile fired by the Houthi militia fighting a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen's civil war. It said on Facebook that 14 people had been killed. 
 
The health and information ministers in the internationally recognised Yemeni government also blamed Houthis for the attack. 
 
"More than 17 killed and injured, including this child burned by Houthi Rocket (attack) on Marib city today," Health Minister Qasem Buhaibeh wrote on Twitter alongside a picture of a burned figure. 
 
The Houthi forces could not be reached for comment. 
 
The Marib region is the last northern stronghold of the Saudi-backed government, which has been at war against the Iran-aligned Houthi forces since 2014. 
 
A Marib resident said the explosion was near a fuel station in the Shabwani market on the outskirts of Marib. 
 
"The fire broke out while many people were there and there was a large number of casualties. Ambulances and firefighters came and many of the injured were taken to hospital," the resident said. 
 
Saudi state TV El-Ekbarayia quoted the Yemeni army as saying Houthis had "targeted civilians in Marib with a ballistic missile and a drone." Yemen's information minister, Moammar al-Eryani, made similar accusations and put the death toll at 17. 
 
Fighting over Marib and its vast gas fields has killed thousands of fighters from both sides and threatened years of peace efforts. 
 
The United States has accused the Houthis of worsening Yemen's humanitarian crisis by attacking Marib. 
 
The civil war, which has been in a military stalemate for years, has killed tens of thousands of people and pushed Yemen to the brink of famine. The Houthis say they are fighting a corrupt system and foreign aggression. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

At least 12 people were killed on Saturday in an explosion near a petrol station in the Yemeni city of Marib which members of the Saudi-backed government blamed on a missile strike by Houthi forces.

At least 12 people were killed on Saturday in an explosion near a petrol station in the Yemeni city of Marib which members of the Saudi-backed government blamed on a missile strike by Houthi forces. A medical source said dozens of people, many of them badly burned, had been taken to Marib General Hospital and 12 of them had died of their injuries, including five children. "The rest are receiving treatment and we expect the number of victims to rise," the source added. Confirming the explosion, the Marib Governorate blamed the incident on a missile fired by the Houthi militia fighting a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen's civil war. It said on Facebook that 14 people had been killed. The health and information ministers in the internationally recognised Yemeni government also blamed Houthis for the attack. "More than 17 killed and injured, including this child burned by Houthi Rocket (attack) on Marib city today," Health Minister Qasem Buhaibeh wrote on Twitter alongside a picture of a burned figure. The Houthi forces could not be reached for comment. The Marib region is the last northern stronghold of the Saudi-backed government, which has been at war against the Iran-aligned Houthi forces since 2014. A Marib resident said the explosion was near a fuel station in the Shabwani market on the outskirts of Marib. "The fire broke out while many people were there and there was a large number of casualties. Ambulances and firefighters came and many of the injured were taken to hospital," the resident said. Saudi state TV El-Ekbarayia quoted the Yemeni army as saying Houthis had "targeted civilians in Marib with a ballistic missile and a drone." Yemen's information minister, Moammar al-Eryani, made similar accusations and put the death toll at 17. Fighting over Marib and its vast gas fields has killed thousands of fighters from both sides and threatened years of peace efforts. The United States has accused the Houthis of worsening Yemen's humanitarian crisis by attacking Marib. The civil war, which has been in a military stalemate for years, has killed tens of thousands of people and pushed Yemen to the brink of famine. The Houthis say they are fighting a corrupt system and foreign aggression. (With inputs from agencies)

Explosion in Yemeni city of Marib kills at least 12, death toll may rise

Israeli planes renewed air strikes in Gaza early on Saturday and Hamas militants responded by firing rockets into Israel as their battle entered a fifth night and US and Arab diplomats sought an end to the violence.&nbsp;

Palestinian medics said at least 12 people were killed overnight in air strikes throughout Gaza. Health officials said a woman and her three children were among the dead after their house was hit in a refugee camp.&nbsp;

The Israeli military said it carried out strikes on a Hamas military intelligence facility and a number of rocket launching sites in northern Gaza.&nbsp;

The Palestinian religious affairs ministry said Israeli planes destroyed a mosque. A military spokesman said the army was checking the report.&nbsp;

Across the border, sirens sounded throughout much of southern Israel, sending residents running for shelter. In the cities of Beersheba and Ashdod buildings were struck by rockets. There were no immediate reports of injuries.&nbsp;

