Congressional Democrats say they are no longer seeking records of former Pres. Trump’s private meetings with Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin, despite previous concerns Trump tried to conceal details of their conversations. https://t.co/hr58S9kIG8

By Kevin Liptak and Kate Sullivan, CNNUpdated 3:37 PM ET, Wed June 16, 2021  (CNN)President Joe Biden gifted Russian President Vladimir Putin a pair of custom aviator sunglasses made by Randolph USA during their summit on Wednesday, according to a White House official.


Supreme Court rejects an appeal of Congress leader P Chidambaram against the Delhi High Court’s order rejecting his anticipatory bail plea in a case being probed by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in INX Media case. https://t.co/A5sYeoBQ0g

The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday defeated the no-confidence motion moved by the rival BJP in Bengal’s Bongaon municipality, conducted at the office of the North 24 Parganas District Magistrate under the instructions of Calcutta High Court to ensure that the process was peaceful and fair. While 14 TMC councillors expressed their trust on the Municipal board led by chairman Shankar Addhya, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillors stayed away from the voting. “According to the direction of Calcutta High Court, the DM conducted the meeting.  The no-confidence motion was rejected.  No councilor voted for the no-trust motion,” said Shankar Addhya, the chairman of Bongaon municipality after the vote. “Today’s vote proves the BJP was trying to mislead the court and wasted its time,” said Kolkata mayor and urban development minister Firhad Hakim. On Thursday, there was heavy police deployment at the DM’s office.  None except the employees and the councillors who would participate in the vote were allowed to enter.  Even the councillors had to deposit cellphones before entering. While the voting was taking place on Thursday, a section of the BJP councillors filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court alleging the process did not follow the court’s orders passed on August 26, and was, therefore, illegal. “The court had said (on August 26) that the administration has to provide security to the councillors and they have to be brought to the DM’s office on the day of voting.  But the administration failed to comply with that order, and therefore, we moved court,” said Bongaon North legislator Biswajit Das, who is overseeing the Bongaon civic affairs for the BJP. Das added that the court heard their plea and transferred the case for hearing to a regular bench. “They (TMC) won with the help of muscle power, strong arm tactics,” remarked BJP’s Bengal unit president, Dilip Ghosh. The fracas surrounding the vote in Bongaon civic body became the talking point in the state after widely televised chaos and clashes on July 16 culminated in the BJP alleging they were not allowed to enter the chamber to vote in the no-trust motion that they had brought against chairman Addhya. In a loss of face for the TMC, on August 26, Calcutta High Court not only nullified the trust vote that Bengal’s ruling party won, but also said that a fresh one had to be taken at the District Magistrate’s office under the DM’s supervision. Debjani Dasgupta, advocate for the BJP, had also said that the court had directed the police chief of the district to ensure security to each of the councillors till the vote. BJP said in court that on July 16, 11 BJP councillors lost to the ruling party that had the support of only 10 councillors – nine from the TMC and one from the Congress – since the BJP members were prevented from voting. However, on August 8, TMC gained numerical superiority after four councillors, who had switched to the BJP, returned to their old party. Bongaon municipality, which is close to the Indo-Bangladesh border, has 22 councillors, 13 of those are with the TMC now and seven are with the BJP.  The Left and the Congress has one councillor each. In the recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections, BJP made deep inroads into Bengal for the first time, winning 18 seats, a nine-fold increase from its 2014 tally of just two.  TMC’s seats, on the other hand, dipped from 34 in 2014 to 22. Following that performance, in June, majority of the public representatives from seven civic bodies – Bhatpara, Halishahar, Kanchrapara, Naihati, Garulia, and Bongaon (all in North 24-Parganas district) and Darjeeling as also of the Dakshin Dinajpur zilla parishad, joined the BJP. Later, several councillors from Kanchrapara, Halisahar, Naihati and Bongaon municipalities returned, restoring TMC’s majority in these bodies.


Telangana: People who are under quarantine at Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad offer namaaz. #COVID19 https://t.co/oT2i3OmW5J

With Mizoram facing shortage of quarantine facilities many churches in the Christian majority state have offered their halls to the state government to be used for quarantine purpose. Chairperson of the task group of quarantine facilities Esther Lal Ruatkimi said Mizoram is facing shortage of quarantine facilities as a large number of people are returning to the state from various parts of the country. She said that the government and churches have so far set up more than 500 quarantine facilities to accommodate 14,358 people but the state government require quarantine facility for at least 20,000 people. The task group chairperson said that at least 168 churches from various denominations like Presbyterian Church, Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM), Salvation Army (SA), Lairam Isua Krista Baptist Kohhran (LIKBK), Evangelical Church of Maraland (ECM), United Pentecostal Church (NEI) and United Pentecostal Church (Mizoram) have offered their halls to be used as quarantine facilities. She said that more than 10,000 stranded people in different parts of the country will return to the state. She thanked churches, village or local level task forces, NGOs and other stakeholders for extending invaluable helps to the government. Meanwhile, an official of the task group on quarantine facilities said at least 2,518 people are currently placed under quarantine across the state. Of these, 1,940 people are quarantined at government designated facilities, 414 at church halls, 163 placed under home quarantine and seven others are lodged at hotel on their own expense, he said. Earlier, state chief secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo had said that the government allowed returnees clearing Rapid Antibody Test or permitted and recommended by competent authorities to be placed under home quarantine as the state government does not have enough institutional quarantine facilities to accommodate them all.


Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar said in the meeting with farmers that if he repeals the farm laws, then "Adani and Ambani can also come to us".

On December 3, a central delegation comprising ministers and officials met representatives of the protesting farmers' unions in a bid to end the agitation in the National Capital Region (NCR).  Farmers are protesting to get the new farm laws repealed as they fear they will take away the safety umbrella of MSP and leave them at the mercy of corporates. Soon after the meeting ended inconclusively, a controversy broke out on social media regarding a remark purportedly made by Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar. According to many social media users, Tomar told farmers' leaders at the meeting that if the government withdraws the three farm laws, then "tomorrow Adani and Ambani can also come to us". India Today Anti Fake News War Room (AFWA) spoke to various stakeholders and people present in the meeting, but no one confirmed that Tomar made such a statement.  Though the issue of privatisation of several sectors and role of corporates came up for discussion, the names of Adani and Ambani were not mentioned. When we tried to find out how the purported statement by Tomar on Adani and Ambani originated, we found no mainstream media had published it.  Some social media users, including those with verified handles, have posted a video in support of the claim.  The clip is of a Punjabi YouTube channel called "KTV Global". Surprisingly, we found that "KTV Global" is not available in India.  The YouTube channel is based out of the United Kingdom. In the viral video, a reporter is speaking to two supposed farmers' leaders.  One of them in green turban says in Punjabi, "One thing that came out of Tomar's mouth is that if I repeal this law today, then Adani, Ambani may come over tomorrow. "The KTV Global reporter claims these farmers' leaders were present in the meeting with the agriculture minister. Big Expose! In the meeting yesterday with farmers agriculture minister @nstomar admitted that farm laws have been passed at the behest of Ambani and Adani. He told farmers that if we try to take back these laws now then Ambani and Adani will come to us and tell us not to do so.  pic. twitter. com/FKk5IDjvuS— Akashnoor Singh Gadri (@AkashGadri) December 4, 2020
Big Expose! In the meeting yesterday with farmers agriculture minister @nstomar admitted that farm laws have been passed at the behest of Ambani and Adani. He told farmers that if we try to take back these laws now then Ambani and Adani will come to us and tell us not to do so.  pic. twitter. com/FKk5IDjvuSThe archived versions of some viral posts are saved here, here and here. From its website, we contacted "KTV Global" in the UK and got the phone number of their correspondent Jasveer Singh, who was interviewing the farmers in the viral clip. Jasveer told us that soon after the meeting between the government and farmers concluded, he went live with farmers' leaders who were supposedly present in the meeting.  But he could not give us the name of the person in green turban who made the controversial claim about Tomar. Jasveer also confirmed to us that although he spoke to 8-10 farmers who came out of the meeting, only the man in green turban made the controversial claim.  It seems misinformation about the agriculture minister originated from this particular clip as no other credible media has reported it so far. India Today contacted some farmers' leaders who were present in the meeting with Tomar. According to them, among other things, the impact of corporates in the telecom sector was discussed.  However, the minister said telecom and agriculture sectors are different and shouldn't be confirmed.  But the names of Adani or Ambani were never mentioned in the meeting, the farmers' leaders said. Major Singh Punnawal of Punjab Kisan Sabha said, "The minister might have said something about corporates in a passing reference.  But the claim that he took the names of Ambani and Adani is not true. "Hannan Mollah, general secretary of Left-affiliated All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), said, "The minister said he should also be considering the side of corporates.  But he did not take the names of any corporate leaders as said in the claim. ""I was present throughout the meeting.  I do not recall any such remark being made," Sandeep Gidde of Kisan Kranti Jan Andolan reiterated. We tried to contact Tomar's office about his reaction to the controversy.  The minister did not comment directly on this controversy but retweeted a post by PIB Fact Check which also debunked the claim. The number of crows determines the intensity of the lie.


