Beijing, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) At least 29 people have been killed in disasters triggered by the recent torrential rain in China's Hebei province, while 16 people still remained unaccounted for, local authorities said on Friday.

Torrential downpours and severe flooding have wreaked havoc across 110 counties, cities and districts in the province, reports Xinhua news agency.

Infrastructure including transportation, power, communication and water facilities in the disaster-stricken areas suffered damage.

The province had incurred a direct economic loss of 95.81 billion yuan ($13.38 billion), and the overall extent of the disaster was still being assessed and verified.

As of Thursday, the flooding had affected an estimated 3.89 million people.

A total of 319,700 hectares of crops had been affected, with 131,500 hectares demolished.

Residential areas also suffered losses, with 40,900 houses having collapsed, while 155,500 houses were severely damaged.

A total of 1,150 primary and secondary schools, along with kindergartens, also suffered damages. 

Source: IANS

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Kathmandu, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) In connection to a massive gold smuggling racket, Nepal Police on Friday arrested two more Chinese nationals from the Kathmandu airport while they were awaiting to board a flight to Beijing.

Last month, the police confiscated one quintal of gold smuggled from Hong Kong and arrested some Chinese and Nepali nationals in connection.

The final destination of the smuggled gold is believed to be India, according to the Nepal Police.

The two Chinese nationals arrested on Friday were identified as Li Jialin and Li Fuyan. 

The two were in the black list of the Department of Revenue Intelligence for their alleged involvement in the gold smuggling case. 

A huge debate is going on in Nepal’s parliament over investigating the case and the main opposition, CPN-UML has been obstructing the regular house proceedings over the issue. 

While the CPN-UML is demanding a high-level probe into the case, the government is being criticised for not initiating an investigation for organised crime even after it was revealed that the smuggling was well-planned and taking place with the involvement of nationals from multiple countries.

Initially, the Department of Revenue Investigation was probing the matter but after huge pressure from different quarters, now the government has handed over the responsibility to Central Investigation Bureau, a special arm of the Nepal Police that handles organised crime. 

The two Chinese nationals have been handed over to the Bureau for further interrogation, according to the Nepal Police. 

On July 18, the Department of Revenue Investigation had seized a huge quantity of gold from Sinamangal, Kathmandu after the consignment had passed the airport customs undetected.

The department had sent the gold, hidden in cartons of motorcycle brake shoes and electric shavers, to the Nepal Rastra Bank, where the yellow metal’s gross weight was found to be 155kg.

A total of 18 people have been arrested so far.

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Source: IANS

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Kathmandu, August 11 ( IANS) Sunil Sharma, a Nepali Congress MP from Kathmandu, has been arrested for the alleged possession of fake academic certificates.

Sharma was arrested on Thursday by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Nepal Police. 

Nepal Police spokesperson, Deputy Inspector General Kuber Kadayat said the MP, elected from Morang-3 constituency, was arrested on the charge of fraud related to his educational certificatse.

Sharma, also a medical professional who runs a hospital, was charged with a similar case about seven years ago.

The ruling Nepali Congress has opposed his arrest.

"He was arrested because he demanded the resignation of Home and Finance Ministers over a gold smuggling case," Nepali Congress lawmaker Arjun Nar Singh KC alleged.

"Why did the police drop the investigation seven years back against Sharma and why are they digging out now?" he queried. 

Sharma is a vocal critic of Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat for their alleged involvement in the gold smuggling case.

Shrestha is from the CPN (Maoist Center) ,while Mahat belongs the Nepali Congress. 

On July 18, Nepal Police had confiscated over 100 kg of gold near the Kathmandu airport.

According to Sharma, without involvement of the Home and Finance Ministries, such a big amount of gold cannot be smuggled from Hong Kong to Kathmandu.

After the arrest, the CIB informed House Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire that Sharma was taken into custody as per Article 103 (6) of the Constitution of Nepal.

He was arrested as per the law since investigation was deemed needed on a charge on fake academic certificates, said the CIB. 

According to the CIB, some of the doctors have received registration from Nepal Medical Council by submitting fake academic certificates from India and attended the exams conducted by the Council for registration certificate.

At least seven other doctors who used the fake academic certificates to pursue MBBS were also arrested on Thursday and Friday, according to the CIB.

Likewise, Sharma's certificate of I.Sc. was 'not verified' from the National Examinations Board, it added. 

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Source: IANS

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Colombo, Aug 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Sri Lankan Navy announced that a Chinese warship has docked at the Colombo Port on a three-day formal visit to the island nation, almost a year after the visit of a controversial Chinese ship with ballistic missile and satellite tracking facilities.

In a statement, the Navy said the warship, HAI YANG 24 HAO of China's People's Liberation Army, arrived in the capital city on Thursday.

The 129 metre-long ship is manned by a crew of 138 and commanded by Commander Jin Xin. It will depart on Saturday, the statement added.

In August last year despite security concerns raised by India about the Chinese vessel's presence in nearby waters, the Yuan Wang 5 had docked at the Hambantota Port following delays.

At the time, Sri Lanka's Foreign Ministry had said that the government engaged in "extensive" consultations with "all parties concerned" with a "view to resolving the matter in a spirit of friendship, mutual trust and constructive dialogue".

It said the ship was allowed to dock on the condition that no scientific research was conducted in Sri Lankan waters.

On its part, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said that the ship would conduct scientific research "in accordance with international law".