With no sign of an end to the fighting, casualties spread further afield, with Palestinians reporting on Friday 11 killed in the occupied West Bank amid clashes between protesters and Israeli security forces.&nbsp;

At least 132 people have been killed in Gaza since Monday, including 32 children and 21 women, and 950 others wounded, Palestinian medical officials said.&nbsp;

Among the eight dead in Israel were a soldier patrolling the Gaza border and six civilians, including two children, Israeli authorities said.&nbsp;

Ahead of a session of the UN Security Council on Sunday to discuss the situation, Biden administration envoy Hady Amr, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Israel and Palestinian Affairs, flew in on Friday.&nbsp;

The US Embassy in Israel said the aim was "to reinforce the need to work toward a sustainable calm."&nbsp;

Israel launched day-long attacks on Friday to destroy what it said were several kilometres of tunnels, launch sites and weapons manufacturing warehouses used by the militants in an effort to halt the rocket attacks.&nbsp;

Across central and southern Israel, from small towns bordering Gaza to metropolitan Tel Aviv and southern Beersheba, people have adjusted to sirens wailing, radio and TV broadcast interruptions and the beeps of cellphones bearing red alerts that send them rushing for cover.&nbsp;

Cross-border hostilities between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have been accompanied by violence in mixed communities of Jews and Arabs in Israel. Synagogues have been attacked and street fights have broken out, prompting Israel's president to warn of civil war. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Israeli planes renewed air strikes in Gaza early on Saturday and Hamas militants responded by firing rockets into Israel as their battle entered a fifth night and US and Arab diplomats sought an end to the violence.

Israeli planes renewed air strikes in Gaza early on Saturday and Hamas militants responded by firing rockets into Israel as their battle entered a fifth night and US and Arab diplomats sought an end to the violence. Palestinian medics said at least 12 people were killed overnight in air strikes throughout Gaza. Health officials said a woman and her three children were among the dead after their house was hit in a refugee camp. The Israeli military said it carried out strikes on a Hamas military intelligence facility and a number of rocket launching sites in northern Gaza. The Palestinian religious affairs ministry said Israeli planes destroyed a mosque. A military spokesman said the army was checking the report. Across the border, sirens sounded throughout much of southern Israel, sending residents running for shelter. In the cities of Beersheba and Ashdod buildings were struck by rockets. There were no immediate reports of injuries. With no sign of an end to the fighting, casualties spread further afield, with Palestinians reporting on Friday 11 killed in the occupied West Bank amid clashes between protesters and Israeli security forces. At least 132 people have been killed in Gaza since Monday, including 32 children and 21 women, and 950 others wounded, Palestinian medical officials said. Among the eight dead in Israel were a soldier patrolling the Gaza border and six civilians, including two children, Israeli authorities said. Ahead of a session of the UN Security Council on Sunday to discuss the situation, Biden administration envoy Hady Amr, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Israel and Palestinian Affairs, flew in on Friday. The US Embassy in Israel said the aim was "to reinforce the need to work toward a sustainable calm." Israel launched day-long attacks on Friday to destroy what it said were several kilometres of tunnels, launch sites and weapons manufacturing warehouses used by the militants in an effort to halt the rocket attacks. Across central and southern Israel, from small towns bordering Gaza to metropolitan Tel Aviv and southern Beersheba, people have adjusted to sirens wailing, radio and TV broadcast interruptions and the beeps of cellphones bearing red alerts that send them rushing for cover. Cross-border hostilities between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have been accompanied by violence in mixed communities of Jews and Arabs in Israel. Synagogues have been attacked and street fights have broken out, prompting Israel's president to warn of civil war. (With inputs from agencies)

Death toll rises as violence rocks Gaza, Israel and West Bank 

Nigerian police arrested a small group of protesters in Lagos on Saturday after they tried to hold a rally demanding justice for victims of a deadly shooting during demonstrations last year.

Activists had called for new protests on Saturday after a judicial panel authorised the reopening of the city's giant Lekki tollgate, where security forces shot at protesters in October.

Last year's mostly youth-led #EndSARS protests against police brutality and governance brought Africa's largest city to a standstill in October in a campaign that won backing from many high-profile celebrities.

Police on Saturday bundled around 17 protesters into a black truck at the tollgate where security forces had deployed since Friday evening, an AFP reporter at the scene said.

"Lekki tollgate should be made a museum of resistance and not a monument for money making," said Damilare Adebola, 24, who spoke from the police van where he was being held.

