Opponents of military rule in Myanmar inscribed messages of protest on Easter eggs on Sunday while thousands of others were back on the streets, denouncing a February 1 coup and facing off with the security forces who shot and killed two men.

In the latest in a series of impromptu shows of defiance, messages including ‘Spring Revolution’, ‘We must win’ and ‘Get out MAH’ - referring to junta leader Min Aung Hlaing - were seen on eggs in photographs on social media.

"Easter is all about the future and the people of Myanmar have a great future in a federal democracy," Dr Sasa, international envoy for the ousted civilian government, said in a statement. Sasa, who uses only one name, is a member of a largely Christian ethnic minority in the predominantly Buddhist country.

Opponents of military rule have mounted a civil disobedience campaign since the military overthrew the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, that has included creative shows of defiance promoted on social media.

Young people in the main city of Yangon handed out eggs bearing the messages of protest, pictures in posts showed.

Crowds have returned to the streets day and night to reject the return of military rule after a decade of tentative steps towards democracy. Numerous candle-lit vigils took place overnight.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), an activist group monitoring casualties and arrests, said the toll of dead had risen to 557, as of late Saturday.

In the capital, Naypyitaw, two men were killed when police fired on protesters on motorbikes, the Irrawaddy news site reported.

Police and a spokesman for the junta did not answer telephone calls seeking comment. 
Several thousand marched in the second city of Mandalay, according to images on social media, before police and soldiers moved in to disperse them.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Opponents of military rule in Myanmar inscribed messages of protest on Easter eggs on Sunday while thousands of others were back on the streets, denouncing a February 1 coup and facing off with the security forces who shot and killed two men.

Opponents of military rule in Myanmar inscribed messages of protest on Easter eggs on Sunday while thousands of others were back on the streets, denouncing a February 1 coup and facing off with the security forces who shot and killed two men. In the latest in a series of impromptu shows of defiance, messages including ‘Spring Revolution’, ‘We must win’ and ‘Get out MAH’ - referring to junta leader Min Aung Hlaing - were seen on eggs in photographs on social media. "Easter is all about the future and the people of Myanmar have a great future in a federal democracy," Dr Sasa, international envoy for the ousted civilian government, said in a statement. Sasa, who uses only one name, is a member of a largely Christian ethnic minority in the predominantly Buddhist country. Opponents of military rule have mounted a civil disobedience campaign since the military overthrew the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, that has included creative shows of defiance promoted on social media. Young people in the main city of Yangon handed out eggs bearing the messages of protest, pictures in posts showed. Crowds have returned to the streets day and night to reject the return of military rule after a decade of tentative steps towards democracy. Numerous candle-lit vigils took place overnight. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), an activist group monitoring casualties and arrests, said the toll of dead had risen to 557, as of late Saturday. In the capital, Naypyitaw, two men were killed when police fired on protesters on motorbikes, the Irrawaddy news site reported. Police and a spokesman for the junta did not answer telephone calls seeking comment. Several thousand marched in the second city of Mandalay, according to images on social media, before police and soldiers moved in to disperse them. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar protesters use Easter eggs as a symbol of defiance 

Jordan’s neighbours and allies reacted with statements of support after the Jordanian military said on Saturday that King Abdullah’s half-brother and former Crown Prince Hamza bin Hussein had been told to halt actions used to target the country’s ‘security and stability’.

In a statement published by the state news agency, it said the action was part of a broader security investigation in which a former minister, a member of the royal family and some other unidentified individuals were detained.

In response to the action, US State Department spokesman Ned Price in an email, said, "We are closely following the reports and in touch with Jordanian officials. King Abdullah is a key partner of the United States, and he has our full support."

In a statement, the Saudi royal court said, "The kingdom affirms its full support, with all its capabilities, to all decisions and measures taken by King Abdullah and His Highness Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, the Crown Prince, to maintain security and stability."

In a separate statement, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said Jordan’s stability and prosperity was the ‘basis for the stability and prosperity of the whole region’ and vowed ‘firm and lasting’ support for it.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Presidential Affairs stressed the UAE’s full support for all decisions and measures taken by King Abdullah and his crown prince to maintain Jordan’s security and stability and ‘to defuse any attempt to impact them’.&nbsp;

Senior Emirati official Anwar Gargash said on Twitter Jordan’s ‘wise policy to build bridges in a turbulent region was not an easy choice but was, and remains, the necessary direction’.

Egypt voiced support for King Abdullah and his efforts ‘to maintain the security and stability of the kingdom against any attempts to undermine it’, its presidency spokesman wrote on Facebook.

Oman completely stands by Jordan under the leadership of King Abdullah and firmly supports anything that preserves Jordan’s security, sovereignty and stability, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa affirmed full support to the decisions and measures taken by King Abdullah to maintain Jordan’s security and stability and ‘defuse all disruptive attempts’, state news agency BNA said.

In a statement, GCC Secretary General Nayef Falah Mubarak al-Hajraf said the bloc affirmed its full support for all decisions and measures taken by King Abdullah to preserve the security and stability of Jordan.

"Jordan’s security and safety is a fundamental basis for the security and safety of the Arab world," Lebanese Prime Minister designate Saad al-Hariri said on Twitter. "All the solidarity with the Jordanian leadership and King Abdullah in defending the gains of the Jordanian people, protecting their stability, and refusing interference in their affairs."

