An annual UN report has said that 20 countries still allow rapists to marry their victims in a bid to avoid criminal prosecution.&nbsp;

According to the annual report on the state of world population, Russia, Thailand and Venezuela are part of nations that allow rapists to escape publishment if they agree on marrying the women or girls they have assaulted.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/protest-erupts-in-pak-demanding-imran-khan-to-apologise-over-rape-statement-376617">Protest erupts in Pak demanding Imran Khan to apologise over rape statement&nbsp;</a>

"The denial of rights cannot be shielded in law. 'Marry your rapist' laws shift the burden of guilt on to the victim and try to sanitise a situation which is criminal," Dr Natalia Kanem, executive director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA)&nbsp;which released the report on Wednesday, was quoted as saying by The Guardian.&nbsp;

Dima Dabbous, director of Equality Now's Middle East and Africa region, whose research is mentioned in the UN report said such rules reflected a culture "that does not think women should have bodily autonomy and that they are the property of the family. It's a tribal and antiquated approach to sexuality and honour mixed together".

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/women-are-calling-out-rape-culture-in-uk-schools-375084">Women are calling out ‘rape culture’ in UK schools</a>

She also added that it's "very difficult" to change these laws, but not "impossible".&nbsp;

Dabbous gave the example of Morocco where a woman killed herself when she was asked to marry her rapist, something that forced the country to repeal the law.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

An annual UN report has said that 20 countries still allow rapists to marry their victims in a bid to avoid criminal prosecution. According to the annual report on the state of world population, Russia, Thailand and Venezuela are part of nations that allow rapists to escape publishment if they agree on marrying the women or girls they have assaulted.

An annual UN report has said that 20 countries still allow rapists to marry their victims in a bid to avoid criminal prosecution. According to the annual report on the state of world population, Russia, Thailand and Venezuela are part of nations that allow rapists to escape publishment if they agree on marrying the women or girls they have assaulted. Also read | Protest erupts in Pak demanding Imran Khan to apologise over rape statement "The denial of rights cannot be shielded in law. 'Marry your rapist' laws shift the burden of guilt on to the victim and try to sanitise a situation which is criminal," Dr Natalia Kanem, executive director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) which released the report on Wednesday, was quoted as saying by The Guardian. Dima Dabbous, director of Equality Now's Middle East and Africa region, whose research is mentioned in the UN report said such rules reflected a culture "that does not think women should have bodily autonomy and that they are the property of the family. It's a tribal and antiquated approach to sexuality and honour mixed together". Also read | Women are calling out ‘rape culture’ in UK schools She also added that it's "very difficult" to change these laws, but not "impossible". Dabbous gave the example of Morocco where a woman killed herself when she was asked to marry her rapist, something that forced the country to repeal the law.

'Marry your rapist' laws still practised in 20 countries to prevent justice: UN

It has not been long since it landed in Mars, but NASA's rover Perseverance is making its presence felt in the Red Planet by sharing never-seen-before images.

And now it's selfie time for Perseverance as it shared its own photograph on Mars on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The US space agency said that the image was captured using a camera called WATSON (Wide Angle Topographic Sensor for Operations and Engineering), part of the SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals) instrument.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Two bots, one selfie. Greetings from Jezero Crater, where I’ve taken my first selfie of the mission. I’m also watching the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarsHelicopter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarsHelicopter</a> Ingenuity as it gets ready for its first flight in a few days. Daring mighty things indeed. 
 
Images: <a href="https://t.co/owLX2LaK52">https://t.co/owLX2LaK52</a> <a href="https://t.co/rTxDNK69rs">pic.twitter.com/rTxDNK69rs</a>
— NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover (@NASAPersevere) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAPersevere/status/1379883959006363648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Helicopter Ingenuity was also seen in the image which is a combination of 62 individual photographs clicked while the rover was alternatively looking at the helicopter and at the WATSON camera.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the predecessor of Perseverance, nicknamed Percy, Curiosity doesn't want to stay behind and is sending selfies of its own.&nbsp;

Curiosity took a panoramic image of itself and the surrounding landscape on March 26, which also showed a rocky outcrop known as Mont Mercou.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/did-nasas-perseverance-rover-just-capture-a-rainbow-on-mars-image-inside-375618">Did NASA's Perseverance rover just capture a 'rainbow' on Mars? Image inside!</a>

From the image, it can be seen severe dust accumulated as the rover is on Mars for eight and a half years.&nbsp;

Curiosity and Perseverance are powered by the radioactive decay of plutonium, which can keep them running amid raging dust storms in the Red Planet.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It has not been long since it landed in Mars, but NASA's rover Perseverance is making its presence felt in the Red Planet by sharing never-seen-before images. And now it's selfie time for Perseverance as it shared its own photograph on Mars on Tuesday.

It has not been long since it landed in Mars, but NASA's rover Perseverance is making its presence felt in the Red Planet by sharing never-seen-before images. And now it's selfie time for Perseverance as it shared its own photograph on Mars on Tuesday. The US space agency said that the image was captured using a camera called WATSON (Wide Angle Topographic Sensor for Operations and Engineering), part of the SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals) instrument. Two bots, one selfie. Greetings from Jezero Crater, where I’ve taken my first selfie of the mission. I’m also watching the #MarsHelicopter Ingenuity as it gets ready for its first flight in a few days. Daring mighty things indeed. Images: https://t.co/owLX2LaK52 pic.twitter.com/rTxDNK69rs — NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover (@NASAPersevere) April 7, 2021 × Helicopter Ingenuity was also seen in the image which is a combination of 62 individual photographs clicked while the rover was alternatively looking at the helicopter and at the WATSON camera. Meanwhile, the predecessor of Perseverance, nicknamed Percy, Curiosity doesn't want to stay behind and is sending selfies of its own. Curiosity took a panoramic image of itself and the surrounding landscape on March 26, which also showed a rocky outcrop known as Mont Mercou. Also read | Did NASA's Perseverance rover just capture a 'rainbow' on Mars? Image inside! From the image, it can be seen severe dust accumulated as the rover is on Mars for eight and a half years. Curiosity and Perseverance are powered by the radioactive decay of plutonium, which can keep them running amid raging dust storms in the Red Planet.

'Say Cheese' time for Perseverance as Mars rover sends stunning selfie with helicopter

Five months back Ethiopian troops entered Tigray with Prime minister Abiy Ahmed saying he wanted to bring the restive northern province to heel.

He promised a swift and decisive victory and a quick return to normalcy and prosperity.

Instead, his troops have bathed the province in blood, raped entire villages and massacred Tigrayan youth.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tigray-massacre-caught-on-camera-375053/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It's a humanitarian crisis of biblical proportions.

There is a long list of allegations against Ethiopia, but they have been difficult to prove because the government has cut off the internet.

Foreign media have been barred from entering Tigray.

Inside this dome of radio static, Ethiopian troops have committed untold horrors.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-researchers-identify-1900-people-killed-in-tigray-375006">Ethiopia: Researchers identify 1,900 people killed in Tigray</a>

We do get reports of their ruthless tactics, but until now there was no visual evidence.

A video of this you be viewed in this Gravitas story and is clearly a massacre caught on camera.

A mass execution by bullets carried out by the Ethiopian Army.

The images are disturbing and we advise viewer discretion.

More than a dozen young Tigrayans were shot dead and the manner of their execution speaks volumes of the Army's conduct.

There is no dignity even in death and the victims' bodies are flung off the cliffside.

The soldiers are mouthing abuses at the dead bodies and one of them can be heard saying don't waste bullets, use minimum shots to kill the captives.

What's even more worrying is that thousands of civilians have been killed in the war.

Some opposition parties claim as many as 50,000 people may have died.

However, these reports cannot be confirmed since there is no internet.&nbsp;

Informants in Tigray have compiled a list of casualties for a University in Belgium, it talks about 151 massacres, each of them with at least 5 victims.

The UN says more than 500 rape cases have been reported in Tigray.

