The United States on Friday confirmed its participation in the meeting on the Iran nuclear deal next week and offered to talk directly with Tehran.&nbsp;

"These remain early days, and we don't anticipate an immediate breakthrough as there will be difficult discussions ahead. But we believe this is a healthy step forward," State Department spokesman Ned Price was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"We do not anticipate presently that there will be direct talks between the United States and Iran through this process, though the United States remains open to them."

Earlier on Friday, the European Union (EU) announced an in-person meeting of all parties in Vienna of the 2015 nuclear deal, named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, from which the US under former president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;pulled off.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-rejects-meeting-us-at-nuclear-deal-talks-in-vienna-375001">Iran rejects meeting US at nuclear deal talks in Vienna</a>

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif confirmed the Islamic Republic's presence in the meeting, but denied any meeting with the US, calling it "unnecessary".&nbsp;

The meeting aimed to "rapidly finalise sanction-lifting and nuclear measures for choreographed removal of all sanctions, followed by Iran ceasing remedial measures," Zarif said.&nbsp;

"No Iran-US meeting. Unnecessary," the Iranian foreign minister wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;has said that Washington would return to the nuclear accord if Tehran agrees to follow its commitments under the deal.

However, Iran has insisted on lifting off the sanctions imposed under Trump before beginning any negotiations.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The United States on Friday confirmed its participation in the meeting on the Iran nuclear deal next week and offered to talk directly with Tehran. "These remain early days, and we don't anticipate an immediate breakthrough as there will be difficult discussions ahead.

The United States on Friday confirmed its participation in the meeting on the Iran nuclear deal next week and offered to talk directly with Tehran. "These remain early days, and we don't anticipate an immediate breakthrough as there will be difficult discussions ahead. But we believe this is a healthy step forward," State Department spokesman Ned Price was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. "We do not anticipate presently that there will be direct talks between the United States and Iran through this process, though the United States remains open to them." Earlier on Friday, the European Union (EU) announced an in-person meeting of all parties in Vienna of the 2015 nuclear deal, named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, from which the US under former president Donald Trump pulled off. Also read | Iran rejects meeting US at nuclear deal talks in Vienna Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif confirmed the Islamic Republic's presence in the meeting, but denied any meeting with the US, calling it "unnecessary". The meeting aimed to "rapidly finalise sanction-lifting and nuclear measures for choreographed removal of all sanctions, followed by Iran ceasing remedial measures," Zarif said. "No Iran-US meeting. Unnecessary," the Iranian foreign minister wrote on Twitter. US President Joe Biden has said that Washington would return to the nuclear accord if Tehran agrees to follow its commitments under the deal. However, Iran has insisted on lifting off the sanctions imposed under Trump before beginning any negotiations.

US confirms participation in nuclear deal meet, 'open' to talk with Iran

Researchers have identified about 2,000 people who have lost their lives in over 150 massacres by soldiers, paramilitaries and insurgents in the conflicting Tigray region.&nbsp;

The youngest victims were infants and the oldest in their 90s.&nbsp;

The reports of a network of informants in the northern Ethiopian province who work for a team at the University of Ghent in Belgium helped in the identifications, reports The Guardian.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/exclusive-ethiopian-envoy-tizita-mulugeta-to-india-says-humanitarian-aid-being-delivered-366444/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Media reports and other sources were used by the team, who is studying the Tigray conflict since it started last year, to crosscheck the identifications.&nbsp;

The findings can raise global pressure on Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who has stressed that the reports of mass killings and other sufferings are exaggerated.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/ethiopia-risks-lengthy-stalemate-in-war-hit-tigray-report-says-374935">Ethiopia risks lengthy stalemate in war-hit Tigray, report says</a>

Ethiopia sent troops in November in Tigray to oust the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which resulted in a larger clash in which thousands of people were killed and hundreds of thousands were displaced.&nbsp;

The researchers mentioned 20 massacres in which more than five people died and include killings of more than 250 civilians over three days in the town of Humera.&nbsp;

Jan Nyssen, a professor who led the probe and spent decades living and working in Tigray, said the report was like a "war memorial".&nbsp;

"These individuals should not be forgotten and these war crimes should be investigated … The list is to show the magnitude of what is happening. We know there are many more but … we know the name and the circumstances of these 1,900," he said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Researchers have identified about 2,000 people who have lost their lives in over 150 massacres by soldiers, paramilitaries and insurgents in the conflicting Tigray region.

Researchers have identified about 2,000 people who have lost their lives in over 150 massacres by soldiers, paramilitaries and insurgents in the conflicting Tigray region. The youngest victims were infants and the oldest in their 90s. The reports of a network of informants in the northern Ethiopian province who work for a team at the University of Ghent in Belgium helped in the identifications, reports The Guardian. Watch | Media reports and other sources were used by the team, who is studying the Tigray conflict since it started last year, to crosscheck the identifications. The findings can raise global pressure on Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who has stressed that the reports of mass killings and other sufferings are exaggerated. Also read | Ethiopia risks lengthy stalemate in war-hit Tigray, report says Ethiopia sent troops in November in Tigray to oust the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which resulted in a larger clash in which thousands of people were killed and hundreds of thousands were displaced. The researchers mentioned 20 massacres in which more than five people died and include killings of more than 250 civilians over three days in the town of Humera. Jan Nyssen, a professor who led the probe and spent decades living and working in Tigray, said the report was like a "war memorial". "These individuals should not be forgotten and these war crimes should be investigated … The list is to show the magnitude of what is happening. We know there are many more but … we know the name and the circumstances of these 1,900," he said.