There were no other protesters at the gate and traffic was flowing normally, with some drivers chanting "End SARS" as they passed by.

One young protester in a red T-shirt managed to sprint away from police chasing him.

Nigeria's government this week had warned against holding new protests at Lekki, saying the rallies could descend into violence in the name of justice.

"We are calling on all Nigerian authorities to demonstrate commitment to protect the right to peaceful protest," watchdog Amnesty International said on Twitter.

The original #EndSARS protests, named after the SARS police force accused of abuses, spread even after the unit was disbanded and the government promised reforms.&nbsp;

The demonstrations ended abruptly after the shooting in Lagos and a wave of looting and unrest that followed.

An investigation into last year's violence at Lekki has stalled with representatives of the armed forces failing to appear before the panel.

Security forces say they only used blank rounds to break up protesters who had defied a curfew, though Amnesty International said soldiers shot dead at least 10 people.

After October's deadly shooting, the United Nations, African Union, European Union and Britain urged the authorities to refrain from using excessive force.

The wave of protests in October had been the biggest display of people power in years in Africa's most populous nation as young people gathered to demand more sweeping changes.

The huge highway tollgate at Lekki in Lagos became the epicentre of the protest movement with musicians and celebrities joining rallies there during weeks of demonstrations.

Nigerian police arrested a small group of protesters in Lagos on Saturday after they tried to hold a rally demanding justice for victims of a deadly shooting during demonstrations last year.

Nigerian police arrested a small group of protesters in Lagos on Saturday after they tried to hold a rally demanding justice for victims of a deadly shooting during demonstrations last year. Activists had called for new protests on Saturday after a judicial panel authorised the reopening of the city's giant Lekki tollgate, where security forces shot at protesters in October. Last year's mostly youth-led #EndSARS protests against police brutality and governance brought Africa's largest city to a standstill in October in a campaign that won backing from many high-profile celebrities. Police on Saturday bundled around 17 protesters into a black truck at the tollgate where security forces had deployed since Friday evening, an AFP reporter at the scene said. "Lekki tollgate should be made a museum of resistance and not a monument for money making," said Damilare Adebola, 24, who spoke from the police van where he was being held. There were no other protesters at the gate and traffic was flowing normally, with some drivers chanting "End SARS" as they passed by. One young protester in a red T-shirt managed to sprint away from police chasing him. Nigeria's government this week had warned against holding new protests at Lekki, saying the rallies could descend into violence in the name of justice. "We are calling on all Nigerian authorities to demonstrate commitment to protect the right to peaceful protest," watchdog Amnesty International said on Twitter. The original #EndSARS protests, named after the SARS police force accused of abuses, spread even after the unit was disbanded and the government promised reforms. The demonstrations ended abruptly after the shooting in Lagos and a wave of looting and unrest that followed. An investigation into last year's violence at Lekki has stalled with representatives of the armed forces failing to appear before the panel. Security forces say they only used blank rounds to break up protesters who had defied a curfew, though Amnesty International said soldiers shot dead at least 10 people. After October's deadly shooting, the United Nations, African Union, European Union and Britain urged the authorities to refrain from using excessive force. The wave of protests in October had been the biggest display of people power in years in Africa's most populous nation as young people gathered to demand more sweeping changes. The huge highway tollgate at Lekki in Lagos became the epicentre of the protest movement with musicians and celebrities joining rallies there during weeks of demonstrations.

Nigeria police arrest protesters at symbolic Lagos tollgate

Italy has witnessed a rise in coronavirus figures, the country has reported 65 deaths due to coronavirus on Monday as compared to 53 the day before, as per the Civil Protection Agency's statement.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-7-million-cases-globally-brazil-and-india-continue-to-report-daily-surge-304112" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: 7 million cases globally, Brazil and India continue to report daily surge</a>

In terms of cases, the European country recorded 280 cases in the past 24-hours against Sunday's 197. The total number of coronavirus cases in the country stands at 235,278. Italy has the seventh-highest number of cases behind &nbsp;the United States, Russia, Brazil, Spain, Britain and India

The country has 34,730 current cases of the coronavirus out of these, 283 people are currently in the intensive care unit.&nbsp;

Coronavirus has infected over 7 million people globally, as per data from the Johns Hopkins University. Currently, 7,006,436 people have had the virus, while 402,699 people have lost their lives to the pandemic, which went global six months ago.