These are only the reported ones and only 5 clinics were covered, suggesting that the actual number could be much higher.&nbsp;

The details of these cases are even more gruesome.

In some instances, men were forced to rape their own family members at gunpoint.

The army has abandoned its commitment to protecting the people and the government has forsaken justice.

This is nothing short of a campaign of extermination and Ethiopia isn't alone.

For months now, troops from neighbouring Eritrea have been involved as well.

The Ethiopian PM kept denying this until last month when he promised that the foreign soldiers would withdraw under a new agreement.

But what about his own army's abuses? He says the government will hold the troops accountable.

But for that, he will have to win the war and he is no closer to doing that than he was five months back.

The atrocities have galvanised the Tigrayan people and the rebel army is swelling.

The ethnic cleansing in Tigray is the collective failure of the world community.

The UN failed to mediate and the African Union failed to dissuade the Ethiopian PM.&nbsp;

The speechwriters in Washington and London prepared excellent drafts for their leaders, strong words of condemnation, but nothing more.

As for the prime minister, it's a fall from grace and he's yet to hit the bottom.

A Nobel Peace Prize winner who is now leading a war on his own people.

Abiy will forever be remembered as the man who shredded the social fabric of Ethiopia, a merchant of the peace who traded in massacres.

 
&nbsp;

Five months back Ethiopian troops entered Tigray with Prime minister Abiy Ahmed saying he wanted to bring the restive northern province to heel. He promised a swift and decisive victory and a quick return to normalcy and prosperity.

Five months back Ethiopian troops entered Tigray with Prime minister Abiy Ahmed saying he wanted to bring the restive northern province to heel. He promised a swift and decisive victory and a quick return to normalcy and prosperity. Instead, his troops have bathed the province in blood, raped entire villages and massacred Tigrayan youth. Watch | It's a humanitarian crisis of biblical proportions. There is a long list of allegations against Ethiopia, but they have been difficult to prove because the government has cut off the internet. Foreign media have been barred from entering Tigray. Inside this dome of radio static, Ethiopian troops have committed untold horrors. Also read | Ethiopia: Researchers identify 1,900 people killed in Tigray We do get reports of their ruthless tactics, but until now there was no visual evidence. A video of this you be viewed in this Gravitas story and is clearly a massacre caught on camera. A mass execution by bullets carried out by the Ethiopian Army. The images are disturbing and we advise viewer discretion. More than a dozen young Tigrayans were shot dead and the manner of their execution speaks volumes of the Army's conduct. There is no dignity even in death and the victims' bodies are flung off the cliffside. The soldiers are mouthing abuses at the dead bodies and one of them can be heard saying don't waste bullets, use minimum shots to kill the captives. What's even more worrying is that thousands of civilians have been killed in the war. Some opposition parties claim as many as 50,000 people may have died. However, these reports cannot be confirmed since there is no internet. Informants in Tigray have compiled a list of casualties for a University in Belgium, it talks about 151 massacres, each of them with at least 5 victims. The UN says more than 500 rape cases have been reported in Tigray. These are only the reported ones and only 5 clinics were covered, suggesting that the actual number could be much higher. The details of these cases are even more gruesome. In some instances, men were forced to rape their own family members at gunpoint. The army has abandoned its commitment to protecting the people and the government has forsaken justice. This is nothing short of a campaign of extermination and Ethiopia isn't alone. For months now, troops from neighbouring Eritrea have been involved as well. The Ethiopian PM kept denying this until last month when he promised that the foreign soldiers would withdraw under a new agreement. But what about his own army's abuses? He says the government will hold the troops accountable. But for that, he will have to win the war and he is no closer to doing that than he was five months back. The atrocities have galvanised the Tigrayan people and the rebel army is swelling. The ethnic cleansing in Tigray is the collective failure of the world community. The UN failed to mediate and the African Union failed to dissuade the Ethiopian PM. The speechwriters in Washington and London prepared excellent drafts for their leaders, strong words of condemnation, but nothing more. As for the prime minister, it's a fall from grace and he's yet to hit the bottom. A Nobel Peace Prize winner who is now leading a war on his own people. Abiy will forever be remembered as the man who shredded the social fabric of Ethiopia, a merchant of the peace who traded in massacres.

Now there is evidence of barbarity of Ethiopian Army. Will there be action?

In North Korea, an exodus is underway.

From foreign diplomats to NGO workers, they're all fleeing the world's most secretive country.

And interestingly, the Russian embassy in Pyongyang is the one who has made this revelation.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-an-exodus-is-underway-in-north-korea-375052/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It says the diplomatic missions of at least 12 countries have been shut.

This report tells about what's happening in the Hermit kingdom.

There are two primary reasons why humanitarian organisations, NGOs and other groups are moving out from the country: a shortage of goods and unprecedented restrictions.

Both have been regular aspects of life in North Korea, but the pandemic has exacerbated the problems.

North Korea's giant neighbour Russia has revealed this in a Facebook post.

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/north-korea-accuses-biden-admin-of-provocation-after-missile-test-373537">North Korea accuses Biden admin of 'provocation' after missile test</a>

According to the claims, there are now only 290 expatriates left in North Korea, including just nine ambassadors and four charge d'affaires or attorneys.

All other foreign personnel have fled the country, according to the Russian embassy.

Locks have been fastened on the gates of the missions of Britain, Brazil, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Venezuela, Nigeria and even Pakistan.

The Russian embassy says representatives from all these countries have fled North Korea.

"The reasons why people are leaving North Korea are understandable, not everyone can endure the unprecedented restrictions, acute shortage of essential goods, including medicines and lack of opportunities to resolve health problem," the embassy said.&nbsp;

On March 26, eight Russian diplomats left the country on a hand-pushed rail trolley.

North Korea shut down its border and imposed a strict lockdown in response to the pandemic last year.

This severely curtailed external trade and dealt another major blow to North Korea's already fragile economy.

But, Pyongyang claims to have not recorded a single Wuhan virus case, something experts seriously doubt.

Nonetheless, North Korea is to be allocated 1.7 million doses of vaccines by May as part of the COVAX programme led by the World Health Organization (WHO).

How the country uses these vaccines is anybody's guess.

In North Korea, an exodus is underway. From foreign diplomats to NGO workers, they're all fleeing the world's most secretive country. And interestingly, the Russian embassy in Pyongyang is the one who has made this revelation.

In North Korea, an exodus is underway. From foreign diplomats to NGO workers, they're all fleeing the world's most secretive country. And interestingly, the Russian embassy in Pyongyang is the one who has made this revelation. Watch | It says the diplomatic missions of at least 12 countries have been shut. This report tells about what's happening in the Hermit kingdom. There are two primary reasons why humanitarian organisations, NGOs and other groups are moving out from the country: a shortage of goods and unprecedented restrictions. Both have been regular aspects of life in North Korea, but the pandemic has exacerbated the problems. North Korea's giant neighbour Russia has revealed this in a Facebook post. Also read | North Korea accuses Biden admin of 'provocation' after missile test According to the claims, there are now only 290 expatriates left in North Korea, including just nine ambassadors and four charge d'affaires or attorneys. All other foreign personnel have fled the country, according to the Russian embassy. Locks have been fastened on the gates of the missions of Britain, Brazil, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Venezuela, Nigeria and even Pakistan. The Russian embassy says representatives from all these countries have fled North Korea. "The reasons why people are leaving North Korea are understandable, not everyone can endure the unprecedented restrictions, acute shortage of essential goods, including medicines and lack of opportunities to resolve health problem," the embassy said. On March 26, eight Russian diplomats left the country on a hand-pushed rail trolley. North Korea shut down its border and imposed a strict lockdown in response to the pandemic last year. This severely curtailed external trade and dealt another major blow to North Korea's already fragile economy. But, Pyongyang claims to have not recorded a single Wuhan virus case, something experts seriously doubt. Nonetheless, North Korea is to be allocated 1.7 million doses of vaccines by May as part of the COVAX programme led by the World Health Organization (WHO). How the country uses these vaccines is anybody's guess.

