China, which has stepped up its diplomacy between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the wake of the US troops withdrawal from the war-torn country, has offered to host peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.&nbsp;

Significantly, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who in the last two-days held telephone talks with his Pakistani and Afghan counterparts, said that China will back the Afghan government headed by Ashraf Ghani in playing a leading role.&nbsp;

The offer to facilitate peace talks was made during Wang's phone talks with his Afghan counterpart Mohammad Haneef Atmar on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Asked to elaborate, Zhao said, "China is ready to facilitate intra-Afghan talks and will provide necessary conditions for negotiation in China."&nbsp;

The US had announced its plans to withdraw its troops completely from Afghanistan by September.&nbsp;

The US troop pull-out has raised concerns in Beijing that it may lead to the regrouping of Xinjiang province's Uygur Muslim militants in Afghanistan, which shares borders with China.&nbsp;

During their telephonic conversation, Wang told Atmar that "China will continue to support the Afghan government in playing a leading role in the country's peace and reconciliation process," state-run Xinhua news agency reported.&nbsp;

Wang also called on all parties to support and implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions to promote a smooth transition of the Afghanistan situation, to avoid in particular a resurgence of terrorist forces, it said.&nbsp;

In a comment that may not go down well with the Taliban, Wang, according to the report, expressed his hope that Afghanistan's future leadership will pursue a moderate Muslim policy, promote a foreign policy of peace, maintain friendship with neighbouring countries, and firmly combat all forms of terrorism.&nbsp;

Wang's talks with Atmar came a day after he held talks with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi during which he called on the UN to play its 'due role' to fill the void being left by the US troops withdrawal.&nbsp;

Wang told Qureshi that the 'hasty withdrawal' of the US troops from Afghanistan has severely impacted the Afghan domestic peace process and negatively affected regional stability.&nbsp;

China, which has stepped up its diplomacy between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the wake of the US troops withdrawal from the war-torn country, has offered to host peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

China, which has stepped up its diplomacy between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the wake of the US troops withdrawal from the war-torn country, has offered to host peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Significantly, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who in the last two-days held telephone talks with his Pakistani and Afghan counterparts, said that China will back the Afghan government headed by Ashraf Ghani in playing a leading role. The offer to facilitate peace talks was made during Wang's phone talks with his Afghan counterpart Mohammad Haneef Atmar on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here on Tuesday. Asked to elaborate, Zhao said, "China is ready to facilitate intra-Afghan talks and will provide necessary conditions for negotiation in China." The US had announced its plans to withdraw its troops completely from Afghanistan by September. The US troop pull-out has raised concerns in Beijing that it may lead to the regrouping of Xinjiang province's Uygur Muslim militants in Afghanistan, which shares borders with China. During their telephonic conversation, Wang told Atmar that "China will continue to support the Afghan government in playing a leading role in the country's peace and reconciliation process," state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Wang also called on all parties to support and implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions to promote a smooth transition of the Afghanistan situation, to avoid in particular a resurgence of terrorist forces, it said. In a comment that may not go down well with the Taliban, Wang, according to the report, expressed his hope that Afghanistan's future leadership will pursue a moderate Muslim policy, promote a foreign policy of peace, maintain friendship with neighbouring countries, and firmly combat all forms of terrorism. Wang's talks with Atmar came a day after he held talks with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi during which he called on the UN to play its 'due role' to fill the void being left by the US troops withdrawal. Wang told Qureshi that the 'hasty withdrawal' of the US troops from Afghanistan has severely impacted the Afghan domestic peace process and negatively affected regional stability.

China offers to host Afghan peace talks, backs leading role for Ghani-led govt  

Congress approved legislation on Tuesday intended to curtail a striking rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, sending President Joe Biden a bipartisan denunciation of the spate of brutal attacks that have proliferated during coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The bill, which the House passed on a 364-62 vote, will expedite the review of hate crimes at the Justice Department and make grants available to help local law enforcement agencies improve their investigation, identification and reporting of incidents driven by bias, which often go underreported. It previously passed the Senate 94-1 in April after lawmakers reached a compromise. Biden has said he will sign it.&nbsp;

"Asian Americans have been screaming out for help, and the House and Senate and President Biden have clearly heard our pleas," said Rep Grace Meng, D-NY, who helped lead efforts to pass the bill in the House.&nbsp;

To many Asian Americans, the pandemic has invigorated deep-seated biases that in some cases date back to the Chinese Exclusion Act of more than a century ago. President Donald Trump repeatedly referred to the virus, which emerged in Wuhan, China, as the 'China Virus' or the 'Kung Flu’. And as cases of the illness began to rise in the US, so too did the attacks, with thousands of violent incidents reported in the past year.&nbsp;

