Dozens of the most prominent Black business leaders in America are banding together to call on companies to fight a wave of restrictive voting bills being advanced by Republicans in at least 43 states. The campaign appears to be the first time that so many powerful Black executives have organized to directly call out their peers for failing to stand up for racial justice.

The effort, led by Kenneth Chenault, a former chief executive of American Express, and Kenneth Frazier, the chief executive of Merck, is a response to the swift passage of a Georgia law that they contend makes it harder for Black people to vote. As the debate about that bill raged in recent weeks, most major corporations — including those with headquarters in Atlanta — did not take a position on the legislation.

“There is no middle ground here,” Chenault said. “You either are for more people voting, or you want to suppress the vote.”

The executives did not criticize specific companies but instead called on all of corporate America to publicly and directly oppose new laws that would restrict the rights of Black voters and to use their clout, money and lobbyists to sway the debate with lawmakers.

“This impacts all Americans, but we also need to acknowledge the history of voting rights for African Americans,” Chenault said. “And as African American executives in corporate America, what we were saying is we want corporate America to understand that, and we want them to work with us.”

The letter was signed by 72 Black executives. They included Roger Ferguson Jr., chief executive of TIAA; Mellody Hobson and John Rogers Jr., co-chief executives of Ariel Investments; Robert Smith, chief executive of Vista Equity Partners; and Raymond McGuire, a former Citigroup executive who is running for mayor of New York.

In the days before the Georgia law was passed, almost no major companies spoke out against the legislation, which introduced stricter voter identification requirements for absentee balloting, limited drop boxes and expanded the legislature’s power over elections.

Big corporations based in Atlanta, including Delta Air Lines, Coca-Cola and Home Depot, offered general statements of support for voting rights, but none took a specific stance on the bills. The same was true for most of the executives who signed the new letter, including Frazier and Chenault.

Frazier said he had paid only peripheral attention to the matter before the Georgia law was passed Thursday. “When the law passed, I started paying attention,” he said.

When Frazier realized what was in the new law, and that similar bills were being advanced in other states, he and Chenault decided to take action. On Sunday, they began emailing and texting with a group of Black executives, discussing what more corporations could do.

“There seems to be no one speaking out,” Frazier said. “We thought if we spoke up, it might lead to a situation where others felt the responsibility to speak up.”

Among the other executives who signed the letter were Ursula Burns, a former chief executive of Xerox; Richard Parsons, a former chair of Citigroup and chief executive of Time Warner; and Tony West, chief legal officer at Uber. The group of leaders, with support from the Black Economic Alliance, bought a full-page ad in the Wednesday print edition of The New York Times.

The executives are hoping that big companies will help prevent dozens of similar bills in other states from becoming law.

“The Georgia legislature was the first one,” Frazier said. “If corporate America doesn’t stand up, we’ll get these laws passed in many places in this country.”

In 2017, Frazier was the first chief executive to publicly resign from President Donald Trump’s business advisory councils after the president’s equivocating response to white nationalist violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. His resignation led other chief executives to distance themselves from Trump, and the advisory groups disbanded.

“As African American business executives, we don’t have the luxury of being bystanders to injustice,” Frazier said. “We don’t have the luxury of sitting on the sidelines when these kinds of injustices are happening all around us.”

Companies have taken stands on state legislation in recent years, often to powerful effect. In 2016 and 2017, as conservatives advanced so-called bathroom bills in states including Indiana, North Carolina, Georgia and Texas, big companies went so far as to threaten to take their business elsewhere if the laws were enacted. Those bills were never signed into law.

Last year, the Human Rights Campaign began persuading companies to sign on to a pledge that states their “clear opposition to harmful legislation aimed at restricting the access of LGBTQ people in society.” Dozens of major companies, including AT&amp;T, Facebook, Nike and Pfizer, signed on.

To Chenault, the contrast between the business community’s response to that issue and to voting restrictions that disproportionately harm Black voters was telling.

“You had 60 major companies — Amazon, Google, American Airlines — that signed on to the statement that states a very clear opposition to harmful legislation aimed at restricting the access of LGBTQ people in society,” he said. “So, you know, it is bizarre that we don’t have companies standing up to this.”

“This is not new,” Chenault added. “When it comes to race, there’s differential treatment. That’s the reality.”

Activists are calling for boycotts of Delta and Coca-Cola for their tepid engagement before the Georgia law was passed. And there are signs that other companies and sports leagues are becoming more engaged with the issue.

The head of the Major League Baseball Players Association said he “would look forward” to a discussion about moving the All-Star Game from Atlanta, where it is planned for July. And Jamie Dimon, chief executive of JPMorgan Chase, released a statement Tuesday affirming his company’s commitment to voting rights.

“Voting is fundamental to the health and future of our democracy,” he said. “We regularly encourage our employees to exercise their fundamental right to vote, and we stand against efforts that may prevent them from being able to do so.”

That language echoed statements made by many big companies before the Georgia law was passed. The executives who signed the letter are likely to seek more.