Source: IANS

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Kathmandu, August 10 ( IANS)  The death toll in monsoon-induced disasters, including floods and landslides, in Nepal in the last two months, has risen to 41, according to the country's home ministry.

As many as 50 out of 77 districts were affected, said the ministry, and at least 55 people were injured in rain-related incidents in the districts, Home Ministry's Disaster and Conflict Management Division Chief, Joint-Secretary Mahadev Panth said.

According to the ministry, loss of lives has been reported in 20 out of 50 disaster-hit districts. 

Likewise, people from six districts, including Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Panchthar, Dolakha, Makawanpur, and Mahottari, went missing in the disastrous incidents, Panth informed.

As per the data compiled by the ministry, 55 people from 28 districts have sustained injuries. In the incidents, a total of 130 houses were completely damaged while 193 houses partially damaged.

A huge loss of lives and properties was reported in the eastern districts of Nepal, including Panchthar, Sankhuwasabha, and Taplejung.

The incidents of intermittent downpours during the monsoon triggered floods and landslides in different districts. Some districts are yet to witness rainfalls in the monsoon. Still, the country is reeling under the risk of monsoon-induced disasters like landslides, floods, and inundation.

Source: IANS

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Colombo, Aug 10 (SocialNews.XYZ) Sri Lanka will join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) and sign Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries after debt restructuring is complete, the President's Media Division (PMD) announced on Thursday.

The PMD said in a statement that President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took part in events to celebrate the ASEAN Day in Colombo, expressed his support for the bloc's vision for the Indo-Pacific region, reports Xinhua news agency.

Wickremesinghe said that Sri Lanka will work closely with the ASEAN nations in the coming years.

Sri Lanka has an FTA with Singapore and is holding discussions to sign one with Thailand next year, the President said.

Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka wants to become the first South Asian country to join RCEP, which is the largest trade bloc in history, following the completion of debt restructuring.

"We must join RCEP. There is no reason not to join it," he said.

Sri Lanka also plans to sign trade agreements with India and Bangladesh, he said.

Source: IANS

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Islamabad, Aug 10 (SocialNews.XYZ) Just three days before the completion of its five-year tenure, Pakistan President Arif Alvi has dissolved the National Assembly shortly after a summary signed by Prime Shehbaz Sharif advising the dissolution of the Lower House of Parliament, was sent to the Presidency.

A statement issued by the Presidency just before Thursday midnight read: “President Arif Alvi has dissolved the National Assembly under Article 58(1) on the advice of the Prime Minister.”

The dissolution of the National Assembly, which elects the federal government, has brought an end to the Sharif-led coalition government, reports Xinhua news agency.

According to the Pakistani constitution, if the Assembly is terminated before its stipulated time, the general elections would be held within 90 days and if it completes its mandated period then the election will take place within 60 days.

Following the end of the government, the Prime Minister will discuss with the opposition leader of the house to decide on a caretaker premier who will take charge until the next general elections.

On his last day in power, Sharif on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the federal cabinet, made a farewell address in Parliament and chaired two separate meetings on overseas Pakistanis and the setting up of an ‘Olympic village’ in Islamabad, Dawn news reported.

Addressing the federal cabinet, he confirmed it was his government’s last day in power.

The Prime Minister said the coalition government sacrificed their political capital for the sake of the country as they had a “gigantic task to save the motherland from looming default”.

After the cabinet meeting, he went to the Parliament House to address the National Assembly.

In his farewell speech in the Assembly, Sharif said he would start consultations on Thursday to decide about a caretaker Prime Minister within three days, who will choose his cabinet for three months or until the formation of the next elected government.

Soon after the National Assembly’s late-night dissolution, troops were seen at different points in Islamabad.

It wasn’t immediately clear whether the soldiers’ presence was because of security reasons or VIP movement.

Source: IANS

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Colombo, Aug 9 (SocialNews.XYZ) Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe assured the country's Parliament that a close relationship with India would not affect the island nation's sovereignty and integrity.

Making a special statement to the Parliament on Wednesday, President Wickremesinghe said: "It must be understood that engaging in a robust relationship with our closest neighbour India would undoubtedly strengthen our ability towards ensuring mutually beneficial cooperation.

"You have my assurance that I will not engage in initiatives inimical to the sovereignty and integrity of this country," he guaranteed.

The Sri Lanka President was responding to the allegation from the opposing faction that his government was selling out the country to third parties to come out of the worst ever economic crisis that the 22 million populated island has been going through.

Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of joining with India in the effort to come out of the economic crisis and transform country's ports as hubs for export of green hydrogen by developing Northern and Eastern, the provinces closer to India.

"We have already taken steps on creating a conducive environment for the investment and export of solar and wind power, culminating in a Memorandum of Understanding with India to facilitate collaborative efforts in this area. Adani Group has come forward to invest in the renewable energy sector of Sri Lanka. I believe that this collaborative approach would lead to substantial growth in this area," the Sri Lanka President said at the 225-member Parliament.

He detailed his plans for renewable energy through the production of green hydrogen and green ammonia. 

"This strategy aims to attract investments and could transform the Port of Colombo Pooneryn and even Trincomalee as hubs for export of green hydrogen," he said.

The Sri Lankan President detailed his plans to upgrade air and sea connectivity between South India and Sri Lanka's Northern province and said that the development of the Kankesanthurai (KKS) Harbour, Vavuniya and Palali Airports and the ferry service connecting the south of India have been earmarked.

