Iraqi military said on Sunday that air defences at Iraq's Ain al-Asad air base that hosts US&nbsp;forces, intercepted and shot down two drones. 
 
The military said in a statement the drones were intercepted and shot down at a round 12:30 am&nbsp;local time. 
 
On May 8, an attack by an unmanned aerial surveillance system targeted Iraq’s Ain al-Asad air base, but it caused no injuries. 
 
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Sunday's attack. Armed groups that some Iraqi officials say are backed by Iran have claimed responsibility for similar incidents in the past. 
 
A separate rocket attack late on Saturday targeted the area of the Baghdad International Airport which also hosts US&nbsp;forces, two Iraqi security sources said. There were no reported damages or casualties, they said. 
 
Iraqi security forces found a rocket launcher with a timer in a rural area in western Baghdad which was used in the attack, said one security official.

Iraqi military said on Sunday that air defences at Iraq's Ain al-Asad air base that hosts US forces, intercepted and shot down two drones. The military said in a statement the drones were intercepted and shot down at a round 12:30 am local time.

Iraqi military said on Sunday that air defences at Iraq's Ain al-Asad air base that hosts US forces, intercepted and shot down two drones. The military said in a statement the drones were intercepted and shot down at a round 12:30 am local time. On May 8, an attack by an unmanned aerial surveillance system targeted Iraq’s Ain al-Asad air base, but it caused no injuries. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Sunday's attack. Armed groups that some Iraqi officials say are backed by Iran have claimed responsibility for similar incidents in the past. A separate rocket attack late on Saturday targeted the area of the Baghdad International Airport which also hosts US forces, two Iraqi security sources said. There were no reported damages or casualties, they said. Iraqi security forces found a rocket launcher with a timer in a rural area in western Baghdad which was used in the attack, said one security official.

Two drones intercepted, shot down over Iraqi air base: Military

Senegal could begin producing COVID-19 vaccines next year under an agreement with Belgian biotech group Univercells aimed at boosting Africa's drug-manufacturing ambitions, a source involved in funding the project said. 
 
As wealthy countries begin to reopen after securing vaccine supplies early, African nations are still struggling to acquire shots. On a continent of 1.3 billion, only about 7 million have been fully vaccinated. 
 
The collaboration highlights the opportunities created by a global push to channel money and technology towards production on a continent that makes only 1% of the vaccines it requires. 
 
Univercells announced the signing of a letter of intent for collaboration with the Institut Pasteur in Senegal's capital Dakar in April. The source shared details of the proposal, which were not made public. 
 
Under the agreement, the Institut Pasteur would use vaccine production technology developed by Univercells to supply COVID-19 vaccine shots to countries across West Africa. 
 
The institute would initially begin packaging and distributing vaccines produced by Univercells in Belgium early next year, the source involved in securing financing for the collaboration said. 
 
Univercells would transfer its full production line to Senegal in the second half of 2022, the source said, adding that the company would train local staff so they could eventually run the operation. 
 
Univercells chief investment officer Kate Antrobus, when asked about the timeframe for the project, confirmed that it could send vaccine doses to Senegal early next year. 
 
She declined to comment on the exact date for a full vaccine production line in Senegal but of the timelines referenced she said: "I do not think they are unreasonable." 
 
Timing depends on Univercells securing regulatory approval for a vaccine production site in Belgium. Antrobus said that was expected "any day now". 
 
Institut Pasteur director Amadou Sall declined to comment on the timeline or size of the project but said the facility was working with donors to secure financial backing. 
 
"There is a lot of political will, I am optimistic. But it is not about momentum, it is about creating a real opportunity," he said. 
 
It is not clear yet what vaccine will be supplied to Senegal, but Antrobus said the site in Belgium would be able to manufacture a class of so-called viral vector COVID-19 vaccine, such as those developed by Johnson &amp; Johnson, AstraZeneca, Russia's Sputnik V and China's Cansino. 
 
"If COVID-19 amazingly subsides over the next year....that same capacity could be used for other viruses," Antrobus said. 
 
Univercells also has its own COVID-19 vaccine candidate, being developed with Germany's Leukocare and Italian firm ReiThera, which has completed Phase II trials. It is seeking financing to carry out Phase III, which the Italian government said it is ready to fund.