Why North Korea is seeing an exodus

When Europe shifts right, there are no half measures.

It's a full-on plunge into populism, expansionism and ethnic-racial politics.

The last time, this happened, the world suffered as ruthless dictators ran riot, free nations were invaded and millions died.

Watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-european-leaders-discuss-right-wing-alliance-375063/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Today as the European left fails to deliver, the European right is re-emerging.

But what are its ambitions this time? Will the continent once again be carved up on ideological lines?

Let's first look at some context.

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/european-union-denounces-chinas-harassment-of-foreign-journalists-374990">European Union denounces China's 'harassment' of foreign journalists</a>

On Thursday, three powerful right-leaning politicians met in Budapest, the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Polish PM Mateusz Morawiecki and Italian leader Matteo Salvini.

They were laying the groundwork for a new European project, a right-leaning political grouping within the continent.

This isn't a new idea and the EU parliament already has a right-leaning alliance.

It is led by the European People's Party, but last month, Orban quit this alliance.

He feels it is playing second fiddle to the European left.

The question is what unites this proposed alliance?

Orban briefly touched upon this, the NATO, Europe's Atlantic commitment and liberty, dignity, Christianity, family and national sovereignty.

The recent wave of migration into Europe has multiplied the continent's diversity.

This has come with its own drawbacks like radicalisation and a series of Islamist attacks.

Leaders like Orban believe in the singularity of Europe and Christianity.

His new alliance would champion a Christian Europe.

Orban also talks about family and it makes sense from a Christian perspective.

The Hungarian PM is not a fan of abortion or gay rights and during his tenure, he has limited both.

Poland recently enforced a near-total ban on abortion.

And in Italy, Salvini is known for making rounds at anti-abortion conferences.

Europe's right-wing dream is basically a conservative Christian kingdom.

Does this mean a withdrawal from the European Union? The Polish prime minister doesn't think so.

In fact, he says the alliance wants to boost solidarity.

"We want to promote solidarity but not at the expense of weaker (nations). Europe should not dictate the stronger ones, those who are bigger or stronger today. European solidarity should be based on common values," he said.&nbsp;

"Europe should not dictate," is a popular slogan in Eastern Europe.

Beyond the cosmetics in Brussels, the EU is an endless bureaucratic pit.

There are tens of thousands of standards that include the size of a loaf of bread, the length of the exhaust pipe on your car, amongst more.&nbsp;

But there is an upside to this as the regulations extend to democratic practices like freedom of speech.

Brussels has long accused Orban of running Hungary into lawlessness.

The Hungarian PM does not appreciate this evaluation.

There is no single reason for this right-wing renaissance which is a combination of anti-migration rhetoric, the self-glorifying politics of the left and an aversion to a multi-cultural Europe.

However, forging this alliance won't be easy.

Both Orban and Salvini are close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Poland on the other hand has a love-hate relationship with Moscow and so navigating the Russian question will not be easy.

Europe is fertile ground for right-wing politics, a trend that was reinforced by the pandemic.

The EU effectively cut off vaccine trade and spent big bucks to sweep up millions of doses.

These are classic right-wing strategies.

Orban and his allies are playing to a gallery that is already on its feet applauding.

The ambitions of this new alliance are clear, which is a conservative Europe with regressive controls on citizens.

The EU has long dictated other countries on policies.

So is it going to disown these three members? The chances are highly unlikely.&nbsp;

But if this new alliance does materialise, we could see some heated face-offs in the European Parliament.

And with the wave of right-wing populism spreading across Europe, such a political divide could be the end of European solidarity or whatever is left of it.

When Europe shifts right, there are no half measures. It's a full-on plunge into populism, expansionism and ethnic-racial politics. The last time, this happened, the world suffered as ruthless dictators ran riot, free nations were invaded and millions died.

When Europe shifts right, there are no half measures. It's a full-on plunge into populism, expansionism and ethnic-racial politics. The last time, this happened, the world suffered as ruthless dictators ran riot, free nations were invaded and millions died. Watch | Today as the European left fails to deliver, the European right is re-emerging. But what are its ambitions this time? Will the continent once again be carved up on ideological lines? Let's first look at some context. Also read | European Union denounces China's 'harassment' of foreign journalists On Thursday, three powerful right-leaning politicians met in Budapest, the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Polish PM Mateusz Morawiecki and Italian leader Matteo Salvini. They were laying the groundwork for a new European project, a right-leaning political grouping within the continent. This isn't a new idea and the EU parliament already has a right-leaning alliance. It is led by the European People's Party, but last month, Orban quit this alliance. He feels it is playing second fiddle to the European left. The question is what unites this proposed alliance? Orban briefly touched upon this, the NATO, Europe's Atlantic commitment and liberty, dignity, Christianity, family and national sovereignty. The recent wave of migration into Europe has multiplied the continent's diversity. This has come with its own drawbacks like radicalisation and a series of Islamist attacks. Leaders like Orban believe in the singularity of Europe and Christianity. His new alliance would champion a Christian Europe. Orban also talks about family and it makes sense from a Christian perspective. The Hungarian PM is not a fan of abortion or gay rights and during his tenure, he has limited both. Poland recently enforced a near-total ban on abortion. And in Italy, Salvini is known for making rounds at anti-abortion conferences. Europe's right-wing dream is basically a conservative Christian kingdom. Does this mean a withdrawal from the European Union? The Polish prime minister doesn't think so. In fact, he says the alliance wants to boost solidarity. "We want to promote solidarity but not at the expense of weaker (nations). Europe should not dictate the stronger ones, those who are bigger or stronger today. European solidarity should be based on common values," he said. "Europe should not dictate," is a popular slogan in Eastern Europe. Beyond the cosmetics in Brussels, the EU is an endless bureaucratic pit. There are tens of thousands of standards that include the size of a loaf of bread, the length of the exhaust pipe on your car, amongst more. But there is an upside to this as the regulations extend to democratic practices like freedom of speech. Brussels has long accused Orban of running Hungary into lawlessness. The Hungarian PM does not appreciate this evaluation. There is no single reason for this right-wing renaissance which is a combination of anti-migration rhetoric, the self-glorifying politics of the left and an aversion to a multi-cultural Europe. However, forging this alliance won't be easy. Both Orban and Salvini are close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Poland on the other hand has a love-hate relationship with Moscow and so navigating the Russian question will not be easy. Europe is fertile ground for right-wing politics, a trend that was reinforced by the pandemic. The EU effectively cut off vaccine trade and spent big bucks to sweep up millions of doses. These are classic right-wing strategies. Orban and his allies are playing to a gallery that is already on its feet applauding. The ambitions of this new alliance are clear, which is a conservative Europe with regressive controls on citizens. The EU has long dictated other countries on policies. So is it going to disown these three members? The chances are highly unlikely. But if this new alliance does materialise, we could see some heated face-offs in the European Parliament. And with the wave of right-wing populism spreading across Europe, such a political divide could be the end of European solidarity or whatever is left of it.

As European right re-emerges, what are the ambitions now?

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus&nbsp;pandemic</a>&nbsp;is surging again with the cases being on the rise and lockdowns reimposed.

In many parts of the world, there's a third wave.

The virus is mutating and spreading faster even with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccines</a>.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-global-covid-cases-rise-for-the-fifth-week-in-a-row-over-38-million-cases-recorded-374855/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Let's look at the numbers from the last week.&nbsp;

New cases worldwide have been rising for five straight weeks now.

Last week, more than 3.8 million new cases were recorded globally, a 14 per cent rise.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-vaccine-rollout-unacceptably-slow-case-surge-worrying-who-374749">Europe vaccine rollout 'unacceptably slow', case surge 'worrying': WHO</a>

The mortality rate is also up by five per cent.

More than 64,000 people died last week.

The countries that have reported the biggest jump in transmissions are India, the US, Brazil, Turkey, Poland, Italy, Ukraine, the Philippines, Germany and Iran.

The cases are growing and the spike is not regional.