The five worst-affected countries according to JHU tracker are US (1,940,468), Brazil (691,758), Russia (467,073), United Kingdom (287,621), followed by India (257,486).

Other countries with over 100,000 cases include Peru, France, Germany, Iran, Turkey, Chile, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia.

Italy has witnessed a rise in coronavirus figures, the country has reported 65 deaths due to coronavirus on Monday as compared to 53 the day before, as per the Civil Protection Agency's statement.

Italy has witnessed a rise in coronavirus figures, the country has reported 65 deaths due to coronavirus on Monday as compared to 53 the day before, as per the Civil Protection Agency's statement. Also read: Coronavirus: 7 million cases globally, Brazil and India continue to report daily surge In terms of cases, the European country recorded 280 cases in the past 24-hours against Sunday's 197. The total number of coronavirus cases in the country stands at 235,278. Italy has the seventh-highest number of cases behind the United States, Russia, Brazil, Spain, Britain and India The country has 34,730 current cases of the coronavirus out of these, 283 people are currently in the intensive care unit. Coronavirus has infected over 7 million people globally, as per data from the Johns Hopkins University. Currently, 7,006,436 people have had the virus, while 402,699 people have lost their lives to the pandemic, which went global six months ago. The five worst-affected countries according to JHU tracker are US (1,940,468), Brazil (691,758), Russia (467,073), United Kingdom (287,621), followed by India (257,486). Other countries with over 100,000 cases include Peru, France, Germany, Iran, Turkey, Chile, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia.

Italy sees minor rise in coronavirus figures; total cases stand at 235,278

As the country stepped into the last week of lockdown 3.0 National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) claimed that FASTag will be a very beneficial tool post-lockdown.

FASTag&nbsp;is a technical tool that helps in collection of toll money on highways without human contact.

FASTag employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments on national highways directly from the prepaid or savings account linked to it. A prepaid tag, fixed on vehicles' windscreen, allows automated deduction of toll charges, and lets any vehicle pass through a toll plaza with zero human contact.

The tool will help post-lockdown as it will limit the human contact, making sure the deadly coronavirus does not spread through toll booths.

"FASTag nullifies the chances of contracting Corona virus as there is no human contact between drivers and the toll booth workers unlike during cash transactions," NHAI said.

A total of 1.68 crore FASTags have been issued across the country till the beginning of May 2020.

As the country stepped into the last week of lockdown 3.0 National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) claimed that FASTag will be a very beneficial tool post-lockdown.

As the country stepped into the last week of lockdown 3.0 National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) claimed that FASTag will be a very beneficial tool post-lockdown. FASTag is a technical tool that helps in collection of toll money on highways without human contact. FASTag employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments on national highways directly from the prepaid or savings account linked to it. A prepaid tag, fixed on vehicles' windscreen, allows automated deduction of toll charges, and lets any vehicle pass through a toll plaza with zero human contact. The tool will help post-lockdown as it will limit the human contact, making sure the deadly coronavirus does not spread through toll booths. "FASTag nullifies the chances of contracting Corona virus as there is no human contact between drivers and the toll booth workers unlike during cash transactions," NHAI said. A total of 1.68 crore FASTags have been issued across the country till the beginning of May 2020.