Rep Judy Chu, D-Calif, said it's painful for many to "open up the newspaper every day and see that yet another Asian American has been assaulted, attacked and even killed."&nbsp;

In February, an 84-year-old man died after he was pushed to the ground near his home in San Francisco. A young family was injured in a Texas grocery store attack last year. And in Georgia, six Asian women were killed in March during a series of shootings targeting workers at massage parlours. Prosecutors are seeking hate crimes charges. The women, who were killed, are mentioned in the text of the bill.&nbsp;

Congress approved legislation on Tuesday intended to curtail a striking rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, sending President Joe Biden a bipartisan denunciation of the spate of brutal attacks that have proliferated during coronavirus pandemic.

Congress approved legislation on Tuesday intended to curtail a striking rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, sending President Joe Biden a bipartisan denunciation of the spate of brutal attacks that have proliferated during coronavirus pandemic. The bill, which the House passed on a 364-62 vote, will expedite the review of hate crimes at the Justice Department and make grants available to help local law enforcement agencies improve their investigation, identification and reporting of incidents driven by bias, which often go underreported. It previously passed the Senate 94-1 in April after lawmakers reached a compromise. Biden has said he will sign it. "Asian Americans have been screaming out for help, and the House and Senate and President Biden have clearly heard our pleas," said Rep Grace Meng, D-NY, who helped lead efforts to pass the bill in the House. To many Asian Americans, the pandemic has invigorated deep-seated biases that in some cases date back to the Chinese Exclusion Act of more than a century ago. President Donald Trump repeatedly referred to the virus, which emerged in Wuhan, China, as the 'China Virus' or the 'Kung Flu’. And as cases of the illness began to rise in the US, so too did the attacks, with thousands of violent incidents reported in the past year. Rep Judy Chu, D-Calif, said it's painful for many to "open up the newspaper every day and see that yet another Asian American has been assaulted, attacked and even killed." In February, an 84-year-old man died after he was pushed to the ground near his home in San Francisco. A young family was injured in a Texas grocery store attack last year. And in Georgia, six Asian women were killed in March during a series of shootings targeting workers at massage parlours. Prosecutors are seeking hate crimes charges. The women, who were killed, are mentioned in the text of the bill.

Congress OKs bill to fight hate crimes against Asian Americans 

China is resisting bilateral talks with the United States on nuclear weapons, the US disarmament ambassador told a UN conference on Tuesday, as Washington seeks to advance efforts to reduce nuclear arms stockpiles.&nbsp;

"Despite the PRC's dramatic build-up of its nuclear arsenal, unfortunately it continues to resist discussing nuclear risk reduction bilaterally with the United States," said Robert Wood, referring to the People's Republic of China.&nbsp;

"To date, Beijing has not been willing to engage meaningfully or establish expert discussions similar to those we have with Russia. We sincerely hope that will change," he added.&nbsp;

In an apparent rebuttal, China's envoy later told the same virtual UN meeting that Beijing was prepared for dialogue.&nbsp;

"We stand ready to carry out positive dialogue and exchange with all parties to jointly explore effective measures to reduce nuclear risk and to contribute to global strategic security," Ji Zhaoyu said.&nbsp;

The exchange came at a discussion on the Prevention of Nuclear War at the 65-member UN Conference on Disarmament based in Geneva. The body, which makes decisions by consensus, has not reached a major agreement in decades but is often the theatre for tense rhetorical exchanges between superpowers.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Russia and the United States agreed to extend the New START arms control treaty for five years, preserving the last treaty limiting deployments of the world's two largest strategic nuclear arsenals.&nbsp;

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden are set to discuss arms control and security issues at a meeting and strategic nuclear stability will be on the agenda. Wood said on Tuesday, he hoped that such bilateral discussions may lay the groundwork for nuclear disarmament and future arms control treaties.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

China is resisting bilateral talks with the United States on nuclear weapons, the US disarmament ambassador told a UN conference on Tuesday, as Washington seeks to advance efforts to reduce nuclear arms stockpiles.