Almost all continents that struggled with a major outbreak before are now reporting new waves of cases.

Here are the regions that have reported the most noticeable jump in cases.

Southeast Asia

New cases are up by a whopping 49 per cent.

The Western Pacific

It is witnessing a spike of 32 per cent.&nbsp;

Africa&nbsp;

There has been a rise of 22 per cent.

North and South America&nbsp;

Both are viewing a rise of 11 per cent.

Europe&nbsp;

Europe is witnessing a spike of 11 per cent.

The continent was one of the biggest epicentres last year and has still not been able to shake off the virus.

<h2>Why is there a surge now?</h2>

The WHO believes the virus is now stronger and faster and the global experts agree that the new variants of the Wuhan virus are spreading more easily and are deadlier than the original version.

<h2>Europe battering</h2>

Take the worsening situation of France which has forced to lockdown for the third time.

About 100,000 people have died in the country because of Covid-19 and a report says intensive care units in the hardest-hit regions are now at a breaking point.

Yesterday, President Emmanuel Macron blamed the British variant of the virus for the latest outbreak.

He said this variant is creating a "pandemic inside a pandemic".&nbsp;

Macron said France "will lose control" if it doesn't do something now.

"We decided on the March 18 to take further measures alongside the curfew in almost 20 regions. Two weeks after taking those measures, the numbers are clear. Yes, this strategy had its first effects. But clearly, these efforts are very limited as the epidemic surges. In some ways, we are facing this acceleration due to the new (UK) variant. We will lose control if we do not move now. In the upcoming months, we need to set a new framework," he said.&nbsp;

The lockdown in France will last another four weeks.

The whole of Europe is struggling as Germany has extended restrictions till April 18 and the lockdown has been given a rest only on the day of Easter.&nbsp;

In Italy, there's no such relief as it will remain totally locked down during Easter.

Reports say shops, restaurants and schools have again been closed in more than half of Italy.

Similarly, the Czech Republic, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, the Netherlands and Ireland are imposing some form of lockdown or pandemic restrictions.

<h2>US still reeling</h2>

The US is battling a surge too even after accelerating its vaccination program.

The daily new infections rose by 12 per cent in the past week.

The White House held a virtual health briefing this week with the director of America's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention address.&nbsp;

She admitted that she was scared of where things were heading.

"I'm going to reflect on the recurring feeling I have of impending doom. We have so much to look forward to, so much promise and potential of where we are, and so much reason for hope, but right now I'm scared," Rochelle Walensky, Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. &nbsp;

<h2>Concerns in India</h2>

The situation is worrying in India too and the country today reported more than 72,000 cases, the highest number of new infections since October 11 last year.&nbsp;

The fresh cases in India had dropped below 10,000 two months back, but now, India is reporting more than 70,000 new infections in a day, a seven-fold jump.

In the last year, more than 12 million Indians have been infected with the Wuhan virus and the number is only set to increase.

There are restrictions in some states, including night curfews.

India today also widened its vaccination program and now anyone above the age of 45 can get the shot.

But it may not be enough to meet the challenge.

While the virus continues to mutate, our best bet against it remains the same: social distancing, masks and vaccines.

There is an urgent need to step up inoculations now as the only way to break the chain of infections.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic is surging again with the cases being on the rise and lockdowns reimposed. In many parts of the world, there's a third wave. The virus is mutating and spreading faster even with vaccines.

The coronavirus pandemic is surging again with the cases being on the rise and lockdowns reimposed. In many parts of the world, there's a third wave. The virus is mutating and spreading faster even with vaccines. Watch | Let's look at the numbers from the last week. New cases worldwide have been rising for five straight weeks now. Last week, more than 3.8 million new cases were recorded globally, a 14 per cent rise. Also read | Europe vaccine rollout 'unacceptably slow', case surge 'worrying': WHO The mortality rate is also up by five per cent. More than 64,000 people died last week. The countries that have reported the biggest jump in transmissions are India, the US, Brazil, Turkey, Poland, Italy, Ukraine, the Philippines, Germany and Iran. The cases are growing and the spike is not regional. Almost all continents that struggled with a major outbreak before are now reporting new waves of cases. Here are the regions that have reported the most noticeable jump in cases. Southeast Asia New cases are up by a whopping 49 per cent. The Western Pacific It is witnessing a spike of 32 per cent. Africa There has been a rise of 22 per cent. North and South America Both are viewing a rise of 11 per cent. Europe Europe is witnessing a spike of 11 per cent. The continent was one of the biggest epicentres last year and has still not been able to shake off the virus. Why is there a surge now? The WHO believes the virus is now stronger and faster and the global experts agree that the new variants of the Wuhan virus are spreading more easily and are deadlier than the original version. Europe battering Take the worsening situation of France which has forced to lockdown for the third time. About 100,000 people have died in the country because of Covid-19 and a report says intensive care units in the hardest-hit regions are now at a breaking point. Yesterday, President Emmanuel Macron blamed the British variant of the virus for the latest outbreak. He said this variant is creating a "pandemic inside a pandemic". Macron said France "will lose control" if it doesn't do something now. "We decided on the March 18 to take further measures alongside the curfew in almost 20 regions. Two weeks after taking those measures, the numbers are clear. Yes, this strategy had its first effects. But clearly, these efforts are very limited as the epidemic surges. In some ways, we are facing this acceleration due to the new (UK) variant. We will lose control if we do not move now. In the upcoming months, we need to set a new framework," he said. The lockdown in France will last another four weeks. The whole of Europe is struggling as Germany has extended restrictions till April 18 and the lockdown has been given a rest only on the day of Easter. In Italy, there's no such relief as it will remain totally locked down during Easter. Reports say shops, restaurants and schools have again been closed in more than half of Italy. Similarly, the Czech Republic, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, the Netherlands and Ireland are imposing some form of lockdown or pandemic restrictions. US still reeling The US is battling a surge too even after accelerating its vaccination program. The daily new infections rose by 12 per cent in the past week. The White House held a virtual health briefing this week with the director of America's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention address. She admitted that she was scared of where things were heading. "I'm going to reflect on the recurring feeling I have of impending doom. We have so much to look forward to, so much promise and potential of where we are, and so much reason for hope, but right now I'm scared," Rochelle Walensky, Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Concerns in India The situation is worrying in India too and the country today reported more than 72,000 cases, the highest number of new infections since October 11 last year. The fresh cases in India had dropped below 10,000 two months back, but now, India is reporting more than 70,000 new infections in a day, a seven-fold jump. In the last year, more than 12 million Indians have been infected with the Wuhan virus and the number is only set to increase. There are restrictions in some states, including night curfews. India today also widened its vaccination program and now anyone above the age of 45 can get the shot. But it may not be enough to meet the challenge. While the virus continues to mutate, our best bet against it remains the same: social distancing, masks and vaccines. There is an urgent need to step up inoculations now as the only way to break the chain of infections.

Concerns rise worldwide as coronavirus restarts striking harder

There is a worldwide surge in cases as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>is spreading faster.

The differentiation will be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccines</a>.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-uk-israel-vaccinated-over-50-of-their-population-here-is-the-result-374857/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Countries that vaccinate their population in larger numbers will see a drop in case and the ones which lag behind will see a surge.

Our report shows how vaccines have made a difference in Israel and the United Kingdom.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/concerns-rise-worldwide-as-coronavirus-restarts-striking-harder-374844">Concerns rise worldwide as coronavirus restarts striking harder</a>

Israel enjoyed some normalcy on Passover this year.

An open-air shopping centre was alive again, people are filling up restaurants and hotels, museums and theatres are back in business.

The situation was very different last year and businesses had to shut their doors.

There were checkpoints on the roads and people were confined to their homes just like the rest of the world

But, Israel has accomplished a major turnaround because of the vaccines.

Reports say Israel's active cases are now down to their lowest level since June 2020.

With serious infections dipping below 400, that's a three-month low.

Israel has vaccinated more than half of its population and the jabs are working.