FASTag to help decrease human contact post-lockdown

One more youth was killed today in a clash between a stone-pelting mob and security forces in Kashmir, raising the toll in the five-day unrest to 35, even as Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed &quot;great sadness and sorrow&quot; over the deaths and promised a &quot;healing touch&quot;. 
Shattering the peace during most of the day, clashes erupted this evening at Harnag in Koimoh with a group of youth pelting stones on passing vehicles of security forces. 
In retaliatory action by the security forces, one youth was injured, officials said, adding he succumbed while being shifted to hospital. This raised the toll during the five-day unrest to 35. 
As soon as the news of death of the youth spread, angry protesters set ablaze a forest hut at Khannabal in Anantnag district town, the officials said. 
In another incident, a youth was injured when security forces opened fire at Koil in Pulwama district to disperse a mob which was pelting stones at an Indian Air Force base, the officials said. 
They said Reyaz Ahmad Padder was admitted to District Hospital Pulwama where his situation is stated to be stable. 
Earlier, barring some incidents of stone-pelting, Kashmir was relatively calm through the day as curfew remained in force in some parts of Kashmir, including Pampore and Kupwara towns, restrictions were in place on movement of people in the rest of the Valley. 
A police spokesman said barring &quot;some incidents&quot; of stone pelting at various places, the situation &quot;remained under control&quot; in the valley. 
The stray incidents of stone-pelting were reported from Khudwani, Kulgam, Iman Sahib, Shopian and Kakpora in south Kashmir, Kralpora, Kupwara, Trehgam, Langate, Lalpora, Putkha Sopore and Main Chowk Sopore in north Kashmir, he said. 
Reaching out to people, Mehbooba sought their &quot;support in pulling J&amp;K out of the vortex of violence and bloodshed.&quot; 
She said she needs people&#39;s support in realising the dream of a politically-emancipated, economically self-reliant and socially secure Jammu and Kashmir. 
&quot;The 27-year-long violence has left deep wounds in almost each home here and we have to jointly safeguard our state and our people from further bloodshed and destruction,&quot; she said after paying homage to the martyrs of 1931 at the Martyrs graveyard in Khawaja Bazar area of downtown Srinagar. 
Commenting on the current unrest, Mehbooba said, &quot;My heart is overwhelmed with great sadness and sorrow as a result of the killings in the latest spate of violence in Kashmir.&quot; 
Asserting that &quot;I won&#39;t let the people down, despite facing a challenging task&quot;, she said, &quot;While my government&#39;s immediate priority would be to reach out to the affected families with a healing touch, in the long run a concerted effort shall have to be launched to make peace and stability a reality in J&amp;K, with youth being the focus of the government&#39;s welfare initiatives.&quot;&nbsp; 
Urging people not to &quot;play with peace&quot;, the Chief Minister asked them not to fall prey to the machinations of those elements who want to disturb peace in the state. 
&quot;I think the biggest tribute to them would be to protect that peace and not fall prey to the machinations of those elements who want to disturb peace here,&quot; said Mehbooba who was accompanied by some of her Cabinet colleagues, legislators, party functionaries and top officers of the civil and police administration. 
According to the latest figures available, most deaths over the last four days have taken place in Anantnag district (16) followed by Kulgam (eight), Shopian (five), Pulwama (three), Srinagar and Kupwara (one each). 
Meanwhile, militants fired at the vehicle of a Sub Divisional Police Officer in Shopian district but he escaped unhurt, police said. 
Normal life remained affected for the fifth consecutive day today due to the shutdown called by separatist groups to protest the civilian killings in the clashes with security forces. The separatists today extended the shutdown by two more days till July 15. 
Shops and business establishments remained closed while public and private transport remained off roads due to the strike. 
Mobile Internet and train services remained suspended while mobile telephony has been snapped in Kupwara area following the death of a youth during protests yesterday. Mobile telephony is partially suspended in south Kashmir&#39;s four districts. 
Hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani and moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq were detained by police after they tried to defy restrictions and lead a march to Martyrs graveyard in downtown Srinagar. 
Geelani, who was under house arrest, was detained by the police on the airport road outside his residence in uptown Hyderpora after he defied restrictions and tried to take out a march to commemorate the 85th anniversary of those who laid down their lives fighting the Aristocratic rule in the state in 1931. 
Police also detained Mirwaiz, who was under house arrest, after he defied the restrictions and came out of his Nigeen residence to lead a march to the Martyrs graveyard. 
Mirwaiz climbed the main gate of his residence as a heavy deployment of police had barricaded the gate and did not open it, a spokesman of the Mirwaiz-led Hurriyat said. 
 
(PTI)

Total toll reaches 35. Another youth is injured after security forces open fire to disperse a mob pelting stones at an air force base