“People ask, ‘What can I do?’” Chenault said. “I’ll tell you what you can do. You can publicly oppose any discriminatory legislation and all measures designed to limit Americans’ ability to vote.” 
&nbsp;

Dozens of the most prominent Black business leaders in America are banding together to call on companies to fight a wave of restrictive voting bills being advanced by Republicans in at least 43 states.

Dozens of the most prominent Black business leaders in America are banding together to call on companies to fight a wave of restrictive voting bills being advanced by Republicans in at least 43 states. The campaign appears to be the first time that so many powerful Black executives have organized to directly call out their peers for failing to stand up for racial justice. The effort, led by Kenneth Chenault, a former chief executive of American Express, and Kenneth Frazier, the chief executive of Merck, is a response to the swift passage of a Georgia law that they contend makes it harder for Black people to vote. As the debate about that bill raged in recent weeks, most major corporations — including those with headquarters in Atlanta — did not take a position on the legislation. “There is no middle ground here,” Chenault said. “You either are for more people voting, or you want to suppress the vote.” The executives did not criticize specific companies but instead called on all of corporate America to publicly and directly oppose new laws that would restrict the rights of Black voters and to use their clout, money and lobbyists to sway the debate with lawmakers. “This impacts all Americans, but we also need to acknowledge the history of voting rights for African Americans,” Chenault said. “And as African American executives in corporate America, what we were saying is we want corporate America to understand that, and we want them to work with us.” The letter was signed by 72 Black executives. They included Roger Ferguson Jr., chief executive of TIAA; Mellody Hobson and John Rogers Jr., co-chief executives of Ariel Investments; Robert Smith, chief executive of Vista Equity Partners; and Raymond McGuire, a former Citigroup executive who is running for mayor of New York. In the days before the Georgia law was passed, almost no major companies spoke out against the legislation, which introduced stricter voter identification requirements for absentee balloting, limited drop boxes and expanded the legislature’s power over elections. Big corporations based in Atlanta, including Delta Air Lines, Coca-Cola and Home Depot, offered general statements of support for voting rights, but none took a specific stance on the bills. The same was true for most of the executives who signed the new letter, including Frazier and Chenault. Frazier said he had paid only peripheral attention to the matter before the Georgia law was passed Thursday. “When the law passed, I started paying attention,” he said. When Frazier realized what was in the new law, and that similar bills were being advanced in other states, he and Chenault decided to take action. On Sunday, they began emailing and texting with a group of Black executives, discussing what more corporations could do. “There seems to be no one speaking out,” Frazier said. “We thought if we spoke up, it might lead to a situation where others felt the responsibility to speak up.” Among the other executives who signed the letter were Ursula Burns, a former chief executive of Xerox; Richard Parsons, a former chair of Citigroup and chief executive of Time Warner; and Tony West, chief legal officer at Uber. The group of leaders, with support from the Black Economic Alliance, bought a full-page ad in the Wednesday print edition of The New York Times. The executives are hoping that big companies will help prevent dozens of similar bills in other states from becoming law. “The Georgia legislature was the first one,” Frazier said. “If corporate America doesn’t stand up, we’ll get these laws passed in many places in this country.” In 2017, Frazier was the first chief executive to publicly resign from President Donald Trump’s business advisory councils after the president’s equivocating response to white nationalist violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. His resignation led other chief executives to distance themselves from Trump, and the advisory groups disbanded. “As African American business executives, we don’t have the luxury of being bystanders to injustice,” Frazier said. “We don’t have the luxury of sitting on the sidelines when these kinds of injustices are happening all around us.” Companies have taken stands on state legislation in recent years, often to powerful effect. In 2016 and 2017, as conservatives advanced so-called bathroom bills in states including Indiana, North Carolina, Georgia and Texas, big companies went so far as to threaten to take their business elsewhere if the laws were enacted. Those bills were never signed into law. Last year, the Human Rights Campaign began persuading companies to sign on to a pledge that states their “clear opposition to harmful legislation aimed at restricting the access of LGBTQ people in society.” Dozens of major companies, including AT&T, Facebook, Nike and Pfizer, signed on. To Chenault, the contrast between the business community’s response to that issue and to voting restrictions that disproportionately harm Black voters was telling. “You had 60 major companies — Amazon, Google, American Airlines — that signed on to the statement that states a very clear opposition to harmful legislation aimed at restricting the access of LGBTQ people in society,” he said. “So, you know, it is bizarre that we don’t have companies standing up to this.” “This is not new,” Chenault added. “When it comes to race, there’s differential treatment. That’s the reality.” Activists are calling for boycotts of Delta and Coca-Cola for their tepid engagement before the Georgia law was passed. And there are signs that other companies and sports leagues are becoming more engaged with the issue. The head of the Major League Baseball Players Association said he “would look forward” to a discussion about moving the All-Star Game from Atlanta, where it is planned for July. And Jamie Dimon, chief executive of JPMorgan Chase, released a statement Tuesday affirming his company’s commitment to voting rights. “Voting is fundamental to the health and future of our democracy,” he said. “We regularly encourage our employees to exercise their fundamental right to vote, and we stand against efforts that may prevent them from being able to do so.” That language echoed statements made by many big companies before the Georgia law was passed. The executives who signed the letter are likely to seek more. “People ask, ‘What can I do?’” Chenault said. “I’ll tell you what you can do. You can publicly oppose any discriminatory legislation and all measures designed to limit Americans’ ability to vote.”