Kuwait’s foreign ministry expressed its support to all measures taken by King Abdullah and his crown prince to maintain the security and stability of Jordan.

"The Iraqi government affirms that it stands with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, in any steps taken to preserve the security and stability of the country and take care of the interests of the brotherly people of Jordan, in a way that boosts their presence, by relying on measures that aim to extend the respect of the state," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Qatar expressed its full solidarity with Jordan and full support to the decisions and measures issued by King Abdullah to preserve security and stability, and boost the process of progress and prosperity, state news agency QNA said.

It said strategic bilateral relations ‘will remain an honest and strong guard against any attempts to undermine the security and stability in the two countries and the region’.

Yemen’s internationally recognised government ‘affirms its absolute support and totally stands with all decisions and measures taken by His Majesty King Abdullah aimed at maintaining security and ending any attempts to destabilise the sisterly Kingdom of Jordan,’ state news agency Saba said.

"Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that we stand by the sisterly Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the king, the government, and the people," the official Palestinian news agency WAFA said in a statement.

"We support the decisions taken by King Abdullah II to preserve Jordan`s security and ensure its stability and unity. 
"We support the steps taken by King Abdullah to maintain Jordanian national security, stressing that Jordan’s security and stability is a supreme Palestinian interest."

"The secretary-general of the Arab League expressed full solidarity with the measures taken by the Jordanian leadership to maintain the security of the kingdom and maintain the stability," the Arab League said in a statement on its Facebook page, citing Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

"He also stressed his confidence in the leadership’s wisdom and its keenness to secure the country’s stability in parallel with the respect for the constitution and the law.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry voiced support for King Abdullah and the government of Jordan, and said that it was watching developments with concern.

"We do not see the stability and calm of Jordan, a country that is key to peace in the Middle East, as separate from Turkey’s stability and calm," the ministry said in a statement.

"In this framework, we express our strong support for King Abdullah II and the Jordanian government, as well as for the tranquility, welfare and well-being of the friendly and brotherly people of Jordan," it said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Jordan’s neighbours and allies reacted with statements of support after the Jordanian military said on Saturday that King Abdullah’s half-brother and former Crown Prince Hamza bin Hussein had been told to halt actions used to target the country’s ‘security and stability’.

Jordan’s neighbours and allies reacted with statements of support after the Jordanian military said on Saturday that King Abdullah’s half-brother and former Crown Prince Hamza bin Hussein had been told to halt actions used to target the country’s ‘security and stability’. In a statement published by the state news agency, it said the action was part of a broader security investigation in which a former minister, a member of the royal family and some other unidentified individuals were detained. In response to the action, US State Department spokesman Ned Price in an email, said, "We are closely following the reports and in touch with Jordanian officials. King Abdullah is a key partner of the United States, and he has our full support." In a statement, the Saudi royal court said, "The kingdom affirms its full support, with all its capabilities, to all decisions and measures taken by King Abdullah and His Highness Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, the Crown Prince, to maintain security and stability." In a separate statement, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said Jordan’s stability and prosperity was the ‘basis for the stability and prosperity of the whole region’ and vowed ‘firm and lasting’ support for it. The Ministry of Presidential Affairs stressed the UAE’s full support for all decisions and measures taken by King Abdullah and his crown prince to maintain Jordan’s security and stability and ‘to defuse any attempt to impact them’. Senior Emirati official Anwar Gargash said on Twitter Jordan’s ‘wise policy to build bridges in a turbulent region was not an easy choice but was, and remains, the necessary direction’. Egypt voiced support for King Abdullah and his efforts ‘to maintain the security and stability of the kingdom against any attempts to undermine it’, its presidency spokesman wrote on Facebook. Oman completely stands by Jordan under the leadership of King Abdullah and firmly supports anything that preserves Jordan’s security, sovereignty and stability, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa affirmed full support to the decisions and measures taken by King Abdullah to maintain Jordan’s security and stability and ‘defuse all disruptive attempts’, state news agency BNA said. In a statement, GCC Secretary General Nayef Falah Mubarak al-Hajraf said the bloc affirmed its full support for all decisions and measures taken by King Abdullah to preserve the security and stability of Jordan. "Jordan’s security and safety is a fundamental basis for the security and safety of the Arab world," Lebanese Prime Minister designate Saad al-Hariri said on Twitter. "All the solidarity with the Jordanian leadership and King Abdullah in defending the gains of the Jordanian people, protecting their stability, and refusing interference in their affairs." Kuwait’s foreign ministry expressed its support to all measures taken by King Abdullah and his crown prince to maintain the security and stability of Jordan. "The Iraqi government affirms that it stands with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, in any steps taken to preserve the security and stability of the country and take care of the interests of the brotherly people of Jordan, in a way that boosts their presence, by relying on measures that aim to extend the respect of the state," the foreign ministry said in a statement. Qatar expressed its full solidarity with Jordan and full support to the decisions and measures issued by King Abdullah to preserve security and stability, and boost the process of progress and prosperity, state news agency QNA said. It said strategic bilateral relations ‘will remain an honest and strong guard against any attempts to undermine the security and stability in the two countries and the region’. Yemen’s internationally recognised government ‘affirms its absolute support and totally stands with all decisions and measures taken by His Majesty King Abdullah aimed at maintaining security and ending any attempts to destabilise the sisterly Kingdom of Jordan,’ state news agency Saba said. "Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that we stand by the sisterly Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the king, the government, and the people," the official Palestinian news agency WAFA said in a statement. "We support the decisions taken by King Abdullah II to preserve Jordan`s security and ensure its stability and unity. "We support the steps taken by King Abdullah to maintain Jordanian national security, stressing that Jordan’s security and stability is a supreme Palestinian interest." "The secretary-general of the Arab League expressed full solidarity with the measures taken by the Jordanian leadership to maintain the security of the kingdom and maintain the stability," the Arab League said in a statement on its Facebook page, citing Ahmed Aboul Gheit. "He also stressed his confidence in the leadership’s wisdom and its keenness to secure the country’s stability in parallel with the respect for the constitution and the law. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry voiced support for King Abdullah and the government of Jordan, and said that it was watching developments with concern. "We do not see the stability and calm of Jordan, a country that is key to peace in the Middle East, as separate from Turkey’s stability and calm," the ministry said in a statement. "In this framework, we express our strong support for King Abdullah II and the Jordanian government, as well as for the tranquility, welfare and well-being of the friendly and brotherly people of Jordan," it said. (With inputs from agencies)

