Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on the UN Security Council to seek an early de-escalation of violence between Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers. He also blamed the US for the council's lack of action so far.&nbsp;

"Regrettably, the council has so far failed to reach an agreement, with the United States standing on the opposite side of international justice," the state-run Xinhua News Agency quoted Wang as saying in a phone conversation on Saturday with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.&nbsp;

He expressed support for a two-state solution, and said China, which holds the Security Council presidency this month, expects all parties to speak with a unified voice when the council discusses the conflict later on Sunday.&nbsp;

Wang said the Security Council should reconfirm a two-state solution and urge Palestinians and Israelis to resume talks on that basis as soon as possible. &nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Saudi Arabia has called for foreign ministers of the world's largest body of Muslim nations to hold a meeting on Sunday.

The gathering is to discuss Israeli acts of violence against Palestinians and the Israeli police's use of force against protesters at Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.

The kingdom will host the virtual summit, gathering ministers of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to discuss the Israeli aggression in the Palestinian territory, particularly acts of violence in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the body said on Saturday.

The Saudi-headquartered OIC includes countries Iran, Turkey, Indonesia and a range of Muslim majority nations.

The sanctity of Al-Aqsa mosque, one of Islam's holiest sites, is a sensitive and emotive issue for Muslims around the world.&nbsp;The OIC was formed 51 years ago in response to a Jewish extremist arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem.

The hilltop on which the mosque stands is also sacred to Jews, who revere it as the Temple Mount because it was the site of the biblical temples.

Some Jews and evangelical Christians support building a new Jewish temple on the site, an idea that Muslims find alarming because they fear it would lead to the mosque being partitioned or demolished.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on the UN Security Council to seek an early de-escalation of violence between Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers. He also blamed the US for the council's lack of action so far.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on the UN Security Council to seek an early de-escalation of violence between Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers. He also blamed the US for the council's lack of action so far. "Regrettably, the council has so far failed to reach an agreement, with the United States standing on the opposite side of international justice," the state-run Xinhua News Agency quoted Wang as saying in a phone conversation on Saturday with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. He expressed support for a two-state solution, and said China, which holds the Security Council presidency this month, expects all parties to speak with a unified voice when the council discusses the conflict later on Sunday. Wang said the Security Council should reconfirm a two-state solution and urge Palestinians and Israelis to resume talks on that basis as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has called for foreign ministers of the world's largest body of Muslim nations to hold a meeting on Sunday. The gathering is to discuss Israeli acts of violence against Palestinians and the Israeli police's use of force against protesters at Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. The kingdom will host the virtual summit, gathering ministers of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to discuss the Israeli aggression in the Palestinian territory, particularly acts of violence in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the body said on Saturday. The Saudi-headquartered OIC includes countries Iran, Turkey, Indonesia and a range of Muslim majority nations. The sanctity of Al-Aqsa mosque, one of Islam's holiest sites, is a sensitive and emotive issue for Muslims around the world. The OIC was formed 51 years ago in response to a Jewish extremist arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem. The hilltop on which the mosque stands is also sacred to Jews, who revere it as the Temple Mount because it was the site of the biblical temples. Some Jews and evangelical Christians support building a new Jewish temple on the site, an idea that Muslims find alarming because they fear it would lead to the mosque being partitioned or demolished. (With inputs from agencies)

China calls for UN council action, slams US over fighting between Israel, Gaza

A tiger that frightened residents after it was last seen briefly wandering around a Houston neighbourhood has been found after a nearly week-long search and appears to be unharmed, police announced on Saturday evening. &nbsp;

In a short video tweeted by Houston police, Cmdr Ron Borza can be seen sitting next to the tiger, petting the animal and saying it has been a long week searching for it. &nbsp;

"But we got him, and he's healthy," Borza said as the wife of the man police allege is the animal's owner sat next to him and fed the tiger with a baby bottle. The tiger was being held at BARC, the city of Houston's animal shelter, but was expected to be taken on Sunday morning to the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch, an animal sanctuary in Murchison, Texas, located southeast of Dallas. &nbsp;

Authorities had been searching for the tiger, a 9-month-old male named India, since it was spotted on May 9 in a west Houston neighbourhood. At the time, it was nearly shot by an off-duty deputy before being whisked away in a car by Victor Hugo Cuevas, who police allege is the owner. &nbsp;