One more youth was killed today in a clash between a stone-pelting mob and security forces in Kashmir, raising the toll in the five-day unrest to 35, even as Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed "great sadness and sorrow" over the deaths and promised a "healing touch". Shattering the peace during most of the day, clashes erupted this evening at Harnag in Koimoh with a group of youth pelting stones on passing vehicles of security forces. In retaliatory action by the security forces, one youth was injured, officials said, adding he succumbed while being shifted to hospital. This raised the toll during the five-day unrest to 35. As soon as the news of death of the youth spread, angry protesters set ablaze a forest hut at Khannabal in Anantnag district town, the officials said. In another incident, a youth was injured when security forces opened fire at Koil in Pulwama district to disperse a mob which was pelting stones at an Indian Air Force base, the officials said. They said Reyaz Ahmad Padder was admitted to District Hospital Pulwama where his situation is stated to be stable. Earlier, barring some incidents of stone-pelting, Kashmir was relatively calm through the day as curfew remained in force in some parts of Kashmir, including Pampore and Kupwara towns, restrictions were in place on movement of people in the rest of the Valley. A police spokesman said barring "some incidents" of stone pelting at various places, the situation "remained under control" in the valley. The stray incidents of stone-pelting were reported from Khudwani, Kulgam, Iman Sahib, Shopian and Kakpora in south Kashmir, Kralpora, Kupwara, Trehgam, Langate, Lalpora, Putkha Sopore and Main Chowk Sopore in north Kashmir, he said. Reaching out to people, Mehbooba sought their "support in pulling J&K out of the vortex of violence and bloodshed." She said she needs people's support in realising the dream of a politically-emancipated, economically self-reliant and socially secure Jammu and Kashmir. "The 27-year-long violence has left deep wounds in almost each home here and we have to jointly safeguard our state and our people from further bloodshed and destruction," she said after paying homage to the martyrs of 1931 at the Martyrs graveyard in Khawaja Bazar area of downtown Srinagar. Commenting on the current unrest, Mehbooba said, "My heart is overwhelmed with great sadness and sorrow as a result of the killings in the latest spate of violence in Kashmir." Asserting that "I won't let the people down, despite facing a challenging task", she said, "While my government's immediate priority would be to reach out to the affected families with a healing touch, in the long run a concerted effort shall have to be launched to make peace and stability a reality in J&K, with youth being the focus of the government's welfare initiatives." Urging people not to "play with peace", the Chief Minister asked them not to fall prey to the machinations of those elements who want to disturb peace in the state. "I think the biggest tribute to them would be to protect that peace and not fall prey to the machinations of those elements who want to disturb peace here," said Mehbooba who was accompanied by some of her Cabinet colleagues, legislators, party functionaries and top officers of the civil and police administration. According to the latest figures available, most deaths over the last four days have taken place in Anantnag district (16) followed by Kulgam (eight), Shopian (five), Pulwama (three), Srinagar and Kupwara (one each). Meanwhile, militants fired at the vehicle of a Sub Divisional Police Officer in Shopian district but he escaped unhurt, police said. Normal life remained affected for the fifth consecutive day today due to the shutdown called by separatist groups to protest the civilian killings in the clashes with security forces. The separatists today extended the shutdown by two more days till July 15. Shops and business establishments remained closed while public and private transport remained off roads due to the strike. Mobile Internet and train services remained suspended while mobile telephony has been snapped in Kupwara area following the death of a youth during protests yesterday. Mobile telephony is partially suspended in south Kashmir's four districts. Hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani and moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq were detained by police after they tried to defy restrictions and lead a march to Martyrs graveyard in downtown Srinagar. Geelani, who was under house arrest, was detained by the police on the airport road outside his residence in uptown Hyderpora after he defied restrictions and tried to take out a march to commemorate the 85th anniversary of those who laid down their lives fighting the Aristocratic rule in the state in 1931. Police also detained Mirwaiz, who was under house arrest, after he defied the restrictions and came out of his Nigeen residence to lead a march to the Martyrs graveyard. Mirwaiz climbed the main gate of his residence as a heavy deployment of police had barricaded the gate and did not open it, a spokesman of the Mirwaiz-led Hurriyat said. (PTI)

While CM talks of 'healing touch', one more youth killed in Kashmir

At least 213 were killed in Sunday&#39;s Baghdad suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State terror outfit, officials said, making it one of the deadliest ever militant attacks in Iraq. 
 
The suicide car bombing, which ripped through a crowded shopping area and sparked fires in nearby buildings, also wounded more than 200, security and medical officials told AFP on Monday. 
 
The area in the capital&#39;s Karrada district was crowded with shoppers ahead of the holiday marking the end of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramzan. 
 
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi vowed &quot;punishment&quot; for those responsible, and his office declared three days of mourning for the victims of the attack. 
 
According to Reuters news agency, police and medical sources said on Monday that the death toll from the double bomb attack has risen to 147 and another 35 are missing. 
 
Numbers rose as bodies were recovered from the rubble and people succumbed to their injuries, the officials added. 
 