Symptomatic infections dropped by 94 per cent in 600,000 people who have got two doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

The same group is also 92 per cent less likely to develop severe illness from the virus.

<h2>The story of the UK</h2>

Britain too seems to have tamed the virus with vaccines.

In January, the UK was struggling as a surge driven by a new strain of the virus had forced the country to impose a third national lockdown.

By January 5, the country had recorded more than 50,000 cases for seven straight days.

The UK approved two vaccines, the Pfizer shot that is being supplied from Belgium and the Oxford vaccine that is Made in Britain.

Now more than 50 per cent of people out of a population of more than 66 million have got at least one shot, making the British vaccine roll out the fastest in Europe.

The benefits are evident as the new infections are substantially down.

On Tuesday, the UK had reported a little more than four thousand cases.

The seven day total stood at close to 36,000, down by almost eight per cent.

On Sunday, the city of London recorded zero daily deaths in a single day for the first time in more than six months.

Earlier this week, the UK began easing the lockdown with people being allowed to gather in groups of six in public spaces.&nbsp;

Even the queen of England was out and about again after having got the jab in January.

There is enough real-world evidence now that proves the effectiveness of vaccines.

The shots not only protect against symptoms but also reduce the spread of the virus.

The only problem is there is not enough to go around. 
&nbsp;

There is a worldwide surge in cases as the coronavirus is spreading faster. The differentiation will be vaccines. Watch | Countries that vaccinate their population in larger numbers will see a drop in case and the ones which lag behind will see a surge.

There is a worldwide surge in cases as the coronavirus is spreading faster. The differentiation will be vaccines. Watch | Countries that vaccinate their population in larger numbers will see a drop in case and the ones which lag behind will see a surge. Our report shows how vaccines have made a difference in Israel and the United Kingdom. Also read | Concerns rise worldwide as coronavirus restarts striking harder Israel enjoyed some normalcy on Passover this year. An open-air shopping centre was alive again, people are filling up restaurants and hotels, museums and theatres are back in business. The situation was very different last year and businesses had to shut their doors. There were checkpoints on the roads and people were confined to their homes just like the rest of the world But, Israel has accomplished a major turnaround because of the vaccines. Reports say Israel's active cases are now down to their lowest level since June 2020. With serious infections dipping below 400, that's a three-month low. Israel has vaccinated more than half of its population and the jabs are working. Symptomatic infections dropped by 94 per cent in 600,000 people who have got two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. The same group is also 92 per cent less likely to develop severe illness from the virus. The story of the UK Britain too seems to have tamed the virus with vaccines. In January, the UK was struggling as a surge driven by a new strain of the virus had forced the country to impose a third national lockdown. By January 5, the country had recorded more than 50,000 cases for seven straight days. The UK approved two vaccines, the Pfizer shot that is being supplied from Belgium and the Oxford vaccine that is Made in Britain. Now more than 50 per cent of people out of a population of more than 66 million have got at least one shot, making the British vaccine roll out the fastest in Europe. The benefits are evident as the new infections are substantially down. On Tuesday, the UK had reported a little more than four thousand cases. The seven day total stood at close to 36,000, down by almost eight per cent. On Sunday, the city of London recorded zero daily deaths in a single day for the first time in more than six months. Earlier this week, the UK began easing the lockdown with people being allowed to gather in groups of six in public spaces. Even the queen of England was out and about again after having got the jab in January. There is enough real-world evidence now that proves the effectiveness of vaccines. The shots not only protect against symptoms but also reduce the spread of the virus. The only problem is there is not enough to go around.

Two success stories that substantiate vaccination is a silver lining

World powers and Iran will meet by videoconference Friday to discuss the possible return of the United States to the Iran nuclear deal, the European Union announced.&nbsp;

Representatives of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and Iran -- the countries still party to the agreement after the US left -- will attend.

"Participants will discuss the prospect of a possible return of the United States to the JCPOA, and how to ensure the full and effective implementation of the agreement by all sides," the statement said, referring to the deal by its initials.

The meeting brings together the body that oversees the implementation of the JCPOA, which has been under threat since former US president Donald Trump pulled out in 2018 and Iran began to resume nuclear activities it had scaled back.&nbsp;

The online meeting will be chaired by senior EU diplomat Enrique Mora on behalf of EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

Trump denounced the 2015 accord, which saw Iran granted relief from international sanctions in exchange for accepting limits on its nuclear programme, which Western powers feared would lead to it acquiring an atomic weapon.

But new US President Joe Biden has promised to rejoin the agreement on the condition that Tehran first returns to respecting the commitments it dropped in retaliation for Trump's decision.

Earlier this month, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran may return to full compliance if Tehran deems Washington has honoured its commitments.

The agreement was signed by Iran in Vienna in 2015 with the major powers United States, China, Russia, Germany, France, United Kingdom, under an EU chair.

It was designed to prevent the Islamic Republic from acquiring a nuclear arsenal by imposing strict limits on its nuclear programme and force it to remain exclusively civilian and peaceful.&nbsp;

World powers and Iran will meet by videoconference Friday to discuss the possible return of the United States to the Iran nuclear deal, the European Union announced.

World powers and Iran will meet by videoconference Friday to discuss the possible return of the United States to the Iran nuclear deal, the European Union announced. Representatives of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and Iran -- the countries still party to the agreement after the US left -- will attend. "Participants will discuss the prospect of a possible return of the United States to the JCPOA, and how to ensure the full and effective implementation of the agreement by all sides," the statement said, referring to the deal by its initials. The meeting brings together the body that oversees the implementation of the JCPOA, which has been under threat since former US president Donald Trump pulled out in 2018 and Iran began to resume nuclear activities it had scaled back. The online meeting will be chaired by senior EU diplomat Enrique Mora on behalf of EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. Trump denounced the 2015 accord, which saw Iran granted relief from international sanctions in exchange for accepting limits on its nuclear programme, which Western powers feared would lead to it acquiring an atomic weapon. But new US President Joe Biden has promised to rejoin the agreement on the condition that Tehran first returns to respecting the commitments it dropped in retaliation for Trump's decision. Earlier this month, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran may return to full compliance if Tehran deems Washington has honoured its commitments. The agreement was signed by Iran in Vienna in 2015 with the major powers United States, China, Russia, Germany, France, United Kingdom, under an EU chair. It was designed to prevent the Islamic Republic from acquiring a nuclear arsenal by imposing strict limits on its nuclear programme and force it to remain exclusively civilian and peaceful.

World powers, Iran to hold virtual nuclear talks Friday

Virginia’s Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the city of Charlottesville can remove statues of two Confederate generals, including one of Robert E. Lee that was at the center of a deadly white nationalist rally in 2017.

The court overturned a 2019 Circuit Court ruling that the statue of Lee and a nearby monument to Stonewall Jackson could not be removed because they were protected by state law.

The Charlottesville City Council approved a resolution to remove the Lee statue in 2017. A group of citizens filed a lawsuit opposing the move, and white nationalists rallied in the city in August 2017 to protest the effort. White nationalists clashed with counterprotesters, one of whom was killed when a car driven by an Ohio man plowed into a crowd.

(After the rally, the council voted to also remove the statue of Jackson; the lawsuit was then amended to include both statues.)

Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn of the Virginia Supreme Court wrote in the court’s opinion that the city could remove the statues because they were erected before the adoption of a state law that prohibits cities from disturbing or interfering with monuments and memorials once they are in place.

“In the present case, the Statues were erected long before there was a statute which both authorized a city’s erection of a war memorial or monument and regulated the disturbance of or interference with that war memorial or monument,” Goodwyn wrote.

The Lee statue was erected in 1924 in Lee Park, and the Jackson statue was erected in 1921 in Jackson Park.

The state law in question applied only to counties when it was passed in 1904. It was amended in 1997 to give cities and local governments the authority to erect war-related monuments and memorials, while still prohibiting localities from disturbing or removing them.

“The trial court erred by interpreting the statute as operating retroactively to prohibit removal of the Statues from the City’s parks,” Goodwyn wrote.