Ethiopia: Researchers identify 1,900 people killed in Tigray

The Pakistan cabinet on Thursday rejected Prime Minister Imran Khan's decision to allow the import of white sugar by India.

Khan, who is also Minister-in-charge for Commerce, approved the Economic Coordination Committee's recommendation to allow sugar imports, according to a document accessed by WION.&nbsp;

<img alt="Imran Khan on sugar imports from India" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7d63c67-3c29-4ea2-9612-cda3c56486d8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2812%29_29.jpg" />

However, some minister from the Imran administration rejected the proposal over the removal of special status from the Jammu and Kashmir region.&nbsp;

Watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-u-turns-decision-to-import-of-sugar-cotton-from-india-374837/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

New Delhi in August 2019 abrogated Article 370 from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, a move that angered Islamabad and further strained ties between both nations.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/flip-flop-pakistan-makes-a-u-turn-on-import-of-cotton-sugar-from-india-citing-kashmir-374757">Flip flop! Pakistan makes a U-turn on import of cotton, sugar from India, citing Kashmir</a>

"Today, the Cabinet reviewed the ECC decision to import sugar and cotton from India and cabinet after debate came to the decision to defer the matter," Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mehmood Qureshi said.&nbsp;

"There was this impression that relations with India are progressing towards normalcy and that trade is resuming, all members including PM unequivocally express that untill India reviews its decision of Aug 5, 2019, it will not be possible to return to a normal relationship with India."

After the conclusion of the cabinet meeting, Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid told reporters that the import of sugar and cotton from India will be deferred till "India reverses its decision of removal of Article 370 from Kashmir".

According to the sources, Rashid, Qureshi, Shireen Mazari, and Asad Umar opposed the proposal by ECC of imports from India.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Pakistan cabinet on Thursday rejected Prime Minister Imran Khan's decision to allow the import of white sugar by India. Khan, who is also Minister-in-charge for Commerce, approved the Economic Coordination Committee's recommendation to allow sugar imports, according to a document accessed by WION.

The Pakistan cabinet on Thursday rejected Prime Minister Imran Khan's decision to allow the import of white sugar by India. Khan, who is also Minister-in-charge for Commerce, approved the Economic Coordination Committee's recommendation to allow sugar imports, according to a document accessed by WION. However, some minister from the Imran administration rejected the proposal over the removal of special status from the Jammu and Kashmir region. Watch | New Delhi in August 2019 abrogated Article 370 from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, a move that angered Islamabad and further strained ties between both nations. Also read | Flip flop! Pakistan makes a U-turn on import of cotton, sugar from India, citing Kashmir "Today, the Cabinet reviewed the ECC decision to import sugar and cotton from India and cabinet after debate came to the decision to defer the matter," Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mehmood Qureshi said. "There was this impression that relations with India are progressing towards normalcy and that trade is resuming, all members including PM unequivocally express that untill India reviews its decision of Aug 5, 2019, it will not be possible to return to a normal relationship with India." After the conclusion of the cabinet meeting, Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid told reporters that the import of sugar and cotton from India will be deferred till "India reverses its decision of removal of Article 370 from Kashmir". According to the sources, Rashid, Qureshi, Shireen Mazari, and Asad Umar opposed the proposal by ECC of imports from India.

Pak cabinet move against imports from India seen as overturning PM's decision

Assam recorded a voter turnout of 73.03 per cent on Thursday, while the figure stood at 80.53 per cent for West Bengal in the second phase of assembly polls in the two states.

The Election Commission said these figures were till 5 pm.

The second phase of polls in the two states were held peacefully across 21,212 polling stations spread over 69 assembly constituencies, it said.

"The voter turnout reported by 5 pm from the 39 assembly constituencies of phase 2 in Assam is 73.03 per cent. The poll percentage reported from the 30 assembly constituencies of phase 2 in West Bengal is 80.43 per cent as of 5 pm," the Commission said in a statement.

It said the "non-functioning rate" of electronic voting machines during the poll is lesser than experienced in last few polls.

During this phase, a total of 10,620 ballot units, and an equal number of control units and VVPATs were used in West Bengal.

In Assam, 10,819 ballot units, 10,592 control units and as many VVPATs were used.

One control unit, at least one ballot unit and one VVPAT form one EVM.

The poll panel later said 55 ballot units, 54 control units and 169 VVPATs were replaced in Assam during polling.

In West Bengal, 43 BUs and CUs each were replaced. A total of 192 VVPATs were replaced during polling on Thursday.

During the ongoing elections till the second phase, a record seizure of Rs. 366.09 crore have been made from both the states.