A SpaceX spacecraft carrying four astronauts soared into outer space Sunday — marking the kick off of what NASA hopes will be years of the company helping to keep the International Space Station fully staffed. https://t.co/8pR1r0fyfF

The Crew-1 mission is the first operational flight for the Crew Dragon capsule. SpaceX astronauts launch to the ISSFour astronauts launched into orbit on Sunday in the historic first operational flight for SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft as part of NASA's commercial crew mission. This marks the second-ever crewed mission for Elon Musk's private space-faring firm SpaceX, after the successful launch and return of NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley with the Demo-2 mission this summer. It is also the culmination of years of collaboration between NASA and the private sector as part of an effort to bring launch capabilities back to U. S.  soil and end a dependency on Russia for trips to the International Space Station. "This is another historic moment -- it seems like every time I come to Kennedy [Space Center] we're making history, and this is no different," NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said in a pre-launch news conference on Friday.  "The history being made this time is we're launching what we call an operational flight to the International Space Station. ""The whole goal here is to commercialize our activities in low-Earth orbit," he added.  "NASA wants to be one customer of many customers in a very robust commercial marketplace for human spaceflight in low-Earth orbit. "The ship launched on Sunday from pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, after being pushed back -- first to assess an engine issue with the Falcon 9 rocket and then once more due to weather. President-elect Joe Biden tweeted out his congratulations to the team on their successful launch. "It's a testament to the power of science and what we can accomplish by harnessing our innovation, ingenuity, and determination.  I join all Americans and the people of Japan in wishing the astronauts Godspeed on their journey," he tweeted. A short time later, President Donald Trump tweeted "A great launch! " before claiming that NASA "was a closed up disaster when we took over. ""Now it is again the "hottest", most advanced, space center in the world, by far! " he tweeted. The crew for the historic launch includes a Space Force colonel, a Black pilot leaving Earth for the first time, a woman who has logged nearly 4,000 hours in space and a Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut. NASA astronauts Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover and Shannon Walker, as well as JAXA astronaut Soichi Noguchi, are set to stay on the ISS for six months after the launch and help with maintenance and research. Hopkins, commander of the mission, has spent 166 days in space and completed multiple space walks.  The Missouri native worked as a flight test engineer with the Air Force before joining NASA. This is the first spaceflight for Glover, the pilot and second-in-command.  A native of California, Glover was selected as an astronaut in 2013 and is a former Naval aviator. Walker is the team's mission specialist.  She is an ISS veteran, having spent 161 days aboard the orbiting laboratory in 2010 conducting numerous experiments. Noguchi, also a mission specialist, is the first international NASA-SpaceX crew member.  Noguchi has been on two spaceflights and made history as the first Japanese astronaut to perform a spacewalk outside the ISS in 2005. Late last month, the crew said they were naming their spacecraft "Resilience" -- a nod to the ability to overcome the myriad challenges thrown at them during this tumultuous year. "As you look at the definition of resilience, I know it means functioning well in times of stress or overcoming adverse events, and I think all of us can agree that 2020 certainly has been a challenging year," Hopkins said at a news conference. "So the name 'Resilience' is really in honor of the SpaceX and NASA teams, and, quite frankly, it's in honor of our families, of our colleagues, of our fellow citizens, of our international partners and our leaders that have all shown that same quality, that same characteristic, through these difficult times," he added. ABC News' Ivan Pereira contributed to this report. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events


“Should I be confirmed, I will be mindful of who came before me,” Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett says about Ruth Bader Ginsburg. “…She not only broke glass ceilings, she smashed them.” https://t.co/9iuIR1ng1T https://t.co/9sCacblALG

The move sets up what promises to be a bitter confirmation fight. President Trump announces Supreme Court nomineePresident Donald Trump on Saturday announced his nomination of federal Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court to fill the seat of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The move to select Barrett sets up what promises to be a bitter confirmation fight less than two months before Election Day -- an unexpected twist in an election season already fraught with the coronavirus pandemic and attempts by the president to undermine confidence in the result. It also promises to upend the relative ideological balance that has marked the court for decades, establishing a clear conservative majority should Trump's nominee be seated. "Judge Barrett was confirmed to the circuit court three years ago by a bipartisan vote.  Her qualifications are unsurpassed.  Unsurpassed and her record is beyond reproach.  This should be a straightforward and prompt confirmation," Trump said during the Rose Garden announcement. He added, "Rulings that the Supreme Court will issue in the coming years will decide the survival of our Second Amendment, our religious liberty, our public safety and so much more.  To maintain security, liberty and prosperity, we must preserve our priceless heritage of a nation of laws.  And there's no one better to do that than Amy Coney Barrett. "Upon her nomination, Barrett said, "I love the United States, and I love the United States' Constitution.  I'm truly humbled by the prospect of serving on the Supreme Court. "A devout Catholic, mother of seven and the favored choice of conservative groups, Barrett is a relative newcomer to the federal bench, having served just three years on the Chicago-based 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.  Despite her short tenure as a federal judge, the longtime Notre Dame Law professor emerged as the front-runner on Trump's shortlist in the days following Ginsburg's death. At 48, Barrett is the youngest Supreme Court nominee since Clarence Thomas in 1991, and could expect to serve well into the middle of the century – an attractive prospect to Trump and his allies on Capitol Hill. Barrett's appeal within the administration has also been shaped in part by her reputation as a protégé of the late Justice Antonin Scalia, an icon of the religious right for whom she once clerked, sources said. For Democrats, Barrett's conservative tilt and religious affiliation – expressed largely through her prolific catalog of scholarly writings – made her approval to the federal bench in 2017 a bitter affair.  During a combative confirmation hearing for the post, Barrett became a rock star in conservative circles – not for what she told the committee, but what a powerful Senator said to her. "Whatever a religion is, it has its own dogma.  The law is totally different," said California Sen.  Dianne Feinstein, the committee's ranking Democrat.  "I think in your case, professor … the dogma lives loudly within you, and that is of concern. "Feinstein's comments drew rebukes from religious freedom groups and Republican senators.  Her phrase, "the dogma lives loudly within you," has since made its way onto tee shirts and mugs for sale on the internet. During the same hearing, Barrett said, "I take my faith seriously and I'm a faithful Catholic," but assured senators that it is "never appropriate to impose a judge's personal convictions, whether they arise from faith or anywhere else, on the law. "Professor Rick Garnett, a former colleague and Barrett's neighbor, said the "grace" with which Barrett fielded Feinstein's remarks appealed to religious conservatives and improved her standing with those in the administration. "The way she handled that [hearing] elevated her in the public conversation," Garnett told ABC News.  "It's not just that some of the senators said some strange things about religion, but it was that then-Professor Barrett handled it in a dignified way and I think it made a lot of Americans – religious believers of all stripes – feel inspired and proud. "Eventually, the Senate approved her nomination 55-43, with just three Democrats voting across party lines. A self-described originalist, Barrett's tenure as an appellate judge has affirmed her conservative credentials.  She authored a 2018 dissent arguing that convicted felons should not be barred from having guns.  And while she has not issued a ruling yet on abortion, she has twice staked out positions aligned with the anti-abortion movement. Prior to her judgeship, Barrett made a name for herself at Notre Dame Law School, also her alma mater.  During her 2017 confirmation process, her Notre Dame Law colleagues penned a glowing – and unanimous – endorsement letter.  More than 450 former students also advocated her confirmation. She supplemented her time in the classroom – where she taught courses on federal courts, constitutional law, and statutory interpretation – with several scholarly articles on subjects ranging from Supreme Court precedent to due process. In her scholarly work, Barrett has argued for Catholic judges to recuse themselves from death penalty cases, citing the "the moral impossibility of enforcing capital punishment," and suggested that legal precedent is susceptible to being overturned, leading critics to question how she would consider the landmark abortion ruling Roe v.  Wade.  In 2013, Barrett was quoted in the Notre Dame student newspaper as saying that "it is very unlikely at this point that the court is going to overturn Roe [v.  Wade]. "During the 2017 confirmation, Barrett walked back her position on the death penalty, telling senators that she would not recuse "as a blanket matter" from capital punishment cases.  On abortion, she stood by past comments that "abortion … is always immoral," but added that, if confirmed, her "views on this or any other question will have no bearing on the discharge of [her] duties as a judge. "Scrutiny of Barrett's faith has also extended to her personal affiliations, particularly her longtime ties to a Charismatic Christian community called People of Praise. The group encourages its more than 1,700 members to make a covenant to the community, and it also assigns younger members a personal mentor, known as a "head" or "leader. " Until recently, women in those roles were referred to as "handmaids," which led some news outlets and commentators to speculate that People of Praise may have been the inspiration behind Margaret Atwood's famous novel, "The Handmaid's Tale. " Both Atwood and People of Praise denied those claims. Barrett has not spoken publicly about her involvement in People of Praise, and neither the group nor an aide to Barrett would comment on her current status with the organization.  Critics suggest her ties to the community and a covenant many members make – which the group describes as "a promise of love and service we choose to make to one another" – may conflict with her oath to uphold the constitution.  For its part, People of Praise denies that its practices would have any effect on a member's professional life. Barrett's confirmation process is expected to be strained by the political pressure of a nomination and hearing so close to a presidential election. Democrats have accused Republicans of hypocrisy in moving forward with a replacement for Ginsburg, who died last week with only 45 days before the November vote.  In 2016, Republicans blocked President Barack Obama's Supreme Court nominee, Judge Merrick Garland, after Scalia's death more than 200 days before the election. A native of Louisiana, Barrett attended Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn. , for undergraduate studies before earning her law degree summa cum laude from the Notre Dame in 1997.  After graduating law school, Barrett clerked for Judge Laurence Silberman of the D. C.  Circuit Court of Appeals and then Scalia before a brief stint in private practice in Washington, D. C. Her husband, Jesse Barrett, served as an Assistant U. S.  Attorney in the Northern District of Indiana. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events


We're encouraged by recent conviction of Zaki ur Rehman Lakhvi. However, his crimes go far beyond financing terrorism. Pakistan must further hold him accountable for his involvement in terrorist attacks incl Mumbai attacks: US Dept of State,Bureau of South & Central Asian Affairs https://t.co/EUPYXGFrkE

The US has welcomed the conviction of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi on charges of terror financing but called on Pakistan to prosecute him for his role in masterminding the 2008 Mumbai attacks. A Pakistani anti-terrorism court convicted and sentenced Lakhvi on Friday, though India dismissed the development as a “farcical” action made with an eye on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). “We are encouraged by the recent conviction of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi.  However, his crimes go far beyond financing terrorism,” the US state department’s bureau of South and Central Asian affairs said on Twitter. “Pakistan should further hold him accountable for his involvement in terrorist attacks, including the Mumbai attacks,” it added. Lakhvi was arrested soon after the carnage in Mumbai in November 2008 on charges of planning, supporting and financing the attacks in India’s financial hub that killed 166 people, including six American nationals.  There has been little progress in Pakistan’s efforts to prosecute Lakhvi and six other accused in the Mumbai attacks case despite evidence provided by dozens of witnesses. The LeT commander was freed on bail in the Mumbai attacks case in 2015 and reports had suggested that he had been playing an active role in guiding the UN-designated terror group’s operations even when he was in jail. The Pakistani anti-terrorism court found Lakhvi guilty under three sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act for running a dispensary to raise funds for terror financing.  The judge gave Lakhvi separate five-year prison terms under each section, to be served concurrently. This was the first time that Lakhvi has been convicted of a terrorism-related offense.  However, a spokesman for the Counter-Terrorism Department of Pakistan’s Punjab province told media he was arrested for terror financing and not for any “specific militant attack”. The external affairs ministry said after Lakhvi’s sentencing that Pakistan’s “farcical actions” appeared to be aimed at an upcoming review by the FATF of the country’s efforts to counter terror financing.  It also called for “credible action” by Pakistan against all terror groups.