Jordan's neighbours, allies voice support over its security moves

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry said the United States was hopeful it could work with China to tackle climate change, despite longstanding disagreements that have affected the bilateral relationship.&nbsp;

"Our hope is that we’re going to be able to deal with yes, China," Kerry told reporters during a visit to the United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi on Saturday. "President Biden has made it clear and I’ve made it clear: none of the other issues we have with China -- and there are issues -- is held hostage to or is engaged in a trade for what we need to do on climate."

Sino-US relations have been strained in recent years by disagreements about trade, China’s treatment of its Uighur minority, as well as China’s actions in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

China has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2060 while US President Joe Biden’s administration is expected to announce a new target for reducing emissions at a global climate summit on April 22.

Kerry will take part in a climate dialogue for the Middle East and North Africa hosted by Abu Dhabi on Sunday. The UAE said the dialogue would focus on national and regional preparations ahead of a United Nations climate summit to be held in Glasgow in November.

Kerry said the countries would discuss how to reduce a reliance on coal, as well as how to ‘raise ambitions’ on climate change ahead of November’s conference.

"I think the next generations are screaming at us to fulfill our promise," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry said the United States was hopeful it could work with China to tackle climate change, despite longstanding disagreements that have affected the bilateral relationship.

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry said the United States was hopeful it could work with China to tackle climate change, despite longstanding disagreements that have affected the bilateral relationship. "Our hope is that we’re going to be able to deal with yes, China," Kerry told reporters during a visit to the United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi on Saturday. "President Biden has made it clear and I’ve made it clear: none of the other issues we have with China -- and there are issues -- is held hostage to or is engaged in a trade for what we need to do on climate." Sino-US relations have been strained in recent years by disagreements about trade, China’s treatment of its Uighur minority, as well as China’s actions in Taiwan and Hong Kong. China has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2060 while US President Joe Biden’s administration is expected to announce a new target for reducing emissions at a global climate summit on April 22. Kerry will take part in a climate dialogue for the Middle East and North Africa hosted by Abu Dhabi on Sunday. The UAE said the dialogue would focus on national and regional preparations ahead of a United Nations climate summit to be held in Glasgow in November. Kerry said the countries would discuss how to reduce a reliance on coal, as well as how to ‘raise ambitions’ on climate change ahead of November’s conference. "I think the next generations are screaming at us to fulfill our promise," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Kerry: US 'hopeful' to work with China to tackle climate change

Carbon survived an interstellar journey to reach the Earth, entirely avoiding vaporisation, as believed earlier, according to a new study.

Carbon is the backbone of life on Earth. It is responsible for regulating climate and making Earth a habitable planet.

The study, detailed in the journal ‘Science Advances’, showed that most of Earth’s carbon was inherited directly from the interstellar medium -- the material that exists in space between stars in a galaxy.

This likely happened after the cloud of dust and gas that circled our young sun and contained the building blocks of the planets, formed and warmed up.

Further, carbon was also likely isolated into solids within one million years of the sun’s birth, said the research team from the University of Michigan in the US.

The team quashed the previously believed condensation model saying that the gas molecules that carry carbon would not be available to build the Earth because once carbon vaporises, it does not condense back into a solid state.

"The condensation model has been widely used for decades. It assumes that during the formation of the sun, all of the planet’s elements got vaporised, and as the disk cooled, some of these gases condensed and supplied chemical ingredients to solid bodies. But that doesn’t work for carbon," said Jie (Jackie) Li, Professor at the Michigan University.

For the study, the team estimated the upper bounds of how much carbon the Earth might contain. It helped the researchers to find when the carbon might have been delivered here.