The seizure figure, which includes cash, liquor, narcotics and freebies, is more than six times the total combined seizure of Rs 60.91 crore in assembly elections of 2016, the statement said.

A total number of 1,306 cases of Model Code of Conduct violations were reported through the cVIGIL app from Assam out of which 927 were disposed as of 4.30 pm. Similarly, 14,499 cases were reported from West Bengal with 11,630 being disposed till 4.30 pm.&nbsp;

Assam recorded a voter turnout of 73.03 per cent on Thursday, while the figure stood at 80.53 per cent for West Bengal in the second phase of assembly polls in the two states.

Assam recorded a voter turnout of 73.03 per cent on Thursday, while the figure stood at 80.53 per cent for West Bengal in the second phase of assembly polls in the two states. The Election Commission said these figures were till 5 pm. The second phase of polls in the two states were held peacefully across 21,212 polling stations spread over 69 assembly constituencies, it said. "The voter turnout reported by 5 pm from the 39 assembly constituencies of phase 2 in Assam is 73.03 per cent. The poll percentage reported from the 30 assembly constituencies of phase 2 in West Bengal is 80.43 per cent as of 5 pm," the Commission said in a statement. It said the "non-functioning rate" of electronic voting machines during the poll is lesser than experienced in last few polls. During this phase, a total of 10,620 ballot units, and an equal number of control units and VVPATs were used in West Bengal. In Assam, 10,819 ballot units, 10,592 control units and as many VVPATs were used. One control unit, at least one ballot unit and one VVPAT form one EVM. The poll panel later said 55 ballot units, 54 control units and 169 VVPATs were replaced in Assam during polling. In West Bengal, 43 BUs and CUs each were replaced. A total of 192 VVPATs were replaced during polling on Thursday. During the ongoing elections till the second phase, a record seizure of Rs. 366.09 crore have been made from both the states. The seizure figure, which includes cash, liquor, narcotics and freebies, is more than six times the total combined seizure of Rs 60.91 crore in assembly elections of 2016, the statement said. A total number of 1,306 cases of Model Code of Conduct violations were reported through the cVIGIL app from Assam out of which 927 were disposed as of 4.30 pm. Similarly, 14,499 cases were reported from West Bengal with 11,630 being disposed till 4.30 pm.

Second phase polls: 80.53 per cent turnout in Bengal, 73.03 per cent in Assam till 5 pm

India on Thursday said it shares the need for a comprehensive and expert-led mechanism to expeditiously investigate the origin of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>, days after the World Health Organization (WHO) came out with a report on it.

WHO officials said data was withheld from its investigators, who travelled to China to study the origin of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-reports-over-72000-new-cases-of-coronavirus-354-new-deaths-374745/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We share the need for a comprehensive and expert-led mechanism that would expeditiously investigate the origin of COVID-19 in cooperation with all stakeholders," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

He was replying to media queries on the issue.

Bagchi said the WHO report represents an important first step in establishing the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It has listed four pathways concerning the emergence of the disease but has stressed the need for next-phase studies across the region. The report also stresses the need for further data and studies to reach robust conclusions," he said.

The MEA spokesperson also mentioned the WHO director general's comments on delays and difficulties in accessing raw data by the team conducting the study.

"It is pertinent to note that the director general of the WHO has separately raised the issue of delays and difficulties in accessing raw data for the team conducting the study," he said.

"We fully support the director general's expectation that future collaborative studies will include more timely and comprehensive data-sharing. In this connection, we also welcome his readiness to deploy additional missions," Bagchi added.&nbsp;

India on Thursday said it shares the need for a comprehensive and expert-led mechanism to expeditiously investigate the origin of the coronavirus, days after the World Health Organization (WHO) came out with a report on it.

India on Thursday said it shares the need for a comprehensive and expert-led mechanism to expeditiously investigate the origin of the coronavirus, days after the World Health Organization (WHO) came out with a report on it. WHO officials said data was withheld from its investigators, who travelled to China to study the origin of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Watch | "We share the need for a comprehensive and expert-led mechanism that would expeditiously investigate the origin of COVID-19 in cooperation with all stakeholders," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said. He was replying to media queries on the issue. Bagchi said the WHO report represents an important first step in establishing the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. "It has listed four pathways concerning the emergence of the disease but has stressed the need for next-phase studies across the region. The report also stresses the need for further data and studies to reach robust conclusions," he said. The MEA spokesperson also mentioned the WHO director general's comments on delays and difficulties in accessing raw data by the team conducting the study. "It is pertinent to note that the director general of the WHO has separately raised the issue of delays and difficulties in accessing raw data for the team conducting the study," he said. "We fully support the director general's expectation that future collaborative studies will include more timely and comprehensive data-sharing. In this connection, we also welcome his readiness to deploy additional missions," Bagchi added.