Black executives call on corporations to fight restrictive voting laws

Top Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny on Wednesday announced that he has gone on a hunger strike until he gets proper medical help to treat his severe back pain and numbness in his legs.&nbsp;

Navalny, in an Instagram post on Wednesday, said the back pain that had numbed his right leg is now causing his left one to lose sensitivity too.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/us-intel-blames-kremlin-for-poisoning-of-navalny-367726/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I have gone on a hunger strike demanding that the law be obeyed and that a visiting doctor be allowed to visit me," the post said.&nbsp;

Last week, Navalny, who is serving a 2.5-year prison sentence said he was suffering from a pinched nerve that had led his right leg to go numb.&nbsp;

He also said that guards wake him eight times every night to keep a check on him and he has to say to a recording camera that he is still in his cell.&nbsp;

In his post on Wednesday, Navalny said that instead of receiving medical attention, he was persistently "tortured with sleep deprivation".&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-navalny-says-he-risks-solitary-confinement-over-infractions-374079">Kremlin critic Navalny says he risks solitary confinement over infractions</a>

Russia's prison authority last week said that Navalny's health was in "satisfactory" condition after his lawyers and allies complained about his worsening well-being.&nbsp;

"According to the results of the examination, his state of health was assessed as stable and satisfactory," the prison service told Russian news agencies.&nbsp;

Navalny is currently serving a 2.5 years sentence on old embezzlement charges and was detained in January after returning to Russia from Germany.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Top Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny on Wednesday announced that he has gone on a hunger strike until he gets proper medical help to treat his severe back pain and numbness in his legs.

Top Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny on Wednesday announced that he has gone on a hunger strike until he gets proper medical help to treat his severe back pain and numbness in his legs. Navalny, in an Instagram post on Wednesday, said the back pain that had numbed his right leg is now causing his left one to lose sensitivity too. Watch | "I have gone on a hunger strike demanding that the law be obeyed and that a visiting doctor be allowed to visit me," the post said. Last week, Navalny, who is serving a 2.5-year prison sentence said he was suffering from a pinched nerve that had led his right leg to go numb. He also said that guards wake him eight times every night to keep a check on him and he has to say to a recording camera that he is still in his cell. In his post on Wednesday, Navalny said that instead of receiving medical attention, he was persistently "tortured with sleep deprivation". Also read | Kremlin critic Navalny says he risks solitary confinement over infractions Russia's prison authority last week said that Navalny's health was in "satisfactory" condition after his lawyers and allies complained about his worsening well-being. "According to the results of the examination, his state of health was assessed as stable and satisfactory," the prison service told Russian news agencies. Navalny is currently serving a 2.5 years sentence on old embezzlement charges and was detained in January after returning to Russia from Germany.

Navalny begins hunger strike until he receives proper medical attention

After two days, huge fire in Indonesian oil refinery doused

A senior BBC journalist said on Wednesday he had left China as he was facing pressure and legal threats for his reporting on human rights abuses in Xinjiang and the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

John Sudworth told BBC Radio 4 that he had shifted to Taiwan after working for nine years in Beijing as it was "too risky to carry on."

He added that threats from Chinese authorities have "intensified" in recent months.&nbsp;

Watch

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"The BBC has faced a full-on propaganda attack not just aimed at the organisation itself but at me personally across multiple Communist Party-controlled platforms," the journalist said.&nbsp;

He also said that he and his team faced "threats of legal action", "massive surveillance", "obstruction" and "intimidation" wherever and whenever they try to film.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/china-using-social-media-to-discredit-bbc-in-state-propaganda-campaign-says-australian-think-tank-368051">China using social media to discredit BBC in state propaganda campaign, says Australian think tank</a>

Sudworth added that police in "plainclothes" followed him during his departure from China.&nbsp;

The journalist recently has been attacked by state media and authorities for his reporting on alleged labour practices to target Uighur Muslim minorities, especially in Xinjiang's cotton industry.&nbsp;

The British broadcaster also confirmed Sudworth's relocation after state media tabloid Global Times on Wednesday reported he was "hiding" in Taiwan.&nbsp;

"John's work has exposed truths the Chinese authorities did not want the world to know," the BBC said in a statement on Twitter.&nbsp;

A senior BBC journalist said on Wednesday he had left China as he was facing pressure and legal threats for his reporting on human rights abuses in Xinjiang and the coronavirus pandemic.

A senior BBC journalist said on Wednesday he had left China as he was facing pressure and legal threats for his reporting on human rights abuses in Xinjiang and the coronavirus pandemic. John Sudworth told BBC Radio 4 that he had shifted to Taiwan after working for nine years in Beijing as it was "too risky to carry on." He added that threats from Chinese authorities have "intensified" in recent months. Watch "The BBC has faced a full-on propaganda attack not just aimed at the organisation itself but at me personally across multiple Communist Party-controlled platforms," the journalist said. He also said that he and his team faced "threats of legal action", "massive surveillance", "obstruction" and "intimidation" wherever and whenever they try to film. Also read | China using social media to discredit BBC in state propaganda campaign, says Australian think tank Sudworth added that police in "plainclothes" followed him during his departure from China. The journalist recently has been attacked by state media and authorities for his reporting on alleged labour practices to target Uighur Muslim minorities, especially in Xinjiang's cotton industry. The British broadcaster also confirmed Sudworth's relocation after state media tabloid Global Times on Wednesday reported he was "hiding" in Taiwan. "John's work has exposed truths the Chinese authorities did not want the world to know," the BBC said in a statement on Twitter.