(With inputs from agencies)

Senegal could begin producing COVID-19 vaccines next year under an agreement with Belgian biotech group Univercells aimed at boosting Africa's drug-manufacturing ambitions, a source involved in funding the project said.

Senegal could begin producing COVID-19 vaccines next year under an agreement with Belgian biotech group Univercells aimed at boosting Africa's drug-manufacturing ambitions, a source involved in funding the project said. As wealthy countries begin to reopen after securing vaccine supplies early, African nations are still struggling to acquire shots. On a continent of 1.3 billion, only about 7 million have been fully vaccinated. The collaboration highlights the opportunities created by a global push to channel money and technology towards production on a continent that makes only 1% of the vaccines it requires. Univercells announced the signing of a letter of intent for collaboration with the Institut Pasteur in Senegal's capital Dakar in April. The source shared details of the proposal, which were not made public. Under the agreement, the Institut Pasteur would use vaccine production technology developed by Univercells to supply COVID-19 vaccine shots to countries across West Africa. The institute would initially begin packaging and distributing vaccines produced by Univercells in Belgium early next year, the source involved in securing financing for the collaboration said. Univercells would transfer its full production line to Senegal in the second half of 2022, the source said, adding that the company would train local staff so they could eventually run the operation. Univercells chief investment officer Kate Antrobus, when asked about the timeframe for the project, confirmed that it could send vaccine doses to Senegal early next year. She declined to comment on the exact date for a full vaccine production line in Senegal but of the timelines referenced she said: "I do not think they are unreasonable." Timing depends on Univercells securing regulatory approval for a vaccine production site in Belgium. Antrobus said that was expected "any day now". Institut Pasteur director Amadou Sall declined to comment on the timeline or size of the project but said the facility was working with donors to secure financial backing. "There is a lot of political will, I am optimistic. But it is not about momentum, it is about creating a real opportunity," he said. It is not clear yet what vaccine will be supplied to Senegal, but Antrobus said the site in Belgium would be able to manufacture a class of so-called viral vector COVID-19 vaccine, such as those developed by Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Russia's Sputnik V and China's Cansino. "If COVID-19 amazingly subsides over the next year....that same capacity could be used for other viruses," Antrobus said. Univercells also has its own COVID-19 vaccine candidate, being developed with Germany's Leukocare and Italian firm ReiThera, which has completed Phase II trials. It is seeking financing to carry out Phase III, which the Italian government said it is ready to fund. (With inputs from agencies)

In boost for Africa, Senegal aims to make COVID-19 shots next year

Rescuers on Saturday recovered the body of one of at least seven workers trapped in the collapse of a mine in northern Mexico, authorities said.

Initial reports suggested the collapse was caused by flooding at the mine in the municipality of Muzquiz, in Coahuila state.

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Local authorities had reported Friday that at least seven workers were trapped in the mine, which is in Mexico's main coal-mining region.&nbsp;

"Search and rescue teams at the Micaran mine in Muzquiz, Coahuila, have unfortunately located the body of a lifeless person, which has already been recovered," the federal Civil Defense agency tweeted.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he had sent personnel from the security, labour and civil protection ministries to assist the rescue effort.

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Coahuila has seen a series of fatal mining accidents over the years.

The worst was a gas explosion that claimed 65 lives at the Pasta de Conchos mine on February 19, 2006.

The bodies of 63 miners remain at the site. The families have repeatedly appealed to the Mexican authorities to recover them.

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Last September, Lopez Obrador promised the bodies would be recovered.

Rescuers on Saturday recovered the body of one of at least seven workers trapped in the collapse of a mine in northern Mexico, authorities said. Initial reports suggested the collapse was caused by flooding at the mine in the municipality of Muzquiz, in Coahuila state.

Rescuers on Saturday recovered the body of one of at least seven workers trapped in the collapse of a mine in northern Mexico, authorities said. Initial reports suggested the collapse was caused by flooding at the mine in the municipality of Muzquiz, in Coahuila state. Also Read | Mexico mine collapse leaves seven workers trapped Local authorities had reported Friday that at least seven workers were trapped in the mine, which is in Mexico's main coal-mining region. "Search and rescue teams at the Micaran mine in Muzquiz, Coahuila, have unfortunately located the body of a lifeless person, which has already been recovered," the federal Civil Defense agency tweeted. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he had sent personnel from the security, labour and civil protection ministries to assist the rescue effort. Also Read | Mexico to ease capital lockdown, resume quake drills Coahuila has seen a series of fatal mining accidents over the years. The worst was a gas explosion that claimed 65 lives at the Pasta de Conchos mine on February 19, 2006. The bodies of 63 miners remain at the site. The families have repeatedly appealed to the Mexican authorities to recover them. Also Read | Mexican law halts US from turning back some migrant families Last September, Lopez Obrador promised the bodies would be recovered.