President Wickremesinghe also said that basing Trincomalee, the strategic Eastern port city, the Eastern Province would be developed to a regional hub with the support of India.

"India's assistance as our closest neighbour in implementing the Trincomalee District Development Project is of immense value to Sri Lanka. The ongoing cooperation in the development of the Trincomalee Tank Farms and India's agreement to further enhance Trincomalee as a national and regional hub of industry, energy and economic activity is a fillip for developing further mutually beneficial cooperation," President Wickremesinghe said.

The President emphasised the significance of Trincomalee, the World War II British operation base for Southeast Asia after Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1842 and importance of joining with India to develop it.

"The Eastern Province plays an important role in naval affairs and Trincomalee should be made into a leading strategic Port. It is important that we work together with India when developing the Eastern Province Port, by having discussions on several programmes in that region," he stressed.

"Since India has a lead to develop industries in this Province, an Industrial Zone should be created. The Port, therefore, will also be connected and we are planning to establish a Joint Task Force for this purpose," he described. 

Source: IANS

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Islamabad, Aug 9 (SocialNews.XYZ) Even as the outgoing PDM government is gearing up for election campaigning, its bad report card of the past 16 months, plunging the masses into unrelenting inflation, joblessness and poverty, would make the electioneering a massive challenge for the alliance. 

The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government came to power after ousting Prime Minister Imran Khan through a vote-of-no-confidence in the Parliament.

Though PDM took over the power through a formation of a 13-party coalition government, claiming its vision to easy the shortcomings of the Imran Khan government and bring in relief for the masses; its tenure has been packed with massive inflation, increase in prices of basic commodities and everything else that is sold in the market and is part of a basic necessity of the common man. 

"16 months of the coalition government's rule have left an unbearable burden on consumers on the back of whopping price hikes in food items, transport charges and power and gas utility bills," said Amir Shafaat Khan, an economy expert. 

"There have been factors behind this unrelenting inflation, including higher global commodity prices and the rupee's free fall against the dollar that further escalated the cost of imported goods. Besides, the government caved into almost all demands of the International Monetary Fund to secure loan installments, adding to the miseries of citizens," Amir added. 

Now, with the government bowing out and initiating its campaign to reach out to the masses and try to convince them with its political manifesto and success stories to justify its time in government; the unprecedented rise in inflation, job losses, business losses and the escalations on prices of basic commodities every fortnight, have filled up anger and miseries among the locals, whose empty stomachs and empty pockets may not be ready to give any weightage to the narratives of political parties. 

"This government came into power and ousted Imran Khan, chanting slogans and staging protests, accusing Khan's government of ignoring the needs of a common man and increasing the levels of inflation beyond tolerance. But after this coalition government was formed, they multiplied the sufferings of the people through towering inflation, shut down industries and manufacturers causing job losses and forcing majority of the youth to look at better career options abroad," said Javed Siddique, senior political analyst. 

"It is not going to be easy for political parties to run their election campaigns. However, they most certainly will try to make the best use of the recent floods, climate change caused damages, government's foreign policy achievements and its efforts in saving the country from economic bankruptcy," Javed Siddique added. 

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Source: IANS

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Beijing, Aug 9 (SocialNews.XYZ) At least 33 people died in rain-related incidents in Beijing, authorities in the Chinese capital said on Wednesday.

There are 18 others still missing, including a rescuer, Xia Linmao, deputy mayor of Beijing, told a press conference.

The deaths of the aforementioned 33 people were mainly due to flooding and the collapse of houses.

From July 29 to August 2, Beijing was battered by severe torrential rains triggered by typhoon Doksuri.

It was the heaviest rainfall in Beijing since records began 140 years ago.

Rain-triggered flooding has affected nearly 1.29 million people and around 15,000 hectares of crops.

According to Xia, these numbers are expected to grow as the property loss assessment continues.

The torrential downpour has caused significant damage to infrastructure in the mountainous areas, affecting water supply in 507 villages, causing power outages in 273 villages and 16 residential communities, and disrupting communications in 342 villages.

Transportation came to a halt in 256 villages.

Thanks to the relentless rescue and recovery efforts, most of the villages have successfully had their power supply, drinking water, telecommunications services and transportation restored.

Beijing has also ensured that essential daily necessities, emergency supplies and medical treatment are available to the affected population, and has taken swift action to initiate post-disaster epidemic prevention work, according to the deputy mayor.

The city has formulated a recovery and reconstruction plan, and will accelerate its implementation, Xia said.

Source: IANS

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Islamabad, Aug 9 (SocialNews.XYZ) Pakistan’s coalition government under the premiership of Shehbaz Sharif is set to dissolve the National Assembly on Wednesday and bring in a caretaker government.

Prime Minister Sharif will send a written summary to President Arif Alvi for approval of the dissolution.

According to the country's constitution, the President will have 48 hours to approve the summary.

However, if the hefails to approve it, the assemblies would stand dissolved after 48 hours. 

“On the completion of the incumbent government’s term, I would send a summary to the President of Pakistan for dissolution of the National Assembly. And after meeting constitutional norms, we will hand over the reins to the interim setup,” Sharif said in an address at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. 

As part of the preparations, Sharif has been busy in consultations with his coalition partners regarding the formation of a caretaker government setup. 

Government sources said that the ongoing consultations are focused on the formation of an empowered interim government under an interim-Prime Minister, who would have additional powers to take difficult decisions, especially on the economic front. 