Carbon must exist in the right proportion to support life on the Earth. While excess carbon can make Earth like planet Venus, trapping heat from the sun and maintaining a temperature of about 880 degrees Fahrenheit, too little, on the other hand, would resemble Mars: An inhospitable planet unable to support water-based life, and having temperatures around minus 60.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Carbon survived an interstellar journey to reach the Earth, entirely avoiding vaporisation, as believed earlier, according to a new study. Carbon is the backbone of life on Earth.

Carbon survived an interstellar journey to reach the Earth, entirely avoiding vaporisation, as believed earlier, according to a new study. Carbon is the backbone of life on Earth. It is responsible for regulating climate and making Earth a habitable planet. The study, detailed in the journal ‘Science Advances’, showed that most of Earth’s carbon was inherited directly from the interstellar medium -- the material that exists in space between stars in a galaxy. This likely happened after the cloud of dust and gas that circled our young sun and contained the building blocks of the planets, formed and warmed up. Further, carbon was also likely isolated into solids within one million years of the sun’s birth, said the research team from the University of Michigan in the US. The team quashed the previously believed condensation model saying that the gas molecules that carry carbon would not be available to build the Earth because once carbon vaporises, it does not condense back into a solid state. "The condensation model has been widely used for decades. It assumes that during the formation of the sun, all of the planet’s elements got vaporised, and as the disk cooled, some of these gases condensed and supplied chemical ingredients to solid bodies. But that doesn’t work for carbon," said Jie (Jackie) Li, Professor at the Michigan University. For the study, the team estimated the upper bounds of how much carbon the Earth might contain. It helped the researchers to find when the carbon might have been delivered here. Carbon must exist in the right proportion to support life on the Earth. While excess carbon can make Earth like planet Venus, trapping heat from the sun and maintaining a temperature of about 880 degrees Fahrenheit, too little, on the other hand, would resemble Mars: An inhospitable planet unable to support water-based life, and having temperatures around minus 60. (With inputs from agencies)

From where did Earth get carbon?

Plants absorb a vast amount of toxic mercury gas in the atmosphere and help reducing the pollutant worldwide by depositing the element into soils, said researchers.

The process is similar to the absorption of carbon dioxide emissions by plants, said the team from University of Massachusetts Lowell, in the US.

Hundreds of tonnes of mercury each year are emitted into the atmosphere as a gas by burning coal, mining and other industrial and natural processes.

When the plants shed leaves or die, the mercury is transferred to soils where large amounts also make their way into watersheds, threatening wildlife and people who eat contaminated fish, the researchers explained, in the study published journal Nature Reviews - Earth &amp; Environment.

Exposure to high levels of mercury over long periods can lead to neurological and cardiovascular problems in humans, according to Daniel Obrist, Professor at UMass Lowell.

There is no safe level of mercury for humans, according to the World Health Organization. Exposure to the hazardous element can lead to irritability, speech and visual impairment, hypospermia, kidney failure and Alzheimer’s disease, among others.

For the study, the team collected 200 published studies with data on mercury levels in vegetation from more than 400 locations around the world.

They found about 88 per cent of the mercury found in plants originates from plants’ leaves absorbing gaseous mercury from the atmosphere.

Globally, vegetation can take up more than 1,300 tonnes of mercury each year, accounting for 60 to 90 per cent of it being deposited over land, according to Jun Zhou, Research Associate at UMass Lowell.

The study represents the largest comprehensive review of the uptake of mercury in vegetation and its impact on mercury cycling around the world. The work moves scientists toward a greater understanding of how mercury cycling works, Zhou said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Plants absorb a vast amount of toxic mercury gas in the atmosphere and help reducing the pollutant worldwide by depositing the element into soils, said researchers.

Plants absorb a vast amount of toxic mercury gas in the atmosphere and help reducing the pollutant worldwide by depositing the element into soils, said researchers. The process is similar to the absorption of carbon dioxide emissions by plants, said the team from University of Massachusetts Lowell, in the US. Hundreds of tonnes of mercury each year are emitted into the atmosphere as a gas by burning coal, mining and other industrial and natural processes. When the plants shed leaves or die, the mercury is transferred to soils where large amounts also make their way into watersheds, threatening wildlife and people who eat contaminated fish, the researchers explained, in the study published journal Nature Reviews - Earth & Environment. Exposure to high levels of mercury over long periods can lead to neurological and cardiovascular problems in humans, according to Daniel Obrist, Professor at UMass Lowell. There is no safe level of mercury for humans, according to the World Health Organization. Exposure to the hazardous element can lead to irritability, speech and visual impairment, hypospermia, kidney failure and Alzheimer’s disease, among others. For the study, the team collected 200 published studies with data on mercury levels in vegetation from more than 400 locations around the world. They found about 88 per cent of the mercury found in plants originates from plants’ leaves absorbing gaseous mercury from the atmosphere. Globally, vegetation can take up more than 1,300 tonnes of mercury each year, accounting for 60 to 90 per cent of it being deposited over land, according to Jun Zhou, Research Associate at UMass Lowell. The study represents the largest comprehensive review of the uptake of mercury in vegetation and its impact on mercury cycling around the world. The work moves scientists toward a greater understanding of how mercury cycling works, Zhou said. (With inputs from agencies)

Plants help reduce toxic mercury from environment, says study

UK scientists have discovered a rare genetic disease, which causes delays in intellectual development and leads to early onset of cataracts, in children.