'Too risky to carry on': BBC journalist leaves China after facing threats, intimidation

The European Union drug regulator said on Wednesday that it has not identified any "specific risk factors" of the Oxford-AstraZeneca <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus&nbsp;vaccine</a>, but is carrying out further analysis.&nbsp;

"At present, the review has not identified any specific risk factors, such as age, gender or a previous medical history of clotting disorders, for these very rare events," the European Medicines Agency in a statement said.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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The announcement comes after some European countries have limited its use only to the elderly population.&nbsp;

The German government on Tuesday said that Oxford-AstraZeneca's vaccine will be used only for over 60-year-olds after the country's regulatory body found "very rare but very serious cases of thrombosis".&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/biontech-pfizer-say-their-covid-19-vaccine-has-100-efficacy-in-12-15-year-olds-374524">BioNTech-Pfizer say their Covid-19 vaccine has 100% efficacy in 12-15 year olds</a>

Der Spiegel magazine on Tuesday reported that Germany's medicines regulator has confirmed 31 cases of blood clots in people vaccinated with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and nearly all cases were being detected in young and middle-aged women.

Canada on Monday also halted the drug's use for people under-55s "pending further analysis".&nbsp;

In France, the vaccine can only be used by people over 55s and Spain has taken the same measure for those under-65.&nbsp;

Earlier, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the EU's health body both have shrugged off blood clot fears related to the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, calling it safe to use after probes.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The European Union drug regulator said on Wednesday that it has not identified any "specific risk factors" of the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, but is carrying out further analysis.

The European Union drug regulator said on Wednesday that it has not identified any "specific risk factors" of the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, but is carrying out further analysis. "At present, the review has not identified any specific risk factors, such as age, gender or a previous medical history of clotting disorders, for these very rare events," the European Medicines Agency in a statement said. Watch | The announcement comes after some European countries have limited its use only to the elderly population. The German government on Tuesday said that Oxford-AstraZeneca's vaccine will be used only for over 60-year-olds after the country's regulatory body found "very rare but very serious cases of thrombosis". Also read | BioNTech-Pfizer say their Covid-19 vaccine has 100% efficacy in 12-15 year olds Der Spiegel magazine on Tuesday reported that Germany's medicines regulator has confirmed 31 cases of blood clots in people vaccinated with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and nearly all cases were being detected in young and middle-aged women. Canada on Monday also halted the drug's use for people under-55s "pending further analysis". In France, the vaccine can only be used by people over 55s and Spain has taken the same measure for those under-65. Earlier, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the EU's health body both have shrugged off blood clot fears related to the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, calling it safe to use after probes.

EU says no age-related risk of AstraZeneca vaccine found so far

Artificial satellites and space waste orbiting the Earth can make the night sky brighter, researchers have found, warning that light pollution from these could affect astronomers work to study the universe.&nbsp;

The European Space Agency (ESA) said that more than 9,200 tonnes of space objects present in the Earth's orbit, that include defunct satellites, reports The Guardian.&nbsp;

Such objects not just capable of light pollution, but also poses a collision risk.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-observe-most-pristine-comet-from-outer-space-in-solar-system-374505">Astronomers observe most 'pristine' comet from outer space in Solar system</a>

Scientists in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society detail how sunlight that is reflected and scattered from space objects can look like streaks in observations made by telescopes from the ground.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-reveal-how-human-heart-adapts-to-space-374276">Researchers reveal how human heart adapts to space</a>

"Because the streaks are often comparable to or brighter than objects of astrophysical interest, their presence tends to compromise astronomical data and poses the threat of irretrievable loss of information," the researchers wrote.&nbsp;

They also said, "when observed with relatively low-sensitivity detectors like the unaided human eye, or with low-angular-resolution photometers, their combined effect is that of a diffuse night sky brightness component, much like the unresolved integrated starlight background of the Milky Way."

According to their calculations, the glow could rise up to 10 per cent of the natural sky brightness, a light pollution level earlier set by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) as being the limit that is acceptable at astronomical observatory regions.&nbsp;

Though the scientists stress that natural levels of brightness have their own challenges, they said the current situation could become worse once more satellites, including "mega-constellations", are launched.

 
&nbsp;

Artificial satellites and space waste orbiting the Earth can make the night sky brighter, researchers have found, warning that light pollution from these could affect astronomers work to study the universe.