At a news conference later on Saturday evening, Borza said that Cuevas' wife, Giorgiana, turned over the tiger to police on Saturday after a friend of hers reached out to officials at BARC. &nbsp;

"It is Victor's tiger. That's what I was told by (Giorgiana Cuevas) ... She says they've had that animal for nine months," Borza said. He alleged that the tiger was passed around to different people but that Cuevas' wife knew where the tiger was at all times this week as authorities searched for it. &nbsp;

Police are still trying to determine where exactly the tiger was held this week and if any charges related to having the tiger will be filed. Tigers are not allowed within Houston city limits under a city ordinance unless the handler, such as a zoo, is licensed to have exotic animals. &nbsp;

But Cuevas' attorney, Michael W Elliott, on Saturday night continued to insist his client doesn't own the tiger, saying, "I am not sure it makes any difference, who technically owns India as he does not have a birth certificate or title."&nbsp;

"Victor was not the primary owner of India nor did India stay with him the majority of the time," Elliott said. "Victor was, however, involved in the caretaking of India often. Victor loves India as anyone else would love a favorite pet... He treated India with love and fantastic treatment in all respects."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A tiger that frightened residents after it was last seen briefly wandering around a Houston neighbourhood has been found after a nearly week-long search and appears to be unharmed, police announced on Saturday evening.

A tiger that frightened residents after it was last seen briefly wandering around a Houston neighbourhood has been found after a nearly week-long search and appears to be unharmed, police announced on Saturday evening. In a short video tweeted by Houston police, Cmdr Ron Borza can be seen sitting next to the tiger, petting the animal and saying it has been a long week searching for it. "But we got him, and he's healthy," Borza said as the wife of the man police allege is the animal's owner sat next to him and fed the tiger with a baby bottle. The tiger was being held at BARC, the city of Houston's animal shelter, but was expected to be taken on Sunday morning to the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch, an animal sanctuary in Murchison, Texas, located southeast of Dallas. Authorities had been searching for the tiger, a 9-month-old male named India, since it was spotted on May 9 in a west Houston neighbourhood. At the time, it was nearly shot by an off-duty deputy before being whisked away in a car by Victor Hugo Cuevas, who police allege is the owner. At a news conference later on Saturday evening, Borza said that Cuevas' wife, Giorgiana, turned over the tiger to police on Saturday after a friend of hers reached out to officials at BARC. "It is Victor's tiger. That's what I was told by (Giorgiana Cuevas) ... She says they've had that animal for nine months," Borza said. He alleged that the tiger was passed around to different people but that Cuevas' wife knew where the tiger was at all times this week as authorities searched for it. Police are still trying to determine where exactly the tiger was held this week and if any charges related to having the tiger will be filed. Tigers are not allowed within Houston city limits under a city ordinance unless the handler, such as a zoo, is licensed to have exotic animals. But Cuevas' attorney, Michael W Elliott, on Saturday night continued to insist his client doesn't own the tiger, saying, "I am not sure it makes any difference, who technically owns India as he does not have a birth certificate or title." "Victor was not the primary owner of India nor did India stay with him the majority of the time," Elliott said. "Victor was, however, involved in the caretaking of India often. Victor loves India as anyone else would love a favorite pet... He treated India with love and fantastic treatment in all respects." (With inputs from agencies)

Police: Missing Texas tiger has been found safe, healthy 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/china-completes-historic-mars-spacecraft-landing-385148">China completes historic Mars spacecraft landing&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="Brief 1" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="41f15deb-2230-42b5-b2b3-6d9f1eab1592" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bri%201.PNG" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-urges-mideast-ceasefire-offers-condolences-to-all-victims-report-385151">UAE urges Mideast ceasefire, offers condolences to all victims: Report</a>

<img alt="Brief 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="11e1d624-6b3d-47ed-8111-af2dd75bd5f4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bri%202.PNG" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-govt-delegation-taliban-discuss-peace-talks-in-qatar-385165">Afghan govt delegation, Taliban discuss peace talks in Qatar</a>&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-pm-says-to-fight-hate-study-social-media-algorithms-385152">New Zealand PM says to fight hate, study social media algorithms&nbsp;</a>