North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has arrived in Vietnam in his heavily armored train, ahead of his two day summit with President Trump in the capital city of Hanoi https://t.co/yEspKyC58M https://t.co/3rzVEIGEAM

The official notice to journalists came via a tweet from Vietnam's government. White House press corps booted from its hotel in VietnamHanoi, Vietnam -- President Donald Trump had yet to touch down in Vietnam for his second meeting with North Korea's dictator, but Kim Jong Un already scored a point against the United States at the expense of the free press. The White House press corps was abruptly booted from its hotel workspace in Vietnam Tuesday as another high-profile guest checked in: Kim himself. It had been rumored in recent days that Kim, in an extraordinary coincidence, would also be staying at the same hotel that the White House had also booked as the workplace for the American press. The workspace setup included multiple camera positions for around-the-clock live TV reports, a large ballroom with rows of tables and chairs and a podium set-up, complete with American flags, for any potential briefings that the White House may wish to hold.  The White House advance team and TV press representatives had been on the ground for days, pouring thousands of dollars into a setup that will no longer be used. As White House reporters checked into the luxury Melia hotel in downtown Hanoi, they were greeted with notes in their rooms explaining that extra security protocols would be in place to accommodate the visit of a head of state also staying there. And by the time the North Korean leader's mud-encrusted motorcade arrived at the hotel, following a more than 100-mile car ride that came after a nearly 3,000-mile-long ride on an armored train, the American press corps had been notified that its filing center was being uprooted and relocated to an international filing center. The official notice came in the form of a tweet from the Vietnamese government, complete with speakerphone emojis. The streets around the Melia hotel had been shut to traffic for hours ahead of Kim's arrival.  As the motorcade drew near, the hotel was put on lockdown, and operations of the elevators were temporarily discontinued. White House reporters who were outside the hotel were not allowed back inside and were instructed not to use their phones to record any video of the North Korean leader's arrival.  Reporters inside the lobby were also pushed back, with Bloomberg's Margaret Talev reporting that the blinds were pulled down and a red carpet was rolled out through the lobby of the hotel. While the White House press corps filing center has been shuttered at the hotel, American reporters have been allowed to continue their stay there as guests. The White House declined to comment for this story. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events


#CoronavirusOutbreak | National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) resumes toll collection on national highways from today. Visuals from Porur Toll Plaza in Chennai.

(ANI)

Live Updates: https://t.co/YaUS75sdRh https://t.co/5Nq3LN9fGm

Sep 05, 2021-Sunday

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New York nurses file lawsuit against stateArsenal announces 12. 5% pay cutItaly gets a breather, fresh cases fall for first timeWHO lashes out at US' criticism regarding Covid-19Crude oil prices down to 34-year lowUK report 449 new Covid-19 deathsDelhi adds 1 more to containment zone listLord Badrinath temple to open on May 15'Economic revival only after Covid-19 is controlled': Fauci to agitatorsGujarat Covid-19 tally nears 2,000Covid-19 cases inch towards 1,200 in Uttar PradeshMaharashtra Covid-19 cases reach 4,666China's transparency on origins of Covid-19 'better for all': MerkelUnion minister Javdekar asks scribe to take precautionsGermany 'not out of the woods' yet: MerkelIndia has 559 deaths so far due to Covid-19 and has recorded 17,656 coronavirus cases.  India has also eased lockdown in certain areas of the nation to restart economic activity.  Nationwide containment zones still continue to be under the ambit of lockdown rule.  Global death toll has surpassed 1,60,000 and 2. 4 million continue to be affected.  The United States, continues to be the nation most affected by coronavirus, recording more than 746,000 coronavirus cases and 40,000 deaths so far.  US with 40,000 deaths and 700,000 cases has now become the epicentre of the coronavirus in the West. Click here for the complete coverage of the Covid-19 pandemicCatch live updates on how Covid-19 is affecting lives across the planet: New York nurses file lawsuit against stateNew York State Nurses Association sued New York state Department of Health, Montifiore Medical Center and Westchester Medical Center for being negligent towards providing adequate protection against the virus.  Arsenal announces 12. 5% pay cutArsenal is the latest football club where players have taken salary cuts as UK faces a tough economic as well as social fight as Covid-19 pandemic ravages the nation.  Italy gets a breather, fresh cases fall for first timeGovernment officials told AFP that total number of cases in the worst-hit nation have fallen.  108,237 people were under treatment in their home and hospitals. WHO lashes out at US' criticism regarding Covid-19WHO says they have hidden nothing from US regarding the dangers of novel coronavirus.  WHO further added that they have been vocal about the pandemic since Day 1. #BREAKING WHO chief insists 'nothing hidden from US' on COVID-19 pic. twitter. com/gPciA1bV14Crude oil prices down to 34-year lowAs demand fades in economies upturned by Covid-19 pandemic, the US benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude plummeted to $10. 01 per barrel. UK report 449 new Covid-19 deathsDeath toll due to Covid-19 has touched 16,509 in UK. #BREAKING UK #coronavirus death toll from those hospitalised rises by 449 to 16,509: health ministry pic. twitter. com/JCckLbB3H0Delhi adds 1 more to containment zone list84 areas in Delhi are under containment zones. Lord Badrinath temple to open on May 15Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat said to ANI that Lord Badrinath temple will be open for visitors from May 15. 'Economic revival only after Covid-19 is controlled': Fauci to agitatorsDr Anthony Fauci told protesters who took to the streets demanding lockdown be eased in US so that economic activities can resume only after Covid-19 is brought under control.  Several right-wing supporters took to the streets across several states in US demanding easing of lockdown. Gujarat Covid-19 tally nears 2,000Covid-19 has infected 1,939 people in Gujarat.  93 fresh cases were reported in a span of 24 hours from the state. Gujarat reports 93 new COVID-19 cases; tally 1939: Health officialCovid-19 cases inch towards 1,200 in Uttar PradeshThe state health department told the press that 84 fresh cases were reported taking the statewide tally to 1184.  18 people have died so far due to coronavirus. 84 More #COVID19 cases reported in Uttar Pradesh today.  Total number of cases in the state is at 1184, including 1026 active cases, 140 discharged, and 18 deaths: State Health Department pic. twitter. com/LtIbpWYmW9Maharashtra Covid-19 cases reach 4,666Maharashtra reported 466 cases in 24 hours taking the state tally to 4,666.  232 people have died so far, 7 people have died in Mumbai.  China's transparency on origins of Covid-19 'better for all': MerkelGermany's chancellor Angela Merkel has asked China to be transparent regarding the origins of Covid-19.  Merkel said that it will be better for all. #BREAKING The more transparent China is on origin of #coronavirus, 'the better for all': Merkel pic. twitter. com/3HZ4AQ2In5Union minister Javdekar asks scribe to take precautionsUnion minister Prakash Javdekar said he was shocked to know that 50 journalists had been infected by Covid-19.  He asked journalists to take proper care while doing their duties. It is shocking that more than 50 journalists of electronic media, particularly Camera persons, have been found #Corona positive in Mumbai.  Every journalist should take proper care. Germany 'not out of the woods' yet: MerkelAs some relaxations were brought in the country following which Germans were seen flocking to local stores causing worry to the German chancellor Angela Merkel.  She reiterated the need for social distancing. #BREAKING German Chancellor Merkel urges discipline, warns country 'not out of woods' in pandemic fight as some curbs eased pic. twitter. com/XGGrsHaxpEFirst published: Apr 20, 2020 05:43 IST


This American cancer survivor just became the first person to swim the English Channel four times non-stop https://t.co/LbSdEcfF23 https://t.co/7tFlMT2K4D

Sarah Thomas, a Colorado native, swam for around 54 hours. Woman is first to swim English Channel 4 times in a rowA 37-year-old breast cancer survivor from Colorado made history Tuesday as the first person to swim the English Channel four times in a row. "I just can't believe we did it," Sarah Thomas told the BBC when she came ashore in Dover, England.  "I'm really just pretty numb. ""There was a lot of people on the beach to meet me and wish me well and it was really nice of them, but I feel just mostly stunned," she said.  "I'm pretty tired right now. "Thomas spent around 54 hours in the water swimming from England to France, back to England, back to France and, finally, back to England. In all, Thomas covered around 130 miles, according to the BBC. She quickly received congratulations from fellow ultra swimmer Lewis Pugh, who called Thomas a "super-human. "Thomas was diagnosed with breast cancer last November, she told the Financial Times prior to her record-breaking swim.  At the time, her doctors doubted that she "would ever return to peak form. "She continued to swim during chemotherapy, but had to put swimming on hold when she underwent radiation. "It was too painful to swim through my burns," she told the Financial Times.  "I blistered and was told it wasn’t safe to swim because of the risk of infection. "She got back in the water after radiation and spent the last week in Dover awaiting perfect conditions for her swim, according to the Financial Times. Thomas wore only a swimsuit, cap and goggles for her swim, during which she was stung by a jellyfish. She celebrated after coming ashore with champagne and M&Ms. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events


JUST IN: Attorney General Bill Barr says he "will be in a position to release" Mueller report "within a week." https://t.co/2TfRyYVkNF https://t.co/EiJa27WW9Y

No live event at this time.