India for comprehensive, expert-led mechanism to investigate origin of Covid-19

About 33 per cent of people who earlier were hospitalised because of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>, readmitted for additional treatment within four months of getting discharged and one in eight of patients have lost their lives in the same period, doctors have said.&nbsp;

Researchers at University College London, University of Leicester, and the Office for National Statistics, compared the medical history of about 48,000 people who were admitted for Covid-19 treatments and discharged by August 31, 2020, with records from a matched control group from the general population, reports The Guardian.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biontech-pfizer-say-covid-19-jab-100-effective-on-12-15-year-olds-374643/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

These records were taken to track rates of readmission, deaths, diagnoses of diseases ranging from the kidney to liver and metabolic diseases like diabetes.&nbsp;

The study found that after 140 days, about a third of Covid-19 patients who had been discharged were readmitted and one in eight died, rates that were significantly more than seen in the control group.&nbsp;

"This is a concern and we need to take it seriously," Dr Amitava Banerjee from the Institute of Health Informatics at University College London said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-launches-biggest-vaccination-drive-as-coronavirus-cases-rise-374789">India launches biggest vaccination drive as coronavirus cases rise</a>

"We show conclusively here that this is very far from a benign illness. We need to monitor post-Covid patients so we can pick up organ impairment early on."

About 33 per cent of people who earlier were hospitalised because of coronavirus, readmitted for additional treatment within four months of getting discharged and one in eight of patients have lost their lives in the same period, doctors have said.

About 33 per cent of people who earlier were hospitalised because of coronavirus, readmitted for additional treatment within four months of getting discharged and one in eight of patients have lost their lives in the same period, doctors have said. Researchers at University College London, University of Leicester, and the Office for National Statistics, compared the medical history of about 48,000 people who were admitted for Covid-19 treatments and discharged by August 31, 2020, with records from a matched control group from the general population, reports The Guardian. Watch | These records were taken to track rates of readmission, deaths, diagnoses of diseases ranging from the kidney to liver and metabolic diseases like diabetes. The study found that after 140 days, about a third of Covid-19 patients who had been discharged were readmitted and one in eight died, rates that were significantly more than seen in the control group. "This is a concern and we need to take it seriously," Dr Amitava Banerjee from the Institute of Health Informatics at University College London said. Also read | India launches biggest vaccination drive as coronavirus cases rise "We show conclusively here that this is very far from a benign illness. We need to monitor post-Covid patients so we can pick up organ impairment early on."

About 33% of Covid-hospitalised patients readmitted within four months

Google is not celebrating April Fools' day for the second straight year in view of the coronavirus pandemic, an internal email has confirmed.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/these-tech-firms-mark-april-fools-day-for-a-different-reason-374781/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In an internal email, Marvin Chow, Google's VP of global marketing, said that the tech giant will continue the "pause" of April 1's pranks this year as "much of the world" is still facing "serious challenges" due to Covid-19, Business Insider reported.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-says-not-up-to-us-to-dictate-how-news-companies-spend-its-1-billion-374665">Google says 'not up to us' to dictate how news companies spend its $1 billion</a>

"As you will remember, last year we made the decision to pause our longstanding Google tradition of celebrating April Fools' Day, out of respect for all those fighting Covid-19. With much of the world still grappling with serious challenges, we feel we should again pause the jokes for April Fools' Day this year. Like we did last year, we should continue to find appropriate ways to bring moments of joy to our users throughout the year (e.g. Doodles, easter eggs, etc.)," the message further said.&nbsp;

The report said that Google executives sent out an internal email to managers in March in which they urged them to "pause the jokes" due to the coronavirus disruption the last year. &nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-maps-to-suggest-more-eco-friendly-routes-374459">Google Maps to suggest more 'eco-friendly' routes</a>

Recently, Google collaborated with the Indian health ministry and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to provide accurate and science-based information related to Covid-19.&nbsp;

Google is not celebrating April Fools' day for the second straight year in view of the coronavirus pandemic, an internal email has confirmed. Watch | In an internal email, Marvin Chow, Google's VP of global marketing, said that the tech giant will continue the "pause" of April 1's pranks this year as "much of the world" is still facing "serious challenges" due to Covid-19, Business Insider reported.

Google is not celebrating April Fools' day for the second straight year in view of the coronavirus pandemic, an internal email has confirmed. Watch | In an internal email, Marvin Chow, Google's VP of global marketing, said that the tech giant will continue the "pause" of April 1's pranks this year as "much of the world" is still facing "serious challenges" due to Covid-19, Business Insider reported. Also read | Google says 'not up to us' to dictate how news companies spend its $1 billion "As you will remember, last year we made the decision to pause our longstanding Google tradition of celebrating April Fools' Day, out of respect for all those fighting Covid-19. With much of the world still grappling with serious challenges, we feel we should again pause the jokes for April Fools' Day this year. Like we did last year, we should continue to find appropriate ways to bring moments of joy to our users throughout the year (e.g. Doodles, easter eggs, etc.)," the message further said. The report said that Google executives sent out an internal email to managers in March in which they urged them to "pause the jokes" due to the coronavirus disruption the last year. Also read | Google Maps to suggest more 'eco-friendly' routes Recently, Google collaborated with the Indian health ministry and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to provide accurate and science-based information related to Covid-19.