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&nbsp;

China completes historic Mars spacecraft landing UAE urges Mideast ceasefire, offers condolences to all victims: Report Afghan govt delegation, Taliban discuss 

China completes historic Mars spacecraft landing UAE urges Mideast ceasefire, offers condolences to all victims: Report Afghan govt delegation, Taliban discuss peace talks in Qatar New Zealand PM says to fight hate, study social media algorithms

Morning news brief: China completes historic Mars spacecraft landing and more

After months of stalled negotiations, the Afghan government's negotiating team and the Taliban leadership met in Doha, Qatar on Friday to discuss speeding up peace talks.&nbsp;

"Today a meeting was held in Doha between the delegations of both negotiating sides," the Afghan government's peace team said in a tweet. Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen also confirmed the news on his Twitter account.&nbsp;

"Besides Eid greetings, the two sides discussed the status quo and the speeding up of the intra-Afghan negotiations. They emphasised to continue negotiations after Eid," Taliban Spokesperson tweeted.&nbsp;

This comes as at least 12 people were killed in an explosion inside a mosque in Kabul on Friday afternoon despite a three-day ceasefire, TOLO news reported. So far, no group has taken responsibility. Taliban in a statement had denied involvement in the attack.&nbsp;

A three-day ceasefire agreed by both sides came to mark the Eid holidays, following the surge in violence in recent weeks.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Istanbul conference was scheduled to take place on the issue of Afghan peace in April end but it was postponed indefinitely after the Taliban declined to attend. US withdrawal from Afghanistan is underway and set to complete till September 11. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

After months of stalled negotiations, the Afghan government's negotiating team and the Taliban leadership met in Doha, Qatar on Friday to discuss speeding up peace talks.

After months of stalled negotiations, the Afghan government's negotiating team and the Taliban leadership met in Doha, Qatar on Friday to discuss speeding up peace talks. "Today a meeting was held in Doha between the delegations of both negotiating sides," the Afghan government's peace team said in a tweet. Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen also confirmed the news on his Twitter account. "Besides Eid greetings, the two sides discussed the status quo and the speeding up of the intra-Afghan negotiations. They emphasised to continue negotiations after Eid," Taliban Spokesperson tweeted. This comes as at least 12 people were killed in an explosion inside a mosque in Kabul on Friday afternoon despite a three-day ceasefire, TOLO news reported. So far, no group has taken responsibility. Taliban in a statement had denied involvement in the attack. A three-day ceasefire agreed by both sides came to mark the Eid holidays, following the surge in violence in recent weeks. Earlier, the Istanbul conference was scheduled to take place on the issue of Afghan peace in April end but it was postponed indefinitely after the Taliban declined to attend. US withdrawal from Afghanistan is underway and set to complete till September 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan govt delegation, Taliban discuss peace talks in Qatar 

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Saturday that world leaders and tech firms looking to stamp out violent extremism online would need to focus efforts on understanding social media algorithms that drive content. &nbsp;

Ardern was speaking at a virtual summit to mark the second anniversary of the global initiative to end online hate, called the Christchurch Call, launched by Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron in 2019 after a white supremacist killed 51 people at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch while live-streaming his rampage on Facebook.&nbsp;

Since then, more than 50 countries, international organisations and tech firms have supported the initiative including firms, such as Facebook, Google, Twitter and Microsoft.&nbsp;

"The existence of algorithms themselves is not necessarily the problem, it's whether or not they are ethically used. That is one of the biggest focus for the community over the next year alongside expanding the network itself," Ardern said a news conference after the forum.&nbsp;

Ardern said major tech firms expressed a real desire at the forum to use algorithms for positive interventions. She, however, did not elaborate on how firms would change the use of algorithms that drive harmful content and lead to radicalisation. &nbsp;

The Christchurch Call was joined for the first time by the United States, which made a policy change two years after the administration of former president Donald Trump declined to participate citing concerns of free speech.&nbsp;

The event was attended by global leaders including Macron, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.&nbsp;

The Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT), an NGO founded by Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter and YouTube that joined the Christchurch Call, said progress has been made since 2019.&nbsp;