One body recovered in Mexico mine collapse, others missing

Thailand is concerned about the violence in many parts of Myanmar and wants to see the implementation of steps agreed by Southeast Asian leaders with the military junta to help end the turmoil since the February&nbsp;1 coup, the foreign ministry said on Sunday.

Myanmar's junta has shown little sign of heeding the five-point 'consensus' agreed among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April - which calls for an end to violence, political talks and the naming of a regional special envoy.

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"We have been following developments in Myanmar closely with much concern, especially incidents of violence in many parts of the country," foreign ministry spokesperson Tanee Sangrat said in a statement.

He reiterated a call for an end to the violence, the release of all detainees and the "concrete implementation of the Five-Point Consensus" as soon as possible.

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The junta has failed to impose control since seizing power from elected leader Aug San Suu Kyi, who is among more than 4,500 people detained since the coup. At least 847 have been killed, a rights group says. The army disputes that figure.

Meanwhile, daily protests against the military have evolved in parts of Myanmar into armed insurrections while decade old ethnic conflicts have flared anew.

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Opponents of the junta have voiced frustration at the lack of tough action by ASEAN and say the meeting of two representatives of the group with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing on Friday gave him greater legitimacy but brought no benefit.

Thailand has a longer border with Myanmar than any other country and fears the conflict could bring a flood of refugees. Its government is itself led by a former army chief who seized power in a coup before holding elections.

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"Much of what Thailand has done may not have been made public as we believe that quiet and discreet diplomacy between neighbours would be more effective and in line with traditional Thai diplomacy," Tanee said.

Thailand is concerned about the violence in many parts of Myanmar and wants to see the implementation of steps agreed by Southeast Asian leaders with the military junta to help end the turmoil since the February 1 coup, the foreign ministry said on Sunday.

Thailand is concerned about the violence in many parts of Myanmar and wants to see the implementation of steps agreed by Southeast Asian leaders with the military junta to help end the turmoil since the February 1 coup, the foreign ministry said on Sunday. Myanmar's junta has shown little sign of heeding the five-point 'consensus' agreed among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April - which calls for an end to violence, political talks and the naming of a regional special envoy. Also Read | ASEAN envoys meet Myanmar junta leader to press for dialogue "We have been following developments in Myanmar closely with much concern, especially incidents of violence in many parts of the country," foreign ministry spokesperson Tanee Sangrat said in a statement. He reiterated a call for an end to the violence, the release of all detainees and the "concrete implementation of the Five-Point Consensus" as soon as possible. Also Read | Clashes spread to Myanmar's Ayeyarwady delta, several killed The junta has failed to impose control since seizing power from elected leader Aug San Suu Kyi, who is among more than 4,500 people detained since the coup. At least 847 have been killed, a rights group says. The army disputes that figure. Meanwhile, daily protests against the military have evolved in parts of Myanmar into armed insurrections while decade old ethnic conflicts have flared anew. Also Read | Myanmar: Shadow government urges Rohingya to fight against military junta Opponents of the junta have voiced frustration at the lack of tough action by ASEAN and say the meeting of two representatives of the group with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing on Friday gave him greater legitimacy but brought no benefit. Thailand has a longer border with Myanmar than any other country and fears the conflict could bring a flood of refugees. Its government is itself led by a former army chief who seized power in a coup before holding elections. Also Read | Lawyer for Myanmar's Suu Kyi worried over representation for secrets case "Much of what Thailand has done may not have been made public as we believe that quiet and discreet diplomacy between neighbours would be more effective and in line with traditional Thai diplomacy," Tanee said.

Thailand concerned at Myanmar violence

Twitter on Saturday removed and later restored the verified blue tick on the personal account of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu.

Officials of the Vice President Secretariat said the personal Twitter handle of Naidu @MVenkaiahNaidu was inactive for a long time and the Twitter algorithm removed the blue badge.