China is resisting bilateral talks with the United States on nuclear weapons, the US disarmament ambassador told a UN conference on Tuesday, as Washington seeks to advance efforts to reduce nuclear arms stockpiles. "Despite the PRC's dramatic build-up of its nuclear arsenal, unfortunately it continues to resist discussing nuclear risk reduction bilaterally with the United States," said Robert Wood, referring to the People's Republic of China. "To date, Beijing has not been willing to engage meaningfully or establish expert discussions similar to those we have with Russia. We sincerely hope that will change," he added. In an apparent rebuttal, China's envoy later told the same virtual UN meeting that Beijing was prepared for dialogue. "We stand ready to carry out positive dialogue and exchange with all parties to jointly explore effective measures to reduce nuclear risk and to contribute to global strategic security," Ji Zhaoyu said. The exchange came at a discussion on the Prevention of Nuclear War at the 65-member UN Conference on Disarmament based in Geneva. The body, which makes decisions by consensus, has not reached a major agreement in decades but is often the theatre for tense rhetorical exchanges between superpowers. Earlier this year, Russia and the United States agreed to extend the New START arms control treaty for five years, preserving the last treaty limiting deployments of the world's two largest strategic nuclear arsenals. Russia's President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden are set to discuss arms control and security issues at a meeting and strategic nuclear stability will be on the agenda. Wood said on Tuesday, he hoped that such bilateral discussions may lay the groundwork for nuclear disarmament and future arms control treaties. (With inputs from agencies)

US says China is resisting nuclear arms talks 

Amazon said on Tuesday, it is extending its ban on the use of its facial recognition tools for law enforcement, amid persistent concerns of bias in the technology.&nbsp;

The tech giant in last June announced, it was implementing a one-year moratorium on police use of its technology, saying the pause could give Congress time to enact safeguards against misuse of facial recognition.&nbsp;

The company confirmed on Tuesday an extension of that ban 'until further notice' without elaborating.&nbsp;

Last year's move came amid widespread protests over police brutality and concerns that facial recognition technology is flawed, especially in analysing features of African Americans.&nbsp;

Activists also say the technology tools may use algorithms, which discriminate, intentionally or not, against Black people.&nbsp;

Activists have targeted Amazon Web Services cloud computing unit's 'Rekognition' facial recognition technology and Ring surveillance cameras used for home security. It was not clear the degree to which police have used the systems.&nbsp;

Amazon last year called for governments to put in place ‘stronger regulations to govern the ethical use of facial recognition technology’.&nbsp;

Its ban was followed by Microsoft and IBM, which made similar announcements.&nbsp;

Last week, a coalition of activist groups called for Amazon to permanently stop selling its Rekognition system and on Tuesday said, the company should commit to scrapping the system.&nbsp;

"Facial recognition technology is too dangerous for it to be implemented at the whims of corporations like Amazon," said Evan Greer of the activist group, Fight for the Future, one of the groups in the coalition.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Amazon said on Tuesday, it is extending its ban on the use of its facial recognition tools for law enforcement, amid persistent concerns of bias in the technology.

Amazon said on Tuesday, it is extending its ban on the use of its facial recognition tools for law enforcement, amid persistent concerns of bias in the technology. The tech giant in last June announced, it was implementing a one-year moratorium on police use of its technology, saying the pause could give Congress time to enact safeguards against misuse of facial recognition. The company confirmed on Tuesday an extension of that ban 'until further notice' without elaborating. Last year's move came amid widespread protests over police brutality and concerns that facial recognition technology is flawed, especially in analysing features of African Americans. Activists also say the technology tools may use algorithms, which discriminate, intentionally or not, against Black people. Activists have targeted Amazon Web Services cloud computing unit's 'Rekognition' facial recognition technology and Ring surveillance cameras used for home security. It was not clear the degree to which police have used the systems. Amazon last year called for governments to put in place ‘stronger regulations to govern the ethical use of facial recognition technology’. Its ban was followed by Microsoft and IBM, which made similar announcements. Last week, a coalition of activist groups called for Amazon to permanently stop selling its Rekognition system and on Tuesday said, the company should commit to scrapping the system. "Facial recognition technology is too dangerous for it to be implemented at the whims of corporations like Amazon," said Evan Greer of the activist group, Fight for the Future, one of the groups in the coalition. (With inputs from agencies)

Amazon to extend ban on police use of face recognition tech 

Saudi Arabia is 'hopeful' after exploratory talks with its nemesis Iran, its foreign minister said, in a rare comment on delicate discussions whose details have been closely guarded.&nbsp;

The official-level meetings aim to restore relations severed five years ago between the Sunni Muslim kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Shiite Islamic Republic of Iran.&nbsp;

"We have initiated some exploratory talks. They are at a very early stage but we are hopeful," Prince Faisal bin Farhan said in Paris on Tuesday, where he is participating in two international summits.&nbsp;

