Facebook threatens to block Australian publishers from sharing news stories

The social network said the Australian move would force it to pay arbitrary and theoretically unlimited sums for information that makes up only a small fraction of its service

Facebook threatened to block Australian publishers and individuals from sharing news stories on its platform in reaction to an Australian measure that could require it to compensate media organisations for its use of their stories. The social network said the Australian move would force it to pay arbitrary and theoretically unlimited sums for information that makes up only a small fraction of its service.

The measure would force Facebook to choose between either removing news entirely or accepting a system that lets publishers charge us for as much content as they want at a price with no clear limits, the company’s managing director for Australia and New Zealand, Will Easton, wrote in a blog post. No business can operate that way. Campbell Brown, a former NBC and CNN anchor who now serves as Facebook‘s vice president of global news partnerships, said the cutoff threat has nothing to do with our ongoing global commitment to journalism.

Brown’s post, which cited a variety of individual Facebook programs intended to support news organizations, was titled Our Continued Commitment to Journalism. Google, meanwhile, issued an open letter that cast the proposed Australian law as a potential threat to individual privacy and a burden that would degrade the quality of its search and YouTube video services, but did not threaten a cutoff.

Mark Zuckerberg is happy to let Facebook be a tool to spread misinformation and fake news, but is apparently fine with Facebook dropping real news altogether, John Stanton, co-founder of the Save Journalism Project, said in a statement. Regulators need to reign in the tech giants’ total domination of the online marketplace before it’s too late.

Why Buffett’s bet on Japan could turn on higher inflation, weakening dollar

Berkshire said late Sunday, on Buffett’s 90th birthday, it owned just over 5% of each of Itochu Corp, Marubeni Corp, Mitsubishi Corp, Mitsui & Co Ltd and Sumitomo Corp

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Berkshire Hathaway Inc’s $6.2 billion (4.6 billion pounds) foray into Japan’s five largest trading houses may signal billionaire Warren Buffett’s expectation that inflation and a falling U.S. dollar may make international equities more attractive when economies worldwide recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Berkshire said late Sunday, on Buffett’s 90th birthday, it owned just over 5% of each of Itochu Corp <8001.T>, Marubeni Corp <8002.T>, Mitsubishi Corp <8058.T>, Mitsui & Co Ltd <8031.T> and Sumitomo Corp <8053.T>, and said it could increase its stakes to 9.9%.

The trading houses, known as sogo shosha with their diversified business lines including commodity exploration, fit the legendary investor’s taste for classic value stocks, which have lost investor favor. Berkshire investors said they welcomed Warren Buffett‘s wager, at a time U.S. stock valuations are at their highest since the late 1990s tech bubble, lifted by giants such as Apple Inc and Amazon.com Inc , both of which Berkshire invests in.

“The inflation cocktail is being mixed and Buffett is migrating his investment to where you can create value through inflation,” said Bill Smead, chief investment officer at Smead Capital Management, which invests nearly 3% of its assets in Berkshire. “These are companies that will make more money if the price of oil [or] any input goes up.” Prices of gold, inflation-linked bonds and some commodities have surged since March on fears that global central banks’ more than $9 trillion of stimulus to combat the pandemic will spark higher inflation…

Hong Kong begins mass-testing for virus amid public doubts

The virus-testing program has become a flash point of political debate in Hong Kong, with many distrustful over resources and staff being provided by the China

Hong Kong began a voluntary mass-testing programme for coronavirus on Tuesday as part of a strategy to break the chain of transmission in the city’s third outbreak of the disease. The virus-testing programme has become a flash point of political debate in Hong Kong, with many distrustful over resources and staff being provided by the China’s central government and fears that the residents’ DNA could be collected during the exercise.

The Hong Kong government has dismissed such concerns, saying that no personal data will be attached to the specimen bottles and that samples will be destroyed in Hong Kong after the exercise. The testing programme began at 8 am with residents heading to more than 100 testing centres staffed by over 5,000 volunteers.

More than 500,000 people in the city of 7.5 million signed up in advance for the programme, which will last at least a week. It is aimed at identifying silent carriers of the virus those without symptoms who could be spreading the disease. The government expects 5 million people will take part in the programme, which could be extended to two weeks depending on demand. Hong Kong’s worst outbreak in early July was blamed in part on an exemption from quarantine requirements for airline staff, truck drivers from mainland China and sailors on cargo ships.