The state General Assembly amended the state law last year to allow localities “to remove, relocate, contextualize, or cover” any monument or memorial on their public property.

The state Supreme Court decision lifted an injunction that had prevented the city of Charlottesville from removing the two statues. The court also vacated damages that had been awarded to the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, including lawyers’ fees.

Lawyers representing the city and the plaintiffs did not respond to requests for comment. Frederick Payne, who is listed as the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, declined to comment when reached by phone on Thursday.

Chip Boyles, Charlottesville’s city manager, said the high court’s decision was a victory for the city.

“I and my administration will work diligently to plan the next steps, in coordination with City Council,” Boyles said in a statement. “We also look forward to engaging our community in the redesign of these park spaces in a way that promotes healing and that tells a more complete history of Charlottesville.”

Richard Schragger, a law professor at the University of Virginia who has followed the case, said Thursday’s ruling was “a symbolic victory in a way, and an important one,” following a year of protests against racism and police brutality in response to the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

The protests rekindled a movement to remove Confederate statues and monuments in cities across the United States that became gathering places for demonstrations against police violence.

In Richmond, the state capital and the former capital of the Confederacy, three statues of Confederate figures were removed from the city’s Monument Avenue, and a state judge ruled that a 21-foot statue of Lee, which sits atop a 40-foot base, could be removed as well. The Lee statue remains in place pending an appeal from the plaintiffs who had challenged Gov. Ralph Northam’s order to remove it.

Virginia’s attorney general, Mark Herring, said in a statement in response to Thursday’s ruling that he was looking forward to fighting in the state Supreme Court this summer against the appeal seeking to block the removal of the Lee statue in Richmond.

“I have worked hard to help remove poisonous Confederate propaganda from our publicly owned spaces, because I believe it glorifies a false history and sends a dangerous and divisive message about who and what we value,” Herring said.

In February, the Southern Poverty Law Center reported that more than 160 Confederate symbols had been removed from public spaces following Floyd’s death.

Virginia’s Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the city of Charlottesville can remove statues of two Confederate generals, including one of Robert E. Lee that was at the center of a deadly white nationalist rally in 2017.

Virginia’s Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the city of Charlottesville can remove statues of two Confederate generals, including one of Robert E. Lee that was at the center of a deadly white nationalist rally in 2017. The court overturned a 2019 Circuit Court ruling that the statue of Lee and a nearby monument to Stonewall Jackson could not be removed because they were protected by state law. The Charlottesville City Council approved a resolution to remove the Lee statue in 2017. A group of citizens filed a lawsuit opposing the move, and white nationalists rallied in the city in August 2017 to protest the effort. White nationalists clashed with counterprotesters, one of whom was killed when a car driven by an Ohio man plowed into a crowd. (After the rally, the council voted to also remove the statue of Jackson; the lawsuit was then amended to include both statues.) Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn of the Virginia Supreme Court wrote in the court’s opinion that the city could remove the statues because they were erected before the adoption of a state law that prohibits cities from disturbing or interfering with monuments and memorials once they are in place. “In the present case, the Statues were erected long before there was a statute which both authorized a city’s erection of a war memorial or monument and regulated the disturbance of or interference with that war memorial or monument,” Goodwyn wrote. The Lee statue was erected in 1924 in Lee Park, and the Jackson statue was erected in 1921 in Jackson Park. The state law in question applied only to counties when it was passed in 1904. It was amended in 1997 to give cities and local governments the authority to erect war-related monuments and memorials, while still prohibiting localities from disturbing or removing them. “The trial court erred by interpreting the statute as operating retroactively to prohibit removal of the Statues from the City’s parks,” Goodwyn wrote. The state General Assembly amended the state law last year to allow localities “to remove, relocate, contextualize, or cover” any monument or memorial on their public property. The state Supreme Court decision lifted an injunction that had prevented the city of Charlottesville from removing the two statues. The court also vacated damages that had been awarded to the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, including lawyers’ fees. Lawyers representing the city and the plaintiffs did not respond to requests for comment. Frederick Payne, who is listed as the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, declined to comment when reached by phone on Thursday. Chip Boyles, Charlottesville’s city manager, said the high court’s decision was a victory for the city. “I and my administration will work diligently to plan the next steps, in coordination with City Council,” Boyles said in a statement. “We also look forward to engaging our community in the redesign of these park spaces in a way that promotes healing and that tells a more complete history of Charlottesville.” Richard Schragger, a law professor at the University of Virginia who has followed the case, said Thursday’s ruling was “a symbolic victory in a way, and an important one,” following a year of protests against racism and police brutality in response to the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. The protests rekindled a movement to remove Confederate statues and monuments in cities across the United States that became gathering places for demonstrations against police violence. In Richmond, the state capital and the former capital of the Confederacy, three statues of Confederate figures were removed from the city’s Monument Avenue, and a state judge ruled that a 21-foot statue of Lee, which sits atop a 40-foot base, could be removed as well. The Lee statue remains in place pending an appeal from the plaintiffs who had challenged Gov. Ralph Northam’s order to remove it. Virginia’s attorney general, Mark Herring, said in a statement in response to Thursday’s ruling that he was looking forward to fighting in the state Supreme Court this summer against the appeal seeking to block the removal of the Lee statue in Richmond. “I have worked hard to help remove poisonous Confederate propaganda from our publicly owned spaces, because I believe it glorifies a false history and sends a dangerous and divisive message about who and what we value,” Herring said. In February, the Southern Poverty Law Center reported that more than 160 Confederate symbols had been removed from public spaces following Floyd’s death.

Charlottesville can remove Confederate statues, High Court rules

Ten days after seizing power in Myanmar, the generals issued their first command to journalists: Stop using the words “coup,” “regime” and “junta” to describe the military’s takeover of the government. Few reporters heeded the Orwellian directive, and the junta embraced a new goal: crushing all free expression.

Since then, the regime has arrested at least 56 journalists, outlawed online news outlets known for hard-edge reporting and crippled communications by cutting off mobile data service. Three photojournalists have been shot and wounded while taking photographs of the anti-coup demonstrations.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-aung-san-suu-kyi-faces-new-charge-under-official-secrets-law-374960/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

With professional journalists under pressure, many young people who came of age during a decade of social media and information sharing in Myanmar have jumped into the fray, calling themselves citizen journalists and risking their lives to help document the military’s brutality. They take photographs and videos with their phones and share them online when they get access. It is a role so common now they are known simply as “CJs.”

“They are targeting professional journalists, so our country needs more CJs,” said Ma Thuzar Myat, one of the citizen journalists. “I know I might get killed at some point for taking a video record of what is happening. But I won’t step back.”

Thuzar Myat, 21, noted that few people were able to document the protests in 1988, when the Tatmadaw, as the military is known, stamped out a pro-democracy movement by massacring an estimated 3,000 people. She said she saw it as her duty to help capture evidence of today’s violence even though one soldier had already threatened to kill her if she did not stop.

The regime’s apparent goal is to turn back the clock to a time when the military ruled the country, the media was firmly in its grip and only the wealthiest people had access to cellphones and the internet. But the new generation of young people who grew up with the internet say they are not giving up their freedoms without a fight.

“What we are witnessing is an all-out assault on the centers of democracy and liberty,” said Swe Win, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Myanmar Now, one of the banned outlets. “We are very concerned that Myanmar will become North Korea. They will crush any form of information gathering and sharing.”

The Tatmadaw has a history of suppressing opposition. When it seized control in 1962, it reigned for nearly a half-century before deciding to share power with elected civilian leaders and opening the country to the outside world.

In 2012, under a new quasi-civilian government, inexpensive cellphones began flooding in, and Facebook became the dominant online forum. A vibrant media sprouted online, and newsstands overflowed with competing papers.

Since the Feb. 1 coup, protests have erupted almost daily — often with young people at the forefront — and a broad-based civil disobedience movement has brought the economy to a virtual halt. In response, soldiers and police have killed at least 536 people.