The agency responded to over 140 incidents since 2019 with member companies sharing information and situational awareness to understand if an attack has a particular online dimension, it said in a separate statement.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Saturday that world leaders and tech firms looking to stamp out violent extremism online would need to focus efforts on understanding social media algorithms that drive content.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Saturday that world leaders and tech firms looking to stamp out violent extremism online would need to focus efforts on understanding social media algorithms that drive content. Ardern was speaking at a virtual summit to mark the second anniversary of the global initiative to end online hate, called the Christchurch Call, launched by Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron in 2019 after a white supremacist killed 51 people at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch while live-streaming his rampage on Facebook. Since then, more than 50 countries, international organisations and tech firms have supported the initiative including firms, such as Facebook, Google, Twitter and Microsoft. "The existence of algorithms themselves is not necessarily the problem, it's whether or not they are ethically used. That is one of the biggest focus for the community over the next year alongside expanding the network itself," Ardern said a news conference after the forum. Ardern said major tech firms expressed a real desire at the forum to use algorithms for positive interventions. She, however, did not elaborate on how firms would change the use of algorithms that drive harmful content and lead to radicalisation. The Christchurch Call was joined for the first time by the United States, which made a policy change two years after the administration of former president Donald Trump declined to participate citing concerns of free speech. The event was attended by global leaders including Macron, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT), an NGO founded by Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter and YouTube that joined the Christchurch Call, said progress has been made since 2019. The agency responded to over 140 incidents since 2019 with member companies sharing information and situational awareness to understand if an attack has a particular online dimension, it said in a separate statement. (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand PM says to fight hate, study social media algorithms 

The United Arab Emirates foreign minister on Friday voiced his country's concern over the escalation of Israeli-Palestinian violence and called for a ceasefire and the start of a diplomatic dialogue, state news agency WAM reported.&nbsp;

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan offered condolences to all victims of the fighting, citing the promise of September accords that made the UAE and Bahrain the first Arab states in a quarter century to establish formal ties with Israel.&nbsp;

"The UAE is alarmed by the escalating spiral of violence in Israel and Palestine. We express our condolences to all victims of the recent fighting, and join others in calling for an immediate cessation of violence and hostilities," he said. &nbsp;

"The UAE calls on all parties to take immediate steps to commit to a ceasefire, initiate a political dialogue, and exercise maximum restraint," the minister added.&nbsp;

"We reflect on the promise that the Abraham Accords hold for current and future generations, to live with their neighbours in peace, dignity and prosperity," he said, offering his country's support to all efforts to de-escalate tensions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The United Arab Emirates foreign minister on Friday voiced his country's concern over the escalation of Israeli-Palestinian violence and called for a ceasefire and the start of a diplomatic dialogue, state news agency WAM reported.

The United Arab Emirates foreign minister on Friday voiced his country's concern over the escalation of Israeli-Palestinian violence and called for a ceasefire and the start of a diplomatic dialogue, state news agency WAM reported. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan offered condolences to all victims of the fighting, citing the promise of September accords that made the UAE and Bahrain the first Arab states in a quarter century to establish formal ties with Israel. "The UAE is alarmed by the escalating spiral of violence in Israel and Palestine. We express our condolences to all victims of the recent fighting, and join others in calling for an immediate cessation of violence and hostilities," he said. "The UAE calls on all parties to take immediate steps to commit to a ceasefire, initiate a political dialogue, and exercise maximum restraint," the minister added. "We reflect on the promise that the Abraham Accords hold for current and future generations, to live with their neighbours in peace, dignity and prosperity," he said, offering his country's support to all efforts to de-escalate tensions. (With inputs from agencies)

UAE urges Mideast ceasefire, offers condolences to all victims: Report 

An uncrewed Chinese spacecraft successfully landed on the surface of Mars on Saturday, state news agency Xinhua reported, making China the second space-faring nation after the United States to land on the Red Planet.&nbsp;

The Tianwen-1 spacecraft landed on a site on a vast plain known as Utopia Planitia, "leaving a Chinese footprint on Mars for the first time," Xinhua said.&nbsp;

The craft left its parked orbit at about 1700 GMT Friday (0100 Beijing time Saturday). The landing module separated from the orbiter three hours later and entered the Martian atmosphere, the official China Space News said.&nbsp;

It said the landing process consisted of 'nine minutes of terror' as the module decelerates and then slowly descends.&nbsp;