2151 fresh #COVID19 cases, 4117 recoveries and 46 deaths were reported in Jharkhand on Friday

Active cases 24,499
Total cases 3,24,884 https://t.co/bvFadCf5ZP

The Covid-19 caseload in India has increased to 25,772,440 on Thursday after hundreds of thousands of people continued to contract the viral disease.  The death toll surged to 287,122 after more than 3,000 people succumbed to the disease in a span of 24-hours. Meanwhile, mucormycosis or a black fungus remained a cause of concern as more people found to be suffering from the rare life-threatening disease.  On Thursday, the Centre asked states to declare mucormycosis a notifiable disease as the number of confirmed people in the country reached 7,250. Click here for complete Covid-19 coverageWith black fungus, reports of white fungus cases are also surfacing and that is further adding to the woes of medics.  Though there has been no official confirmation about such cases, various media reports claimed Bihar has reported around four cases of white fungus, which according to the health experts is more dangerous than Mucormycosis. Meanwhile, in the United States, New York City passed a milestone of 4 million first doses and administered more than 7. 75 million total shots. Unvaccinated people in the US should keep wearing masks in public, said Anthony Fauci, President Joe Biden’s top health adviser. Japan approved the Moderna Inc.  and AstraZeneca Plc, bringing the number of inoculations allowed in the country to three.  The Group of Seven nations will next month discuss ways to recognise vaccination certifications internationally. The European Union moved forward with a plan for EU-wide vaccination certificates, boosting chances of a summer tourism rebound. Follow all the updates here:4,129 fresh cases take Pune's Covid-19 tally to nearly 989,000Pune's Covid-19 caseload climbed to 988,916 on Friday after 4,129 fresh cases were reported in the last 24 hours, an official told news agency PTI.  As many as 96 people succumbed to the disease, taking the district's death toll to 15,853, the official added. UK records 2,829 new Covid-19 cases, 9 more deathsThe United Kingdom on Friday recorded 2,829 new cases of the Covid-19 disease and 9 more deaths, taking the caseload and death toll to 4,457,923 and 127,710 respectively, according to official figures.  According to news agency ANI, UK's Covid-19 reproduction number falls between 0. 9 and 1. 1.  Jammu and Kashmir reports 3,848 new Covid-19 casesJammu and Kashmir reports 3,848 new Covid-19 cases, 4,466 recoveries and 43 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total cases 2,63,905Total recoveries 2,10,547Death toll 3465Active cases 49,893Telangana logs 3,464 Covid-19 cases, 25 deathsTelangana on Friday reported 3,464 Covid-19 cases, taking the tally to over 5. 47 lakh, while 25 fatalities pushed the toll to 3,085.  Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) accounted for the most number of cases with 534, followed by Rangareddy (243) and Medchal Malkajgiri (219), a health department bulletin said. Corona curfew in Bhopal extended till May 31Corona curfew in Bhopal extended till May 31, the decision has been taken in a meeting of Bhopal Crisis Management Team. Maharashtra reports 29,644 new Covid-19 casesMaharashtra reports 29,644 new Covid-19 cases, 44,493 recoveries and 555 deaths in the last 24 hours. 6 more die of Covid-19 in Noida, 3 in GhaziabadUttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar recorded six more Covid-19 deaths that pushed its toll to 412 while Ghaziabad had another three, pushing its fatality count to 405, official data showed on Friday. 129 deaths, 6,225 virus cases in RajasthanRajasthan recorded 129 deaths and 6,225 coronavirus positive cases on Friday, taking the state’s fatality count to 7,475 and infection number 9,03,418, according to an official report. Uttarakhand reports 3,626 new Covid-19 casesUttarakhand reports 3,626 new Covid-19 cases, 8731 recoveries and 70 deaths today. Total cases 3,07,566Total recoveries 2,33,266Death toll 5600Active cases 63,3733,848 fresh Covid-19 cases, 43 deaths in J-KJammu and Kashmir on Friday recorded 3,848 fresh COVID cases that took its tally to 2,63,905 while 43 more fatalities pushed the death toll to 3,465, officials said. Will have to temporarily halt vaccination drive in Delhi for 18-44 group from Monday: AtishiWill have to temporarily halt vaccination drive in Delhi for 18-44 group from Monday owing to vaccine stocks getting over: AAP MLA AtishiKarnataka extends Covid-19 lockdown from May 24 for 14 daysKarnataka extends Covid-19 lockdown from May 24 for 14 days till 6am on June 6. Chandigarh administration announces weekend Corona curfewChandigarh administration announces weekend Corona curfew from 5am on Saturday (22nd May) to 5am on Monday (24th May). 'No time to be tired' - German clinic fights severe Covid-19 cases"We're not overbooked, but there are still too many coming in," a young nurse says as she arms herself with protective equipment: bonnet, gown, goggles, a fine particle mask and two pairs of gloves over her arms. EU advises against administering second dose of AstraZeneca shot to those who developed blood clotsEuropean Medicines Agency, the European Union watchdog, advised medical professionals to not administer the second jab of AstraZeneca shots to anyone who had developed blood clots from the first jab of vaccines like AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson.  Jharkhand records 2,056 new cases of Covid-19, 60 fatalitiesJharkhand recorded 2,050 new cases of Covid-19 on Friday, taking the total number of cases to 3,24,884.  60 new fatalities were also recorded, the death toll now stands at 4,714, reported PTI. Dr Fauci says the need to administer booster dose may depend on Covid-variantsDr Antony Fauci said on Friday that not all Americans will be needing a booster dose this summer, adding that it is still “possible” that an additional shot would be needed later this year to ward off possible infection, reported Associated Press. Haryana administration sets up drive-through vaccination centre in PanchkulaHaryana: Panchkula administration sets up drive-through COVID19 vaccination center at Parade Ground, Sector 5 pic. twitter. com/FsrdAlEVVyDelhi reports 3,009 new Covid-19 cases in last 24 hoursDelhi reports 3,009 new Covid-19 cases, 7,288 recoveries and 252 deaths in the last 24 hours. Active cases: 35,683Total recoveries: 13,54,445Death toll: 22,831Record 20. 61 lakh Covid tests done in a day in India; daily positivity rate dips at 12. 59%: GovtMore than 20. 61 lakh tests for detection of Covid-19 were conducted in a span of 24 hours in the country, the highest-ever tests done in a single day, while the daily positivity rate has declined to 12. 59 per cent, the Union health ministry said on Friday. Union government to ramp up production of Amphotericin-BHealth Ministry along with Department of Pharmaceuticals, and the Ministry of External Affairs are ramping up domestic production of Amphotericin-B drug, used to treat Black Fungus, through five manufacturers reported ANI.  Five more manufactures have been given license to manufacture the drug in the country. Asia facing a vaccine crunch, cautions Red CrossThe International Federation of Red Cross urged pharmaceutical companies and governments to work together in order to ensure better supply of Covid-19 vaccines in Asia, which has now become the epicentre of the global pandemic, and is registering a record number of cases.  Covid-19 curfew extended till May 31 in Goa, reports ANIGoa chief minister Pramod Sawant extended the on-going curfew in Goa till May 31, reported news agency ANI.  The Goa government had imposed curfew-like restrictions for 15 days starting from May 9.  Leader of Chipko Movement, Sunderlal Bahuguna, succumbs to Covid-19Celebrated environmentalist and leader of Chipko Movement, Sunderlal Bahuguna succumbed to Covid-19 at AIIMS Rishikesh on Friday. Many vaccination centres in Delhi will close today, says Satyendar JainDelhi health minister Satyendar Jain said many vaccination centres in the capital will be closing today since the available stock of Covisheild vaccines for the 18-44 age group and that of Covaxin vaccine for the same age group will be used up soon, reported ANI. Karnataka scheduled to receive 2 lakh doses of CovishieldKarnataka is scheduled to receive 2 lakh doses of Covishield today.  So far the state has received 1,24,20,510 doses, comprising of 13,26340 doses (1,01,60,060 Covisheid and11,66,280 Covaxin) from the Union government free of cost and 10,94,170 (9,50,000 Covishield and 1,44,170 Covaxin) via state procurement, Karnataka Health Minister told news agency ANI. India's Covid-19 death toll rises by 4,209 new deathsIndia's Covid-19 infection tally crosses 26 million-mark with 259,551 fresh cases.  The death toll rises by 4,209 new deaths. States declare mucormycosis a notifiable diseaseSeveral states over the last 24 hours declared mucormycosis, a life-threatening viral infection in Covid-19 patients, a notifiable disease following the central government's advisory on Thursday.  Check the full list hereSingapore's Covid-19 caseload rises by 41Singapore has reported 41 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of infections in the nation to 61,730, news agency PTI reported. Get our daily newsletter Get free access to newsletters, alerts and recommendations


This bus driver stopped her bus to rescue a 6-year-old disabled boy who had wandered into a busy intersection https://t.co/k3BR9VuM43 https://t.co/0XraXXOM5p