Prime Minister Sharif said that after dissolution of the National Assembly, it would be the responsibility of the Chief Election Commissioner to decide the future course of action regarding polls.

He added that all political parties were of the view that elections should be held at the earliest. 

Since the decision was taken to dissolve the National Assembly, Sharif has been holding meetings with leaders of political parties along with the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Raza Riaz as part of his constitutional obligation to consult all stakeholders regarding the appoint of an interim prime minister. 

As per reports, there are at least three names, which are under consideration during ongoing consultations.  

The sources say that the name of former Finance Minister Hafeez Sheikh is on top of the list, while names of other political leaders are also being discussed.  

Meanwhile, former army chief General retired Raheel Sharif is also being considered for the interim premier position. 

“I have completed the consultations process with allies and three names of interim prime minister have been finalized. The names do not include any politicians, but an economist has been shortlisted” Riaz said while hinting towards a mutual agreement over the name of the former Finance Minister. 

While the mandate of the interim government is to ensure that polls are held within 90 days, the government’s decision to hold general elections under the new digital census and according new delimitations, it is expected that the Election Commission of Pakistan may take much longer than 90 days as the normal process of completion of delimitations may take at least six to eight months. 

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Source: IANS

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Colombo, Aug 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) More than 58,000 dengue cases and 38 deaths have been reported in Sri Lanka this year, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

It said that nearly 50 per cent of cases had been reported from the country's western province, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Ministry has identified 47 high risk areas in the country.

Sri Lanka had registered over 76,000 dengue cases last year, according to official data.

Source: IANS

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Colombo, Aug 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Cricket legend and the Unicef South Asia Regional Goodwill Ambassador, Sachin Tendulkar joined the world’s children’s charity organisation to help 3.9 million Sri Lankan people, including children, who are struggling to get adequate food.

Tendulkar is on a visit to Sri Lanka meeting children and parents impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2022 economic crisis.

The cricket legend recalled warm memories associated with Sri Lanka during his earlier visits, both as a cricketer and as part of his engagements with Unicef in 2015. He lauded the efforts of all government and non-government organisations in their efforts towards bringing a positive change despite challenging environments.

 During the field mission, he visited a pre-school, supported by Unicef’s ongoing mid-day school meal programme, and helped serve nutrient-rich food to children.

Since August 2022, the UN agency’s midday meal programme has been providing nutritious meals to 50,000 pre-school children in nearly 1,400 schools across the country.

The meal programme has also helped boost pre-school attendance.  

“Children require a nutrient-rich diet and quality education to reach their full potential. By investing in their education and nutrition, we are not only investing in their future but also every country’s future,” said Tendulkar. 

At another school, he observed teaching and learning activities for grade 3 children where many students shared their desire to stay in school and follow their dreams.

He then joined the senior schoolgirls and boys on the pitch for a game of cricket. 

“The children I spoke with, are showing great tenacity, and their hope for a better future remains strong. We need to continue supporting them so they keep achieving their goals,” Tendulkar added.

He also visited Indian origin Tamil families living in tea plantations, to understand their lives better.

As part of the support for economic recovery, Unicef provided cash transfers to more than 110,000 families with children up to two years of age to buy nutritious foods and other vital supplies needed for their children.

Tendulkar also took time to speak to a group of young people from Sri Lanka, in a close ‘Cricket Catch-Ups’ session during which he shared his experiences growing up, in overcoming obstacles, remaining resilient and focused in pursuing his goal.

These youngsters are part of the Unicef-supported Children’s Club network of the Department of Probation and Child Care Services.

Tendulkar was appointed as the first Unicef Regional Goodwill Ambassador for South Asia in 2013.

Source: IANS

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Islamabad, Aug 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) In response to a recent statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs holding Pakistan responsible for failing to create an environment free of terror and hostility for talks, Islamabad has now put the onus on New Delhi to create a favourable atmosphere rfor dialogue and peace in the region.

Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated that “dialogue was important between Pakistan and India in an environment, which is free of coercion and free of belligerence that India continues to demonstrate in the region”. 

The FO's statement comes in response to the Indian Ministry's recent comments on Prime Minister’s Shehbaz Sharif’s speech, in which he said that Pakistan was ready to talk to its neighbour “provided that the neighbor is serious to talk on serious matters, because war is not an option”. 

“Pakistan believed in a peaceful neighborhood and wanted peace with all its neighbours on mutual and in conformity with international law,” said Mumtaz Baloch. 

“The comments of the prime minister reaffirm this position. We also believe dialogue is important between Pakistan and India in an environment which is free of coercion and free of belligerence that India continues to demonstrate in the region. We believe the ball is in India’s court to create an environment for peace and dialogue."

Pakistan and India have been engaged in cross accusations against each other, blaming one another for failing to meet the requirement and prerequisites for the peace talks.

Experts say both sides have gained their respective political mileages in the past and want to continue doing so in the future as well. 

“Be it India or Pakistan, both sides and their respective governments have gained major mileage in their political standings in front of their supporters and votes in the past," senior political analyst Javed Siddique said.

“The hatred among the two countries has overpowered any hope and wish for peace or any similar initiative undertaken through a considerate decision by both parties. This is why foreign external intervention, to pressure both sides to sit across the table becomes part of a foreign policy campaign."

Sadly, the counter statements from both sides has been an ongoing practice for years, which now, for many has gained a reputation of being rhetoric and of symbolic value, limited to statements only. 