Pranab Mukherjee will be forever remembered in annals of Indian history: US

US State Department on Monday condoled the death of former President Pranab Mukherjee, saying that he will be forever remembered in the annals of Indian history.

US State Department on Monday condoled the death of former President Pranab Mukherjee, saying that he will be forever remembered in the annals of Indian history. “Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of former President Pranab Mukherjee. We stand with the people of India as they grieve the loss of a great leader who will be forever remembered in the annals of Indian history,” US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) tweeted.

Scores of foreign countries and leaders from across the world have paid tribute to the former President, who passed away at the age of 84. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing grief over the death of Pranab Mukherjee. Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent his condolences saying that Mukherjee “made a significant personal contribution to strengthening the relations of a particularly privileged strategic partnership between our countries.”

Mukherjee passed away on Monday at the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) Hospital where he was admitted earlier this month and had undergone surgery for the removal of a clot in his brain. He was admitted to the Army Hospital in Delhi on August 10 and had tested positive for COVID-19..

Sunni Waqf Board-governed trust invites donations for mosque in Ayodhya

The mosque trust has released bank details for donations from a large cross-section of people for constructing a mosque, on the five-acre land in the Dhannipur village in lieu of the Babri mosque

The mosque trust constituted by the Sunni Waqf Board, has released bank details for donations from a large cross-section of people, including non-Muslims for constructing a mosque, hospital, community kitchen and library on the five-acre land in the Dhannipur village in lieu of the Babri mosque. The trust, Indo Islamic Cultural Foundation, has opened two current accounts in two leading private sector banks at branches in Hewett Road and Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar.

Trust secretary, Athar Hussain, said, “We will accept donations from all communities to make the Dhannipur complex a unique example of communal harmony and a centre of healing, teaching and preaching.” He said. “We have decided to create a website and portal of the Trust with a gateway to receive donations as we are receiving numerous calls from those willing to donate,” Funds for the Dhannipur complex will be raised from donations from all communities, he said.

“We expect financial aid from the government too. In fact, a Member of Parliament from Assam, Abdul Khalique, has offered to donate and we are receiving messages from the Muslims and Hindus, who are eager to provide funds for the mosque and other facilities,” he added. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust that is overseeing Ram temple construction, has already set up bank accounts for donations for the temple construction. The Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation was formed with nine members and six more would be made trust members soon. The trust will supervise the construction of the mosque and the complex in Ayodhya..Read More

Protest at Johnson’s residence against enforced disappearances in Baloch

The Free Balochistan Movement held a protest against Pakistan outside the official residence of UK PM Boris Johnson here on the occasion of International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances

The Free Balochistan Movement on Sunday held a protest against Pakistan outside the official residence of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson here on the occasion of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. Several Baloch and other human rights activists joined the protest from different cities of the UK and expressed their support for the families of those who have been forcefully disappeared.

The protestors were carrying banners and raised slogans against Pakistan military’s atrocities against Baloch people. They demanded the immediate release of previously abducted Baloch people and stopping of more enforced disappearances.

They also urged the international community, including the UK, to stop supporting Pakistan as their support is allowing Pakistan to commit more crimes against humanity.The activists stated that thousands of innocent Baloch people have been arrested and later disappeared. Many of them have been killed in custody. They also strongly condemned the recent murder of Hayat Baloch, who was shot dead by Frontier Corps in front of his parents, in Turbat, Balochistan.

Several Baloch and other human rights activists joined the protest from different cities of the UK and expressed their support for the families of those who have been forcefully disappeared. The protestors were carrying banners and raised slogans against Pakistan military’s atrocities against Baloch people. They demanded the immediate release of previously abducted Baloch people and stopping of more enforced disappearances…Read More

TikTok will ‘strictly abide’ by new China export regulations: ByteDance

TikTok owner ByteDance has said it will abide by the new rules set by China for technologies that are subject to export bans or restrictions

TikTok owner ByteDance has said it will abide by the new rules set by China for technologies that are subject to export bans or restrictions. China updated the list of technologies that are subject to export bans last week amid pressure on the app’s parent company ByteDance by the White House to divest its business in the US quickly or face an effective ban.

The new list, released jointly by China’s Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Science and Technology, added 23 items to export restrictions while technical parameters of 21 items were revised. On Sunday, ByteDance said “the company will strictly abide” by the new export rules, reports CNBC. All technology transfers abroad, whether through trade, investment or other means, must strictly abide by relevant regulations on technology import and export of the country, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on Friday. The update could affect a potential TikTok deal in the US.