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They said Twitter was in the process of restoring the verification badge. The last tweet posted from the personal handle was on July 23 last year.

The officials said Twitter was contacted after they noticed this morning that the blue tick was removed. Before 10.30 am, the blue tick badge was restored, they said.

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Twitter said the account has been inactive since July 2020. It said the verified badge has now been restored. The Vice President uses the official Twitter handle @VPSecretariat to send out tweets.

Twitter on Saturday removed and later restored the verified blue tick on the personal account of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. Officials of the Vice President Secretariat said the personal Twitter handle of Naidu @MVenkaiahNaidu was inactive for a long time and the Twitter algorithm removed the blue badge.

Twitter on Saturday removed and later restored the verified blue tick on the personal account of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. Officials of the Vice President Secretariat said the personal Twitter handle of Naidu @MVenkaiahNaidu was inactive for a long time and the Twitter algorithm removed the blue badge. Also Read | Nigeria bans Twitter 'indefinitely' after Muhammadu Buhari's account suspension They said Twitter was in the process of restoring the verification badge. The last tweet posted from the personal handle was on July 23 last year. The officials said Twitter was contacted after they noticed this morning that the blue tick was removed. Before 10.30 am, the blue tick badge was restored, they said. Also Read | 'Insult to 75 million voters': Donald Trump banned for two years from Facebook Twitter said the account has been inactive since July 2020. It said the verified badge has now been restored. The Vice President uses the official Twitter handle @VPSecretariat to send out tweets.

Twitter removes and then restores blue tick on Vice Prez Naidu's personal account

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), in its meeting held under the Chairmanship of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, approved proposals concerning capital acquisitions of various equipment for the modernisation and operational needs of the armed forces amounting to approximately $60,000 million (Rs 6,000 crore).

In addition, the DAC also approved the issue of RFP for the construction of six conventional submarines under Project P 75 (I) under the Strategic Partnership (SP) Model.

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This project envisages the indigenous construction of six conventional submarines equipped with the state-of-the-art Air Independent Propulsion system at an estimated cost of $430,000 million&nbsp;(Rs 43,000 crore).

As per the official press release by the Ministry of Defence, this is a landmark approval, being the first case processed under the Strategic Partnership model.

This would be one of the largest 'Make in India' projects and will serve to facilitate faster and more significant absorption of technology and create a tiered industrial ecosystem for submarine construction in India.

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With accord of this approval, the country will be enabled to achieve its 30-year Submarine construction programme envisioned by the Government to acquire national competence in submarine construction and for the Indian industry to independently design and construct submarines in India.

This project under SP Model provides a unique long-term opportunity and planning certainty for the industry to invest and support submarine construction. It will also infuse the latest technology and weaponry for submarines in India through a strategic tie-up between the Indian Industry and leading foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs).

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There was a long pending need of the Indian Army for the modernisation of its Air Defence guns. These had been earlier procured only from foreign sources.

With the continued thrust of the Ministry of Defence towards 'AtmaNirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India', an enthusiastic response from about a dozen Indian companies was received. All of them have expressed their willingness and commitment to manufacturing this complex gun system and associated equipment by ensuring technology assimilation in India.

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Accordingly, the DAC accorded approval of procurement of Air Defence Guns and Ammunition at an approximate cost of $60,000 million (Rs 6,000 crore) under the Buy and Make (Indian) category.

Further to better equip the Armed Forces to meet the operational challenges and facilitate faster induction of required arms and ammunition, the DAC extended the timelines for progressing urgent Capital Acquisitions under the delegated powers to the Armed Forces up to August 31, 2021.

This will enable the Armed Forces to complete their emergent and critical acquisitions.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), in its meeting held under the Chairmanship of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, approved proposals concerning capital acquisitions of various equipment for the modernisation and operational needs of the armed forces amounting to approximately $60,000 million (Rs 6,000 crore).