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Source: IANS

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United Nations, Aug 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Unicef has raised an alarm over the impact of current global heat waves on children, saying that South Asia has the highest percentage of kids exposed to extreme high temperatures.

The frequency and severity of heat waves are expected to increase in the future with climate change, the UN agency said in a report on Monday.

South Asia has the highest percentage of children exposed to extreme high temperatures, and 76 per cent of children under 18 in this region -- 460 million -- experience 83 or more days in a year where the temperature exceeds 35 degrees Celsius.

This means that 3 in 4 children in South Asia are already exposed to extreme high temperature compared to only 1 in 3 children (32 per cent) globally, Unicef said. 

In addition, the data also showed that 28 per cent of children across South Asia are exposed to 4.5 or more heatwaves per year, compared to 24 per cent globally.

July was the hottest ever month recorded globally, raising further concerns about a future where children, including those living in South Asia, are expected to face more frequent and severe heat waves, largely due to climate change.

“With the world at global boiling, the data clearly show that the lives and well-being of millions of children across South Asia are increasingly threatened by heat waves and high temperatures. Countries in the region are not the hottest in the world right now but the heat here brings life-threatening risks for millions of vulnerable children,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, Unicef Regional Director for South Asia.

“We are particularly concerned about babies, toddlers, malnourished children and pregnant women as they are most vulnerable to heat strokes and other serious effects.”

According to Unicef’s 2021 Children's Climate Risk Index, children in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, and Pakistan are at "extremely high risk" of the impacts of climate change.  

Monday's report said that even in the rainy season, the heat can exacerbate the situation for children.

"Since children cannot adapt quickly to temperature changes, they are not able to remove excess heat from their bodies. This can cause symptoms and illnesses such as higher body temperature, rapid heartbeat, cramps, severe headache, confusion, organ failure, dehydration, fainting and coma, in young children; poor mental development in infants; and developmental setbacks such as neurological dysfunction, and cardiovascular diseases.

"Early contractions, hypertension, seizures, high blood pressure, preterm births and stillbirths are risks for pregnant women, who are particularly susceptible to heat," Unicef added.

Source: IANS

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Islamabad, Aug 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) A bomb went off near a vehicle in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province, killing at least seven people including a local politician, government officials and police said.

The incident took place late on Monday night when a roadside bomb hit the vehicle of a chairman of a union council and others who were returning from a wedding ceremony in Panjgur district of the province, Deputy Commissioner of Panjgur Amjad Somro told local media.

The bomb was detonated through remote control, said police, adding that the vehicle was completely damaged in the explosion, Xinhua news agency reported.

Following the incident, police and security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to arrest the culprits.

No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack. 

Source: IANS

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Kabul, Aug 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) A number of foreign nationals, including Americans, have been held in Afghanistan's prisons, a local media report said on Monday citing a Taliban official.

Without revealing the exact number of imprisoned foreigners in Afghanistan, the Taliban regime's chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said: "They have been held in connection with security and other issues such as violation of our laws," Xinhua news agency reported citing the TOLO News report. 

If proven innocent the detained would be released and the solution would also be found for those not innocent, TOLO News quoted Mujahid as saying.

Neither Mujahid nor TOLO News provided more details.

The revelation came a week after the US and Taliban held talks in Doha for the first time since the fall of Kabul in August 2021.

During the talks held in the Qatari capital on July 30-31, Washington pressed the regime to "reverse policies responsible for the deteriorating human rights situation" in Afghanistan, as well as for the release of detained American citizens.

On their part, the Taliban said they wanted the unfreezing of Afghanistan's assets, as well as lifting of sanctions and travel bans.

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Source: IANS

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Beijing, Aug 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Fourteen people had been killed and one remained missing as of 10 p.m. Sunday after heavy rain battered the city of Shulan in northeast China's Jilin Province, local authorities said.

Water levels in reservoirs and major rivers have so far receded to the safe range, Xinhua news agency reported.

Shulan had experienced continuous rainy weather since Tuesday night. This round of rain has basically ended.

The local government has mobilized various rescue forces to relocate residents, repair roads, and restore power and communication to resume people's normal lives as soon as possible.

Source: IANS

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Islamabad, Aug 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) At least 10 cars of a passenger train derailed in Pakistan's southern Sindh province on Sunday, killing at least 30 passengers while injuring over 100 others, government and police officials said.

While confirming the casualties, Sindh's Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said that nine cars have been cleared, adding that a rescue operation is underway in the remaining car to recover passengers, Xinhua news agency reported.

He said that critically injured people will be transported to the southern port city of Karachi for better treatment.

The Hazara Express train, comprising around 16 to 17 cars with over 1,000 passengers, veered off the track while crossing a canal bridge on its way to the country's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province from Karachi.

Minister for Railway Khawaja Saad Rafique told the media that authorities are investigating the incident and the possibility of "sabotage" can be ruled out.

Rescue teams, the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Railways personnel rushed to the site and initiated relief activities. Local volunteers also helped rescue the stranded passengers.

Affaq Rao, an eyewitness, told Xinhua he was working in the fields when he heard a strange loud bang.

"It was the noise of the train derailing. Initially, I could not figure out what to do, but then along with other locals, I ran towards the coaches and tried helping people get out of the train," he said.

"These were the most horrific and heart-wrenching scenes of my life," Rao said.

Rehman Malik was travelling to the eastern city of Rawalpindi for his business venture when the unfortunate incident happened. "Fortunately, I remained unhurt," he said.