“As a fast-growing innovative enterprise, ByteDance has many cutting-edge technologies in artificial intelligence and other fields, and some technologies may have been covered by the adjusted catalogue,” Professor Cui Fan at the University of International Business and Economics told Xinhua. Two new items under the category of information processing technology in the computer service industry were cited by Cui as relevant in the TikTok deal, which was the “personalized information push service technology based on data analysis” and “artificial intelligence interactive interface technology.”

Unlock 4 guidelines: Schools, colleges in UP to remain closed till Sep 30

All schools, colleges and educational institutes in Uttar Pradesh will remain closed till September 30, the state government said on Sunday

All schools, colleges and educational institutes in Uttar Pradesh will remain closed till September 30, the state government said on Sunday, a day after the Union home ministry issued the Unlock 4 guidelines. Chief Secretary RK Tiwari said online and distant learning will be encouraged. Metro trains will be allowed to resume from September 7 in a phased manner, an official order said. For this, the standard operating procedure will be issued separately. Cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatre, auditorium and similar places will remain closed. However, open-air theatres will be allowed to open from September 21.

The coronavirus induced country-wide lockdown was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from March 25 and it was extended in phases till May 31. The Unlock process of the country had begun on June 1 with the graded reopening of commercial, social, religious and other activities. Unlock 4 will come into effect from September 1 and will continue till September 30.

The lockdown in containment zones in the state will remain in place till September 30, the order said, adding that the district magistrate cannot impose lockdown at the local level. There will be no restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement, it said. From September 21 onwards, 50 per cent of the teaching and non-teaching staff can be called for online education work. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will issue the standard operating procedure for this…

Energy export severely disrupted by Hurricane Laura, 1 bpd reduction likely

Laura made landfall early Thursday near the Texas-Louisiana border, one of the most powerful storms to ever hit the region, and raced north

NEW YORK/SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Oil and gas exports from the United States have been severely disrupted by Hurricane Laura, with nearly a million barrels per day (bpd) of crude exports likely reduced this week by closures of U.S. Gulf Coast terminals and disruptions at ports. The hurricane also temporarily suspended operations at several liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in the world’s third largest exporter of the super-cooled gas, with shipments on track to fall to their lowest in 18 months.

Laura made landfall early Thursday near the Texas-Louisiana border, one of the most powerful storms to ever hit the region, and raced north. Ports of Lake Charles, Beaumont and Port Arthur remained closed on Thursday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Port of Houston, which is the top U.S. crude oil export hub accounting for about 600,000 bpd of shipments, closed on Wednesday and was in the process of reopening to commercial shipping late Thursday, according to the Coast Guard.

Some 50 vessels, most of them tankers, were at anchorage offshore and waiting to re-enter the Houston Shipping Channel, said JJ Plunkett, port agent for the Houston Pilots Association, which guides vessels in and out of the ship channel. The closures of Houston Port, Beaumont and Port Arthur were expected to reduce seaborne crude export capacity by nearly 1 million bpd, data intelligence firm Kpler estimated, based on average figures over the past four months…Read More

NASA’s Hubble telescope maps giant Halo around Andromeda galaxy

They also found that the halo has a layered structure, with two main nested and distinct shells of gas. This is the most comprehensive study of a halo surrounding a galaxy

In a landmark study, scientists using NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope have mapped the immense envelope of gas, called a halo, surrounding the Andromeda galaxy, our nearest large galactic neighbour. Scientists were surprised to find that this tenuous, nearly invisible halo of diffuse plasma extends 1.3 million light-years from the galaxy — about halfway to our Milky Way — and as far as 2 million light-years in some directions. This means that Andromeda’s halo is already bumping into the halo of our own galaxy.