A solar-powered rover, named Zhurong, will now survey the landing site before departing from its platform to conduct inspections. Named after a mythical Chinese god of fire, Zhurong has six scientific instruments including a high-resolution topography camera.&nbsp;

The rover will study the planet's surface soil and atmosphere. Zhurong will also look for signs of ancient life, including any sub-surface water and ice, using a ground-penetrating radar.&nbsp;

Tianwen-1, or 'Questions to Heaven', after a Chinese poem written two millennia ago, is China’s first independent mission to Mars. A probe co-launched with Russia in 2011 failed to leave the Earth's orbit.&nbsp;

The five-tonne spacecraft blasted off from the southern Chinese island of Hainan in July last year, launched by the powerful Long March 5 rocket.&nbsp;

After more than six months in transit, Tianwen-1 reached the Red Planet in February where it had been in orbit since.&nbsp;

If Zhurong is successfully deployed, China would be the first country to orbit, land and release a rover in its maiden mission to Mars.&nbsp;

Tianwen-1 was one of three that reached Mars in February, with US rover Perseverance successfully touching down on February 18 in a huge depression called Jezero Crater, more than 2,000 km away from Utopia Planitia.&nbsp;

Hope - the third spacecraft that arrived at Mars in February this year - is not designed to make a landing. Launched by the United Arab Emirates, it is currently orbiting above Mars gathering data on its weather and atmosphere.&nbsp;

The first successful landing ever was made by NASA's Viking 1 in July 1976 and then by Viking 2 in September that year. A Mars probe launched by the former Soviet Union landed in December 1971, but communication was lost seconds after landing.&nbsp;

China is pursuing an ambitious space programme. It is testing reusable spacecraft and is also planning to establish manned lunar research station.&nbsp;

In a commentary published on Saturday, Xinhua said China was 'not looking to compete for leadership in space' but was committed to 'unveiling the secrets of the universe and contributing to humanity's peaceful use of space’.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

An uncrewed Chinese spacecraft successfully landed on the surface of Mars on Saturday, state news agency Xinhua reported, making China the second space-faring nation after the United States to land on the Red Planet.

An uncrewed Chinese spacecraft successfully landed on the surface of Mars on Saturday, state news agency Xinhua reported, making China the second space-faring nation after the United States to land on the Red Planet. The Tianwen-1 spacecraft landed on a site on a vast plain known as Utopia Planitia, "leaving a Chinese footprint on Mars for the first time," Xinhua said. The craft left its parked orbit at about 1700 GMT Friday (0100 Beijing time Saturday). The landing module separated from the orbiter three hours later and entered the Martian atmosphere, the official China Space News said. It said the landing process consisted of 'nine minutes of terror' as the module decelerates and then slowly descends. A solar-powered rover, named Zhurong, will now survey the landing site before departing from its platform to conduct inspections. Named after a mythical Chinese god of fire, Zhurong has six scientific instruments including a high-resolution topography camera. The rover will study the planet's surface soil and atmosphere. Zhurong will also look for signs of ancient life, including any sub-surface water and ice, using a ground-penetrating radar. Tianwen-1, or 'Questions to Heaven', after a Chinese poem written two millennia ago, is China’s first independent mission to Mars. A probe co-launched with Russia in 2011 failed to leave the Earth's orbit. The five-tonne spacecraft blasted off from the southern Chinese island of Hainan in July last year, launched by the powerful Long March 5 rocket. After more than six months in transit, Tianwen-1 reached the Red Planet in February where it had been in orbit since. If Zhurong is successfully deployed, China would be the first country to orbit, land and release a rover in its maiden mission to Mars. Tianwen-1 was one of three that reached Mars in February, with US rover Perseverance successfully touching down on February 18 in a huge depression called Jezero Crater, more than 2,000 km away from Utopia Planitia. Hope - the third spacecraft that arrived at Mars in February this year - is not designed to make a landing. Launched by the United Arab Emirates, it is currently orbiting above Mars gathering data on its weather and atmosphere. The first successful landing ever was made by NASA's Viking 1 in July 1976 and then by Viking 2 in September that year. A Mars probe launched by the former Soviet Union landed in December 1971, but communication was lost seconds after landing. China is pursuing an ambitious space programme. It is testing reusable spacecraft and is also planning to establish manned lunar research station. In a commentary published on Saturday, Xinhua said China was 'not looking to compete for leadership in space' but was committed to 'unveiling the secrets of the universe and contributing to humanity's peaceful use of space’. (With inputs from agencies)