The condition is likely to affect one in 17 kids, however, it is so new that it doesn’t have a name yet, stated the research team from the universities of Portsmouth and Southampton.

They found that a majority of patients with the condition were also microcephalic, a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age.

In the study, published in the journal Genome Medicine, the team found that changes in a gene called coat protein complex 1 (COPB1) is the reason behind this new genetic disease.

Identifying the variant will help clinicians develop targeted interventions as well as open the door to screening and prenatal diagnosis.

For the study, the team sequenced the DNA of affected patients and their family members, which identified COPB1 as the potential underlying cause of the disease.

Using tadpoles to mimic the human gene variants, the tadpoles with the COPB1 gene changes had variably smaller brains than the control tadpoles and many of them had cataracts, just like the patients. This showed the link between the gene and disease very clearly.

"In our initial experiments to test the link between a genetic variation and a disease we found to our surprise that by altering the DNA of tadpoles, four times out of five we could re-create the disease-related changes seen in human patients. This will allow us to support our colleagues in providing more timely, accurate diagnosis that patients and their families so desperately need," said co-author Matt Guille, Professor at Portsmouth University.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

UK scientists have discovered a rare genetic disease, which causes delays in intellectual development and leads to early onset of cataracts, in children. The condition is likely to affect one in 17 kids, however, it is so new that it doesn’t have a name yet, stated the research team from the universities of Portsmouth and Southampton.

UK scientists have discovered a rare genetic disease, which causes delays in intellectual development and leads to early onset of cataracts, in children. The condition is likely to affect one in 17 kids, however, it is so new that it doesn’t have a name yet, stated the research team from the universities of Portsmouth and Southampton. They found that a majority of patients with the condition were also microcephalic, a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age. In the study, published in the journal Genome Medicine, the team found that changes in a gene called coat protein complex 1 (COPB1) is the reason behind this new genetic disease. Identifying the variant will help clinicians develop targeted interventions as well as open the door to screening and prenatal diagnosis. For the study, the team sequenced the DNA of affected patients and their family members, which identified COPB1 as the potential underlying cause of the disease. Using tadpoles to mimic the human gene variants, the tadpoles with the COPB1 gene changes had variably smaller brains than the control tadpoles and many of them had cataracts, just like the patients. This showed the link between the gene and disease very clearly. "In our initial experiments to test the link between a genetic variation and a disease we found to our surprise that by altering the DNA of tadpoles, four times out of five we could re-create the disease-related changes seen in human patients. This will allow us to support our colleagues in providing more timely, accurate diagnosis that patients and their families so desperately need," said co-author Matt Guille, Professor at Portsmouth University. (With inputs from agencies)

Genetic disease delaying kids' brain development discovered

A Taiwan court on Saturday released on bond the manager of a construction site whose truck authorities believe caused a train accident that killed at least 51 people, as family members mourned the dead at the crash site.

The crash on Friday was Taiwan’s worst rail accident in seven decades, when an express train hit the truck that had slid down a bank beside the track from the building site. The site’s manager is suspected of having failed to properly engage the truck’s brake.

The train, with almost 500 people aboard, was travelling from Taipei, the capital, to Taitung on the east coast when it derailed in a tunnel just north of the city of Hualien. Forty one people are in hospital, from among the 188 reported injured.

Prosecutors had applied to a court to detain the manager on charges of causing death by negligence, a justice ministry official told reporters on Saturday.

But a court in Hualien released the manager, Lee Yi-hsiang, on a bond of T$500,000 ($17,525), although it restricted him from leaving Taiwan for eight months and said he had to stay in Hualien.

The court said that while the truck’s fall into the path of the train was possibly due to negligence, there was ‘no possibility of conspiracy’.

Yu Hsiu-duan, head of the Hualien prosecutors’ office, said they were not pleased with the decision. 
"The court said there was no reason to keep him in custody," she told reporters. "The court changed it to a surety of $T500,000."

Lee’s court-appointed lawyer declined to comment to reporters as he left the court. 
Lin Jinn-tsun, head of the Justice Ministry’s Prosecutorial Affairs Department, said they had lodged an appeal against the decision to release Lee on bond.

Family members visited the site on Saturday afternoon to mourn the dead, some crying out ‘Come back!’, and bringing personal belongings with them like dolls.

The youngest person confirmed to have died was a six-year-old girl, the oldest a 79-year-old man, according to a government-issued casualty list.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A Taiwan court on Saturday released on bond the manager of a construction site whose truck authorities believe caused a train accident that killed at least 51 people, as family members mourned the dead at the crash site.