The talks with Iran, facilitated by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi, had remained secret until the Financial Times reported that a first meeting had been held in Baghdad on April 9.&nbsp;

The Iranian government only confirmed on May 10 that the talks had been held, adding that it was 'too soon' to discuss the results. &nbsp;

"If (the Iranians) can see that their interest is in a good relationship with their neighbours, I can be hopeful," Prince Faisal said, emphasising again that they were 'at an early stage'.&nbsp;

Asked what the impact of the June presidential elections in Iran might be, he said, he thought it would be minimal. &nbsp;

"Our understanding of Iran's foreign policy is that it's set by the Supreme Leader," he explained. "So, we don't think there will be a substantial change."&nbsp;

"There may be a change in the representatives that portray that policy, but in the end, it's what happens on the ground that matters, and that is driven by the Supreme Leader."&nbsp;

The countries cut ties in 2016 after Iranian protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions following the kingdom's execution of a revered Shiite cleric.&nbsp;

The regional rivals have backed opposite sides in several regional conflicts, from Syria to Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is fighting Huthi rebels.&nbsp;

But in April, Saudi Arabia's crown prince struck a conciliatory tone, saying he sought 'good' relations.&nbsp;

The tentative initiative comes at a time of shifting power dynamics.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden is seeking to revive the tattered 2015 Iran nuclear deal that was abandoned by Donald Trump. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Washington-Riyadh relations have cooled from the very close ties of the Trump era, as Biden seeks to press the oil-rich kingdom over human rights concerns.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia is 'hopeful' after exploratory talks with its nemesis Iran, its foreign minister said, in a rare comment on delicate discussions whose details have been closely guarded.

Saudi Arabia is 'hopeful' after exploratory talks with its nemesis Iran, its foreign minister said, in a rare comment on delicate discussions whose details have been closely guarded. The official-level meetings aim to restore relations severed five years ago between the Sunni Muslim kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Shiite Islamic Republic of Iran. "We have initiated some exploratory talks. They are at a very early stage but we are hopeful," Prince Faisal bin Farhan said in Paris on Tuesday, where he is participating in two international summits. The talks with Iran, facilitated by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi, had remained secret until the Financial Times reported that a first meeting had been held in Baghdad on April 9. The Iranian government only confirmed on May 10 that the talks had been held, adding that it was 'too soon' to discuss the results. "If (the Iranians) can see that their interest is in a good relationship with their neighbours, I can be hopeful," Prince Faisal said, emphasising again that they were 'at an early stage'. Asked what the impact of the June presidential elections in Iran might be, he said, he thought it would be minimal. "Our understanding of Iran's foreign policy is that it's set by the Supreme Leader," he explained. "So, we don't think there will be a substantial change." "There may be a change in the representatives that portray that policy, but in the end, it's what happens on the ground that matters, and that is driven by the Supreme Leader." The countries cut ties in 2016 after Iranian protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions following the kingdom's execution of a revered Shiite cleric. The regional rivals have backed opposite sides in several regional conflicts, from Syria to Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is fighting Huthi rebels. But in April, Saudi Arabia's crown prince struck a conciliatory tone, saying he sought 'good' relations. The tentative initiative comes at a time of shifting power dynamics. US President Joe Biden is seeking to revive the tattered 2015 Iran nuclear deal that was abandoned by Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Washington-Riyadh relations have cooled from the very close ties of the Trump era, as Biden seeks to press the oil-rich kingdom over human rights concerns. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi foreign minister 'hopeful' over exploratory Iran talks 

Parisians returned to their beloved cafe terraces and museums on Wednesday after a six-month Covid-forced hiatus, a glimmer of normal life resuming but India grappled with a record daily number of coronavirus deaths. &nbsp;

As health workers administered the world's 1.5 billionth COVID-19 vaccine dose, Europeans and Americans continued to climb out from under long months of restrictions. &nbsp;

In recent days, Britons have hugged their loved ones and streamed into pubs, gyms and other indoor venues. Italy has relaxed curfews, Dutch music fans have readied for the Eurovision Song Contest and Portugal has welcomed returning tourists.&nbsp;

"It's nice to get away and be back here," said Barry Thompson, a 63-year-old retired policeman from Manchester, who landed in the sun-kissed southern Portuguese town of Faro with his wife and son.&nbsp;

In New York, an early virus epicentre rules requiring masks and social distancing are also set to ease, although some residents remain cautious about a disease that has upended life in almost every corner of the globe.&nbsp;

Manhattan restaurant manager Juan Rosas plans to still require masks, even for vaccinated patrons.&nbsp;

"I think it is too early," he said. "I think they rushed the decision."&nbsp;