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), in its meeting held under the Chairmanship of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, approved proposals concerning capital acquisitions of various equipment for the modernisation and operational needs of the armed forces amounting to approximately $60,000 million (Rs 6,000 crore). In addition, the DAC also approved the issue of RFP for the construction of six conventional submarines under Project P 75 (I) under the Strategic Partnership (SP) Model. Also Read | Important for India, China to reach some kind of understanding: Jaishankar at US-India Strategic Partnership Forum This project envisages the indigenous construction of six conventional submarines equipped with the state-of-the-art Air Independent Propulsion system at an estimated cost of $430,000 million (Rs 43,000 crore). As per the official press release by the Ministry of Defence, this is a landmark approval, being the first case processed under the Strategic Partnership model. This would be one of the largest 'Make in India' projects and will serve to facilitate faster and more significant absorption of technology and create a tiered industrial ecosystem for submarine construction in India. Also Read | Why Indian Army is seeking 'Future Tanks' amid tensions with China With accord of this approval, the country will be enabled to achieve its 30-year Submarine construction programme envisioned by the Government to acquire national competence in submarine construction and for the Indian industry to independently design and construct submarines in India. This project under SP Model provides a unique long-term opportunity and planning certainty for the industry to invest and support submarine construction. It will also infuse the latest technology and weaponry for submarines in India through a strategic tie-up between the Indian Industry and leading foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs). Also Read | Indian Army targets AI-powered battle tanks with eye on China There was a long pending need of the Indian Army for the modernisation of its Air Defence guns. These had been earlier procured only from foreign sources. With the continued thrust of the Ministry of Defence towards 'AtmaNirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India', an enthusiastic response from about a dozen Indian companies was received. All of them have expressed their willingness and commitment to manufacturing this complex gun system and associated equipment by ensuring technology assimilation in India. Also Read | Post-Brexit roadmap: Key takeaways from UK-India trade deal Accordingly, the DAC accorded approval of procurement of Air Defence Guns and Ammunition at an approximate cost of $60,000 million (Rs 6,000 crore) under the Buy and Make (Indian) category. Further to better equip the Armed Forces to meet the operational challenges and facilitate faster induction of required arms and ammunition, the DAC extended the timelines for progressing urgent Capital Acquisitions under the delegated powers to the Armed Forces up to August 31, 2021. This will enable the Armed Forces to complete their emergent and critical acquisitions.

Defence Acquisition Council approves RFP for construction of six submarines at $430 mn

Beijing's hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics offers concerned nations the chance to press China on its human rights record, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday.

Trudeau said China would only change its behaviour if faced with a united front, adding he would raise the matter at a Group of Seven leaders' summit next week.

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"The pressure on China right now from the international community ... is significantly acute, particularly with the Winter Olympics coming up in China next year," Trudeau told the Toronto Star in a video interview.

"It would be easy for China ... to shrug off what any one country, including just the United States alone, says. But when the global community comes together, that starts to shape their own calculations."

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Canada, locked in a major diplomatic and trade dispute with China for more than two years, is one of the world's leading winter sports nations.

Trudeau did not raise the question of athletes staying away from the Games. The Canadian Olympic Committee opposes a boycott, saying it would not force a change to China's human rights record.&nbsp;

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US&nbsp;House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi last month called for a US&nbsp;diplomatic boycott of the Games next year, citing the State Department's conclusion that genocide of Uighurs and other ethnic minorities is taking place in China.

Canada's parliament passed a nonbinding motion in February saying China's treatment of the Uighurs in the Xinjiang region constitutes genocide.

Beijing's hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics offers concerned nations the chance to press China on its human rights record, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday.

Beijing's hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics offers concerned nations the chance to press China on its human rights record, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday. Trudeau said China would only change its behaviour if faced with a united front, adding he would raise the matter at a Group of Seven leaders' summit next week. Also Read | 'Respect human rights and dignities': Taiwan's Former Defence Minister to China at WION Global Summit "The pressure on China right now from the international community ... is significantly acute, particularly with the Winter Olympics coming up in China next year," Trudeau told the Toronto Star in a video interview. "It would be easy for China ... to shrug off what any one country, including just the United States alone, says. But when the global community comes together, that starts to shape their own calculations." Also Read | Chinese solar companies tied to use of forced labor Canada, locked in a major diplomatic and trade dispute with China for more than two years, is one of the world's leading winter sports nations. Trudeau did not raise the question of athletes staying away from the Games. The Canadian Olympic Committee opposes a boycott, saying it would not force a change to China's human rights record. Also Read | US human rights report lambasts China over Uighur atrocities US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi last month called for a US diplomatic boycott of the Games next year, citing the State Department's conclusion that genocide of Uighurs and other ethnic minorities is taking place in China. Canada's parliament passed a nonbinding motion in February saying China's treatment of the Uighurs in the Xinjiang region constitutes genocide.