China completes historic Mars spacecraft landing 

May 15 in history: James Puckle patents world's first machine gun and more

At least 11 persons, including three women and seven children, of the same family were drowned after their vehicle plunged into a canal in Pakistan's Punjab province, according to a media report. &nbsp;

The accident happened on Friday in Sheikhupura district when the vehicle heading towards Khanqah Dogran from Qila Didar Singh skidded off the road and plunged into the canal, ARY News reported.&nbsp;

After being informed of the accident, police and rescue officials rushed to the accident spot and retrieved the bodies from the canal. The bodies were shifted to hospital for medico-legal formalities, the report said.&nbsp;

Rescue officials were of the view that the van plunged into the canal due to over speeding and the unavailability of a safety fence along the road.&nbsp;

"Among those killed are seven children, three women and a man, who belong to the same family," a senior police official was quoted as saying in the report.&nbsp;

Road accidents are common in Pakistan as every year thousands of people are killed in similar types of accidents.&nbsp;

In November last year, a rickshaw carrying family members in Punjab overturned and fell into a canal in which at least 19 people died. &nbsp;

At least 11 persons, including three women and seven children, of the same family were drowned after their vehicle plunged into a canal in Pakistan's Punjab province, according to a media report.

At least 11 persons, including three women and seven children, of the same family were drowned after their vehicle plunged into a canal in Pakistan's Punjab province, according to a media report. The accident happened on Friday in Sheikhupura district when the vehicle heading towards Khanqah Dogran from Qila Didar Singh skidded off the road and plunged into the canal, ARY News reported. After being informed of the accident, police and rescue officials rushed to the accident spot and retrieved the bodies from the canal. The bodies were shifted to hospital for medico-legal formalities, the report said. Rescue officials were of the view that the van plunged into the canal due to over speeding and the unavailability of a safety fence along the road. "Among those killed are seven children, three women and a man, who belong to the same family," a senior police official was quoted as saying in the report. Road accidents are common in Pakistan as every year thousands of people are killed in similar types of accidents. In November last year, a rickshaw carrying family members in Punjab overturned and fell into a canal in which at least 19 people died.

11 from same family drowned after vehicle plunges into canal in Pakistan: Report 

Indian-American policy expert Neera Tanden has been appointed as a senior adviser to US President Joe Biden, two months after she withdrew her nomination as Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget due to stiff opposition from Republican senators.&nbsp;

Tanden has been entrusted with two tasks, launch a review of the US Digital Service, and plan contingencies that could result from the Supreme Court's consideration of Republican lawsuits seeking to strike down the Affordable Care Act.&nbsp;

Tanden, 50, is currently the president and CEO of a progressive think-tank, Center for American Progress (CAP). She expected to join the White House team on Monday.&nbsp;

"Neera's intellect, tenacity, and political savvy will be an asset to the Biden administration," CAP founder and director John Podesta said.&nbsp;

He said the White House has made remarkable progress combating numerous once-in-a-generation challenges from vaccinating millions of Americans to delivering real economic relief from the coronavirus pandemic, and from strengthening the Affordable Care Act to tackling climate change.&nbsp;

"Many of these bold policy solutions, which have bipartisan support from voters across the country, were developed and led by Neera at CAP over many years. The administration's efforts will be magnified with Neera Tanden on the team," Podesta added.&nbsp;

In March, she faced a tough time for the confirmation of her nomination as Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) over her past social media outbursts against several lawmakers, including those from her own Democratic Party. She became the Biden administration's only Cabinet nominee rebuffed by the Senate.&nbsp;

Tanden previously served as a senior adviser for health reforms at the US Department of Health and Human Services. She worked with Congress and stakeholders on particular provisions of former President Barack Obama's signature legislative achievement, the Affordable Care Act.&nbsp;

Before that, Tanden was the director of domestic policy for the Obama-Biden presidential campaign, where she managed all domestic policy proposals.&nbsp;

Tanden also served as policy director for Hillary Clinton's first presidential campaign.&nbsp;

Before the 2008 presidential campaign, Tanden served as legislative director in Clinton's office, and deputy campaign manager and issues director for Clinton's 2000 Senate campaign.&nbsp;

She began her career as an associate director for domestic policy in former President Bill Clinton's White House, and senior policy adviser to the First Lady.&nbsp;

Tanden holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a law degree from the Yale Law School. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Indian-American policy expert Neera Tanden has been appointed as a senior adviser to US President Joe Biden, two months after she withdrew her nomination as Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget due to stiff opposition from Republican senators.