In Paris, the terraces and rooftop gardens that define the city for many visitors have been booked out as outdoor dining returns across France, with a few lingering restrictions.&nbsp;

"Like a diesel engine, we'll be warming up slowly," bistro owner Stephanie Mathey said.&nbsp;

The City of Light's museums, cinemas and theatres are also reopening ahead of a full-scale unlocking of the economy on June 30.&nbsp;

"We are glad to be able to welcome you again," staff of the Louvre, the world's most visited museum, wrote on its website, where demand for tickets to a Renaissance sculpture show was brisk.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Parisians returned to their beloved cafe terraces and museums on Wednesday after a six-month Covid-forced hiatus, a glimmer of normal life resuming but India grappled with a record daily number of coronavirus deaths.

Parisians returned to their beloved cafe terraces and museums on Wednesday after a six-month Covid-forced hiatus, a glimmer of normal life resuming but India grappled with a record daily number of coronavirus deaths. As health workers administered the world's 1.5 billionth COVID-19 vaccine dose, Europeans and Americans continued to climb out from under long months of restrictions. In recent days, Britons have hugged their loved ones and streamed into pubs, gyms and other indoor venues. Italy has relaxed curfews, Dutch music fans have readied for the Eurovision Song Contest and Portugal has welcomed returning tourists. "It's nice to get away and be back here," said Barry Thompson, a 63-year-old retired policeman from Manchester, who landed in the sun-kissed southern Portuguese town of Faro with his wife and son. In New York, an early virus epicentre rules requiring masks and social distancing are also set to ease, although some residents remain cautious about a disease that has upended life in almost every corner of the globe. Manhattan restaurant manager Juan Rosas plans to still require masks, even for vaccinated patrons. "I think it is too early," he said. "I think they rushed the decision." In Paris, the terraces and rooftop gardens that define the city for many visitors have been booked out as outdoor dining returns across France, with a few lingering restrictions. "Like a diesel engine, we'll be warming up slowly," bistro owner Stephanie Mathey said. The City of Light's museums, cinemas and theatres are also reopening ahead of a full-scale unlocking of the economy on June 30. "We are glad to be able to welcome you again," staff of the Louvre, the world's most visited museum, wrote on its website, where demand for tickets to a Renaissance sculpture show was brisk. (With inputs from agencies)

Paris cafes reopen as virus restrictions ease 

She was already beyond child-bearing age, but Qelbinur Sedik says Chinese authorities still forcibly sterilised her, part of what she describes as a systematic campaign to suppress births of Uyghurs and other minorities in the tense Xinjiang region.&nbsp;

In 2019, Sedik, then aged 50, says she begged authorities to spare her from being fitted with the compulsory IUD, as previous attempts resulted in severe pain and bleeding.&nbsp;

So, community workers gave her no choice but to be sterilised at a clinic in her home city of Urumqi, under threat of police action if she refused.&nbsp;

Upon returning home, she says she bled non-stop for several days.&nbsp;

"Why would they extend this to women aged over 50, who've gone through menopause and have no way of giving birth?" she told AFP from Holland, where she is seeking asylum.&nbsp;

Sedik, who still suffers from chronic pain and abnormal bleeding, is an ethnic Uzbek, one of the Turkic Muslim ethnic groups that live in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

In the northwest territory, official data shows birth rates have nearly halved between 2017 and 2019, the steepest drop of all Chinese provinces and regions in that time and the most extreme globally since 1950, according to an analysis by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI).&nbsp;

After reaching Europe, Sedik said she was still in shock.&nbsp;

"I couldn't get out of bed for five months. I couldn't fall asleep. My daughter saw me crying every day," she recalls.&nbsp;

For decades, Xinjiang had some of China's highest birth rates, which led to rapid growth in the Uyghur population. Today, it is home to around 12 million mostly Muslim Uyghurs, who make up half the population.&nbsp;

Large numbers of 'illegal' births occurred outside strict birth limits, a maximum of three children for minorities in rural areas, as authorities seemingly turned a blind eye.&nbsp;

Now, the pendulum has swung the other way as Beijing seeks to exert control over what it views as unruly minorities in a strategic border region.&nbsp;

Scholars and rights advocates say ramped-up birth control policies since 2017, including arbitrary quotas for sterilisation and IUD insertion, and imprisonment for having too many children, are part of a deliberate, state-backed attempt to suppress ethnic minority births in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

She was already beyond child-bearing age, but Qelbinur Sedik says Chinese authorities still forcibly sterilised her, part of what she describes as a systematic campaign to suppress births of Uyghurs and other minorities in the tense Xinjiang region.