A Taiwan court on Saturday released on bond the manager of a construction site whose truck authorities believe caused a train accident that killed at least 51 people, as family members mourned the dead at the crash site. The crash on Friday was Taiwan’s worst rail accident in seven decades, when an express train hit the truck that had slid down a bank beside the track from the building site. The site’s manager is suspected of having failed to properly engage the truck’s brake. The train, with almost 500 people aboard, was travelling from Taipei, the capital, to Taitung on the east coast when it derailed in a tunnel just north of the city of Hualien. Forty one people are in hospital, from among the 188 reported injured. Prosecutors had applied to a court to detain the manager on charges of causing death by negligence, a justice ministry official told reporters on Saturday. But a court in Hualien released the manager, Lee Yi-hsiang, on a bond of T$500,000 ($17,525), although it restricted him from leaving Taiwan for eight months and said he had to stay in Hualien. The court said that while the truck’s fall into the path of the train was possibly due to negligence, there was ‘no possibility of conspiracy’. Yu Hsiu-duan, head of the Hualien prosecutors’ office, said they were not pleased with the decision. "The court said there was no reason to keep him in custody," she told reporters. "The court changed it to a surety of $T500,000." Lee’s court-appointed lawyer declined to comment to reporters as he left the court. Lin Jinn-tsun, head of the Justice Ministry’s Prosecutorial Affairs Department, said they had lodged an appeal against the decision to release Lee on bond. Family members visited the site on Saturday afternoon to mourn the dead, some crying out ‘Come back!’, and bringing personal belongings with them like dolls. The youngest person confirmed to have died was a six-year-old girl, the oldest a 79-year-old man, according to a government-issued casualty list. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan court releases train crash suspect on bond as prosecutors lodge appeal

Hundreds of demonstrators joined marches and rallies across Britain on Saturday as part of a ‘national weekend of action’ against a proposed new law that would give police extra powers to curb protests.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts bill would toughen measures officers can take to disperse demonstrations, such as imposing time and noise limits, which campaigners and activists fear would be used to curb dissent.

Since the bill was brought before parliament last month, there have been sporadic protests, notably in Bristol, southwest England, where demonstrations turned violent with officers and a police station bombarded with bricks and glass bottles and police vehicles set on fire.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson criticised what he described as ‘disgraceful attacks’ on officers, but protesters have accused police of using heavy-handed tactics.

On Saturday, climate change group Extinction Rebellion (XR) and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement joined other activists for ‘kill the bill’ rallies in London and other towns and cities, including Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds and Brighton.

"The government are trying to curtail protests - especially BLM and XR - that is what this bill is all about. We want the clauses in this bill about protests quashed," said Mark Duncan, one of a crowd of more than 500 marching through central London, banging drums and chanting.

Days of protests by Extinction Rebellion paralysed parts of London in early 2019, action which fuelled calls from some politicians for the police to be given the tougher powers to prevent excessive disruption.

Demonstrations had not been permitted while a coronavirus lockdown was in place, but restrictions were eased this week, meaning organised rallies can go ahead providing they are ‘COVID secure’.

In London, police warned, ‘enforcement action will be taken, if needed, in the interests of public health’. 
Some senior officers have said the ‘kill the bill’ tag was deliberately provocative as ‘the bill’ is a nickname in Britain for the police.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Hundreds of demonstrators joined marches and rallies across Britain on Saturday as part of a ‘national weekend of action’ against a proposed new law that would give police extra powers to curb protests.

Hundreds of demonstrators joined marches and rallies across Britain on Saturday as part of a ‘national weekend of action’ against a proposed new law that would give police extra powers to curb protests. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts bill would toughen measures officers can take to disperse demonstrations, such as imposing time and noise limits, which campaigners and activists fear would be used to curb dissent. Since the bill was brought before parliament last month, there have been sporadic protests, notably in Bristol, southwest England, where demonstrations turned violent with officers and a police station bombarded with bricks and glass bottles and police vehicles set on fire. Prime Minister Boris Johnson criticised what he described as ‘disgraceful attacks’ on officers, but protesters have accused police of using heavy-handed tactics. On Saturday, climate change group Extinction Rebellion (XR) and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement joined other activists for ‘kill the bill’ rallies in London and other towns and cities, including Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds and Brighton. "The government are trying to curtail protests - especially BLM and XR - that is what this bill is all about. We want the clauses in this bill about protests quashed," said Mark Duncan, one of a crowd of more than 500 marching through central London, banging drums and chanting. Days of protests by Extinction Rebellion paralysed parts of London in early 2019, action which fuelled calls from some politicians for the police to be given the tougher powers to prevent excessive disruption. Demonstrations had not been permitted while a coronavirus lockdown was in place, but restrictions were eased this week, meaning organised rallies can go ahead providing they are ‘COVID secure’. In London, police warned, ‘enforcement action will be taken, if needed, in the interests of public health’. Some senior officers have said the ‘kill the bill’ tag was deliberately provocative as ‘the bill’ is a nickname in Britain for the police. (With inputs from agencies)

Hundreds join 'kill the bill' rallies across Britain against protest law

Iran’s government wants the United States to lift all sanctions on its country and rejects any ‘step-by-step’ easing of the restrictions, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported on Saturday.

The two countries said on Friday they would hold indirect talks in Vienna from next week as part of broader negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and global powers.

The US State Department said the focus would be on ‘the nuclear steps that Iran would need to take in order to return to compliance’ with that agreement.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Saturday that Tehran was opposed to any gradual easing of sanctions.

"No step-by-step plan is being considered," Khatibzadeh told Press TV. "The definitive policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is the lifting of all US sanctions."

The aim of the talks in the Austrian capital is to reach an agreement within two months, according to a senior official with the European Union, the coordinator of the deal.