They also found that the halo has a layered structure, with two main nested and distinct shells of gas. This is the most comprehensive study of a halo surrounding a galaxy. The team’s findings appear in the recent edition of The Astrophysical Journal. “Understanding the huge halos of gas surrounding galaxies is immensely important,” said co-investigator Samantha Berek of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

“This reservoir of gas contains fuel for future star formation within the galaxy, as well as outflows from events such as supernovae. It’s full of clues regarding the past and future evolution of the galaxy, and we’re finally able to study it in great detail in our closest galactic neighbour,” added Berek…Read Full Story

Pakistan: 19 dead as Karachi records highest rainfall in 24 hours

The crisis-like situation led Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to announce a public holiday on Saturday

At least 19 people were killed in various rain-related incidents in Karachi, as the Pakistani city recorded its highest downpour in a day since 1967, officials said. The Met department said Karachi received 223.5 mm of rain in just 12 hours on Thursday alone, the highest amount of rain ever recorded in a single day in the city, reports Dawn news.

The previous 24-hour record was on July 26, 1967, when 211.3 mm was recorded at Masroor base. Meteorological officials said downpours in August have shattered 89-year-old records for the city. The crisis-like situation led Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to announce a public holiday on Saturday.

The Navy has deployed emergency response teams in aid of the civil administration in various areas that were equipped with boats and other life-saving equipment. During the operation, the navy teams also rescued 55 people trapped in the flooded areas of Malir and Korangi Crossing, while 20 families stranded in Sammoo Goth were also evacuated to a safe location.

Meanwhile, many major roads in the city witnessed severe traffic jams and several areas of Karachi also experienced power outages, Dawn news reported. Some areas of the city have been without power for more than 10 hours. Power was suspended in several areas as a precautionary measure, the Karachi Electric’s spokesperson said…Read Full Story

No masks. social distancing: At GOP’s convention, Covid is largely ignored

No one appeared concerned about social distancing. Few wore masks. Some told reporters they had not been tested for the coronavirus

It was a stunning scene in a country where parents and children have been laid to rest without their loved ones present, schools have gone to online-only learning and businesses have shut their doors to halt the spread of the coronavirus. On Thursday night, about 1,500 people gathered on the South Lawn of the White House so President Donald Trump could accept his party’s nomination for reelection in front of a roaring crowd. Masks were not required and chairs were placed inches apart from one another, with no room for social distancing, in violation of endless public health recommendations.

Only those the White House expected to be in “close proximity” to the president and vice president had been tested for COVID-19. As Trump has tried to push past a pandemic that has tanked the economy and threatened his reelection chances, GOP organisers have worked to stage a convention that puts the virus in the rear view mirror and highlights the nation’s progress, even as it continues to spread.

More than 42,000 new cases were reported Wednesday and 2,700 more have died since the week began. But few convention speakers made reference to the virus, while others have discussed it in the past tense. It was awful. Health and economic impacts were tragic, said White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow on the convention’s second night. But presidential leadership came swiftly and effectively with an extraordinary rescue for health and safety to successfully fight the COVID virus.

Will hand over 85,000 dignity houses in GHMC limits by Dec: Telangana Min

KT Rama Rao on Wednesday said that the government will hand over a total of 85,000 dignity houses in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits by December 2020

Telangana IT, Industries and Municipal Administration Minister KT Rama Rao on Wednesday said that the government will hand over a total of 85,000 dignity houses in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits by December 2020. Rao made the remarks during a review meeting on the status of dignity housing schemes in Hyderabad.

“The government will hand over a total of 85 thousand dignity houses in GHMC limits by December 2020. No metro city in the country has constructed such a large number of dignity houses under any program,” he said. During the meeting, the Minister instructed the officials to finalize the beneficiaries list by mid-September. He also asked the officials to visit the dignity housing sites and inspect the construction works.

“The government has allocated a total of Rs 9,700 crores for the construction of these houses. The Government will construct one lakh houses, with about 4000 houses each in 24 constituencies of Hyderabad. Beginning from this month until December, the government will be handing over the dignity houses to the beneficiaries,” an official release said. As construction works at most of the sites are in the finishing stage, the Minister asked the officials to also speed up the development of infrastructure facilities including water supply, electricity, and other amenities.

The officials informed the Minister that a total of 75,000 2BHK dignity houses and 10,000 dignity houses under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and Valmiki Ambedkar Awas Yojana (VAMBAY) will be ready by the end of this December. Minister asked the officials to identify the beneficiaries who handed over the land for construction of 2 BHK dignity houses and update their details at the earliest.

Moderna Covid vaccine appears to work as well in older adults: Study

The latest data from an early Phase I study includes an analysis from 20 additional people detailing how the vaccine performed in older adults

International News: (Reuters) – Moderna Inc said on Wednesday its experimental COVID-19 vaccine induced immune responses in older adults similar to those in younger participants, offering hope that it will be effective in people considered to be at high risk for severe complications from the coronavirus.