At the United Nations on Wednesday, the special envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, warned that “a bloodbath is imminent.” The regime has arrested thousands, including the country’s civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. On Thursday, one of her lawyers said she had been charged with violating the official secrets act, adding to a list of alleged offenses.

While the U.N. Security Council has not penalized Myanmar’s military, it has spoken in increasingly negative terms about the repression. In a statement issued Thursday evening, the council “expressed deep concern at the rapidly deteriorating situation and strongly condemned the use of violence against peaceful protesters and the deaths of hundreds of civilians, including women and children.”

While the military uses state-owned media to spread its propaganda and fire off warnings, attacks on journalists have increased drastically in recent weeks, as have arrests.

To keep from being targeted, journalists have stopped wearing helmets or vests emblazoned with the word “PRESS” and try to blend in with the protesters. Many also keep a low profile by not receiving credit for their published work and avoiding sleeping in their own homes. Even so, their professional-quality cameras can give them away.

At the same time, soldiers and police routinely search civilians’ phones for protest photographs or videos.

“If you are arrested with video clips, you can go to prison,” said Myint Kyaw, who was secretary of the Myanmar Press Council, an independent advocacy organization for the news media, before quitting in protest in February along with most of the board.

At a recent news conference, a spokesperson for the junta said it was up to journalists to avoid behavior that could be construed as breaking the law.

“Only the journalist’s action itself can guarantee that they will not be arrested,” said the spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Zaw Min Tun. “If their actions violate the law, then they will be arrested.”

All three journalists who have been shot and wounded say they were targeted by security forces.

Freelance journalist Ko Htet Myat Thu, 24, was taking pictures of protests Saturday in Kyaikto, a town in southern Myanmar, when a soldier shot him in the leg, he said. A video of his arrest taken by a citizen journalist from a nearby building shows soldiers beating him and forcing him to hop on his good leg as they led him away.

Another photojournalist shot that day, Si Thu, 36, was hit in his left hand as he was holding his camera to his face and photographing soldiers in Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city. He said he believes the soldier who shot him was aiming for his head.

“I had two cameras,” he said, “so it was obvious that I am a photojournalist, even though I had no press helmet or vest. I’m sure that the military junta is targeting journalists because they know we are showing the world the reality on the ground, and they want to stop us by arresting or killing us.”

Of the 56 journalists arrested, half have been released, according to a group that is tracking arrests. Among those freed were reporters for The Associated Press and the BBC.

But 28 remain in custody, including at least 15 who face prison sentences of up to three years under an unusual law that prohibits the dissemination of information that might induce military officers to disregard or fail in their duties.

Ma Kay Zon Nway, 27, a reporter for Myanmar Now, livestreamed her own arrest in late February as she was running from police in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city. Her video shows police firing in the air as protesters flee. The sound of her labored breathing is audible as police catch up and take her away.

She is among those who have been charged under the vague and sweeping statute. She has been allowed to meet just once in person with her lawyer.

Swe Win, the Myanmar Now editor, himself served seven years in prison for protesting in 1998.

“All these court proceedings are being done just for the sake of formality,” he said. “We cannot expect any fair treatment.”

With mobile communications blocked, Facebook banned and nightly internet shutdowns, Myanmar’s mainstream media has come to rely on citizen journalists for videos and news tips, said Myint Kyaw, the former press council secretary.

One of them, Ko Aung Aung Kyaw, 26, was taking videos of police arresting people in his Yangon neighborhood when an officer spotted him. The officer swore at him, aimed his rifle and fired, Aung Aung Kyaw’s video shows.

The bullet hit a wall in front of him.

“I know that recording these kinds of things is very risky, and I might get shot to death or arrested,” he said. “But I believe I need to keep doing it for the sake of having a record of evidence to punish them.”

Ten days after seizing power in Myanmar, the generals issued their first command to journalists: Stop using the words “coup,” “regime” and “junta” to describe the military’s takeover of the government.

Ten days after seizing power in Myanmar, the generals issued their first command to journalists: Stop using the words “coup,” “regime” and “junta” to describe the military’s takeover of the government. Few reporters heeded the Orwellian directive, and the junta embraced a new goal: crushing all free expression. Since then, the regime has arrested at least 56 journalists, outlawed online news outlets known for hard-edge reporting and crippled communications by cutting off mobile data service. Three photojournalists have been shot and wounded while taking photographs of the anti-coup demonstrations. Watch | With professional journalists under pressure, many young people who came of age during a decade of social media and information sharing in Myanmar have jumped into the fray, calling themselves citizen journalists and risking their lives to help document the military’s brutality. They take photographs and videos with their phones and share them online when they get access. It is a role so common now they are known simply as “CJs.” “They are targeting professional journalists, so our country needs more CJs,” said Ma Thuzar Myat, one of the citizen journalists. “I know I might get killed at some point for taking a video record of what is happening. But I won’t step back.” Thuzar Myat, 21, noted that few people were able to document the protests in 1988, when the Tatmadaw, as the military is known, stamped out a pro-democracy movement by massacring an estimated 3,000 people. She said she saw it as her duty to help capture evidence of today’s violence even though one soldier had already threatened to kill her if she did not stop. The regime’s apparent goal is to turn back the clock to a time when the military ruled the country, the media was firmly in its grip and only the wealthiest people had access to cellphones and the internet. But the new generation of young people who grew up with the internet say they are not giving up their freedoms without a fight. “What we are witnessing is an all-out assault on the centers of democracy and liberty,” said Swe Win, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Myanmar Now, one of the banned outlets. “We are very concerned that Myanmar will become North Korea. They will crush any form of information gathering and sharing.” The Tatmadaw has a history of suppressing opposition. When it seized control in 1962, it reigned for nearly a half-century before deciding to share power with elected civilian leaders and opening the country to the outside world. In 2012, under a new quasi-civilian government, inexpensive cellphones began flooding in, and Facebook became the dominant online forum. A vibrant media sprouted online, and newsstands overflowed with competing papers. Since the Feb. 1 coup, protests have erupted almost daily — often with young people at the forefront — and a broad-based civil disobedience movement has brought the economy to a virtual halt. In response, soldiers and police have killed at least 536 people. At the United Nations on Wednesday, the special envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, warned that “a bloodbath is imminent.” The regime has arrested thousands, including the country’s civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. On Thursday, one of her lawyers said she had been charged with violating the official secrets act, adding to a list of alleged offenses. While the U.N. Security Council has not penalized Myanmar’s military, it has spoken in increasingly negative terms about the repression. In a statement issued Thursday evening, the council “expressed deep concern at the rapidly deteriorating situation and strongly condemned the use of violence against peaceful protesters and the deaths of hundreds of civilians, including women and children.” While the military uses state-owned media to spread its propaganda and fire off warnings, attacks on journalists have increased drastically in recent weeks, as have arrests. To keep from being targeted, journalists have stopped wearing helmets or vests emblazoned with the word “PRESS” and try to blend in with the protesters. Many also keep a low profile by not receiving credit for their published work and avoiding sleeping in their own homes. Even so, their professional-quality cameras can give them away. At the same time, soldiers and police routinely search civilians’ phones for protest photographs or videos. “If you are arrested with video clips, you can go to prison,” said Myint Kyaw, who was secretary of the Myanmar Press Council, an independent advocacy organization for the news media, before quitting in protest in February along with most of the board. At a recent news conference, a spokesperson for the junta said it was up to journalists to avoid behavior that could be construed as breaking the law. “Only the journalist’s action itself can guarantee that they will not be arrested,” said the spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Zaw Min Tun. “If their actions violate the law, then they will be arrested.” All three journalists who have been shot and wounded say they were targeted by security forces. Freelance journalist Ko Htet Myat Thu, 24, was taking pictures of protests Saturday in Kyaikto, a town in southern Myanmar, when a soldier shot him in the leg, he said. A video of his arrest taken by a citizen journalist from a nearby building shows soldiers beating him and forcing him to hop on his good leg as they led him away. Another photojournalist shot that day, Si Thu, 36, was hit in his left hand as he was holding his camera to his face and photographing soldiers in Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city. He said he believes the soldier who shot him was aiming for his head. “I had two cameras,” he said, “so it was obvious that I am a photojournalist, even though I had no press helmet or vest. I’m sure that the military junta is targeting journalists because they know we are showing the world the reality on the ground, and they want to stop us by arresting or killing us.” Of the 56 journalists arrested, half have been released, according to a group that is tracking arrests. Among those freed were reporters for The Associated Press and the BBC. But 28 remain in custody, including at least 15 who face prison sentences of up to three years under an unusual law that prohibits the dissemination of information that might induce military officers to disregard or fail in their duties. Ma Kay Zon Nway, 27, a reporter for Myanmar Now, livestreamed her own arrest in late February as she was running from police in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city. Her video shows police firing in the air as protesters flee. The sound of her labored breathing is audible as police catch up and take her away. She is among those who have been charged under the vague and sweeping statute. She has been allowed to meet just once in person with her lawyer. Swe Win, the Myanmar Now editor, himself served seven years in prison for protesting in 1998. “All these court proceedings are being done just for the sake of formality,” he said. “We cannot expect any fair treatment.” With mobile communications blocked, Facebook banned and nightly internet shutdowns, Myanmar’s mainstream media has come to rely on citizen journalists for videos and news tips, said Myint Kyaw, the former press council secretary. One of them, Ko Aung Aung Kyaw, 26, was taking videos of police arresting people in his Yangon neighborhood when an officer spotted him. The officer swore at him, aimed his rifle and fired, Aung Aung Kyaw’s video shows. The bullet hit a wall in front of him. “I know that recording these kinds of things is very risky, and I might get shot to death or arrested,” he said. “But I believe I need to keep doing it for the sake of having a record of evidence to punish them.”