She was already beyond child-bearing age, but Qelbinur Sedik says Chinese authorities still forcibly sterilised her, part of what she describes as a systematic campaign to suppress births of Uyghurs and other minorities in the tense Xinjiang region. In 2019, Sedik, then aged 50, says she begged authorities to spare her from being fitted with the compulsory IUD, as previous attempts resulted in severe pain and bleeding. So, community workers gave her no choice but to be sterilised at a clinic in her home city of Urumqi, under threat of police action if she refused. Upon returning home, she says she bled non-stop for several days. "Why would they extend this to women aged over 50, who've gone through menopause and have no way of giving birth?" she told AFP from Holland, where she is seeking asylum. Sedik, who still suffers from chronic pain and abnormal bleeding, is an ethnic Uzbek, one of the Turkic Muslim ethnic groups that live in Xinjiang. In the northwest territory, official data shows birth rates have nearly halved between 2017 and 2019, the steepest drop of all Chinese provinces and regions in that time and the most extreme globally since 1950, according to an analysis by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). After reaching Europe, Sedik said she was still in shock. "I couldn't get out of bed for five months. I couldn't fall asleep. My daughter saw me crying every day," she recalls. For decades, Xinjiang had some of China's highest birth rates, which led to rapid growth in the Uyghur population. Today, it is home to around 12 million mostly Muslim Uyghurs, who make up half the population. Large numbers of 'illegal' births occurred outside strict birth limits, a maximum of three children for minorities in rural areas, as authorities seemingly turned a blind eye. Now, the pendulum has swung the other way as Beijing seeks to exert control over what it views as unruly minorities in a strategic border region. Scholars and rights advocates say ramped-up birth control policies since 2017, including arbitrary quotas for sterilisation and IUD insertion, and imprisonment for having too many children, are part of a deliberate, state-backed attempt to suppress ethnic minority births in Xinjiang.

Forced sterilisation and Xinjiang's shrinking population 

Google looks to share a glimpse of future

We bring to you the biggest stories of Tuesday morning. From&nbsp;Israeli army saying it fired artillery at Lebanon after rocket fire to&nbsp;Palestine's envoy saying he is&nbsp;working on ceasefire. Not just this,&nbsp;under pressure, Biden works for ceasefire in Israel-Gaza violence and&nbsp;India has 26 cases of bleeding, clotting after Covishield vaccine, according to Govt report.&nbsp;We have it all.&nbsp;Please click on the headline to read the full story.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/under-pressure-biden-works-for-ceasefire-in-israel-gaza-violence-385746">Under pressure, Biden works for ceasefire in Israel-Gaza violence&nbsp;</a>

&nbsp;

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President Joe Biden and aides worked behind the scenes on Monday pressing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas amid what one source said was frustration over Israel's bombing of a Gaza building that housed some news organisations.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/working-on-ceasefire-says-palestines-envoy-hopes-india-wont-make-reference-to-temple-mount-condoles-death-of-indian-national-385742">Working on ceasefire says Palestine's envoy; condoles death of Indian national</a>

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Palestine's envoy to India Adnan Mohammad Jaber Abualhayjaa has said that his government has been 'working for the ceasefire from the first day' when it comes to the ongoing situation with Israel. According to him, over 200 people have lost lives in West Bank and Gaza due to actions of Israel.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-army-says-fires-artillery-at-lebanon-after-rocket-fire-385732">Israeli army says fires artillery at Lebanon after rocket fire</a>

<img alt="Br3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b850d5e-839e-4143-936e-4ba6c45d02d6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Br3.PNG" />

The Israeli army said it launched artillery towards Lebanon on Monday in response to rocket fire from the neighbouring country that failed to hit the Jewish state.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-26-cases-of-bleeding-clotting-after-covishield-vaccine-government-report-385740">India has 26 cases of bleeding, clotting after Covishield vaccine: Govt report</a>

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A government panel on AEFI (adverse events following immunisation) has found 26 potential cases of bleeding and clotting after administration of the COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, health ministry said on Monday.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-keep-providing-assistance-to-india-in-fight-against-covid-19-us-385743">Will keep providing assistance to India in fight against COVID-19: US</a>

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The United States will continue to provide a range of assistance to India, as its "important partner" continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House said Monday.

&nbsp;

Watch: UNGA to meet over Israel-Palestine violence on May 20

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We bring to you the biggest stories of Tuesday morning. From Israeli army saying it fired artillery at Lebanon after rocket fire to Palestine's envoy saying he is working on ceasefire.