Indian-American policy expert Neera Tanden has been appointed as a senior adviser to US President Joe Biden, two months after she withdrew her nomination as Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget due to stiff opposition from Republican senators. Tanden has been entrusted with two tasks, launch a review of the US Digital Service, and plan contingencies that could result from the Supreme Court's consideration of Republican lawsuits seeking to strike down the Affordable Care Act. Tanden, 50, is currently the president and CEO of a progressive think-tank, Center for American Progress (CAP). She expected to join the White House team on Monday. "Neera's intellect, tenacity, and political savvy will be an asset to the Biden administration," CAP founder and director John Podesta said. He said the White House has made remarkable progress combating numerous once-in-a-generation challenges from vaccinating millions of Americans to delivering real economic relief from the coronavirus pandemic, and from strengthening the Affordable Care Act to tackling climate change. "Many of these bold policy solutions, which have bipartisan support from voters across the country, were developed and led by Neera at CAP over many years. The administration's efforts will be magnified with Neera Tanden on the team," Podesta added. In March, she faced a tough time for the confirmation of her nomination as Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) over her past social media outbursts against several lawmakers, including those from her own Democratic Party. She became the Biden administration's only Cabinet nominee rebuffed by the Senate. Tanden previously served as a senior adviser for health reforms at the US Department of Health and Human Services. She worked with Congress and stakeholders on particular provisions of former President Barack Obama's signature legislative achievement, the Affordable Care Act. Before that, Tanden was the director of domestic policy for the Obama-Biden presidential campaign, where she managed all domestic policy proposals. Tanden also served as policy director for Hillary Clinton's first presidential campaign. Before the 2008 presidential campaign, Tanden served as legislative director in Clinton's office, and deputy campaign manager and issues director for Clinton's 2000 Senate campaign. She began her career as an associate director for domestic policy in former President Bill Clinton's White House, and senior policy adviser to the First Lady. Tanden holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a law degree from the Yale Law School.

Indian-American policy expert Neera Tanden appointed White House senior adviser  

Two powerful tornadoes walloped the Chinese cities of Wuhan and Suzhou, killing at least seven people and injuring 239 others, state-media reported on Saturday.&nbsp;

Six people were killed and 218 others injured after a tornado, packing winds of 23.9 meters per second, ripped through the Caidian District of Wuhan at 8:39 pm on Friday, toppling some construction site sheds and snapping a large number of trees, the Xinhua news agency reported.&nbsp;

According to an initial investigation by local authorities on Saturday morning, 27 houses collapsed. Two tower cranes and 8,000 square meters of construction site sheds also were damaged.&nbsp;

Another tornado hit Shengze Town, under the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu Province in which one person was killed and 21 others injured.&nbsp;

The tornado around 7 pm on Friday also damaged electricity facilities and toppled several factory buildings, the Xinhua report said.&nbsp;

The tornadoes came as a surprise to the locals as it is quite rare in the region. &nbsp;

Two powerful tornadoes walloped the Chinese cities of Wuhan and Suzhou, killing at least seven people and injuring 239 others, state-media reported on Saturday. Six people were killed and 218 others injured after a tornado, packing winds of 23.

Two powerful tornadoes walloped the Chinese cities of Wuhan and Suzhou, killing at least seven people and injuring 239 others, state-media reported on Saturday. Six people were killed and 218 others injured after a tornado, packing winds of 23.9 meters per second, ripped through the Caidian District of Wuhan at 8:39 pm on Friday, toppling some construction site sheds and snapping a large number of trees, the Xinhua news agency reported. According to an initial investigation by local authorities on Saturday morning, 27 houses collapsed. Two tower cranes and 8,000 square meters of construction site sheds also were damaged. Another tornado hit Shengze Town, under the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu Province in which one person was killed and 21 others injured. The tornado around 7 pm on Friday also damaged electricity facilities and toppled several factory buildings, the Xinhua report said. The tornadoes came as a surprise to the locals as it is quite rare in the region.