(Agencies)

Iraq declared three days of mourning for the victims

At least 213 were killed in Sunday's Baghdad suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State terror outfit, officials said, making it one of the deadliest ever militant attacks in Iraq. The suicide car bombing, which ripped through a crowded shopping area and sparked fires in nearby buildings, also wounded more than 200, security and medical officials told AFP on Monday. The area in the capital's Karrada district was crowded with shoppers ahead of the holiday marking the end of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramzan. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi vowed "punishment" for those responsible, and his office declared three days of mourning for the victims of the attack. According to Reuters news agency, police and medical sources said on Monday that the death toll from the double bomb attack has risen to 147 and another 35 are missing. Numbers rose as bodies were recovered from the rubble and people succumbed to their injuries, the officials added. (Agencies)

Death toll touches 200 in IS-claimed Baghdad blasts: officials

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

The United States on Friday lifted the lid on one of the most controversial tactics of President Barack Obama&#39;s secretive counter-terror campaign, detailing for the first time the number of those killed in air strikes in countries like Pakistan and Libya. 
 
At the same time, the White House released an executive order outlining the steps that should be taken to reduce civilian casualties in America&#39;s ongoing battle against violent extremism. 
 
In a much-anticipated report, the director of national intelligence (DNI) provided fatality estimates for the 473 strikes between 2009 and 2015 that he said were conducted outside America&#39;s principal war zones in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. 
 
The DNI said somewhere between 64 and 116 civilians were killed in the strikes, and up to 2,581 terrorists. 
 
Such attacks are typically conducted via drones, though manned warplanes and missiles have also been used. 
 
Though the US military routinely releases information on strikes targeting the Islamic State group and other organizations, mainly in Iraq and Syria, it is the first time the Obama administration has published a toll from its strikes elsewhere, in countries like Libya, Somalia and Pakistan. 
 
The release comes after rights groups and the media for years demanded better accounting of such military actions under Obama, and many questioned the legality of the strikes. 
 
Critics have long alleged that US strikes, especially by drones, kill far more civilians than the administration claims, and Friday&#39;s release did not appear to change that narrative. 
 
Observers also say that without better transparency, it is impossible to gauge the accuracy of US fatality assessments.&nbsp; 
 
The American Civil Liberties Union, for instance, welcomed the release of information but said it was too narrow in scope and left the US public unsure if the government deploys lethal force legally. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s hard to credit the government&#39;s death count, which is lower than all independent assessments,&quot; said Hina Shamsi, director of the ACLU&#39;s National Security Project. 
 
&quot;The government continues to conceal the identities of people it has killed, the specific definitions it uses to decide who can legitimately be targetted, and its investigations into credibly alleged wrongful killings,&quot; Hina added. 
 
Even the DNI seemed to acknowledge the possible weakness of its own numbers. 
 
&quot;Although the US government has access to a wide range of information, the figures released today should be considered in light of the inherent limitations on the ability to determine the precise number of combatant and non-combatant deaths given the non-permissive environments in which these strikes often occur,&quot; the DNI said in a statement. 
 
Often, neither the military nor US intelligence agencies are able to send an operative to the scene of a drone strike, making it all but impossible to definitively assess how many people were hit. 
 
Laura Pitter, senior US national security counsel at Human Rights Watch, said Obama had failed to explain who the campaign targets and why, so there is no way to verify the purported casualty figures. 
 
&quot;Unless details are provided on specific incidents, it&#39;s not possible to determine if individuals killed were civilians, and thus whether the US is complying with its own policy and with international law,&quot; she said.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, The White House released an executive order that sets out the best practices that can be applied to future strikes, regardless of where they are conducted. 
 
&quot;Civilian casualties are a tragic and, at times, unavoidable consequence of the use of force in situations of armed conflict,&quot; Obama&#39;s order states.&nbsp; 
 
Among its provisions are requirements for the US government to acknowledge responsibility for civilian casualties and to offer condolences and payments to injured civilians and the relatives of those killed. 
 
&quot;The US failure to even acknowledge strikes in the past, let alone compensate for harm caused, has generated an enormous backlash in many communities,&quot; Pitter noted. 
 
The order also undertakes to consider information from other sources, such as non-government organizations, in determining civilian casualties. 
 
However, a future president can easily scrap the order, and critics point to the irony of its timing - coming at the end of Obama&#39;s eight-year term, during which he kept his counter-terror strikes under close wraps. 
 
&quot;If we can press this administration to make good on the commitments that are in this executive order, it could be huge,&quot; said Naureen Shah, a program director at Amnesty International, USA. 
 