Google not celebrating April Fools' day

Ice sheet melting during the end of the last ice age may be responsible for sea levels to rise at 10 times the current rate, a study published on Thursday said.&nbsp;

Researchers from UK's Durham University used geological records to estimate that oceans across the world rose 3.6 metres per century over a 500-year period about 14,600 years ago.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-oceans-youngest-monsters-are-ready-for-glamour-shots-374485">The ocean’s youngest monsters are ready for glamour shots</a>

The findings ring an alarm bell about the massive sea-level rise we are seeing today that could inundate coastal regions and densely populated deltas.&nbsp;

It said that about 18-metre sea level rising event many have initially started from melting ice sheets in the northern hemisphere and not Antarctica as previously considered.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/global-warming-fundamentally-altering-structure-of-worlds-oceans-373140">Global warming fundamentally altering structure of world's oceans</a>

The researchers believe their work could give "vital clues" about ice sheet melting in the future and sea level rises because of climate change.&nbsp;

"We found that most of the rapid sea-level rise was due to ice sheet melt across North America and Scandinavia, with a surprisingly small contribution from Antarctica," the study's co-author Pippa Whitehouse, of Durham University's geography department was reported as saying by news agency AFP.

"The next big question is to work out what triggered the ice melt, and what impact the massive influx of meltwater had on ocean currents in the North Atlantic.&nbsp;

"This is very much on our minds today -- any disruption to the Gulf Stream, for example due to melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet, will have significant consequences for the UK climate."

 
&nbsp;

Ice sheet melting during the end of the last ice age may be responsible for sea levels to rise at 10 times the current rate, a study published on Thursday said. Researchers from UK's Durham University used geological records to estimate that oceans across the world rose 3.

Ice sheet melting during the end of the last ice age may be responsible for sea levels to rise at 10 times the current rate, a study published on Thursday said. Researchers from UK's Durham University used geological records to estimate that oceans across the world rose 3.6 metres per century over a 500-year period about 14,600 years ago. Also read | The ocean’s youngest monsters are ready for glamour shots The findings ring an alarm bell about the massive sea-level rise we are seeing today that could inundate coastal regions and densely populated deltas. It said that about 18-metre sea level rising event many have initially started from melting ice sheets in the northern hemisphere and not Antarctica as previously considered. Also read | Global warming fundamentally altering structure of world's oceans The researchers believe their work could give "vital clues" about ice sheet melting in the future and sea level rises because of climate change. "We found that most of the rapid sea-level rise was due to ice sheet melt across North America and Scandinavia, with a surprisingly small contribution from Antarctica," the study's co-author Pippa Whitehouse, of Durham University's geography department was reported as saying by news agency AFP. "The next big question is to work out what triggered the ice melt, and what impact the massive influx of meltwater had on ocean currents in the North Atlantic. "This is very much on our minds today -- any disruption to the Gulf Stream, for example due to melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet, will have significant consequences for the UK climate."

Past ice melts may be responsible for sea levels to rise 10 times faster than today: Study

Guests say it was an auspicious event when Muhammad Lukman married his wife in August on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.&nbsp;

On the day of Palm Sunday, the newlyweds strapped themselves with pressure cooker nail bombs and detonated them while driving into the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the provincial capital of Makassar.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/suicide-attack-at-a-church-in-indonesia-373917/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In January, their wedding host was shot dead by counter-terrorism forces.&nbsp;

The couple was the only fatalities in the suicide blast, but it tells about the dangerous legacy that Islamic State has brought into Southeast Asia.&nbsp;

This was the third attack in Indonesia in recent years when a husband and wife were the suicide bombers.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="wionews.com/world/newlywed-militant-suspects-blamed-in-indonesia-church-attack-374128">Newlywed militant suspects blamed in Indonesia church attack</a> &nbsp;

As many as 28 people were killed in May 2018 when six people from an Indonesian family, including four children, detonated explosives at many churches in Surabaya.&nbsp;

Less than a year later, Rullie Rian Zeke and his wife Ulfa Handayani Saleh, launched attacks at a cathedral in Jolo in the southern Philippines in which 23 people lost their lives and over 100 others received injuries.&nbsp;

"This is the unique legacy of ISIS promoting the rise of familial terrorism," Noor Huda Ismail, a visiting fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

"A number of Indonesians joined ISIS as family members."

Over 1,100 Indonesians left the nation to recruit into ISIS, sometimes taking their entire families, including infants, Sidney Jones, director of the Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC) said.

Guests say it was an auspicious event when Muhammad Lukman married his wife in August on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. On the day of Palm Sunday, the newlyweds strapped themselves with pressure cooker nail bombs and detonated them while driving into the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the provincial capital of Makassar.