We bring to you the biggest stories of Tuesday morning. From Israeli army saying it fired artillery at Lebanon after rocket fire to Palestine's envoy saying he is working on ceasefire. Not just this, under pressure, Biden works for ceasefire in Israel-Gaza violence and India has 26 cases of bleeding, clotting after Covishield vaccine, according to Govt report. We have it all. Please click on the headline to read the full story. Under pressure, Biden works for ceasefire in Israel-Gaza violence President Joe Biden and aides worked behind the scenes on Monday pressing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas amid what one source said was frustration over Israel's bombing of a Gaza building that housed some news organisations. Working on ceasefire says Palestine's envoy; condoles death of Indian national Palestine's envoy to India Adnan Mohammad Jaber Abualhayjaa has said that his government has been 'working for the ceasefire from the first day' when it comes to the ongoing situation with Israel. According to him, over 200 people have lost lives in West Bank and Gaza due to actions of Israel. Israeli army says fires artillery at Lebanon after rocket fire The Israeli army said it launched artillery towards Lebanon on Monday in response to rocket fire from the neighbouring country that failed to hit the Jewish state. India has 26 cases of bleeding, clotting after Covishield vaccine: Govt report A government panel on AEFI (adverse events following immunisation) has found 26 potential cases of bleeding and clotting after administration of the COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, health ministry said on Monday. Will keep providing assistance to India in fight against COVID-19: US The United States will continue to provide a range of assistance to India, as its "important partner" continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House said Monday. Watch: UNGA to meet over Israel-Palestine violence on May 20 ×

Morning news brief: Biden works for ceasefire in Israel-Gaza violence and more

A 193-member UN General Assembly vote on Tuesday on a draft resolution calling 'for an immediate suspension of the direct and indirect supply, sale or transfer of all weapons and munitions' to Myanmar has been postponed, diplomats said. &nbsp;

A spokesman for the UN General Assembly president said earlier on Monday that the body was due to vote on Tuesday. It was not immediately known when a vote would be rescheduled. Some diplomats said it had been delayed in a bid to win more support. &nbsp;

The draft resolution calls on the Myanmar military, which seized power in a February 1 coup, to end a state of emergency, stop all violence against peaceful protesters and respect the will of the people as expressed in the results of a November election. &nbsp;

General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but carry political weight. Unlike the 15-member Security Council, no country has a veto power in the General Assembly. &nbsp;

Myanmar has been in crisis since the army ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government and detained her and officials of her National League for Democracy party. The UN draft text calls for their release.&nbsp;

The military, which has set up a ruling junta of generals, complained of fraud in the November election that returned Suu Kyi to power. The election commission said the vote was fair.&nbsp;

The draft General Assembly resolution "calls upon the Myanmar armed forces to immediately stop all violence against peaceful demonstrators, members of civil society, women, youth, as well as children and others."&nbsp;

At least 788 people have been killed by the junta's security forces in crackdowns on protests against its rule, according to an advocacy group.&nbsp;

The military, which disputes that number, imposes tight restrictions on media, information and the internet. The reporter cannot independently verify arrests and casualty numbers.&nbsp;

The UN text also urges the army to stop 'attacks on, harassment of and restrictions on medical personnel, human rights defenders, labor union members, journalists and media workers ... and restrictions on the internet and social media'.&nbsp;

If adopted, the draft resolution would urge the military to allow a visit by the UN special envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, and implement a plan by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to end the crisis.&nbsp;

The United States, Britain and Canada on Monday imposed new sanctions targeting Myanmar's junta.&nbsp;

Only the UN Security Council can impose legally binding sanctions or an arms embargo, but diplomats say Russia and China could likely use their veto to prevent such action on Myanmar. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

A 193-member UN General Assembly vote on Tuesday on a draft resolution calling 'for an immediate suspension of the direct and indirect supply, sale or transfer of all weapons and munitions' to Myanmar has been postponed, diplomats said.