This is the 10th missing child MCTS drivers have found in recent years. Bus driver saves little boy running through trafficA MIlwaukee bus driver went above and beyond her daily route, potentially having averted tragedy for a young boy lost in the middle of a busy intersection. Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) driver Cecilia Nation-Gardner spotted a 6-year-old boy wandering through traffic while on her route.  She pulled into a bus stop, honking the horn and shouting to get the attention of other drivers when she jumped into action. Nation-Gardner can be seen on video getting out of her bus and darting into the road to grab the child and bring him to safety.  She took the boy's hand, walked him on board her bus and called police. According to a press released by the MCTS, when officers arrived on scene, they learned the boy has a disability and had wandered away from school.  Police were able to reunite the child with his family. Nation-Gardner, a mother of three, said she had left her layover two minutes later than normal that day, adding, "That's why I say I was in the right place at the right time.  It was meant for me to be there.  God does everything for a reason. "The release states that this is the 10th missing child MCTS drivers have found in recent years. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events


This bus driver stopped her bus to rescue a 6-year-old disabled boy who had wandered into a busy intersection https://t.co/GopztUW8lx https://t.co/Dy78KR8Ou6


SMS Says Customer Your Paytm KYC Has Been Suspended

Paytm, has warned its customers against a phishing SMS claiming to be from the company that warns users that their KYC (Know Your Customer) has been 'suspended' and that they have to call a number to reactivate it.  Patym's official handle called out the message as fake after several users had taken to Twitter tagging the handle.    Hi, this is not official communication from Paytm.  Please be aware of such fake callers/messages.  Moreover, thanks for highlighting this to us, we'll take appropriate action against it.   KYC is the process of a business verifying the identity of its clients using identification documents like Aadhaar card, or PAN card.  The advisory released by Paytm mentions that the company does not send such SMSs and these messages are sent by fraudsters.  Phishing is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by disguising oneself as a trustworthy entity online.  BOOM received the below message on its helpline (7700906111) asking about its authenticity.   The SMS received by users reads, "Dear PAYTM customer your paytm KYC has been suspended, paytm office PH 6291628992 account will block within 24 hrs.  THANK YOU PAYTM TEAM. "       Vijay Shekhar Sharma, founder of the digital wallet company, had also taken to Twitter warning users of the fake messages circulated in the name of the company.   These or some SMS with some lucky draw are examples of fraudsters attempting to get your details.  Don't fall for them.  pic. twitter. com/vyLUn5Z7Z7  Meet The Fakers BOOM called up the numbers that were listed in two different SMSs that were circulating.  We first called the number (7098879094).  A man who identified himself as Rahul Kumar answered and falsely claimed to represent Paytm, saying that he was based in Noida, and that we need to update our Paytm KYC.   The scammer asked us to install TeamViewer, an app, which once installed, allows another person virtual control of the device.  The app can remotely control -  screen sharing, and allows file transfer between computers and mobile devices.   Below is an excerpt of the phone conversation BOOM had with the scammer.  Note, we did not have the Paytm app installed on the number we dialed from.   BOOM: We got a message that our Paytm KYC has been suspended, what is happening?  Rahul (scammer): I'm Rahul Kumar from Noida, How many days ago did you update your KYC?  BOOM: Around five to six months ago.  Scammer: You are our old consumer, that's why you got a message.  Now any transaction you make will get stuck and your account will get frozen.  BOOM: So what should we do now?  Scammer: I will inform you how to do a KYC, you can provide your PAN card, Aadhaar card details.  I can see that you have installed Paytm app on your phone, and I will guide you and it is simple and will only take two minutes.  [We did not have the Paytm app installed on our phone] BOOM: Exactly what we have to do?  Scam caller: Type 'qs' in Google Play store, and install TeamViewer application.  BOOM: Will call back and do it afterwards.  (end of conversation)  BOOM also called another number  (6291628992) where a man who identified himself as Rohit claimed to be a Paytm employee based in Noida.  When we confronted Rohit that the company had called the messages fake, he got annoyed and asked "how can we be called fake?  "Go file a police complaint".  BOOM has previously debunked phishing SMSs that asks users click on a link that takes the user to a fake Income Tax Department website.   (Additional reporting by Shachi Sutaria)


"The administration is using the Justice Department as its own lawyers, and is coming up with this notion that you can't be forced to testify on something that has nothing to do with your official duties."

@RepTedDeutch, on White House trying to block Don McGahn from testifying. https://t.co/wJ5vN5nekm

The White House notified Congress Monday afternoon, claiming "immunity. "Trump promises to fight congressional DemocratsPresident Donald Trump has directed former White House counsel Donald McGahn to not testify on Tuesday before Congress about events relating to special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, the White House said on Monday. Late Monday afternoon, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep.  Jerry Nadler said his committee would meet as planned Tuesday morning and McGahn was expected to appear. "The Mueller Report documents a shocking pattern of obstruction of justice," Nadler said in a statement.  "The President acted again and again -- perhaps criminally -- to protect himself from federal law enforcement. "Don McGahn personally witnessed the most egregious of these acts.  President Trump knows this.  He clearly does not want the American people to hear firsthand about his alleged misconduct, and so he has attempted to block Mr.  McGahn from speaking in public tomorrow. "In a letter to Nadler, the attorney for McGahn said he "remains obligated to maintain the status quo and respect the president's instructions.  In the event an accommodation is agreed between the Committee and the White House, Mr.  McGahn will of course comply with that accommodation. "Earlier, in a letter to Nadler, White House counsel Pat Cipollone wrote "that McGahn is absolutely immune from compelled congressional testimony with respect to matters occurring during his service as a senior adviser to the President," citing previous Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel opinions, along with OLC guidance specific to McGahn's testimony. "The immunity of the President's immediate advisers from compelled congressional testimony on matters related to their official responsibilities has long been recognized and arises from the fundamental workings of the separation of powers.  Those principles apply to the former White House Counsel," the Office of Legal Counsel opinion on McGahn reads.  "Accordingly, Mr.  McGahn is not legally required to appear and testify about matters related to his official duties as Counsel to the President. "Because of this "constitutional immunity," Cipollone wrote, "the President has directed Mr.  McGahn not to appear at the Committee's scheduled hearing on Tuesday, May 21, 2019. " PACLetter Nadler by ABC News Politics on Scribd"The Department of Justice has provided a legal opinion stating that, based on long-standing, bipartisan, and Constitutional precedent, the former Counsel to the President cannot be forced to give such testimony, and Mr.  McGahn has been directed to act accordingly.  This action has been taken in order to ensure that future Presidents can effectively execute the responsibilities of the Office of the Presidency," press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement. "The Democrats do not like the conclusion of the Mueller investigation -- no collusion, no conspiracy, and no obstruction -- and want a wasteful and unnecessary do-over," she said.  JusticeMemo-McGaghn by ABC News Politics on ScribdNadler rejected those arguments. "This move is just the latest act of obstruction from the White House that includes its blanket refusal to cooperate with this Committee," his statement continued.  "It is also the latest example of this Administration's disdain for law.  This identical approach was rejected by a federal court in the Miers case, which held that even senior advisers to the President cannot simply refuse to appear in response to a congressional subpoena. "It is absurd for President Trump to claim privilege as to this witness's testimony when that testimony was already described publicly in the Mueller Report.   Even more ridiculous is the extension of the privilege to cover events before and after Mr.  McGahn's service in the White House," Nadler said. Earlier this month, the White House instructed McGahn not to comply with a subpoena from House Democrats for documents related to Mueller's investigation. Cipollone argued at the time that "McGahn does not have the legal right to disclose these documents to third parties" and asked that instead of directing requests for documents to McGahn's attorney, the committee direct the requests to the White House. McGahn was a central figure in the Mueller report and cooperated extensively with the special counsel's probe.  He met with Mueller's team multiple times for more than 30 hours and questioned more extensively than any other member of the White House staff who went in for an interview. "Mr.  McGahn is a critical witness to many of the alleged instances of obstruction of justice and other misconduct described in the Mueller report," Nadler wrote last month in a press release accompanying his subpoena request.  "His testimony will help shed further light on the President's attacks on the rule of law, and his attempts to cover up those actions by lying to the American people and requesting others do the same. "Mueller had requested to speak with McGahn about the circumstances surrounding former FBI Director James Comey's firing and his reported involvement in the events surrounding Attorney General Jeff Sessions' recusing himself from the Russia investigation, the sources said. ABC News previously reported that McGahn was among the White House staffers who were against any notion of Trump's firing of Mueller last June when the president wanted to do just that, a source said. After news broke that Trump ordered McGahn to fire the special counsel, Trump pressured McGahn to deny that he had been directed to do so, even suggesting to aides that he would fire him unless he complied. Mueller concluded that there is evidence to suggest Trump acted this way to impede his investigation, according to the special counsel's report. Mueller concluded that "Substantial evidence indicates that in repeatedly urging McGahn to dispute that he was ordered to have the Special Counsel terminated, the President acted for the purpose of influencing McGahn's account in order to deflect or prevent further scrutiny of the President's conduct towards the investigation. "There is precedent for past administrations to declare immunity from congressional testimony based on an Office of Legal Counsel opinion.  For example, in 2014, the Obama administration blocked senior adviser and director of the White House Office of Political Strategy, David Simas, from testifying before the House Oversight Committee. ABC News' Benjamin Siegel contributed to this report. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events


Prime Minister @narendramodi with the leaders of member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at the SCO summit in Bishkek

(Source: ANI)