Guests say it was an auspicious event when Muhammad Lukman married his wife in August on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. On the day of Palm Sunday, the newlyweds strapped themselves with pressure cooker nail bombs and detonated them while driving into the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the provincial capital of Makassar. Watch | In January, their wedding host was shot dead by counter-terrorism forces. The couple was the only fatalities in the suicide blast, but it tells about the dangerous legacy that Islamic State has brought into Southeast Asia. This was the third attack in Indonesia in recent years when a husband and wife were the suicide bombers. Also read | Newlywed militant suspects blamed in Indonesia church attack As many as 28 people were killed in May 2018 when six people from an Indonesian family, including four children, detonated explosives at many churches in Surabaya. Less than a year later, Rullie Rian Zeke and his wife Ulfa Handayani Saleh, launched attacks at a cathedral in Jolo in the southern Philippines in which 23 people lost their lives and over 100 others received injuries. "This is the unique legacy of ISIS promoting the rise of familial terrorism," Noor Huda Ismail, a visiting fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters. "A number of Indonesians joined ISIS as family members." Over 1,100 Indonesians left the nation to recruit into ISIS, sometimes taking their entire families, including infants, Sidney Jones, director of the Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC) said.

How suicide bombing families are giving Indonesia nightmares

<a href="http://wionews.com/topics/pfizer">Pfizer-BioNTech</a>&nbsp;on Thursday claimed their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine </a>offers protection at least six months after the second dose and is fully effective against the South African variant that has caused concerns worldwide.&nbsp;

The pharma giants also said that the vaccine is 95 per cent effective against severe Covid-19.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biontech-pfizer-say-covid-19-jab-100-effective-on-12-15-year-olds-374643/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The vaccine was 100 per cent effective against severe disease as defined by the US&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 95.3 per cent effective against severe Covid-19 as defined by the US Food and Drug Administration," a joint statement by the companies said.&nbsp;

The development comes a day after Pfizer-BioNTech said that their coronavirus vaccine is 100 per cent effective for children in the age group 12 to 15. &nbsp;

"It is an important step to further confirm the strong efficacy and good safety data we have seen so far," Ugur Sahin, CEO and cofounder of BioNTech said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-15-million-doses-of-johnson-johnson-coronavirus-vaccine-destroyed-374630">US: 15 million doses of Johnson &amp; Johnson coronavirus vaccine destroyed</a>

"These data also provide the first clinical results that a vaccine can effectively protect against currently circulating variants, a critical factor to reach herd immunity and end this pandemic for the global population."

For the study that is yet to be peer-reviewed, about 44,000 people participated and were given either a placebo or the vaccine.&nbsp;

Out of the 927 symptomatic Covid-19 cases, 77 were given Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine, which showed an efficacy of 91.3 per cent, according to the joint statement.&nbsp;

Pfizer-BioNTech on Thursday claimed their coronavirus vaccine offers protection at least six months after the second dose and is fully effective against the South African variant that has caused concerns worldwide.

Pfizer-BioNTech on Thursday claimed their coronavirus vaccine offers protection at least six months after the second dose and is fully effective against the South African variant that has caused concerns worldwide. The pharma giants also said that the vaccine is 95 per cent effective against severe Covid-19. Watch | "The vaccine was 100 per cent effective against severe disease as defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 95.3 per cent effective against severe Covid-19 as defined by the US Food and Drug Administration," a joint statement by the companies said. The development comes a day after Pfizer-BioNTech said that their coronavirus vaccine is 100 per cent effective for children in the age group 12 to 15. "It is an important step to further confirm the strong efficacy and good safety data we have seen so far," Ugur Sahin, CEO and cofounder of BioNTech said. Also read | US: 15 million doses of Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine destroyed "These data also provide the first clinical results that a vaccine can effectively protect against currently circulating variants, a critical factor to reach herd immunity and end this pandemic for the global population." For the study that is yet to be peer-reviewed, about 44,000 people participated and were given either a placebo or the vaccine. Out of the 927 symptomatic Covid-19 cases, 77 were given Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine, which showed an efficacy of 91.3 per cent, according to the joint statement.

Pfizer says Covid-19 vaccine offers protection for at least six months, effective against South African variant

Brazil is in the middle of a twin crisis, a pandemic that is claiming more than 3,000 lives every day and an embattled president whose military chiefs have abandoned him.

President Jair Bolsonaro is losing support among his allies and faces an uphill re-election battle next year.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-brazils-army-navy-air-force-chiefs-resign-374609/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

There are worries that Bolsonaro will stack the army and government with loyalists.

And that if the popular vote is against him possibly even can lead to a military takeover.

Our report decodes more about this.&nbsp;

It's no secret that the Brazilian president is a huge fan of former US president Donald Trump.

Not just his politics it seems, but even his television stint.

Trump's "you're fired" line from the celebrity apprentice is Bolsonaro's new favourite.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-chiefs-exit-in-new-turmoil-for-bolsonaro-after-cabinet-shake-up-374345">Military chiefs exit in new turmoil for Bolsonaro after Cabinet shake-up</a>

In the last year, the president has booted out three health ministers and on Monday he went on a firing spree as the foreign, defence and justice ministers were shown the door.

His chief of staff, attorney general and government secretary were also sacked.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro has not explained his decision and only the change of guard at the foreign office was expected.&nbsp;

Ousted minister Ernesto Araújo was a serial denier as he denied globalisation, climate change and importing vaccines against Covid-19.

The last one sealed his political fate.

Bolsonaro's plan is to fill the cabinet with his loyalists.