A 193-member UN General Assembly vote on Tuesday on a draft resolution calling 'for an immediate suspension of the direct and indirect supply, sale or transfer of all weapons and munitions' to Myanmar has been postponed, diplomats said. A spokesman for the UN General Assembly president said earlier on Monday that the body was due to vote on Tuesday. It was not immediately known when a vote would be rescheduled. Some diplomats said it had been delayed in a bid to win more support. The draft resolution calls on the Myanmar military, which seized power in a February 1 coup, to end a state of emergency, stop all violence against peaceful protesters and respect the will of the people as expressed in the results of a November election. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but carry political weight. Unlike the 15-member Security Council, no country has a veto power in the General Assembly. Myanmar has been in crisis since the army ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government and detained her and officials of her National League for Democracy party. The UN draft text calls for their release. The military, which has set up a ruling junta of generals, complained of fraud in the November election that returned Suu Kyi to power. The election commission said the vote was fair. The draft General Assembly resolution "calls upon the Myanmar armed forces to immediately stop all violence against peaceful demonstrators, members of civil society, women, youth, as well as children and others." At least 788 people have been killed by the junta's security forces in crackdowns on protests against its rule, according to an advocacy group. The military, which disputes that number, imposes tight restrictions on media, information and the internet. The reporter cannot independently verify arrests and casualty numbers. The UN text also urges the army to stop 'attacks on, harassment of and restrictions on medical personnel, human rights defenders, labor union members, journalists and media workers ... and restrictions on the internet and social media'. If adopted, the draft resolution would urge the military to allow a visit by the UN special envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, and implement a plan by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to end the crisis. The United States, Britain and Canada on Monday imposed new sanctions targeting Myanmar's junta. Only the UN Security Council can impose legally binding sanctions or an arms embargo, but diplomats say Russia and China could likely use their veto to prevent such action on Myanmar. (With inputs from agencies)

UN vote on call to stop arms supply to Myanmar postponed 

Road blockades connected to weeks of anti-government protests in Colombia will be lifted by security forces in coordination with mayors and provincial governors, President Ivan Duque said on Monday.&nbsp;

The deadly demonstrations, originally called in late April against a now-canceled tax plan, have expanded to include demands like a basic income, an end to police violence and opportunities for young people.&nbsp;

The blockades, many erected by local demonstrators or truckers, have caused shortages of food and gasoline across the country, especially in the city of Cali, an epicenter of protests. The government says some are connected to criminal and guerrilla groups, which it also blames for sparking looting and other violence.&nbsp;

Duque said he had ordered "the increase of all operational capacity of our public security forces on the ground to, together with mayors and governors, unblock the roads of our country with strict adherence to human rights."&nbsp;

The government will also subsidize 25% of the minimum wage for workers between 18 and 28 years old for at least a year, Duque said in a video, in an effort to encourage employers to hire young people.&nbsp;

Vandalism and the blockades have cost the economy about $1.6 billion, while road closures had halted the transport of 700,000 tonnes of food, the government said last week.&nbsp;

The number of deaths connected to the protests is disputed. The attorney general's office says just 15 deaths are tied directly to demonstrations, but human rights groups allege the toll is about two dozen people higher.&nbsp;

Government representatives were meeting late on Monday with representatives from the national strike committee, made up of unions, student groups and others, to agree to terms for a negotiation the government hopes will curb marches.&nbsp;

Protests continued over the weekend and into a federal holiday on Monday, with deaths reported in several smaller cities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Road blockades connected to weeks of anti-government protests in Colombia will be lifted by security forces in coordination with mayors and provincial governors, President Ivan Duque said on Monday.

Road blockades connected to weeks of anti-government protests in Colombia will be lifted by security forces in coordination with mayors and provincial governors, President Ivan Duque said on Monday. The deadly demonstrations, originally called in late April against a now-canceled tax plan, have expanded to include demands like a basic income, an end to police violence and opportunities for young people. The blockades, many erected by local demonstrators or truckers, have caused shortages of food and gasoline across the country, especially in the city of Cali, an epicenter of protests. The government says some are connected to criminal and guerrilla groups, which it also blames for sparking looting and other violence. Duque said he had ordered "the increase of all operational capacity of our public security forces on the ground to, together with mayors and governors, unblock the roads of our country with strict adherence to human rights." The government will also subsidize 25% of the minimum wage for workers between 18 and 28 years old for at least a year, Duque said in a video, in an effort to encourage employers to hire young people. Vandalism and the blockades have cost the economy about $1.6 billion, while road closures had halted the transport of 700,000 tonnes of food, the government said last week. The number of deaths connected to the protests is disputed. The attorney general's office says just 15 deaths are tied directly to demonstrations, but human rights groups allege the toll is about two dozen people higher. Government representatives were meeting late on Monday with representatives from the national strike committee, made up of unions, student groups and others, to agree to terms for a negotiation the government hopes will curb marches. Protests continued over the weekend and into a federal holiday on Monday, with deaths reported in several smaller cities. (With inputs from agencies)

Colombia president says security forces to lift road blockades 

May 18 in history: Napoleon Bonaparte is appointed Emperor of the French, India becomes the world's sixth nuclear power and more

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