China's 2022 Olympics a chance to press Beijing on human rights: Canada

The world's richest countries have not done enough to combat global warming, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday, adding his country had done more than any other in the world to combat rising emissions relative to its economic means.

Pakistan, this year's host of the United Nations' annual World&nbsp;Environment&nbsp;Day&nbsp;on June 5, is among the countries worst affected by climate change, having been regularly hit by devastating floods in recent years, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and destroying swathes of agricultural land.

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"Has the developed world done enough: The answer is no," Khan said in an interview with Reuters at his official residence in Islamabad. "Emissions are from the rich countries. And I think they know they haven’t done enough."

This year's World&nbsp;Environment&nbsp;Day&nbsp;will serve as the launch of the UN&nbsp;Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, calling for urgent action to revive damaged ecosystems.

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Under Khan, Pakistan has undertaken a number of restoration projects, including a 10 billion tree-planting drive. This week Khan planted the billionth tree in that drive.

The UN&nbsp;Environment&nbsp;Programme (UNEP) said in a report released on Friday&nbsp;that over the last five years Pakistan had experienced an&nbsp;environmental turnaround after years of decline in its natural capital, but added more needed to be done.

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Khan said developing countries like Pakistan had done "more than enough" to combat global warming and climate change despite having limited budgets and an array of problems to deal with such as in education and health.

"To take so much money out as we did, proportionate to our GDP and available income, I think Pakistan has done more than any country in the world," he said.

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Aside from ecological restoration projects, Pakistan has also recently become active on the global green finance market, looking to access finance for&nbsp;environmentally friendly projects and decrease its reliance on fossil fuels.

Pakistan said the World Bank estimated the country's new plantation projects would be worth $500 million, and that the valuation could go up to $2.5 billion if carbon pricing estimates went up.

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Khan said global green financing and the valuation of natural assets provided good incentives to the developing world to protect the&nbsp;environment.

"If you can prove to the people that by protecting your&nbsp;environment&nbsp;you can actually gain something as well, that means you have more buy-in from the people," he said. "Remember: hungry people do not really care for the&nbsp;environment."

The world's richest countries have not done enough to combat global warming, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday, adding his country had done more than any other in the world to combat rising emissions relative to its economic means.

The world's richest countries have not done enough to combat global warming, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday, adding his country had done more than any other in the world to combat rising emissions relative to its economic means. Pakistan, this year's host of the United Nations' annual World Environment Day on June 5, is among the countries worst affected by climate change, having been regularly hit by devastating floods in recent years, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and destroying swathes of agricultural land. Also Read | Restoring environmental rules rolled back by Trump could take years "Has the developed world done enough: The answer is no," Khan said in an interview with Reuters at his official residence in Islamabad. "Emissions are from the rich countries. And I think they know they haven’t done enough." This year's World Environment Day will serve as the launch of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, calling for urgent action to revive damaged ecosystems. Also Read | Plants help reduce toxic mercury from environment, says study Under Khan, Pakistan has undertaken a number of restoration projects, including a 10 billion tree-planting drive. This week Khan planted the billionth tree in that drive. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said in a report released on Friday that over the last five years Pakistan had experienced an environmental turnaround after years of decline in its natural capital, but added more needed to be done. Also Read | New Zealand restricts tourism to protect environment in post-Covid world Khan said developing countries like Pakistan had done "more than enough" to combat global warming and climate change despite having limited budgets and an array of problems to deal with such as in education and health. "To take so much money out as we did, proportionate to our GDP and available income, I think Pakistan has done more than any country in the world," he said. Also Read | World Environment School is geared toward shaping a future generation for a green planet Aside from ecological restoration projects, Pakistan has also recently become active on the global green finance market, looking to access finance for environmentally friendly projects and decrease its reliance on fossil fuels. Pakistan said the World Bank estimated the country's new plantation projects would be worth $500 million, and that the valuation could go up to $2.5 billion if carbon pricing estimates went up. Also Read | Top 10 environment-friendly countries in the world Khan said global green financing and the valuation of natural assets provided good incentives to the developing world to protect the environment. "If you can prove to the people that by protecting your environment you can actually gain something as well, that means you have more buy-in from the people," he said. "Remember: hungry people do not really care for the environment."