The president's popularity has hit rock bottom with his rhetoric on masks and lockdowns losing currency.

This reshuffle is the wiggle room he needed.&nbsp;

"These changes have two fundamental objectives, which is what it seems so far. To provide a better relationship between the executive and its legislative support base to reduce the pressure that Bolsonaro has suffered in various sectors of society and also from allies in the national congress, " Creomar De Souza, founder of Dharma political risk and strategy, said.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro plans to beat the Wuhan virus with politics.

His hero tried doing the same and ended up losing the White House.

But Bolsonaro still has a card to play: the military.

All three commanders of Brazil's armed forces have resigned, something that has happened for the first time in the country's history.&nbsp;

The president was keen on their support but the military chiefs wanted nothing to do with politics.&nbsp;

Brazil has seen this before from 1964 to 1985, a military regime ruled the country.

Since the return to democracy, the army has cultivated an apolitical image, something Bolsonaro seems intent to shred.&nbsp;

He openly boasts of the army's support, sings praises of the dictatorship and circles back to his career as an army captain.&nbsp;

Everyone in Brazil is thinking about it, but no one is saying it out loud.

<h2>Is military takeover on the cards?</h2>

The vice president says there are zero risks of that, but closer to elections things may change.

Bolsonaro is up for re-election next year and Brazilians are unlikely to forget how their president left them defenceless against the virus.&nbsp;

More than 317,000 have lost their lives due to coronavirus and Most of them could be avoided.&nbsp;

To make matters worse, a political warhorse is back in the fray.

Former president Lula da Silva has clinched a clean chit from the apex court in a corruption trial.

Opinion polls put the two leaders in a dead heat.

Bolsonaro authored the book on how not to handle a pandemic.

But, nothing in his record suggests he will not lead a military takeover.

It would be disastrous for Brazil and for Latin America.&nbsp;

Two years back, Bolsonaro watched on as the Amazon Rainforests burnt and today, he is leading Brazil's democracy into arson. 
&nbsp;

Brazil is in the middle of a twin crisis, a pandemic that is claiming more than 3,000 lives every day and an embattled president whose military chiefs have abandoned him.

Brazil is in the middle of a twin crisis, a pandemic that is claiming more than 3,000 lives every day and an embattled president whose military chiefs have abandoned him. President Jair Bolsonaro is losing support among his allies and faces an uphill re-election battle next year. Watch | There are worries that Bolsonaro will stack the army and government with loyalists. And that if the popular vote is against him possibly even can lead to a military takeover. Our report decodes more about this. It's no secret that the Brazilian president is a huge fan of former US president Donald Trump. Not just his politics it seems, but even his television stint. Trump's "you're fired" line from the celebrity apprentice is Bolsonaro's new favourite. Also read | Military chiefs exit in new turmoil for Bolsonaro after Cabinet shake-up In the last year, the president has booted out three health ministers and on Monday he went on a firing spree as the foreign, defence and justice ministers were shown the door. His chief of staff, attorney general and government secretary were also sacked. Bolsonaro has not explained his decision and only the change of guard at the foreign office was expected. Ousted minister Ernesto Araújo was a serial denier as he denied globalisation, climate change and importing vaccines against Covid-19. The last one sealed his political fate. Bolsonaro's plan is to fill the cabinet with his loyalists. The president's popularity has hit rock bottom with his rhetoric on masks and lockdowns losing currency. This reshuffle is the wiggle room he needed. "These changes have two fundamental objectives, which is what it seems so far. To provide a better relationship between the executive and its legislative support base to reduce the pressure that Bolsonaro has suffered in various sectors of society and also from allies in the national congress, " Creomar De Souza, founder of Dharma political risk and strategy, said. Bolsonaro plans to beat the Wuhan virus with politics. His hero tried doing the same and ended up losing the White House. But Bolsonaro still has a card to play: the military. All three commanders of Brazil's armed forces have resigned, something that has happened for the first time in the country's history. The president was keen on their support but the military chiefs wanted nothing to do with politics. Brazil has seen this before from 1964 to 1985, a military regime ruled the country. Since the return to democracy, the army has cultivated an apolitical image, something Bolsonaro seems intent to shred. He openly boasts of the army's support, sings praises of the dictatorship and circles back to his career as an army captain. Everyone in Brazil is thinking about it, but no one is saying it out loud. Is military takeover on the cards? The vice president says there are zero risks of that, but closer to elections things may change. Bolsonaro is up for re-election next year and Brazilians are unlikely to forget how their president left them defenceless against the virus. More than 317,000 have lost their lives due to coronavirus and Most of them could be avoided. To make matters worse, a political warhorse is back in the fray. Former president Lula da Silva has clinched a clean chit from the apex court in a corruption trial. Opinion polls put the two leaders in a dead heat. Bolsonaro authored the book on how not to handle a pandemic. But, nothing in his record suggests he will not lead a military takeover. It would be disastrous for Brazil and for Latin America. Two years back, Bolsonaro watched on as the Amazon Rainforests burnt and today, he is leading Brazil's democracy into arson.

As Bolsonaro faces heat, threat of military takeover looms

Western nations must first set their own house in order before they sit in judgement of others.