Myanmar soldiers, aiming to silence protests, target journalists

A vessel has reached the deepest known shipwreck in the world in the Pacific Ocean.

It was able to find the USS Johnston, which lies 6.5 km (4 miles) beneath the Philippine Sea, reports BBC.&nbsp;

Explorers surveyed and filmed the wreck of the 115 metre-long US Navy vessel for hours.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/shipwreck-off-libyan-coast-leaves-74-migrants-dead-342807">Shipwreck off Libyan coast leaves 74 migrants dead</a>

The vessel sank during a brutal battle with the Japanese fleet during the Battle off Samar in 1944. &nbsp;

"The wreck is so deep so there's very little oxygen down there, and while there is a little bit of contamination from marine life, it's remarkably well intact except for the damage it took from the furious fight," Victor Vescovo, who led the expedition said.&nbsp;

In 2019, for the first time, the remains of the ship were found and some parts were recorded from a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/nazi-shipwreck-found-off-poland-may-solve-amber-room-treasure-mystery-331972">Nazi shipwreck found off Poland may solve Amber Room treasure mystery</a>

However, a significant part of the wreckage was based deeper than where ROV was able to reach.&nbsp;

For this mission, a submersible called the DSV Limiting Factor was used.&nbsp;

Earlier, the submersible has explored the deepest point in the ocean, Mariana Trench, and the Titanic.&nbsp;

Vescovo also said that the hull number 557 can be clearly seen on both sides of the vessel's bow and two gun turrets were also intact.&nbsp;

"The gun turrets are right where they're supposed to be, they're even pointing in the correct direction that we believe that they should have been, as they were continuing to fire until the ship went down," he said.&nbsp;

"And we saw the twin torpedo racks in the middle of the ship that were completely empty because they shot all the torpedoes at the Japanese." 
&nbsp;

A vessel has reached the deepest known shipwreck in the world in the Pacific Ocean. It was able to find the USS Johnston, which lies 6.5 km (4 miles) beneath the Philippine Sea, reports BBC.

A vessel has reached the deepest known shipwreck in the world in the Pacific Ocean. It was able to find the USS Johnston, which lies 6.5 km (4 miles) beneath the Philippine Sea, reports BBC. Explorers surveyed and filmed the wreck of the 115 metre-long US Navy vessel for hours. Also read | Shipwreck off Libyan coast leaves 74 migrants dead The vessel sank during a brutal battle with the Japanese fleet during the Battle off Samar in 1944. "The wreck is so deep so there's very little oxygen down there, and while there is a little bit of contamination from marine life, it's remarkably well intact except for the damage it took from the furious fight," Victor Vescovo, who led the expedition said. In 2019, for the first time, the remains of the ship were found and some parts were recorded from a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Also read | Nazi shipwreck found off Poland may solve Amber Room treasure mystery However, a significant part of the wreckage was based deeper than where ROV was able to reach. For this mission, a submersible called the DSV Limiting Factor was used. Earlier, the submersible has explored the deepest point in the ocean, Mariana Trench, and the Titanic. Vescovo also said that the hull number 557 can be clearly seen on both sides of the vessel's bow and two gun turrets were also intact. "The gun turrets are right where they're supposed to be, they're even pointing in the correct direction that we believe that they should have been, as they were continuing to fire until the ship went down," he said. "And we saw the twin torpedo racks in the middle of the ship that were completely empty because they shot all the torpedoes at the Japanese."

Submersible reaches to deepest known shipwreck

We live in a world where it is always difficult to achieve economic, social, gender and other equality. We have come afar but a lot needs still need to be done. Autism is one such disorder where people affected by it face a lot of discrimination.&nbsp;

April 2 marks World Autism Awareness Day and let's understand what this condition is all about and why the day is significant.&nbsp;

<h2>What is autism?</h2>

The United Nations defined it as a "lifelong condition that manifests during early childhood".&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/entertainment/kate-hudson-addresses-music-backlash-from-the-autism-community-says-its-important-dialogue-365239">Kate Hudson addresses 'Music' backlash from the autism community, says it's 'important dialogue'</a>

Individuals affected by autism have "unique social interactions, non-standard ways of learning, keen interests in specific subjects, inclination to routines, challenges in typical communications and particular ways of processing sensory information."

The UN also says that there is a high rate of autism across the world and lack of knowledge related to the disorder has a "tremendous" impact and lead to "stigmatization and discrimination".&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/patients-with-autism-get-inhumane-treatment-in-hospitals-report-337125">Patients with Autism get 'inhumane' treatment in hospitals: Report</a>

<h2>Relevance of World Autism Awareness Day&nbsp;</h2>

In 2008, a UN convention recognised that there is a need to push universal human rights for all to protect, promote and ensure "fundamental freedoms" of persons with disabilities. Its purpose was also to promote respect for such people's "inherent dignity".&nbsp;

The UN General Assembly then unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day to "highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society".

 
&nbsp;

We live in a world where it is always difficult to achieve economic, social, gender and other equality. We have come afar but a lot needs still need to be done. Autism is one such disorder where people affected by it face a lot of discrimination.

We live in a world where it is always difficult to achieve economic, social, gender and other equality. We have come afar but a lot needs still need to be done. Autism is one such disorder where people affected by it face a lot of discrimination. April 2 marks World Autism Awareness Day and let's understand what this condition is all about and why the day is significant. What is autism? The United Nations defined it as a "lifelong condition that manifests during early childhood". Also read | Kate Hudson addresses 'Music' backlash from the autism community, says it's 'important dialogue' Individuals affected by autism have "unique social interactions, non-standard ways of learning, keen interests in specific subjects, inclination to routines, challenges in typical communications and particular ways of processing sensory information." The UN also says that there is a high rate of autism across the world and lack of knowledge related to the disorder has a "tremendous" impact and lead to "stigmatization and discrimination". Also read | Patients with Autism get 'inhumane' treatment in hospitals: Report Relevance of World Autism Awareness Day In 2008, a UN convention recognised that there is a need to push universal human rights for all to protect, promote and ensure "fundamental freedoms" of persons with disabilities. Its purpose was also to promote respect for such people's "inherent dignity". The UN General Assembly then unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day to "highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society".

World Autism Awareness Day: All that you need to know

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Abhilash Mahajan

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