Former US President Donald Trump pulled out of the nuclear pact in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran, prompting Tehran to breach some of the accord’s nuclear restrictions.&nbsp;

Trump’s successor Joe Biden wants to revive the agreement but Washington and Tehran have been at odds over, who should take the first step.

Iran, China, Russia, France, Germany and Britain - all parties to the 2015 deal - held virtual talks on Friday to discuss the possible return of the United States to the accord.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Iran’s government wants the United States to lift all sanctions on its country and rejects any ‘step-by-step’ easing of the restrictions, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported on Saturday.

Iran’s government wants the United States to lift all sanctions on its country and rejects any ‘step-by-step’ easing of the restrictions, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported on Saturday. The two countries said on Friday they would hold indirect talks in Vienna from next week as part of broader negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and global powers. The US State Department said the focus would be on ‘the nuclear steps that Iran would need to take in order to return to compliance’ with that agreement. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Saturday that Tehran was opposed to any gradual easing of sanctions. "No step-by-step plan is being considered," Khatibzadeh told Press TV. "The definitive policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is the lifting of all US sanctions." The aim of the talks in the Austrian capital is to reach an agreement within two months, according to a senior official with the European Union, the coordinator of the deal. Former US President Donald Trump pulled out of the nuclear pact in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran, prompting Tehran to breach some of the accord’s nuclear restrictions. Trump’s successor Joe Biden wants to revive the agreement but Washington and Tehran have been at odds over, who should take the first step. Iran, China, Russia, France, Germany and Britain - all parties to the 2015 deal - held virtual talks on Friday to discuss the possible return of the United States to the accord. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran rejects 'step-by-step' lifting of sanctions, says state media

The Russian government approved extending an agreement on cooperation in space with the United States until December 2030, news agencies cited the cabinet’s press service as saying on Saturday.

Moscow’s ties with Washington are at a post-Cold War low, with US President Joe Biden saying he believes his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is a killer, who deserves to be hit with sanctions for meddling in US politics, charges the Kremlin denies.

"The agreement ...on cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes will be in place until December 31, 2030," the cabinet said in a statement carried by agencies.&nbsp;

The US Commerce Department last month said it was tightening sanctions on some exports to Russia, but was partially excluding certain items, such as those related to aviation and space.

Meanwhile, Russia and China unveiled plans earlier for a joint lunar space station, as Moscow seeks to recapture the glory of its space pioneering days of Soviet times, and Beijing gears up its own extraterrestrial ambitions.

Though Moscow was once at the forefront of space travel -- it sent the first man into space -- its cosmic ambitions have dimmed thanks to poor financing and endemic corruption.&nbsp;

It has been eclipsed by China and the United States, which have both clocked major wins in space exploration and research in recent years.&nbsp;

The Russian space agency Roscomos said in a statement that it had signed an agreement with China's National Space Administration (CNSA) to develop a ‘complex of experimental research facilities created on the surface and/or in the orbit of the Moon’.

The CNSA, for its part, said that the project was ‘open to all interested countries and international partners’ in what experts said would be China's biggest international space cooperation project to date.

Moscow is seeking to re-take the lead in the space race.&nbsp;

This year, it celebrates the 60th anniversary of Russia's first-ever manned space flight -- it sent Yuri Gagarin into space in April 1961, followed by the first woman, Valentina Tereshkova, two years later.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The Russian government approved extending an agreement on cooperation in space with the United States until December 2030, news agencies cited the cabinet’s press service as saying on Saturday.

The Russian government approved extending an agreement on cooperation in space with the United States until December 2030, news agencies cited the cabinet’s press service as saying on Saturday. Moscow’s ties with Washington are at a post-Cold War low, with US President Joe Biden saying he believes his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is a killer, who deserves to be hit with sanctions for meddling in US politics, charges the Kremlin denies. "The agreement ...on cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes will be in place until December 31, 2030," the cabinet said in a statement carried by agencies. The US Commerce Department last month said it was tightening sanctions on some exports to Russia, but was partially excluding certain items, such as those related to aviation and space. Meanwhile, Russia and China unveiled plans earlier for a joint lunar space station, as Moscow seeks to recapture the glory of its space pioneering days of Soviet times, and Beijing gears up its own extraterrestrial ambitions. Though Moscow was once at the forefront of space travel -- it sent the first man into space -- its cosmic ambitions have dimmed thanks to poor financing and endemic corruption. It has been eclipsed by China and the United States, which have both clocked major wins in space exploration and research in recent years. The Russian space agency Roscomos said in a statement that it had signed an agreement with China's National Space Administration (CNSA) to develop a ‘complex of experimental research facilities created on the surface and/or in the orbit of the Moon’. The CNSA, for its part, said that the project was ‘open to all interested countries and international partners’ in what experts said would be China's biggest international space cooperation project to date. Moscow is seeking to re-take the lead in the space race. This year, it celebrates the 60th anniversary of Russia's first-ever manned space flight -- it sent Yuri Gagarin into space in April 1961, followed by the first woman, Valentina Tereshkova, two years later. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia backs extending space cooperation deal with US to 2030: Report

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s prospects of forming a new government waned on Saturday as a coalition partner seen as vital for securing a parliamentary majority ruled out joining a new administration led by him.

This threw already stalled talks about forming a new government further into disarray, setting them back by weeks if not months and making it virtually impossible to predict the outcome.