Artificial satellites and space waste orbiting the Earth can make the night sky brighter, researchers have found, warning that light pollution from these could affect astronomers work to study the universe. The European Space Agency (ESA) said that more than 9,200 tonnes of space objects present in the Earth's orbit, that include defunct satellites, reports The Guardian. Such objects not just capable of light pollution, but also poses a collision risk. Also read | Astronomers observe most 'pristine' comet from outer space in Solar system Scientists in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society detail how sunlight that is reflected and scattered from space objects can look like streaks in observations made by telescopes from the ground. Also read | Researchers reveal how human heart adapts to space "Because the streaks are often comparable to or brighter than objects of astrophysical interest, their presence tends to compromise astronomical data and poses the threat of irretrievable loss of information," the researchers wrote. They also said, "when observed with relatively low-sensitivity detectors like the unaided human eye, or with low-angular-resolution photometers, their combined effect is that of a diffuse night sky brightness component, much like the unresolved integrated starlight background of the Milky Way." According to their calculations, the glow could rise up to 10 per cent of the natural sky brightness, a light pollution level earlier set by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) as being the limit that is acceptable at astronomical observatory regions. Though the scientists stress that natural levels of brightness have their own challenges, they said the current situation could become worse once more satellites, including "mega-constellations", are launched.

Light pollution from satellites, space waste poses risk to astronomy

BioNTECh-Pfizer claimed on Wednesday that their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine </a>has an efficacy of 100 per cent in the 12 to 15-year-old age group.&nbsp;

Phase 3 trials conducted on 2,260 adolescents in the US showed "100 per cent efficacy and robust antibody responses", the pharma giants said in a statement.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-will-need-new-vaccine-to-fight-covid-19-in-a-year-374419/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We plan to submit these data to (US regulator) FDA as a proposed amendment to our Emergency Use Authorisation in the coming weeks and to other regulators around the world, with the hope of starting to vaccinate this age group before the start of the next school year," Pfizer chief executive Albert Bourla was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

BioNTech CEO said the vaccine's results on teens were "very encouraging given the trends we have seen in recent weeks regarding the spread of the B.1.1.7 UK variant".&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-whos-accusation-of-not-sharing-covid-data-374468">China denies WHO's accusation of not sharing COVID data</a>

The vaccine, approved by the Western nations last year, uses mRNA technology.

It is approved for people aged 16 and above in the US and the European Union.&nbsp;

A real-world study of 1.2 million people in Israel found that the vaccine is 94 per cent effective.&nbsp;

Last week, BioNTech-Pfizer started studies to find the drug's effect on children, with the age group of 5-11 being the first to get the vaccine.

BioNTECh-Pfizer claimed on Wednesday that their coronavirus vaccine has an efficacy of 100 per cent in the 12 to 15-year-old age group. Phase 3 trials conducted on 2,260 adolescents in the US showed "100 per cent efficacy and robust antibody responses", the pharma giants said in a statement.

BioNTECh-Pfizer claimed on Wednesday that their coronavirus vaccine has an efficacy of 100 per cent in the 12 to 15-year-old age group. Phase 3 trials conducted on 2,260 adolescents in the US showed "100 per cent efficacy and robust antibody responses", the pharma giants said in a statement. Watch | "We plan to submit these data to (US regulator) FDA as a proposed amendment to our Emergency Use Authorisation in the coming weeks and to other regulators around the world, with the hope of starting to vaccinate this age group before the start of the next school year," Pfizer chief executive Albert Bourla was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. BioNTech CEO said the vaccine's results on teens were "very encouraging given the trends we have seen in recent weeks regarding the spread of the B.1.1.7 UK variant". Also read | China denies WHO's accusation of not sharing COVID data The vaccine, approved by the Western nations last year, uses mRNA technology. It is approved for people aged 16 and above in the US and the European Union. A real-world study of 1.2 million people in Israel found that the vaccine is 94 per cent effective. Last week, BioNTech-Pfizer started studies to find the drug's effect on children, with the age group of 5-11 being the first to get the vaccine.

BioNTech-Pfizer say their Covid-19 vaccine has 100% efficacy in 12-15 year olds

Salt was manufactured by neolithic people about 6,000 years ago, before the building of Stonehenge and over two millennia earlier than was first considered, a new discovery has found.&nbsp;

Excavations at a region at Street House farm in North Yorkshire have brought out evidence of the earliest salt production site ever discovered in Britain, which existed at about 3,800 BC.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-another-archaeological-discovery-ancient-churches-rooms-found-in-egypt-370443">In another archaeological discovery, ancient churches, rooms found in Egypt</a>

The findings include a trench containing three hearths, broken shards of neolithic pottery, some still filled with salt deposits, and a storage pit, all significant evidence of salt processing, reports The Guardian.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/archaeologists-uncover-ancient-ceremonial-carriage-near-pompeii-366683">Archaeologists uncover ancient ceremonial carriage near Pompeii</a>

The discovery is "spectacular and of national significance," says Steve Sherlock, the archaeologist who led the excavations.&nbsp;

Many bronze salt-working sites are known in the UK, the earliest amongst which dates to around 1,400 BC.&nbsp;

Though neolithic salterns have been found in Europe, particularly in Poland and the Balkans, no such sites were found in Britain.&nbsp;

The research is published in the peer-reviewed journal Antiquity in June.&nbsp;

Sherlock called the people who were processing salt here "pioneers" and said they had cleared oak and elm forests to form their settlements.&nbsp;

He added that the pottery found was brought by people who arrived from northern France about 4,000 BC, and "the salt-working technology probably arrived with these migrating people". 
&nbsp;

Salt was manufactured by neolithic people about 6,000 years ago, before the building of Stonehenge and over two millennia earlier than was first considered, a new discovery has found.