(AFP)

It's hard to credit the government's death count, which is lower than all independent assessments: American Civil Liberties Union director

The United States on Friday lifted the lid on one of the most controversial tactics of President Barack Obama's secretive counter-terror campaign, detailing for the first time the number of those killed in air strikes in countries like Pakistan and Libya. At the same time, the White House released an executive order outlining the steps that should be taken to reduce civilian casualties in America's ongoing battle against violent extremism. In a much-anticipated report, the director of national intelligence (DNI) provided fatality estimates for the 473 strikes between 2009 and 2015 that he said were conducted outside America's principal war zones in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. The DNI said somewhere between 64 and 116 civilians were killed in the strikes, and up to 2,581 terrorists. Such attacks are typically conducted via drones, though manned warplanes and missiles have also been used. Though the US military routinely releases information on strikes targeting the Islamic State group and other organizations, mainly in Iraq and Syria, it is the first time the Obama administration has published a toll from its strikes elsewhere, in countries like Libya, Somalia and Pakistan. The release comes after rights groups and the media for years demanded better accounting of such military actions under Obama, and many questioned the legality of the strikes. Critics have long alleged that US strikes, especially by drones, kill far more civilians than the administration claims, and Friday's release did not appear to change that narrative. Observers also say that without better transparency, it is impossible to gauge the accuracy of US fatality assessments. The American Civil Liberties Union, for instance, welcomed the release of information but said it was too narrow in scope and left the US public unsure if the government deploys lethal force legally. "It's hard to credit the government's death count, which is lower than all independent assessments," said Hina Shamsi, director of the ACLU's National Security Project. "The government continues to conceal the identities of people it has killed, the specific definitions it uses to decide who can legitimately be targetted, and its investigations into credibly alleged wrongful killings," Hina added. Even the DNI seemed to acknowledge the possible weakness of its own numbers. "Although the US government has access to a wide range of information, the figures released today should be considered in light of the inherent limitations on the ability to determine the precise number of combatant and non-combatant deaths given the non-permissive environments in which these strikes often occur," the DNI said in a statement. Often, neither the military nor US intelligence agencies are able to send an operative to the scene of a drone strike, making it all but impossible to definitively assess how many people were hit. Laura Pitter, senior US national security counsel at Human Rights Watch, said Obama had failed to explain who the campaign targets and why, so there is no way to verify the purported casualty figures. "Unless details are provided on specific incidents, it's not possible to determine if individuals killed were civilians, and thus whether the US is complying with its own policy and with international law," she said. Meanwhile, The White House released an executive order that sets out the best practices that can be applied to future strikes, regardless of where they are conducted. "Civilian casualties are a tragic and, at times, unavoidable consequence of the use of force in situations of armed conflict," Obama's order states. Among its provisions are requirements for the US government to acknowledge responsibility for civilian casualties and to offer condolences and payments to injured civilians and the relatives of those killed. "The US failure to even acknowledge strikes in the past, let alone compensate for harm caused, has generated an enormous backlash in many communities," Pitter noted. The order also undertakes to consider information from other sources, such as non-government organizations, in determining civilian casualties. However, a future president can easily scrap the order, and critics point to the irony of its timing - coming at the end of Obama's eight-year term, during which he kept his counter-terror strikes under close wraps. "If we can press this administration to make good on the commitments that are in this executive order, it could be huge," said Naureen Shah, a program director at Amnesty International, USA. (AFP)

In a first, US releases death toll from drone strikes in Libya, Somalia and Pakistan

At least 23 people were killed in Russian air strikes overnight in the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, the heaviest bombardment there since a cessation of hostilities was agreed in February, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The Observatory said the air strikes targeted a number of positions in the city, one of them next to a hospital. Seven children were among the dead, Observatory Director Rami Abdulrahman said. The toll was likely to rise.

Idlib is a stronghold of rebel groups including the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front.

Idlib death toll climbs after Russian airstrike

At least 23 people were killed in Russian air strikes overnight in the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, the heaviest bombardment there since a cessation of hostilities was agreed in February, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The Observatory said the air strikes targeted a number of positions in the city, one of them next to a hospital. Seven children were among the dead, Observatory Director Rami Abdulrahman said. The toll was likely to rise. Idlib is a stronghold of rebel groups including the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front.

Death toll from Russian air strikes in Idlib climbs to 23

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