Follow live updates here: https://t.co/kZN4YMhkch https://t.co/N4iKuKbufi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met president of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev today and hold bilateral meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.  PM Modi yesterday met Chinese president Xi Jinping and said that Pakistan is yet to take “concrete action” on India’s concerns and create an atmosphere free of terrorism, which is necessary to facilitate any possible engagement between the two sides. PM Modi is scheduled to meet president Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus and president Khaltmaagiin Battulga of Mongolia today. Highlights:PM Modi signs documents at SCO summitKyrgyzstan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi signs documents at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek.  Kyrgyzstan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi signs documents at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek.  #SCOSummit2019 pic. twitter. com/htR3aaPDAIA message for deepening cooperationA message for deepening cooperation. PM @narendramodi outlines India’s commitment to peace and economic prosperity in the region.  Says India has enjoyed historic, civilizational and traditional ties with the SCO region.  Gives a template for strengthening cooperation - HEALTH: MEA.  A message for deepening cooperation. PM @narendramodi outlines India's commitment to peace and economic prosperity in the region.  Says India has enjoyed historic, civilizational and traditional ties with the SCO region.  Gives a template for strengthening cooperation - HEALTH.  pic. twitter. com/dmDsj5JyJdSigning of documents at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, KyrgyzstanSigning of documents at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.  Signing of documents at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.  #SCO pic. twitter. com/Mq9itkYgAEUS actions present a serious threat to stability in the middle east: Hassan RouhaniIran’s Hassan Rouhani says US actions present a serious threat to stability in the middle eastInternational community has been challenged more than ever by the plague of unilateralism: Hassan RouhaniIran president Hassan Rouhani says the international community has been challenged more than ever by the plague of unilateralism, reports Reuters. To tackle the danger of terrorism, all humanitarian powers should come forward together: PM ModiPM Narendra Modi addressing leaders of member states at the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: To tackle the danger of terrorism, all humanitarian powers should come forward together.  Countries that provide encouragement, support and finances to terrorism must be held accountable.  PM Narendra Modi addressing leaders of member states at the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: To tackle the danger of terrorism, all humanitarian powers should come forward together.  Countries that provide encouragement, support, & finances to terrorism must be held accountable.  pic. twitter. com/1h1vb9tgIUStop spread of radicalization among youths: PM ModiPM Modi in Bishkek: Literature and culture provide our societies a positive activity, stop the spread of radicalization among the youths.  During my visit to Sri Lanka I visited the St.  Anthony’s shrine, where I witnessed the ugly face of terrorism that takes the lives of innocents.  PM Modi in Bishkek: Literature & culture provide our societies a positive activity, stop the spread of radicalization among the youths.  During my visit to Sri Lanka I visited the St.  Anthony's shrine, where I witnessed the ugly face of terrorism that takes the lives of innocents.  pic. twitter. com/JeSoVtb3VgIndia has been a permanent SCO member for 2 years now: PM ModiIndia has been a permanent SCO member for 2 years now.  We have given a positive contribution in all activities of SCO.  We have continued engagements to enhance SCO’s role and credibility on the international stage: PM Modi.  PM Modi addressing leaders of member states at the SCO summit in Bishkek: India has been a permanent SCO member for 2 yrs now, we've given a positive contribution in all activities of SCO.  We've continued engagements to enhance SCO's role & credibility on the international stage.  pic. twitter. com/qjyx5unAWYCountries supporting, aiding and funding terrorism must be held accountable: PM ModiCountries supporting, aiding and funding terrorism must be held accountable: PM Modi at SCO Summit. PM Modi met president of BelarusPM Narendra modi had a ‘pull-aside’ meeting with President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus on the margins of SCO Summit.  The two countries share the common goals of development and cooperation in the region: MEA.  PM @narendramodi had a 'pull-aside' meeting with President Alexander Lukashenko of #Belarus on the margins of #SCOSummit.  The two countries share the common goals of development and cooperation in the region.  @amb_in @BelarusMFA pic. twitter. com/XpegeYGECgPM Modi address leaders of SCO member statesPrime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the leaders of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states at the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the leaders of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states at the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.  pic. twitter. com/hiJzyVLhj0PM Modi highlighted spirit of SCO to strengthen cooperation in fight against terrorism: MEAPM Narendra Modi speaking at the SCO Summit 2019 highlighted the spirit and ideals of SCO to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism: MEA.  PM @narendramodi speaking at the #SCOSummit2019 highlighted the spirit and ideals of SCO to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism.  pic. twitter. com/MKb02FXRTOPakistan is yet to take “concrete action” on India’s concerns: PM ModiPakistan is yet to take “concrete action” on India’s concerns and create an atmosphere free of terrorism, which is necessary to facilitate any possible engagement between the two sides, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday. Read More: At meeting with China’s Xi, PM Modi drives point home on terror from PakJoint photographs with heads of states of SCO member countriesStanding for peace, development and connectivity in the region. PM @narendramodi along with Heads of State of the SCO member countries at the #SCOSummit2019 in Bishkek: MEA Standing for peace, development and connectivity in the region. PM @narendramodi along with Heads of State of the SCO member countries at the #SCOSummit2019 in Bishkek.  @IndiaInKyrgyz @IndEmbMoscow @EOIBeijing @indembastana @IndEmbDushanbe @amb_tashkent pic. twitter. com/DQ5oRHRDKyIndia and China don’t pose threats to each other: Xi JinpingChinese President Xi Jinping told Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday that India and China “do not pose threats” to each other as he expressed Beijing’s willingness to join New Delhi in pushing forward a closer development partnership between the two sides. Read More| India, China do not pose ‘threats’ to each other: Xi Jinping tells PM ModiKyrgyzstan president Sooronbay Jeenbekov welcomes PM ModiPresident Sooronbay Jeenbekov of #Kyrgyz Republic, current Chair of #SCOSummit2019 warmly welcomed PM @narendramodi as he arrived at the Ala Archa Presidential Palace ahead of the SCO Council of Heads of State Meeting today morning: MEA.  President Sooronbay Jeenbekov of #Kyrgyz Republic, current Chair of #SCOSummit2019 warmly welcomed PM @narendramodi as he arrived at the Ala Archa Presidential Palace ahead of the SCO Council of Heads of State Meeting today morning.  #SCOSummit2019 #IndiaInSCO @IndiaInKyrgy pic. twitter. com/HK4pf12ViRLeaders of SCO member states arrive for joint photograph at the summit in BishkekLeaders of SCO member states arrive for joint photograph at the summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.  #WATCH Leaders of SCO member states arrive for joint photograph at the summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan pic. twitter. com/WAbA5Q6dCLPM Modi with leaders of member state at SCO summitKyrgyzstan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the leaders of member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at the SCO summit in Bishkek.  Kyrgyzstan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the leaders of member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at the SCO summit in Bishkek.  pic. twitter. com/xe7FMj3qn8PM Modi will meet presidents of Kazakhstan, Belarus, Mongolia and IranFollowing meeting with President of Kazakhstan, PM Modi is scheduled to meet the presidents of Belarus, Mongolia and Iran.  He will hold a restricted format meeting with President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus and President Khaltmaagiin Battulga of Mongolia.  Later in the day, he will hold a bilateral meet with Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani. PM Modi will arrive at Ala Archa Presidential Palace in BishkekPM Modi will arrive at the Ala Archa Presidential Palace in Bishkek this morning, where the summit is taking place.  The prime minister is scheduled to meet President Kassym Jormart of Kazakhstan on the sidelines of the summit. PM Modi to meet Iran President Hassan Rouhani in BishkekPrime Minister Narendra Modi to have a meeting with Iran President Hassan Rouhani in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. ’ #ExpectedToday | Prime Minister Narendra Modi to have a meeting with Iran President Hassan Rouhani in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.  (file pic) pic. twitter. com/t3a3h8qLjL


Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh (in file pic) today expressed profound grief over the sad demise of hockey legend Padma Shri Balbir Singh Senior (97), who breathed his last at a private hospital in Mohali this morning: Punjab Chief Minister's Office (CMO) https://t.co/EC2niBVvoZ

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday expressed condolences over the demise of the legendary hockey player, Balbir Singh. The Home Minister also said that Singh left an indelible imprint on the world of hockey with his stick. “Pained to learn about the demise of Padma Shri Balbir Singh Sr Ji, a legendary hockey player, who left an indelible imprint on world hockey with his stick,” Shah tweeted. “I was fortunate to have met the lively and joyful Balbir Ji, a three-time Olympic gold medalist.  My condolences to his family,” he added. The veteran hockey player had suffered a cardiac arrest on May 12 and after that, he suffered two more cardiac arrests during the course of his admission in the hospital. “Balbir Singh passed away this morning,” his grandson Kabir said in a statement on Monday. Balbir Singh was a three-time Olympic gold-medal winning champion. He played a key role in India’s Olympic victories in London (1948), as a vice-captain in Helsinki (1952) and as the captain in Melbourne (1956). In his illustrious playing career from 1947-1958, Balbir Sr.  won 61 international caps and scored a whopping 246 goals. He was also the manager of the 1975 World Cup-winning team. He was also named as one of the 16 iconic Olympians by the International Olympic Committee in 2012. (The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text, only the headline has been changed. )


EXCLUSIVE: @GStephanopoulos: "You're for bringing back the talking filibuster?"

Pres. Biden: "I am. That's what it was supposed to be...Democracy's having a hard time functioning." https://t.co/yOAySBh8dz https://t.co/M59cysphgc

By Maegan Vazquez and Kate Sullivan, CNNUpdated 10:02 PM ET, Tue March 16, 2021  (CNN)President Joe Biden discouraged would-be migrants from coming to the United States as his administration scrambles to respond to a surge of unaccompanied migrant children coming into the US.