The company is one of the leading contenders in the race to develop a vaccine against the virus that has killed more than 820,000 people worldwide. Its candidate, mRNA-1273, is already in late-stage human trials testing its ability to safely prevent infection. The latest data from an early Phase I study includes an analysis from 20 additional people detailing how the vaccine performed in older adults.

The analysis looked at subjects given the 100-microgram dose being tested in the much larger Phase III trial. Moderna said the immune responses in those aged between ages 56 and 70, above age 70 and those 18 to 55-years-old were similar. Health officials have been concerned about whether Corona vaccine candidates would work in older people, whose immune systems typically do not respond as strongly to vaccines.

Moderna shares, which have more than tripled in value this year, rose about 6% after the data’s release. The company has so far enrolled over 13,000 participants in its late-stage study. About 18% of the total participants are Black, Latino, Native American or Alaska Native, groups that have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic, and are often under represented in clinical trials…

Odisha CM approves Rs 200 cr package for poor affected due to coronavirus

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday approved a special assistance package of Rs 200 crore for the poor and extremely poor families in the State affected due to COVID-19 pandemic

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday approved a special assistance package of Rs 200 crore for the poor and extremely poor families in the State affected due to COVID-19 pandemic. Patnaik approved the package while reviewing the COVID-19 situation and its management in the state with senior government officials and Collectors through Video Conferencing.

“Chief Minister Patnaik emphasizing upon the revival of the rural economy, approved a special assistance package of Rs 200 crore for the poor and extremely poor families in the State affected due to COVID-19 pandemic. The special package will help the development of livelihood activities of rural poor, very poor and the migrants,” said an official release.

“Members of the Women Self Help Groups can revive their family enterprises through this package. It will also benefit rural, nano and micro-enterprises; skilled and semi-skilled migrant returnees and producer and enterpriser groups engaged in the agricultural and non-agricultural sector,” it added. Emphasizing upon reviving the rural economy, Chief Minister directed to provide more credit facilities in MSME, agriculture, fisheries and animal resources. He also directed to provide subsidised loans for small business activities to be undertaken by Women Self Help Groups…Read Full Story

7 Bangladeshis apprehended by BSF troops in West Bengal’s Nadia district

Seven Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended by troops of Border Out Post- Mahendra, 08 Battalion of BSF, in Nadia district of West Bengal, according to BSF

Seven Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended by troops of Border Out Post- Mahendra, 08 Battalion of BSF, in Nadia district of West Bengal on Wednesday, according to Border Security Force (BSF).

“On August 26, 2020, acting on specific information passed by villagers of Gajna village, about presence of some unknown persons on the outskirts of village Gajna, Bishnu Singh , Assistant Commandant, BOP Mahendra, prepared a Quick Reaction Team and proceeded towards the outskirts of the border village Gajna and at about 1130 hrs troops observed seven persons including two female and one kid (03 yrs) at Gajna-Tarakpur road waiting for vehicle,” said a release. When BSF party asked them for their Identity and they could not produce any valid Indian identities documents. BSF party detained them and brought them to BOP Mahendra, 08 Bn, BSF, the release said.

The release stated that on preliminary questioning, they revealed that they have crossed from Bangladesh to India last night from an unfenced patch. They have been identified as — Sakil Seikh (30), Md. Rahim (23), Sumi Aktar (22), Parul Aktar (26), Koli Begum (24), Champa Begum (26) and Yeasin Seikh (3). A total amount of 2,106/- Bangladeshi Taka along with their personal clothing were recovered from apprehended persons. “On the course of questioning, it is further revealed that 02 women were moving to Hyderabad in India and the rest were moving to Chennai for labour work,” the release informed.

Sony launches Bravia X9000H 4K Android TVs with full-array LED screens

The series include 65-inch and 55-inch screen models priced at Rs 1,59,990 and Rs 1,09,990, respectively

Sony has launched its Bravia X9000H series 4K LED TVs in India. The series include 65-inch and 55-inch screen models priced at Rs 1,59,990 and Rs 1,09,990, respectively. Both the TVs will be available across online portals and Sony retail stores. The TVs boast full-array LED backlighting, HDR, Android TV platform, Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support. Interestingly, the TVs are designed for upcoming PlayStation 5 and are touted to run games at up to 4K resolution with 120 frames per second (fps). The premium 65-inch model also supports Acoustic Multi-Audio feature for improved acoustics.