Malik, who received minor injuries in the accident, said that the incident was his worst nightmare.

After the train derailment, train operations were suspended, affecting the routine of many trains, with railway authorities saying that it may take up to 18 hours to restore operations.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the incident and directed the authorities to provide the best medical treatment to the injured people.

Source: IANS

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Kabul, Aug 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) Three people were killed and another injured on Sunday as the roof of a house collapsed in Afghanistan's Ghazni province on Sunday.

The incident took place in the Aband district in the wee hours, leaving three women dead and another injured, all of whom were from the same family, a statement issued by provincial police added, Xinhua news agency reported.

In war-torn Afghanistan, people are mostly living in mud houses, especially in the countryside, which is vulnerable to natural disasters such as quakes, rainstorms, flooding, and snowfall.

Source: IANS

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Islamabad, Aug 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) After arrest of PTI chairman Imran Khan, Section 144 has been imposed in various districts of Pakistan's Punjab province for seven days while several supporters of the former prime minister were arrested, local media reported.

As per official notification, gatherings, public meetings, demonstrations, sit-ins and rallies are banned for seven days in Kasur, Jhelum, Mianwali, Mandi Bahauddin and Rawalpindi districts, ARY news reported.

The PTI chief was arrested on Saturday from his Zaman Park residence after a district and sessions court sentenced him to three year jail in the Toshakhana case.

After his arrest, the PTI had called for peaceful protests, Dawn reported. 

Many of the former prime minister's supporters, who were protesting his arrest, were arrested.

Source: IANS

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Dhaka, Aug 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bangladesh reported 10 more deaths and 2,495 dengue cases in the past 24 hours, pushing the death toll to 303 and the total number of infections to 63,968, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said.

The South Asian country experienced its highest spike in dengue cases last month, with 43,854 new infections and 204 deaths, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the DGHS.

The June-September monsoon period is the season of dengue fever in Bangladesh, which is considered a high-risk nation prone to mosquito-borne diseases.

Source: IANS

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Dhaka, Aug 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) At least eight people died after a boat carrying 46 people capsized in a tributary of Padma river in Bangladesh's Munshiganj district, local authorities said.

The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Saturday when the boat capsized following a collision with a sand-laden vessel in the river, about 30 km away from capital Dhaka.

"The bodies of three women, three children and two men have so far been retrieved with the help of locals," Rafi Al Faruk, a duty officer of the fire service and civil defence headquarters, told Xinhua. 

The official said most of the passengers were able to swim ashore after the incident as the boat sank close to the river bank and at least four people have been rescued.

"So far, we have recovered the bodies of eight people, and four of them have been sent to the local hospital. Two bodies, including a child, remain on the river bank,"  Louhajung Fire Service Station Officer Qais Ahmed was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune. 

Source: IANS

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Washington, Aug 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) The US State Department has said that PTI chief Imran Khan's arrest was Pakistan's internal matter.

"Cases against Imran Khan and other politicians on Pakistan are an internal matter," US State Department's spokesperson was quoted by Dawn as saying.

The spokesperson added: “We call for the respect of democratic principles and the rule of law in Pakistan, as we do around the world.”

The former Pakistan Prime Minister was arrested in connection with the Toshakhana case. 

However, independent observers are of the opinion that it would worsen the political crisis.

Taking to Twitter, Michael Kugelman, a scholar of South Asian affairs at the Wilson Centre in Washington, posted: “Not long ago, Pakistan’s political crisis appeared to be easing a bit, with the government pledging to step down and make way for a caretaker to prepare for elections.” 

Member of National Assembly of Paksitan, Mohsin Dawar, who is in North America, posted: “One PM was convicted on an iqama and now another on selling a wristwatch. Politicians get discredited over such trivial 
matters while (others) get away” with more serious charges.

“Politicians keep getting used and then are discarded like Imran Khan. We keep going round and round in circles,” he wrote.

Several supporters of Khan gathered outside the Pakistan High Commission in London to protest his arrest and chanted slogans in his favour. 

Source: IANS

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Colombo, Aug 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) About 90,000 people in four provinces of Sri Lanka have been affected by droughts with Jaffna being the worst hit district, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) said on Sunday.

The four affected areas are Sabaragamuwa, Eastern, North Western and Northern provinces, Xinhua news agency reported quoting DMC as saying.

A total of 89,485 people from 27,885 families have been affected and Jaffna in the Northern Province is the worst affected district, with 69,113 people from 21,714 families impacted, the DMC said.

According to the DMC, droughts in the South Asian island country usually occur due to the delay of monsoon onset or the temporal variability of rainfall.

Source: IANS

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Islamabad, August 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested on Saturday from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore soon after being convicted in the Toshakhana case.

In a major development, a district and sessions court earlier on Saturday convicted the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman in the Toshakhana case, sentencing him to three years in prison, Geo News reported.

Rejecting Khan's petition seeking inadmissibility of the case,  Additional and Sessions Judge Humayun Dilawar sentenced the former premier to three-year imprisonment.

"Charges of misdeclaration of assets have been proven against PTI chairman," Judge Dilawar mentioned in his judgment.

He then handed Khan three years in jail along with a fine of 100,000 PKR, while issuing his arrest warrant.

The former prime minister had challenged the Toshakhana case, related to the alleged misdeclaration of gifts he took from the state gifts repository, on several forums including the Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court (IHC), Geo News reported.