Rich states haven't done enough for the environment: Pakistan PM

Here is WION's daily morning news brief with what’s happening around the world today.

AS US troops continue their withdrawal from the war-torn country, US Secretary of States Anthony Blinken has announced more than $266 million in additional humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, intended mainly for the country's COVID-19&nbsp;response. While the World Health Organisation is yet to give clearance to the Russian coronavirus vaccine Sputnik-V, Russia's President Vladimir Putin defended the vaccine saying&nbsp;that Russian authorities had not registered a single fatality linked to the coronavirus vaccine.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read the full story: 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sending-2665-million-in-aid-to-afghanistan-for-covid-response-389558">US sending $266.5 million in aid to Afghanistan for Covid response</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/27/196439-untitled-design-42.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexicos-foreign-minister-blasts-oas-chief-ahead-of-election-389557">Mexico's foreign minister blasts OAS chief ahead of election</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/10/10/112944-untitled-design-11.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asean-envoys-meet-myanmar-junta-leader-to-press-for-dialogue-389555">ASEAN envoys meet Myanmar junta leader to press for dialogue</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/05/197382-myanmar.jpg" />

Watch: Russia: Vladimir Putin defends Sputnik-V's credibility

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-vladimir-putin-defends-sputnik-vs-credibility-389565/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Watch: Facebook suspends Trump's account until 2023</div>

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/facebook-suspends-trumps-account-until-2023-389559/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Here is WION's daily morning news brief with what’s happening around the world today. AS US troops continue their withdrawal from the war-torn country, US Secretary of States Anthony Blinken has announced more than $266 million in additional humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, intended mainly for the country's COVID-19 response.

Here is WION's daily morning news brief with what’s happening around the world today. AS US troops continue their withdrawal from the war-torn country, US Secretary of States Anthony Blinken has announced more than $266 million in additional humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, intended mainly for the country's COVID-19 response. While the World Health Organisation is yet to give clearance to the Russian coronavirus vaccine Sputnik-V, Russia's President Vladimir Putin defended the vaccine saying that Russian authorities had not registered a single fatality linked to the coronavirus vaccine. Click on the headlines to read the full story: US sending $266.5 million in aid to Afghanistan for Covid response Mexico's foreign minister blasts OAS chief ahead of election ASEAN envoys meet Myanmar junta leader to press for dialogue Watch: Russia: Vladimir Putin defends Sputnik-V's credibility Watch: Facebook suspends Trump's account until 2023

Morning news brief: US Covid aid to Afghanistan, Trump's Facebook account suspension and more

Rescuers were trying to free&nbsp;seven&nbsp;mineworkers&nbsp;trapped&nbsp;after an accident on Friday in a coal-producing region in northern&nbsp;Mexico, authorities said.

Initial investigations suggest the&nbsp;collapse&nbsp;was due to a flood at the&nbsp;mine&nbsp;in the municipality of Muzquiz, the state of Coahuila's labour department said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-to-ease-capital-lockdown-resume-quake-drills-383590">Mexico to ease capital lockdown, resume quake drills</a>

"Some people who were working were&nbsp;trapped&nbsp;inside the&nbsp;mine," it said in a statement.

Police and civil protection authorities were at the scene for the rescue effort, it added.

The National Guard said on Twitter its personnel "were deployed in the area to provide security and allow the rescue of&nbsp;trapped&nbsp;workers."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/mexican-law-halts-us-from-turning-back-some-migrant-families-361311">Mexican law halts US from turning back some migrant families</a>

Coahuila, the country's main coal-producing region, has seen a series of fatal&nbsp;mining&nbsp;accidents over the years.

The worst was an explosion that claimed 65 lives at the Pasta de Conchos&nbsp;mine&nbsp;in 2006.

The bodies of 63 of the miners are still at the site and the families have repeatedly appealed to the Mexican authorities to recover them.

Rescuers were trying to free seven mineworkers trapped after an accident on Friday in a coal-producing region in northern Mexico, authorities said. Initial investigations suggest the collapse was due to a flood at the mine in the municipality of Muzquiz, the state of Coahuila's labour department said.