Seven killed, over 230 injured after two tornadoes strike Chinese cities 

Jill Biden says finally going mask-free feels like 'we're moving forward’. A Republican senator says going unmasked 'certainly helps the flow of conversation’. &nbsp;

But the conversation on the House floor on Friday approached sniping as lawmakers objected to being required to keep masking up until all 435 of them get their COVID-19 shots.&nbsp;

Across Washington, the government is adjusting to new federal guidance easing up on when masks should be worn.&nbsp;

"So much for following the science," Rep Greg Murphy, R-NC, a urologist, said after complaining that he'd have to put his mask back on after his House floor speech despite being fully vaccinated. &nbsp;

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that fully vaccinated people ‘those who are two weeks past their last required dose of a COVID-19 vaccine’ can stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings. Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated people should keep wearing masks, the guidance says. &nbsp;

But on Capitol Hill, lawmakers have to keep wearing masks on the House floor, according to a memo from the Office of the Attending Physician, Dr Brian Monahan. &nbsp;

"The present mask requirement and other guidelines remain unchanged until all Members and Floor staff are fully vaccinated," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a memo to her Democratic colleagues. “Returning the Capitol to the welcoming and safe venue that it has been requires us to not only secure it physically but to make it safe from the virus." Recent surveys suggest that about 1 in 4 House lawmakers are not fully vaccinated.&nbsp;

Lawmakers can remove their masks while on the House floor to make speeches, but must mask up after they finish. They are, however, free to resume 'pre-pandemic activities' elsewhere in the House complex of office buildings and public spaces.&nbsp;

In the Senate, Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Joni Ernst of Iowa were among senators, who didn't hesitate to remove their masks as soon as they heard the news. They were seen entering the Senate chamber on Thursday marveling at being mask-free and calling out, 'Freedom!'&nbsp;

Senate leadership has not commented on the updated mask guidance, which came down as Biden and a group of Republican senators discussed infrastructure in the Oval Office.&nbsp;

Jill Biden says finally going mask-free feels like 'we're moving forward’. A Republican senator says going unmasked 'certainly helps the flow of conversation’. But the conversation on the House floor on Friday approached sniping as lawmakers objected to being required to keep masking up until all 435 of them get their COVID-19 shots.

Jill Biden says finally going mask-free feels like 'we're moving forward’. A Republican senator says going unmasked 'certainly helps the flow of conversation’. But the conversation on the House floor on Friday approached sniping as lawmakers objected to being required to keep masking up until all 435 of them get their COVID-19 shots. Across Washington, the government is adjusting to new federal guidance easing up on when masks should be worn. "So much for following the science," Rep Greg Murphy, R-NC, a urologist, said after complaining that he'd have to put his mask back on after his House floor speech despite being fully vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that fully vaccinated people ‘those who are two weeks past their last required dose of a COVID-19 vaccine’ can stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings. Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated people should keep wearing masks, the guidance says. But on Capitol Hill, lawmakers have to keep wearing masks on the House floor, according to a memo from the Office of the Attending Physician, Dr Brian Monahan. "The present mask requirement and other guidelines remain unchanged until all Members and Floor staff are fully vaccinated," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a memo to her Democratic colleagues. “Returning the Capitol to the welcoming and safe venue that it has been requires us to not only secure it physically but to make it safe from the virus." Recent surveys suggest that about 1 in 4 House lawmakers are not fully vaccinated. Lawmakers can remove their masks while on the House floor to make speeches, but must mask up after they finish. They are, however, free to resume 'pre-pandemic activities' elsewhere in the House complex of office buildings and public spaces. In the Senate, Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Joni Ernst of Iowa were among senators, who didn't hesitate to remove their masks as soon as they heard the news. They were seen entering the Senate chamber on Thursday marveling at being mask-free and calling out, 'Freedom!' Senate leadership has not commented on the updated mask guidance, which came down as Biden and a group of Republican senators discussed infrastructure in the Oval Office.

Let's face it: Washington adjusts to new mask guidance 

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Gandharv Walia

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