Salt was manufactured by neolithic people about 6,000 years ago, before the building of Stonehenge and over two millennia earlier than was first considered, a new discovery has found. Excavations at a region at Street House farm in North Yorkshire have brought out evidence of the earliest salt production site ever discovered in Britain, which existed at about 3,800 BC. Also read | In another archaeological discovery, ancient churches, rooms found in Egypt The findings include a trench containing three hearths, broken shards of neolithic pottery, some still filled with salt deposits, and a storage pit, all significant evidence of salt processing, reports The Guardian. Also read | Archaeologists uncover ancient ceremonial carriage near Pompeii The discovery is "spectacular and of national significance," says Steve Sherlock, the archaeologist who led the excavations. Many bronze salt-working sites are known in the UK, the earliest amongst which dates to around 1,400 BC. Though neolithic salterns have been found in Europe, particularly in Poland and the Balkans, no such sites were found in Britain. The research is published in the peer-reviewed journal Antiquity in June. Sherlock called the people who were processing salt here "pioneers" and said they had cleared oak and elm forests to form their settlements. He added that the pottery found was brought by people who arrived from northern France about 4,000 BC, and "the salt-working technology probably arrived with these migrating people".

6,000-year-old salt hub discovered in UK

Much credit for Bangladesh's incredible rise goes to Sheikh Hasina Wajed, the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the longest-serving prime minister of the country.&nbsp;

She is one of the only two women heads of state in Asia.&nbsp;

Her soft manner and steely determination have often been discussed, but the world knows little about her political journey and her contribution to the growth of Bangladesh.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-story-of-sheikh-hasina-373524/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hasina's journey has been a fascinating one as has seen military rule, detention and has lived in exile.

She has even survived assassination attempts.

Her political career began in the late 1960s when she served as her father's political messenger during his numerous stints in jail.

In 1975, she was in West Germany when her father, mother and three brothers were assassinated.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladeshs-report-card-of-50-years-is-here-and-it-is-glorious-373522">Bangladesh's report card of 50 years is here, and it is glorious</a>

She was left with no one but her sister and the incumbent PM spent the next six years of her life in exile in India.

It was during this self-exile that Hasina was elected as the president of the Awami League.

On her return to Dhaka in 1981, she became a prominent and outspoken advocate for democracy.

In the years that followed, she fought the military generals of Bangladesh and initiated several steps to secure basic human rights for her countrymen.&nbsp;

In 1996, Hasina became the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the first time and in her first stint, she achieved laudable successes in many fields.

The most significant achievements were the 30-year Ganges water-sharing treaty with India, the peace accord on the Chittagong hill tracts, construction of the Bangabandhu Bridge, allowances for distressed women, widows and the disabled and the 'Ashrayan' project aimed at eradicating homelessness.

In 2009, she was re-elected and this time she oversaw the resolution of maritime disputes with Myanmar and India.

Bangladesh's GDP growth surged to 6 per cent and an estimated 50 million Bangladeshis were elevated to the middle-income group.

There was a slump in the poverty level from 38 per cent in 2006 to 24 per cent in 2013.

In 2014, she secured the top office for the third time and the per capita income of Bangladesh rose to &nbsp;$1,602 with the poverty rate slumping further to 22.4 per cent.&nbsp;

The forex reserves rose to $32 billion and in 2017, Bangladesh's GDP stood at $250 billion dollars.

In 2019, the annual GDP growth was 8.15 per cent.&nbsp;

Hasina has been bestowed with several honours, including the Mother Teresa award in 1998 and the Indira Gandhi Peace Award in 2009.

She has also received the Unesco 'Peace Tree' award in 2014 and has featured on 59th place in the 2015 Forbes' list of 100 Most Powerful Women.

In 2018, she received praise for accepting Rohingya refugees.

She is also known for her wit and gentle diplomacy, but like any other leader, she's not been able to escape some controversies.

Some say that under her tenure Bangladesh has witnessed democratic backsliding.

It is an accusation which gets complex, the deeper one tries to dig. 
&nbsp;

Much credit for Bangladesh's incredible rise goes to Sheikh Hasina Wajed, the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the longest-serving prime minister of the country.