West Bengal: BJP workers and leaders including Dilip Ghosh and Locket Chatterjee today staged a protest in Kolkata over the alleged gang-rape of a woman in Khardah. https://t.co/1Jofn67rwX

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2018 was expected to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Monday after a united Opposition foiled the government’s previous attempts to push it in the Upper House as it insisted on referring it to the select committee of Parliament. However, amid uproar by opposition parties over various issues the Upper House has been adjourned for the day.  The government will try to push the triple talaq bill to criminalise the practice of instant divorce among a section of Muslims on the last day of Parliament’s winter session, which ends on January 8.  It is also open to reintroducing an ordinance or an executive order to criminalise the practice if the legislation is not passed, according to ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionaries. : Rajya Sabha adjourned for the dayThe Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day amid uproar by opposition parties over various issues. Rajya Sabha adjourned againAftre proceedings began at 2 pm, the Rajya Sabha has been adjourned again for 15 minutes.  Rajya Sabha proceedings resumeThe Rajya Sabha proceedings resumed at 2pm.  This is not parliamentary way of functioning: Naidu“This is not the parliamentary way of functioning,” he said.  “You can discuss all the issues under relevant rules. ” Repeated pleas by Naidu asking members to go back to their places went unheeded, forcing him to adjourn proceedings till 2 pm. Members of the SP and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) were up on their feet as soon as listed official papers were presented, crying “political vendetta” in the CBI initiating a probe into alleged irregularities in the mining of minor minerals during 2012 and 2016 when Yadav held the mining portfolio in the Uttar Pradesh government. Triple talaq bill meant for justice for women: Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar“Triple Talaq Bill is listed in Rajya Sabha, it’s not a question of government’s reputation.  The Bill is meant to get justice for women, so everyone should support it.  We all must help in getting the Bill passed,” said Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar.  Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pmRajya Sabha proceedings adjourned till 2 pm after uproar by opposition parties over various issues. Rajya Sabha proceedings beginThe Rajya Sabha proceedings began today at 11 am.  BJP MPs protest in Parliament complexBJP MPs staged a protest in the Parliament complex on Monday against incidents of violence targeting their leaders in Kerala, including a crude bomb thrown at the residence of Rajya Sabha MP V Muraleedharan which they blamed on the state’s CPI-M led government. Bills to be discussedOther bills listed for introduction in the upper house include the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill’19, the National Commission for Homeopathy Bill’19. The bills for consideration and passing include the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill’18, the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill’18, the Consumer Protection Bill’18 and the Appropriation (No. 6) Bill’18. If Oppn stalls bill in Rajya Sabha, govt may revive ordinanceThe government is open to reintroducing an ordinance or an executive order to criminalise the triple talaq practice if the legislation is not passed, according to ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionaries. Triple talaq likely to be introduced in Rajya SabhaThe government will try to push the triple talaq bill to criminalise the practice of instant divorce among a section of Muslims over the two remaining days of Parliament’s winter session, which ends on January 8


People over 65 and ultra conservatives shared about seven times more fake information masquerading as news on the social media site than younger adults, moderates and super liberals during the 2016 election season, a new study finds https://t.co/t1tSO0UbiK

    First the good news: The vast majority of Facebook users did not share any fake news stories during the 2016 election.

    But some people did.  And a new study analyzing users’ Facebook posts during that time identified the age group sharing many of those fake stories.

    People over 65.

    On average, those Facebook users shared nearly seven times as many articles from fake news domains as the youngest age group, according to a study published Wednesday in Science Advances, a peer-reviewed journal.

    Conservatives were more likely to share stories from fake news domains, the study said, with a pro-Donald Trump orientation in 2016.  Still, it found that even controlling for the effect of ideology, partisanship, education and the number of web links shared, older folks were more likely to share fake news than younger people.

Here's how to outsmart fake news in your Facebook feed

    “No other demographic characteristic seems to have a consistent effect on sharing fake news, making our age finding that much more notable,” authors Andrew Guess, Jonathan Nagler and Joshua Tucker wrote.

    The study relied on users’ Facebook sharing history instead of asking them to self-report that history.  Using online polling firm YouGov, it asked respondents to provide access to parts of their Facebook profiles, including timeline posts and external links.

    Those shared links were then compared with a list of fake news domains compiled by BuzzFeed News.  The study authors additionally removed partisan and hyperpartisan domains such as Breitbart News to focus solely on sites that produced intentionally or systematically false news stories.

    The resulting list of fake news domains includes sites such as abcnews. com. co, The Denver Guardian, and Ending the Fed – sites that wrote false stories that Pope Francis had endorsed Trump or that Hillary Clinton sold weapons to ISIS, for example.

    On the whole, the vast majority of Facebook users did not post fake news stories from these sites.  The study found that more than 90% of respondents shared no stories from fake news domains, and just 8. 5% shared at least one such article.

Reading, writing, fighting fake news

    But the difference in fake news sharing between those over 65 and the youngest category in the study was “large and notable,” the authors wrote.  About 11. 3% of people over 65 shared links from a fake news site, while 3% of those between 18 and 29 did, the authors wrote in The Washington Post.

    So why people over 65?  One possible reason is that they lack the digital media literacy skills to determine trustworthiness online, the authors suggested.  They say that more research is needed to understand the interaction between age and online political content.  The authors also suggested the issue may be related to aging’s effect on memory.

    The results of the study could be helpful for organizations working to combat the spread of fake news online.

    Digital media literacy training has largely focused on teaching these skills to young people, such as the Clemente Middle School in Germantown, Maryland, but this study suggests older folks may be more in need of it.
  © 2021 Cable News Network.  A Warner Media Company.  All Rights Reserved.   CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi today interacted with Chief Ministers of states & Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories, via video conference. https://t.co/erWrV7k4VS

In the wake of the killing of 20 Indian Army soldiers by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley and amid reports of Chinese forces intruding across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Prime Minister Narendra Modi categorically said on Friday that neither has anyone entered Indian territory, nor is anyone present in Indian territory currently, and nor is any Indian post captured. The PM also praised the valour of the 20 army personnel killed in the clash, and said they “taught a lesson” to those who were eyeing Indian territory. While highlighting the capability of India’s armed forces and suggesting they have been given a free hand, Modi said that with India upgrading its border infrastructure, its armed forces better equipped, and more frequent patrolling, India is able to better “monitor” developments at the LAC and “respond better”. “Neither has anyone entered our territory, nor is anyone still there, nor is any of our posts under anyone’s capture.  In Ladakh, our 20 jawans got martyred.  But they taught a lesson to those who were eyeing Indian territory,” he said at an all-party meeting called to discuss the India-China border situation. But the PM’s remarks led to some speculation about the exact status at the LAC, particularly the Galwan Valley, which China, in recent statements, has claimed is part of its sovereign territory.  India has dismissed the Chinese claim of sovereignty over the Galwan valley. A ministry of external affairs (MEA) statement on Wednesday said the Chinese sought to erect a structure in Galwan valley on the Indian side of the LAC and took “pre-meditated and planned action” that resulted in the violence and casualties on June 15.  The statement further said the Chinese intended to change the status quo on the ground in violation of all bilateral agreements not to do so. China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) killed 20 personnel of the Indian Army, including a Colonel, on June 15 in the Galwan valley after the PLA did not follow through on a commitment to disengage as per an understanding reached between the two militaries on June 6.  While China has not officially given out numbers of casualties on its side, Indian military officials familiar with the sequence of the clash believe there were over 40 casualties on the Chinese side, including deaths and injuries.  This was the first incident of bloodshed on the India-China border since 1975 and has led to an escalation of the ongoing conflict at the border in eastern Ladakh. Friday’s all-party meeting to discuss the fallout of the incident was attended by defence minister Rajnath Singh, external affairs minister S Jaishankar, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, Telangana Rashtra Samithi leader K Chandrasekhar Rao, Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader MK Stalin, YSR Congress Party’s YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray . Even as all political parties expressed their solidarity with the government and the armed forces in the wake of the ongoing confrontation with China in eastern Ladakh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi questioned the government about a possible intelligence failure, suggested that the country had been kept in dark about developments, and demanded the restoration of status quo ante at the LAC. In his remarks at the end of the meeting, according to an official statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi said that the entire country was “hurt and angry” at China’s steps at the LAC, but emphasised that the armed forces were doing all that they needed to do protect the country.  “Be it deployment, action or counter action, through land, sea or air, our forces are taking the necessary steps to protect the country. . .  Indian forces are capable of moving together across sectors. ” He said that while the army had been given the freedom to take necessary steps, India had also conveyed its position through diplomatic means. The PM also said that the government had given primacy to development of border area infrastructure; it had also provided fighter planes, modern helicopters, missile defence systems and other needs of the armed forces; and patrolling capacity at LAC had also increased.  “We are better informed about the developments at LAC and consequently are able to monitor and respond better.  The movement of those which used to take place without any disruption earlier is now checked by our jawans, which, at times, leads to build up of tension,” he said, according to the official statement. External affairs minister S Jaishankar made a presentation at the meeting, which conveyed the stance taken by the ministry and included a summation of the engagements through diplomatic and other channels with the Chinese side to de-escalate and to disengage, people familiar with development said.  According to the official statement, he also gave an overview of agreements between India and China on border management, informed about the directions given by the PM in 2014 to accord highest priority to the development of infrastructure in border areas in the regions identified and approved by the government back in 1999. Commenting on the PM’s comments on the incursion, Commodre (retired) C Uday Bhaskar, director of the Society for Policy Studies, said: “PM Modi’s s statement that nobody has entered Indian territory may be ‘legally’ accurate but it is disingenuous.  It is contrary to the MEA’s assertion about a premeditated attack by the PLA and will baffle a nation that is shocked and enraged at the manner in which 20 army personnel have lost their lives. ”Bhaskar added that while the sensitivity of the LAC violence must be recognised, there was a “growing sense, accompanied with dismay” that the country was not being told the full truth about the Galwan setback. Two retired army officials, who asked not to be named, also expressed their surprise. A former army commander, who asked not to be named, said: “If the PLA has not breached the LAC and come into our areas, what is the dialogue at the military and diplomatic level for?  The people of the country must be made aware of the reality along the border. ”A second retired officer said on condition of anonymity that China was trying to change status quo along the border.  “We have to assert our claims forcefully.  Many soldiers have died guarding these frontiers.  We must never forget that. ”