Rutte, 54, had narrowly survived a no-confidence vote on Friday after parliament passed a motion disapproving of his behaviour during government formation talks following last month’s election.

But ChristenUnie leader Gert Jan Segers, in an interview with newspaper Nederlands Dagblad, said: "We don’t want to return to ‘business as usual’. We cannot be part of a fourth Rutte government".

ChristenUnie has been one of four parties in the government led by Rutte’s conservative VVD party since 2017.

Parliament will next week appoint an independent official tasked with mapping out ways to get the government formation process moving again.

But the two parties seen as indispensable for the VVD, the Christian Democrats and pro-European Union D66, filed the motion of disapproval on Friday and made it clear it would be very hard for Rutte to return to the negotiating table.

Rutte, who has been in office since 2010 and is often an influential figure in the European Union, was the decisive winner in the national elections two weeks ago.

But he only narrowly survived the no-confidence vote, which accused him of having not spoken the truth about suggestions he made over the possible future of a critical lawmaker from another party.&nbsp;

All the parties outside his coalition voted to have him removed immediately.&nbsp;That seemed to have left the current coalition as the only viable option for Rutte to form his fourth consecutive government, until Segers’ move on Saturday blocked that path.

"Without support of the ChristenUnie a fourth Rutte Cabinet seems unthinkable", political scientist Tom Louwerse said on Twitter.

"The best scenario might be for Rutte to not be involved in the formation of a new government, but stay on as caretaker Prime Minister until there is a new administration."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s prospects of forming a new government waned on Saturday as a coalition partner seen as vital for securing a parliamentary majority ruled out joining a new administration led by him.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s prospects of forming a new government waned on Saturday as a coalition partner seen as vital for securing a parliamentary majority ruled out joining a new administration led by him. This threw already stalled talks about forming a new government further into disarray, setting them back by weeks if not months and making it virtually impossible to predict the outcome. Rutte, 54, had narrowly survived a no-confidence vote on Friday after parliament passed a motion disapproving of his behaviour during government formation talks following last month’s election. But ChristenUnie leader Gert Jan Segers, in an interview with newspaper Nederlands Dagblad, said: "We don’t want to return to ‘business as usual’. We cannot be part of a fourth Rutte government". ChristenUnie has been one of four parties in the government led by Rutte’s conservative VVD party since 2017. Parliament will next week appoint an independent official tasked with mapping out ways to get the government formation process moving again. But the two parties seen as indispensable for the VVD, the Christian Democrats and pro-European Union D66, filed the motion of disapproval on Friday and made it clear it would be very hard for Rutte to return to the negotiating table. Rutte, who has been in office since 2010 and is often an influential figure in the European Union, was the decisive winner in the national elections two weeks ago. But he only narrowly survived the no-confidence vote, which accused him of having not spoken the truth about suggestions he made over the possible future of a critical lawmaker from another party. All the parties outside his coalition voted to have him removed immediately. That seemed to have left the current coalition as the only viable option for Rutte to form his fourth consecutive government, until Segers’ move on Saturday blocked that path. "Without support of the ChristenUnie a fourth Rutte Cabinet seems unthinkable", political scientist Tom Louwerse said on Twitter. "The best scenario might be for Rutte to not be involved in the formation of a new government, but stay on as caretaker Prime Minister until there is a new administration." (With inputs from agencies)

Dutch PM's prospects of forming new government wane as coalition partner quits

Suspected Islamist militants killed at least 23 civilians in an overnight raid on a village near Beni in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the provincial governor's office said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The death toll was still provisional as the search for bodies continued in&nbsp;Manyama-Moliso, north of the city of Beni, the North Kivu governor's office said on Twitter.&nbsp;

It blamed the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Ugandan militia active in eastern Congo since the 1990s. The authorities have blamed the ADF for the deaths of hundreds of people since 2014.&nbsp;

The group has stepped up reprisals against civilians since Congo's army launched a fresh offensive in late 2019.&nbsp;

The United States designated the ADF a foreign terrorist&nbsp;organisation&nbsp;earlier this month, accusing it of links to Islamic State. UN experts in Congo, however, have not found evidence of a direct relationship between the two groups.&nbsp;

Two of the assailants were also killed when the army responded, the governor's office added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Suspected Islamist militants killed at least 23 civilians in an overnight raid on a village near Beni in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the provincial governor's office said on Wednesday.

Suspected Islamist militants killed at least 23 civilians in an overnight raid on a village near Beni in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the provincial governor's office said on Wednesday. The death toll was still provisional as the search for bodies continued in Manyama-Moliso, north of the city of Beni, the North Kivu governor's office said on Twitter. It blamed the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Ugandan militia active in eastern Congo since the 1990s. The authorities have blamed the ADF for the deaths of hundreds of people since 2014. The group has stepped up reprisals against civilians since Congo's army launched a fresh offensive in late 2019. The United States designated the ADF a foreign terrorist organisation earlier this month, accusing it of links to Islamic State. UN experts in Congo, however, have not found evidence of a direct relationship between the two groups. Two of the assailants were also killed when the army responded, the governor's office added. (With inputs from agencies)

Suspected Islamists kill 23 civilians in eastern Congo 

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