The trial court had summoned Khan in his personal capacity on Saturday for a hearing in the Toshakhana case after the high court rejected his pleas challenging the maintainability order.

On Friday, the IHC also turned down Khan's request to transfer the case to another court and directed Judge Dilawar to continue hearing the case.

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Source: IANS

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Beijing, Aug 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) China's National Meteorological Centre on Saturday rnewed a blue alert as typhoon Khanun, the sixth typhoon this year, continues to move northeast on the East China Sea.

From 8 a.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday, strong winds with speeds of 39 to 74 km per hour are expected in most parts of the South China Sea, the Beibu Gulf, the Taiwan Strait, the Bashi Channel, areas to the east of China's Taiwan island, the East China Sea and the waters near the Diaoyu Islands, as well as the coastal areas of Guangxi, Taiwan island, the western coast of Leizhou Peninsula of Guangdong and the western coast of Hainan, with wind gusts surpassing 100 km per hour, the Centre said.

In the same period, heavy rainfall to rainstorms with precipitation up to 120 mm are forecast to lash some coastal areas of Guangxi, and parts of Guangdong and Taiwan island, Xinhua news agency quoted the Centre as saying.

It has advised the aforementioned regions to make emergency preparations for the typhoon.

Typhoon Khanun, which weakened to a severe tropical storm on Saturday morning, is expected to move out of the East China Sea on Sunday morning, according to the Centre.

China has a four-tier, colour-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. 

Source: IANS

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United Nations, Aug 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) The UN humanitarians have warned of critical aid funding gaps for more than 21 million people in Afghanistan, saying that some relief already has been trimmed.

With more than halfway through the year, the $3.2 billion appeal to aid almost half the population across Afghanistan is less than 25 per cent funded, Xinhua news agency quoted the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) as saying in its latest situation update.

"We face critical funding gaps amounting to $1.3 billion, with many programs already ended or considerably scaled back due to insufficient resources and aid pipelines at risk of imminent rupture, including for food assistance," OCHA said.

The humanitarian office said it only has a short window of opportunity to procure and position vital assistance and supplies before the lean season and winter begin.

After more than four decades of conflict and instability in Afghanistan, an estimated 28.3 million Afghans -- two-thirds of the population, including women and girls -- are in need of humanitarian and protection assistance. 

More than 1.6 million Afghans have fled the country since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, bringing the total number of Afghans in neighboring countries to 8.2 million -- accounting for one of the largest protracted refugee situations in the world.

At least 3.2 million Afghans are displaced within their own country. 

Meanwhile, two-thirds of the war-torn country’s population is food insecure, including 875,000 children facing acute malnutrition. 

Women and girls remain most at risk. 

Source: IANS

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Islamabad, Aug 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Pakistan government under the premiership of Shehbaz Sharif has decided to announce dissolution of the National Assembly (Lower House of Parliament) on 9th August 2023, three days before completion of its five-year term, moving towards a caretaker setup and general elections within the next 90 days.

The announcement comes in the backdrop of farewell meetings and fast paced discussions between coalition partners over the selection of a caretaker prime minister and the interim setup. 

Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif conducted the first round of discussions with leaders of coalition political parties, calling on all members to nominate their respective leaders for the position of interim prime minister.

“This will ensure transparency, fairness, and impartiality during the transitional period,” Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said.

A caretaker government would be brought in place for at least 90 days, mandated to ensure fair elections and a smooth transition of power. Under the given circumstances and challenges of economic commitments to the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and the security situation; getting a caretaker prime minister, who would carry forward the policies of the government and see through the democratic transition as per the political aspirations of the current political contenders, gives pivotal value to the ongoing selection of the interim setup.

As per procedure, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be sending ahead an advice to the Pakistan President Arif Alvi for the dissolution of the National Assembly on August 9. And as per the Constitution of Pakistan, the assembly will stand dissolved as soon as the President would sign the advice.

However, if the President does not sign the advice, the assembly will automatically dissolve after 48 hours of the receiving of advice from the PM office.

As far as the consultation on the interim Prime Minister is concerned, government sources have confirmed that there would be at least three rounds of consultation between the coalition political partners and the opposition. After completion of three rounds, Shehbaz Sharif will submit the name to the president.

Moreover, if for any reason, the government fails to reach a consensus over a name for interim prime minister; the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) would step in and nominate a candidate from the proposed names.

Pakistan is now on its way towards a political transition process, gearing up for increased political temperatures, rallies, marches, public meetings and political engagements by all parties, in a race to establish themselves as the worthy political force to lead the country for the next five-years tenure.

Source: IANS

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Islamabad, August 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday told his coalition partners that the summary to dissolve the National Assembly would be moved on August 9, Geo News reported.

The assurance was given by the premier during a dinner he hosted for his coalition partners during which the political situation of the country and general elections was discussed.

Officials, who were privy to the meeting and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that the premier informed his coalition partners that he would begin consultations with Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Raja Riaz on a caretaker prime minister from today.

The premier added that he is hopeful that the consultation would end within two to three days, Geo News reported.

The current assembly’s tenure will end on August 12 and if it completes its stipulated time then elections will be held within 60 days. However, the Constitution states that the polls must be held within 90 days if the assembly is dissolved before the completion of its tenure.

If the summary is moved to dissolve the lower house of parliament on August 9 that it would be liable to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hold polls within 90 days.