Much credit for Bangladesh's incredible rise goes to Sheikh Hasina Wajed, the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the longest-serving prime minister of the country. She is one of the only two women heads of state in Asia. Her soft manner and steely determination have often been discussed, but the world knows little about her political journey and her contribution to the growth of Bangladesh. Watch | Hasina's journey has been a fascinating one as has seen military rule, detention and has lived in exile. She has even survived assassination attempts. Her political career began in the late 1960s when she served as her father's political messenger during his numerous stints in jail. In 1975, she was in West Germany when her father, mother and three brothers were assassinated. Also read | Bangladesh's report card of 50 years is here, and it is glorious She was left with no one but her sister and the incumbent PM spent the next six years of her life in exile in India. It was during this self-exile that Hasina was elected as the president of the Awami League. On her return to Dhaka in 1981, she became a prominent and outspoken advocate for democracy. In the years that followed, she fought the military generals of Bangladesh and initiated several steps to secure basic human rights for her countrymen. In 1996, Hasina became the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the first time and in her first stint, she achieved laudable successes in many fields. The most significant achievements were the 30-year Ganges water-sharing treaty with India, the peace accord on the Chittagong hill tracts, construction of the Bangabandhu Bridge, allowances for distressed women, widows and the disabled and the 'Ashrayan' project aimed at eradicating homelessness. In 2009, she was re-elected and this time she oversaw the resolution of maritime disputes with Myanmar and India. Bangladesh's GDP growth surged to 6 per cent and an estimated 50 million Bangladeshis were elevated to the middle-income group. There was a slump in the poverty level from 38 per cent in 2006 to 24 per cent in 2013. In 2014, she secured the top office for the third time and the per capita income of Bangladesh rose to $1,602 with the poverty rate slumping further to 22.4 per cent. The forex reserves rose to $32 billion and in 2017, Bangladesh's GDP stood at $250 billion dollars. In 2019, the annual GDP growth was 8.15 per cent. Hasina has been bestowed with several honours, including the Mother Teresa award in 1998 and the Indira Gandhi Peace Award in 2009. She has also received the Unesco 'Peace Tree' award in 2014 and has featured on 59th place in the 2015 Forbes' list of 100 Most Powerful Women. In 2018, she received praise for accepting Rohingya refugees. She is also known for her wit and gentle diplomacy, but like any other leader, she's not been able to escape some controversies. Some say that under her tenure Bangladesh has witnessed democratic backsliding. It is an accusation which gets complex, the deeper one tries to dig.

Sheikh Hasina: Leader who overcame all odds to push Bangladesh's success story

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden </a>on Thursday set a new goal of administering 200 million doses of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine </a>within his first 100 days in office, a target which is double of what he originally promised.&nbsp;

"Today I'm setting a second goal, and that is, we will by my 100th day in office have administered 200 million shots in people's arms," Biden said in his first press conference since becoming the president on January 20.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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"I know it's ambitious, twice our original goal," Biden added.&nbsp;

"But no other country in the world has even come close -- not even close -- to what we are doing, and I believe we can do it."

Biden also said that as of Wednesday more than 100 million payments of $1,400 each have been credited to the people of this country as Covid-19 relief.&nbsp;

"As of yesterday, more than 100 million payments of $1,400 have gone into people's bank accounts. That's real money in people's pockets bringing relief instantly almost, and millions more will be getting their money very soon".

Let's take a look at what the US president spoke about other important issues.&nbsp;

On North Korea

Biden also responded to North Korea testing ballistic missiles, saying that the United States will "respond accordingly" if Pyongyang increases its missile testing.

"We are consulting with our partners and allies," Biden said. "And there will be responses if they choose to escalate.

"We will respond accordingly."

But, he hinted at "some form of diplomacy" with North Korea, conditional "upon the end result of denuclearization".&nbsp;

On troops withdrawal in Afghanistan

The US president insisted that it will be "hard" to meet the May 1 deadline to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan as part of Washington's deal with the Taliban.&nbsp;

"It is going to be hard to meet the May 1 deadline in terms of tactical reasons. It's hard to get those troops out," Biden said. &nbsp;

However, when asked whether US soldiers in Afghanistan will completely leave Afghanistan, he said "We will leave, the question is when".&nbsp;

On another run in 2024

The 78-year-old president also highlighted that he plans to run for re-election in 2024, adding that he "would fully expect" that Vice President Kamala Harris would be on board.&nbsp;

"My plan is to run for reelection. That's my expectation," Biden said.&nbsp;

Not 'confrontation', but 'steep competition' with China

Speaking about the US's strategy on arch-rival China, Biden said that his administration is not seeking a "confrontation", but a "steep competition".&nbsp;

He also called his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping an autocrat &nbsp;who "doesn't have a democratic -- with a small 'd' -- bone in his body."

"I told him in person on several occasions we're not looking for confrontation, though we know that there will be steep, steep competition," the US president said.&nbsp;

On migrant crisis

Biden also said that undocumented immigrants entering the US has hit crisis levels and added that the surge is a seasonal problem occurring every year.&nbsp;

"There is a significant increase in the number of people coming to the border in the winter months of January, February, March. It happens every year," he said. &nbsp;

He also said that his administration is committed to let&nbsp;unaccompanied migrant children enter the country on humanitarian grounds.&nbsp;

"We are sending back the vast majority of the families that are coming," the US president said.