Rescuers were trying to free seven mineworkers trapped after an accident on Friday in a coal-producing region in northern Mexico, authorities said. Initial investigations suggest the collapse was due to a flood at the mine in the municipality of Muzquiz, the state of Coahuila's labour department said. Also Read | Mexico to ease capital lockdown, resume quake drills "Some people who were working were trapped inside the mine," it said in a statement. Police and civil protection authorities were at the scene for the rescue effort, it added. The National Guard said on Twitter its personnel "were deployed in the area to provide security and allow the rescue of trapped workers." Also Read | Mexican law halts US from turning back some migrant families Coahuila, the country's main coal-producing region, has seen a series of fatal mining accidents over the years. The worst was an explosion that claimed 65 lives at the Pasta de Conchos mine in 2006. The bodies of 63 of the miners are still at the site and the families have repeatedly appealed to the Mexican authorities to recover them.

Mexico mine collapse leaves seven workers trapped

Searches for the famous Tiananmen Square 'Tank Man' protest photo came up empty on Microsoft search engine Bing on Friday, raising censorship concerns on the anniversary of the deadly crackdown. &nbsp;

The award-winning&nbsp;photo&nbsp;from&nbsp;1989 was not served up in image or video searches using&nbsp;Bing&nbsp;even outside China, a country known for strictly controlling what is available online.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiananmen-square-massacre-what-really-happened-in-1989-389384">Tiananmen Square Massacre: What really happened in 1989?</a>

"This is due to an accidental human error and we are actively working to resolve this," a Microsoft spokesman said in response to an AFP inquiry prompted by US press reports.

Meanwhile, searches for&nbsp;Tank&nbsp;Man&nbsp;using Google, which has some 92 per cent of the global market for online queries according to Statcounter, turned up an assortment of pictures along with the iconic one by photographer Charlie Cole and others.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/timeline-32-years-of-chinas-brutal-tiananmen-crackdown-389474">Timeline: 32 years of China's brutal Tiananmen crackdown</a>

Google&nbsp;search&nbsp;is not offered in China, where censors have purged&nbsp;Tank&nbsp;Man&nbsp;from&nbsp;the internet. Baidu is the dominant&nbsp;search&nbsp;engine&nbsp;in China.

The&nbsp;Tank&nbsp;Man&nbsp;photo&nbsp;shows a lone protester in a white shirt blocking the path of a column of tanks in Tiananmen Square in Beijing in 1989.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-officials-ramp-up-security-ahead-of-tiananmen-square-anniversary-389234">Hong Kong officials ramp up security ahead of Tiananmen Square anniversary</a>

Friday marked the anniversary of Chinese troops crushing peaceful democracy protests in Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989.

Hundreds were killed in the crackdown, by some estimates more than 1,000.

In mainland China, the Tiananmen anniversary is usually marked by an increase in online censorship and the square in Beijing placed under tight security.

Searches for the famous Tiananmen Square 'Tank Man' protest photo came up empty on Microsoft search engine Bing on Friday, raising censorship concerns on the anniversary of the deadly crackdown.

Searches for the famous Tiananmen Square 'Tank Man' protest photo came up empty on Microsoft search engine Bing on Friday, raising censorship concerns on the anniversary of the deadly crackdown. The award-winning photo from 1989 was not served up in image or video searches using Bing even outside China, a country known for strictly controlling what is available online. Also Read | Tiananmen Square Massacre: What really happened in 1989? "This is due to an accidental human error and we are actively working to resolve this," a Microsoft spokesman said in response to an AFP inquiry prompted by US press reports. Meanwhile, searches for Tank Man using Google, which has some 92 per cent of the global market for online queries according to Statcounter, turned up an assortment of pictures along with the iconic one by photographer Charlie Cole and others. Also Read | Timeline: 32 years of China's brutal Tiananmen crackdown Google search is not offered in China, where censors have purged Tank Man from the internet. Baidu is the dominant search engine in China. The Tank Man photo shows a lone protester in a white shirt blocking the path of a column of tanks in Tiananmen Square in Beijing in 1989. Also Read | Hong Kong officials ramp up security ahead of Tiananmen Square anniversary Friday marked the anniversary of Chinese troops crushing peaceful democracy protests in Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989. Hundreds were killed in the crackdown, by some estimates more than 1,000. In mainland China, the Tiananmen anniversary is usually marked by an increase in online censorship and the square in Beijing placed under tight security.

Famed 'Tank Man' photo vanishes from Bing search engine

June 5 in history: Six-day war, Kennedy assassination and more

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