A few weeks back a lot of noise was made in the British parliament over India's farm laws.

British lawmakers accused New Delhi of cracking down on farmers, calling the situation "deeply concerning".&nbsp;

We are bringing you this story in which you can see British cops, most of whom are men dragging away a female protester as her jeans fell down, and she's left exposed in her underpants.&nbsp;

Isn't this "deeply concerning" for British lawmakers?

In pics | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/heard-of-human-rights-uk-locals-take-to-streets-to-chant-kill-the-bill-373762">'Heard of human rights?': UK locals take to streets to chant 'kill the bill</a>'

And this happened on the streets of Manchester, one of the most urban and metropolitan cities in the UK.&nbsp;

A group of around 150 demonstrators had gathered to protest against a controversial policing bill.&nbsp;

The protesters were largely peaceful and contained, but dozens of police officers arrived at the scene.&nbsp;

Prepared to crack down, they pushed and dragged away from the protesters, claiming to be just doing their job.&nbsp;

Now as for the woman who was left partially exposed, the Manchester Police said they have spoken to her and offered their apologies.&nbsp;

They say the incident was not deliberate but was indeed regrettable.&nbsp;

The question is: how many times will UK cops express their "regret" for forcefully detaining peaceful protesters?

<h2>Not a one-off incident</h2>

What happened in Manchester is not a one-off instance.

On March 13, a vigil was held in London for the killing of Sarah Everard.

She was a 33-year-old woman who was murdered on her way home.

A London cop is the main accused in the case.

And as hundreds of women gathered to express their grief and pay respects, the London Police launched a crackdown.

They arrested the women who were just trying to raise their concerns about women safety.

What has the British government done about this?

It has tabled a new bill to further increase the powers of the police. The bill is called "The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Court Bill" and it's highly problematic.

It gives the police the power of discretion to determine which protests are unlawful and must be dealt with force.&nbsp;

This has led to a national outcry with rights groups and civilians hitting the streets, calling "kill the bill".&nbsp;

They say the bill will outlaw every protest that causes discomfort to 10 Downing Street and will make it easier to convict protesters over petty charges.&nbsp;

In the last two weeks, these protests have taken place in Bristol, Birmingham, Brighton, Cambridge, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield, among others.&nbsp;

The protests have been peaceful, but the police response not so much.

In the Gravitas video of this story, you can see police brutality in the UK.

Police are using shields as weapons, hitting protesters with batons, shoving them to the ground and when all else fails, simply tossing a police club in their faces.

This is happening in Britain where the parliament is more concerned about debating rights and freedom in former colonies. 
&nbsp;

Western nations must first set their own house in order before they sit in judgement of others. A few weeks back a lot of noise was made in the British parliament over India's farm laws.

Western nations must first set their own house in order before they sit in judgement of others. A few weeks back a lot of noise was made in the British parliament over India's farm laws. British lawmakers accused New Delhi of cracking down on farmers, calling the situation "deeply concerning". We are bringing you this story in which you can see British cops, most of whom are men dragging away a female protester as her jeans fell down, and she's left exposed in her underpants. Isn't this "deeply concerning" for British lawmakers? In pics | 'Heard of human rights?': UK locals take to streets to chant 'kill the bill' And this happened on the streets of Manchester, one of the most urban and metropolitan cities in the UK. A group of around 150 demonstrators had gathered to protest against a controversial policing bill. The protesters were largely peaceful and contained, but dozens of police officers arrived at the scene. Prepared to crack down, they pushed and dragged away from the protesters, claiming to be just doing their job. Now as for the woman who was left partially exposed, the Manchester Police said they have spoken to her and offered their apologies. They say the incident was not deliberate but was indeed regrettable. The question is: how many times will UK cops express their "regret" for forcefully detaining peaceful protesters? Not a one-off incident What happened in Manchester is not a one-off instance. On March 13, a vigil was held in London for the killing of Sarah Everard. She was a 33-year-old woman who was murdered on her way home. A London cop is the main accused in the case. And as hundreds of women gathered to express their grief and pay respects, the London Police launched a crackdown. They arrested the women who were just trying to raise their concerns about women safety. What has the British government done about this? It has tabled a new bill to further increase the powers of the police. The bill is called "The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Court Bill" and it's highly problematic. It gives the police the power of discretion to determine which protests are unlawful and must be dealt with force. This has led to a national outcry with rights groups and civilians hitting the streets, calling "kill the bill". They say the bill will outlaw every protest that causes discomfort to 10 Downing Street and will make it easier to convict protesters over petty charges. In the last two weeks, these protests have taken place in Bristol, Birmingham, Brighton, Cambridge, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield, among others. The protests have been peaceful, but the police response not so much. In the Gravitas video of this story, you can see police brutality in the UK. Police are using shields as weapons, hitting protesters with batons, shoving them to the ground and when all else fails, simply tossing a police club in their faces. This is happening in Britain where the parliament is more concerned about debating rights and freedom in former colonies.

Why UK needs to look into the mirror before lecturing others

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Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Abhilash Mahajan

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