"They should all be going back." 
&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on Thursday set a new goal of administering 200 million doses of coronavirus vaccine within his first 100 days in office, a target which is double of what he originally promised.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday set a new goal of administering 200 million doses of coronavirus vaccine within his first 100 days in office, a target which is double of what he originally promised. "Today I'm setting a second goal, and that is, we will by my 100th day in office have administered 200 million shots in people's arms," Biden said in his first press conference since becoming the president on January 20. Watch | #LIVE | US President @JoeBiden holds his first press conference over 60 days since taking office https://t.co/SvN0yU8QNC — WION (@WIONews) March 25, 2021 × "I know it's ambitious, twice our original goal," Biden added. "But no other country in the world has even come close -- not even close -- to what we are doing, and I believe we can do it." Biden also said that as of Wednesday more than 100 million payments of $1,400 each have been credited to the people of this country as Covid-19 relief. "As of yesterday, more than 100 million payments of $1,400 have gone into people's bank accounts. That's real money in people's pockets bringing relief instantly almost, and millions more will be getting their money very soon". Let's take a look at what the US president spoke about other important issues. On North Korea Biden also responded to North Korea testing ballistic missiles, saying that the United States will "respond accordingly" if Pyongyang increases its missile testing. "We are consulting with our partners and allies," Biden said. "And there will be responses if they choose to escalate. "We will respond accordingly." But, he hinted at "some form of diplomacy" with North Korea, conditional "upon the end result of denuclearization". On troops withdrawal in Afghanistan The US president insisted that it will be "hard" to meet the May 1 deadline to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan as part of Washington's deal with the Taliban. "It is going to be hard to meet the May 1 deadline in terms of tactical reasons. It's hard to get those troops out," Biden said. However, when asked whether US soldiers in Afghanistan will completely leave Afghanistan, he said "We will leave, the question is when". On another run in 2024 The 78-year-old president also highlighted that he plans to run for re-election in 2024, adding that he "would fully expect" that Vice President Kamala Harris would be on board. "My plan is to run for reelection. That's my expectation," Biden said. Not 'confrontation', but 'steep competition' with China Speaking about the US's strategy on arch-rival China, Biden said that his administration is not seeking a "confrontation", but a "steep competition". He also called his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping an autocrat who "doesn't have a democratic -- with a small 'd' -- bone in his body." "I told him in person on several occasions we're not looking for confrontation, though we know that there will be steep, steep competition," the US president said. On migrant crisis Biden also said that undocumented immigrants entering the US has hit crisis levels and added that the surge is a seasonal problem occurring every year. "There is a significant increase in the number of people coming to the border in the winter months of January, February, March. It happens every year," he said. He also said that his administration is committed to let unaccompanied migrant children enter the country on humanitarian grounds. "We are sending back the vast majority of the families that are coming," the US president said. "They should all be going back."

From North Korea to re-run in 2024: Biden addresses first press conference

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday immediately called for a donation of 10 million <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine </a>doses so that all the countries could begin their vaccination campaign within the first 100 days of this year.&nbsp;

WHO's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the rush to receive Covid-19 vaccines had delayed supply for Covax scheme that can deliver doses to poorer nations.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/who-says-global-covid-19-vaccine-inequality-becoming-grotesque-372521/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He added that there are 36 countries that had not received even a single dose and 16 of those were scheduled to receive their first doses through Covax in the remaining 15 of the first 100 days of 2021.&nbsp;

This implied that 20 countries would still going to miss out on receiving vaccines.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/who-lashes-out-at-unequal-vaccine-distribution-372409">WHO lashes out at unequal vaccine distribution</a>

"Getting all countries started by day 100 is a solvable problem. Covax needs 10 million doses immediately as an urgent stop-gap measure so these 20 countries can start vaccinating their health workers and older people within the next two weeks," WHO's director-general Tedros said.&nbsp;

"So today I'm asking countries with doses of vaccines that have WHO emergency use listing to donate as many doses as they can to help us meet that target."

"Ten million doses is not much and it is not nearly enough, but it is a start."

Covax intends to deliver vaccines to 92 of the world's poorest nations and vaccinate up to 27 per cent of these countries' population by the end of this year.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday immediately called for a donation of 10 million coronavirus vaccine doses so that all the countries could begin their vaccination campaign within the first 100 days of this year.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday immediately called for a donation of 10 million coronavirus vaccine doses so that all the countries could begin their vaccination campaign within the first 100 days of this year. WHO's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the rush to receive Covid-19 vaccines had delayed supply for Covax scheme that can deliver doses to poorer nations. Watch | He added that there are 36 countries that had not received even a single dose and 16 of those were scheduled to receive their first doses through Covax in the remaining 15 of the first 100 days of 2021. This implied that 20 countries would still going to miss out on receiving vaccines. Also read | WHO lashes out at unequal vaccine distribution "Getting all countries started by day 100 is a solvable problem. Covax needs 10 million doses immediately as an urgent stop-gap measure so these 20 countries can start vaccinating their health workers and older people within the next two weeks," WHO's director-general Tedros said. "So today I'm asking countries with doses of vaccines that have WHO emergency use listing to donate as many doses as they can to help us meet that target." "Ten million doses is not much and it is not nearly enough, but it is a start." Covax intends to deliver vaccines to 92 of the world's poorest nations and vaccinate up to 27 per cent of these countries' population by the end of this year.

WHO calls for immediate release of 10 million Covid-19 vaccine doses

What happened on Day 1 of PM Modi's historic visit to Bangladesh

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Zee News Rajasthan

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