Former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, convicted this week in the murder of George Floyd last May, will be sentenced June 16, according to the court docket https://t.co/gBybYyxhky

The judge in Chauvin's murder trial didn't let lawyers bring up the incident. DOJ reportedly looking into 2017 incident between Chauvin and Black teenLate last year, as a team of Minnesota state prosecutors was preparing for the trial that would ultimately convict former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin of murdering George Floyd, they received a series of videos depicting Chauvin's handling of another case three years earlier that by their own description shocked them. The videos, from Sept.  4, 2017, allegedly showed Chauvin striking a Black teenager in the head so hard that the boy needed stitches, then allegedly holding the boy down with his knee for nearly 17 minutes, and allegedly ignoring complaints from the boy that he couldn't breathe. "Those videos show a far more violent and forceful treatment of this child than Chauvin describes in his report [of the incident]," Matthew Frank, one of the state prosecutors, wrote in a court filing at the time. Now, the U. S.  Justice Department may do something that state prosecutors never did: charge Chauvin for the 2017 incident. Two months ago, federal prosecutors in Minneapolis brought witnesses before a federal grand jury to provide testimony related to the incident, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported at the time.  And this week, a source informed of the probe told ABC News that the investigation is still underway, with the Justice Department still weighing whether to bring federal charges against Chauvin for both the 2017 incident and George Floyd's death. Officials at the Minneapolis Police Department were recently briefed on the federal government's interest in the 2017 incident, a move that came before the Justice Department this week launched a sweeping investigation of MPD's policing practices, ABC News was told. "We will assist the DOJ with anything that they need, and the chief has pledged full cooperation with any investigating agency," MPD spokesman John Elder said, speaking generally of any requests made related to police conduct. Months before the start of the trial against Chauvin, which culminated in Tuesday's conviction, state prosecutors wanted to describe the 2017 incident to the jury to show a pattern in Chauvin's conduct, but the judge presiding over the case refused to let prosecutors bring it up. Nevertheless, in court documents filed before the judge's final ruling on the matter, Frank said videos of the incident captured by body-worn cameras "show Chauvin's use of unreasonable force towards this child and complete disdain for his well-being. "According to Frank's account of the incident, Chauvin and another Minneapolis police officer were dispatched to a home where a woman claimed she had been attacked by her 14-year-old son and young daughter. After officers entered the home and spoke to the woman, they ordered the son to lie on the ground, but he refused.  Within seconds, Chauvin hit the teenager with his flashlight, grabbed the teenager's throat, hit him again with the flashlight, and then "applied a neck restraint, causing the child to lose consciousness and go to the ground," according to Frank's account of the videos, detailed in a filing seeking permission to raise the incident during trial. "Chauvin and [the other officer] placed [the teenager] in the prone position and handcuffed him behind his back while the teenager's mother pleaded with them not to kill her son and told her son to stop resisting," Frank wrote, noting that at one point the teenager's ear began bleeding.  "About a minute after going to the ground, the child began repeatedly telling the officers that he could not breathe, and his mother told Chauvin to take his knee off her son. "About eight minutes in, Chauvin moved his knee to the teenager's upper back and left it there for nine more minutes, according to Frank. Eventually, Chauvin told the teenager he was under arrest for domestic assault and obstruction with force.  The two officers then helped the teenager to an ambulance, which took him to a hospital to receive stitches, Frank wrote. In his court filing, Frank said Chauvin's handling of the 14-year-old boy mirrored Chauvin's actions with Floyd, when Chauvin pinned Floyd's neck under his knee for more than eight minutes after responding to a call at a convenience store where Floyd allegedly used a counterfeit $20 bill. "As was true with the conduct with George Floyd, Chauvin rapidly escalated his use of force for a relatively minor offense," Frank wrote.  "Just like with Floyd, Chauvin used an unreasonable amount of force without regard for the need for that level of force or the victim's well-being.  Just like with Floyd, when the child was slow to comply with Chauvin and [the other officer's] instructions, Chauvin grabbed the child by the throat, forced him to the ground in the prone position, and placed his knee on the child's neck with so much force that the child began to cry out in pain and tell Chauvin he could not breathe. "Last year, as Chauvin pressed his knee into Floyd's neck, Floyd repeatedly pleaded, "I can't breathe. "But Chauvin's defense attorney Eric Nelson disputed such comparisons, insisting, "[T]here is no marked similarity between [the 2017 incident] and the George Floyd incident. "In his own court filing objecting to the prosecution team's efforts, Nelson insisted that during the 2017 incident Chauvin acted according to MPD policy by using a neck restraint against someone "actively resisting" arrest, which MPD policy at the time allowed officers to do, Nelson wrote. In addition, Nelson noted, "a mother had been physically assaulted by her children," and when Chauvin's use of force was reported to supervisors, it was "cleared. ""It was reasonable and authorized under the law as well as MPD policy," Nelson said. The judge presiding over the case agreed with Nelson that the jury should not hear about the 2017 incident, so prosecutors were blocked from bringing it up during Chauvin's trial. Three other officers who were with Chauvin at the scene last year when Floyd died have been charged with aiding and abetting Chauvin's fatal actions.  They are scheduled to stand trial in August. A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment when contacted by ABC News. On Wednesday, U. S.  Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that the Justice Department was launching a civil investigation -- not a criminal probe -- to determine if the Minneapolis Police Department  "engages in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional or unlawful policing," including whether Minneapolis  police routinely use excessive force and engage in discriminatory conduct. The wide-ranging civil investigation "is separate from and independent of the federal criminal investigation into the death of George Floyd that the Justice Department has previously announced," Garland said. Nelson did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment from ABC News. ABC News' Matthew Stone contributed to this report. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events


It's been five days since a 5th grader died after a classroom fight, and her father still hasn't been told what happened: https://t.co/RHsuQknFOF https://t.co/FvLvPECXfT

Her father's lawyers said they spoke with the teacher who was in the classroom. Funeral services scheduled for fifth grader who died after classroom fightThe family of a fifth grader who died after suffering injuries from a classroom fight with another girl announced that funeral services would be held for the 10-year-old this week. A "celebration" to honor the life of Raniya Wright was scheduled for noon Wednesday at Saints Center Ministries in Walterboro, South Carolina, an obituary said. On Monday, Raniya's father, Jermaine Van Dyke, and his lawyers held a news conference outside of Forest Hills Elementary School, where Raniya was involved in a fight with a classmate on March 25.  She died March 27. "I'm here today looking for justice for my daughter," Van Dyke said.  "I wanted just to find out what happened, how it happened and who was involved. "The lawyers said they had spoken "at length" with the teacher who was in the classroom that day. Lawyer David Aylor said Monday that Van Dyke had had "little to no contact" from anyone, including the school district, regarding Raniya's death. "We've been extremely disappointed," said Mark Peper, a lawyer for Van Dyke. On March 25, a staff member at the elementary school called 911 to report that a student had collapsed, according to an incident report released by the Colleton County Sheriff's Office. When first responders arrived, the student was at the nurse's station, unconscious but breathing, the report said.  She was taken to a medical center and later airlifted to the Medical University of South Carolina Children's Health in Charleston, according to the school district. Authorities did not initially release the names of the two students involved in the incident because they were both younger than 17, but last Wednesday, the Colleton County School District identified Raniya as the student who died. In a statement on its website, the Colleton County School District said that after the "fight" occurred in Raniya's classroom, "school administrators promptly secured the scene, ended the fight and called emergency medical services to the school. "The family said that she'd been unresponsive and in critical condition since the incident, according to ABC News affiliate WCIV-TV. Raniya's mother, Ashley Wright, shared her grief on March 27 in a public Facebook post, saying: "My baby girl has [gained] her wings. "As of Monday, a GoFundMe page for Raniya's family had raised more than $54,000. This week needs to be about the community coming together in an effort to heal. Lawyers for the Wright family said in a statement Friday that relatives were "struggling to make sense of the incident that took her life. ""Raniya’s untimely passing leaves a void in this family that will never be filled. . . They are awaiting answers to questions regarding the circumstances surrounding Raniya’s tragic death including was there appropriate supervision in the classroom, and what, if any, steps did school administrators take to intervene in the fight," lawyers Margie Pizarro and Myesha Brown said in a statement Friday. Pizarro and Brown said they would be requesting the complete investigative file and pertinent information from the Colleton County Sheriff’s Department and the Colleton County School District regarding the incident. Peper said Monday that his team and Wright's lawyers were "forming one unified front" to get justice for Raniya.  He added that his team had spoken with some parents of schoolchildren.  He declined to share the details. "This week needs to be about the community coming together in an effort to heal," Peper said during the news conference.  "Justice will be served. "No weapons were involved in the incident, said Shalane Lowes, a police information officer for the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office. The other student involved in the altercation has been suspended from school "until the investigation is complete," the school district said. "Our community has suffered a tremendous loss.  We are deeply saddened. . . Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with this family in the difficult days ahead," the school district said in a statement.  "The district is cooperating fully with law enforcement as this matter is investigated. "The Colleton County school board held an emergency meeting Thursday about Monday's incident.  Board member Tim Mabry said specific details from the discussion could not be shared because of the ongoing investigation and student-privacy laws. In a statement Friday, the Colleton County Sheriff's Office said it would release its findings and autopsy results "at the appropriate time. ""We do not have a time table for the conclusion of this investigation.  We expect some aspects to take at least several weeks.  We will do whatever is necessary, and take as much time as is necessary to ensure a thorough investigation," the sheriff's office wrote.  "This investigation is continuing. "24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events