However, before the assembly dissolution the government and the opposition need to agree on a name for a caretaker prime minister, Geo News reported.

Last month, PM Shehbaz constituted a five-member committee of the PML-N to hold consultations on the selection of a caretaker premier and dissolution of the National Assembly, The News had reported.

Though the provincial assemblies of Sindh and Balochistan will also be dissolved along with the National Assembly next month, the panel has no members from outside Punjab.

Source: IANS

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Dhaka, Aug 3 (SocialNews.XYZ) In the last 24 hours, Bangladesh reported 2,711 new dengue cases and 12 fatalities, which took the overall caseload to 57,127 and death toll to 273 since January this year, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said.

The total number of recovered patients in the country stood at 47,529, including 2,638 new recoveries on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency quoted the DGHS as saying.

The South Asian country experienced its highest spike in dengue cases last month, with 43,854 new infections and 204 deaths, the DGHS said.

The June-September monsoon period is the season of dengue fever in Bangladesh, which is considered a high-risk nation prone to mosquito-borne diseases.

Source: IANS

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Kathmandu, August 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) A group of Nepali civil society members on Wednesday expressed concern regarding the loss of life and property in Manipur, constituent state of the Indian Republic which is seeing rage between members of the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities.

The violence has continued unabated for three months, with more than 180 dead, many more wounded, and enormous loss of property and infrastructure, they said.

Those issued the statement including prominent rights activists Meena Acharya, Renu Adhikari, Kundan Aryal, Raju Chapagain, Purnashova Chitrakar, Kanak Mani Dixit, Chandrakishore Jha, Sushil Pyakurel, and Dinesh Tripathi.

“We have concluded that the state as well as central governments of India have not lived up to their responsibility to protect human rights in Manipur, ensure law and order, and promote mediation efforts among the warring sides. There is an urgent need for democratic intervention,” they said in a statement on Wednesday evening.

The countries of South Asia are populated by multiple and cross-cutting identities, said the statement, the provinces and subunits are predominantly multilingual and multi-ethnic, the result of historical movement of peoples and more recent demarcations and migrations.

Under such circumstances, the first obligation of an elected government is to ensure human security and inclusion, mindful that protection of minority rights is key to democracy, they said.

Above all, members of the executive and legislature are required to overcome political party interests and be protectors against loss of life and limb, against rape and plunder, they suggested.

When those in authority abandon responsibilities resulting in escalation of violence in any part of South Asia, the duty of citizens everywhere is to speak up, including from neighbouring countries.

“As citizens of Nepal, we recognise the historical marginalization of communities of mountain, hill and plain within our own society, and this impels us to recognise and express concern over what is happening in Manipur.”

While ostensibly federal, all over South Asia the strong arm of central authority prevents provinces from achieving societal equilibrium, where communities are able to negotiate their place and future, reads the statement adding that they also see national administrators using the ‘divide-and-rule’ tactic inherited from colonial times, cynically deploying the ‘communal card’ for political gain, and relying on the armed forces – all of which keeps frustrations bottled up.

India was till recently the exemplary country in South Asia with its robust electoral democracy, exemplary judiciary and questioning media, the human rights activists said, from neighbouring Nepal, we have watched in distress the weakening of the Indian polity over the last decade: populist governance feeding off vote-gathering ethno-religious sentiments, if taken further, will weaken the social fabric of a country that has the largest population on Earth.

Source: IANS

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Beijing, Aug 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) Beijing has reported its heaviest rainfall over the past few days since record keeping began 140 years ago, authorities in the Chinese capital said.

The capital city logged 744.8 mm of rain, the maximum amount of precipitation recorded during the rainstorm, between 8 p.m. on July 29 and 7 a.m. Wednesday at the Wangjiayuan reservoir in Changping district, the Beijing Meteorological Service said Wednesday.

Beijing has experienced spells of torrential rains brought by typhoon Doksuri since the start of the weekend, which had caused 11 fatalities as of Tuesday morning.

The city lifted the red alert for flood on Wednesday morning as the water flow in major rivers has gone below the warning mark. 

Source: IANS

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Colombo, Aug 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) Sri Lanka received over 750,000 tourists and earned foreign exchange revenue amounting to $800 million during the first seven months of this year, according to a statement from the President's Media Division (PMD).

Quoting State Minister of Tourism Diana Gamage, the PMD said this accomplishment played a crucial role in bolstering Sri Lanka's foreign reserves, reports Xinhua news agency.

The PMD said the state minister emphasized the importance of introducing new approaches and adopting innovative strategies to enhance the tourism industry.

"Last year, the tourism business had fallen into a very sad situation. Tourists did not make Sri Lanka a tourist destination due to the economic crisis and struggle in the country," Gamage said.

The Sri Lankan tourism industry has made a comeback in 2023, aiming to attract 2 million visitors this year, compared to the previous target of $1.5 million.

Source: IANS

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Beijing, Aug 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) Beijing lifted the red alert for flood on Wednesday as the water flow in major rivers has gone below the warning mark.

The red alert, in force since 11 a.m. on Monday, was lifted at 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning, according to the Beijing hydrological station.

The Chinese capital city has experienced spells of torrential rains brought by typhoon Doksuri since the start of the weekend, which had caused 11 fatalities as of Tuesday morning, reports Xinhua news agency.

Hydrological authorities in Beijing have warned of risks and asked the public to stay away from water bodies during the receding period as prolonged immersion has made the levees vulnerable.

Source: IANS

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