In terms of design, the Sony Bravia X9000H series TVs get premium treatment with aluminium frame and metal stand. Though based on LCD panel, the TVs use full-array LED backlighting to light up the pixels, instead of conventional corner-lit panels. Therefore, one can expect improved contrast and brightness compared to other LED screen based smart TVs. Both the TVs feature 4K UHD resolution screen of up to 120Hz refresh rate.

ALSO READ: Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds review: An impressive treat for audiophiles!

Complementing the display is the wide HDR format support such as HLG, HDR10 and Dolby Vision. The TVs are powered by Sony X1 4K HDR image processor and features 4K X-Reality Pro clarity engine for enhanced colour and contrast ratio. Both the TVs have stereo speakers of 20W peak power output tuned for Dolby Audio and Dolby Atmos. The 65-inch model also gets two additional tweeters. For connectivity, the Sony Bravia X9000H series TVs feature dual-band WiFi, Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.2, RF connector, composite video, four HDMI ports, optical audio-out, headphone jack and two USB ports.

Covid-19 crisis: China using potential vaccine since July, says official

No vaccine has yet passed final, large-scale trials to prove it is safe and effective enough to protect people from contracting the virus that has led to almost 800,000 deaths worldwide

China has been giving experimental coronavirus vaccines to groups facing high infection risks since July, a health official told state media. No vaccine has yet passed final, large-scale trials to prove it is safe and effective enough to protect people from contracting the virus that has led to almost 800,000 deaths worldwide.

The aim is to boost the immunity of specific groups of people, including medical workers and those who work at food markets and in the transportation and service sectors, Zheng Zhongwei, a National Health Commission official, told state TV in an interview aired late on Saturday.

The guidelines for emergency use of potential coronavirus vaccines, approved on June 24 according to Zheng, have not been made public. State media Global Times reported in June that China had been offering candidate coronavirus vaccines to employees at state-owned firms travelling overseas.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un calls for readiness against virus, typhoon

Kim Jong Un held his third high-level political conference in as many weeks, where he raised alarm about the nation’s coronavirus response and a typhoon forecast to hit the country early Thursday

In a rare display of urgency, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held his third high-level political conference in as many weeks, where he raised alarm about the nation’s coronavirus response and a typhoon forecast to hit the country early Thursday. During an enlarged meeting of the Politburo of the ruling Workers’ Party on Tuesday, Kim lamented unspecified “defects” and shortcomings in the country’s anti-virus campaign and urged that they be corrected swiftly, according to the North’s official Korean Central News Agency said Wednesday.

Kim also called thorough preparations to minimise damage from Typhoon Bavi, which comes weeks after torrential rains caused flooding and massive damage to homes and crops, inflicting further pain to an economy ravaged by US-led sanctions over its nuclear weapons and border closures amid the pandemic. Kim Jong Un set tasks for the party and public services at every level, “saying that to thoroughly prevent the casualties by the typhoon and minimise the damage to crops is important work which can never be neglected even a moment, KCNA paraphrased the leader as saying.

Typhoon Bavi as of Wednesday morning was near the South Korean island of Jeju and was on course to hit the northwest coast of the Korean Peninsula around daybreak Thursday morning. South Korea’s weather agency said it had a maximum wind speed of 155 kilometers per hour (96 mph) and was forecast as one of the strongest to hit the peninsula this year…

Keep Reading : International News

 

3 million women to get house sites worth Rs 22,000 crores in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy announced that house sites worth Rs 22,000 crore will be registered in the name of 3 mn women belonging to weaker sections in the state

Current Affairs: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday announced that house sites worth Rs 22,000 crore will be registered in the name of 30 lakh women belonging to weaker sections in the state. Reddy expressed hope that the state government would get a favourable verdict from the Supreme Court so that it can go ahead with the distribution of house site pattas to the poor very soon.

During a video conference under ‘Spandana’ meeting, the Chief Minister directed the officials to complete the process related to layouts, markings and lottery to select beneficiaries. He asked to focus on the layouts which are not done properly and plant saplings in the layouts. He also directed the officials to conduct review meetings with Mandal Revenue Officers (MROs) and ensure the collection of all details including photos, boundaries of plots and other requirements for registration of house site pattas.

Reddy said there are reports that bank managers are creating problems by not giving YSR Cheyutha amount deposited in unencumbered accounts of women and directed the district collectors to speak to the bank managers regarding it and ensure the money is given to the women. “The state government has signed MoUs with Amul, HUL, Proctor and Gamble, ITC, Reliance, Jio and Allana Groups aimed at providing sustainable livelihood to women. activities,” he said…Read More

Raigad building collapse: 60 rescued, 30 feared to be trapped under debris

At least 60 people were rescued and at least 30 are still feared to be trapped under the debris after a five-storey building in Mahad of Maharashtra’s Raigad district collapsed

Maharashtra Minister Aditi Tatkare on Tuesday said that at least 60 people were rescued and at least 30 are still feared to be trapped under the debris after a five-storey building in Mahad of Maharashtra’s Raigad district collapsed. Maharashtra Ministers Aditi Tatkare and Eknath Shinde visited the spot where a building collapsed in Kajalpura area of Raigad district last evening.

“Around 60 people rescued, 25-30 are still feared to be trapped under the debris. Three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are here. One death reported so far. Injured are being treated and some are discharged,” Tatkare told ANI. “Those with serious injuries were taken to Mumbai for advanced treatment. The probe has begun. We wish that Special Investigation Team should be constituted,” she added.

Eknath Shinde said,” It is an unfortunate incident. One person died and seven have been injured. The rescue operation is going on. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has said that the government will help the affected families.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed the Director-General (DG), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to provide all possible assistance for rescue operations at the incident site.IPS, DG NDRF, Satya Narayan Pradhan took to Twitter and informed that three NDRF teams are rushing from Pune for rescue operation with all special equipment. NDRF Maharashtra Commandant monitoring situation real-time.

Over 10,000 Islamic State fighters active in Iraq, Syria: United Nations

More than 10,000 Islamic State fighters are estimated to remain active in Iraq and Syria two years after the militant group’s defeat, and their attacks have significantly increased this year

More than 10,000 Islamic State fighters are estimated to remain active in Iraq and Syria two years after the militant group’s defeat, and their attacks have significantly increased this year, the UN counter-terrorism chief said Monday. Vladimir Voronkov told the UN Security Council that Islamic State fighters move freely in small cells between the two countries. He said the Islamic State extremist group also known as IS, ISIL and ISIS has regrouped and its activity has increased not only in conflict zones like Iraq and Syria but also in some regional affiliates.

However, in non-conflict zones, the threat appears to have decreased in the short term, he said. Measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19, such as lockdowns and restrictions on movement, seem to have reduced the risk of terrorist attacks in many countries. Nonetheless, Voronkov said, there is a continued trend of attacks by individuals inspired online and acting alone or in small groups, which could be fueled by ISIL’s opportunistic propaganda efforts during the COVID-19 crisis.

He said the COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the challenges of eliminating the threat of terrorism, pointing to actions by IS and other terrorist groups seeking to exploit the far-reaching disruption and negative socioeconomic and political impacts of the pandemic.

India hopes to ink deal for manufacturing Russia’s Kamov Ka-226 helicopters

Indian Ambassador to Russia Venkatesh Varma on Monday said that India hopes to ink a deal for manufacturing Russia’s Kamov Ka-226 helicopters in the country next year

Indian Ambassador to Russia Venkatesh Varma on Monday said that India hopes to ink a deal for manufacturing Russia’s Kamov Ka-226 helicopters in the country next year. “There are still some technical discussions regarding indigenisation of production in India of the Kamov 226 helicopters. We hope that these discussions will be successful soon and therefore we will then go to the next stage of the signing of the contract for the production of Kamov 226,” Varma told Sputnik.

Earlier this month, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched Konkurs Missile Test Equipment and Konkurs Launcher Test Equipment, which have been indigenously designed and developed by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).These products were earlier being imported from Russia.

Meanwhile, Varma told Sputnik that the defence industry cooperation will be one of the key areas of collaboration between India and Russia and it will be addressed at the upcoming India-Russia bilateral summit. “[The Indian-Russian bilateral summit] will cover all issues — political, economic, trade, energy. And, of course, defence cooperation will be one of the main pillars of cooperation,” Varma told Sputnik. “We expect some very major announcements, including Russian support for the Make in India program of Prime Minister Modi. Russia has extended very positive support, we are very grateful for that,” he added…Read Full Story