Reiterating that several Taliban leaders are based in Pakistan, the Afghan government on Monday said Islamabad is a direct party to the Afghanistan conflict and treating it as a 'normal neighbour' would not help the peace process in the war-torn country. &nbsp;

Speaking at the seventh anniversary of the death of Marshall Mohammad Qasim Fahim, Afghanistan First Vice President Amrullah Saleh said without Pakistan, talks with the Taliban is 'useless', Sputnik reported.&nbsp;

"Pakistan is a direct party to the Afghan conflict and crisis. Treating them as normal neighbour won't help the peace process. Defining their role in war and peace must be part of the discussion. Silence, sugar coating, appeasement or simply ignoring it won't help. Taliban leaders are in Pakistan," Afghanistan First Vice President Amrullah Saleh said. &nbsp;

Pakistan has been long blamed for providing support to Taliban terrorists in Afghanistan. It is no secret that scores of top Afghan Taliban leaders are hidden in Pakistan.&nbsp;

In December, a series of videos surfaced showing senior Taliban leaders meeting their followers and Taliban fighters in Pakistan.&nbsp;

In the videos, Taliban deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the head of the Taliban political office, was seen holding a briefing with the Taliban cadre on the Afghanistan peace negotiations and acknowledging the presence of the Taliban's top leadership in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Reacting to the videos, Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The presence of Taliban leaders in Pakistan clearly violates Afghanistan's national sovereignty".&nbsp;

Afghanistan had also urged Islamabad 'not to allow its territory to be used by insurgents and elements, who insist on continuing the war and bloodshed'.&nbsp;

"Meaningful peace and security will not come to Afghanistan until the issue of Pakistan's relentless disposition to meddle in Afghanistan's affairs is properly addressed, and it is wishful thinking to believe otherwise," Professor asserted that Pakistan needs to mend its ways.&nbsp;

The UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team to the 1988 Sanctions Committee, which oversees sanctions on the Taliban, in its 2019 report had acknowledged that nearly 5,000 terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, which is based in Pakistan, were active in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces of Afghanistan alone.&nbsp;

In December, former Pakistan senator Afrasiab Khattak said Pakistan is using the Taliban as a 'tool' for its dominance in Afghanistan under the pretext of strategic depth.&nbsp;

"They [Pakistan] want dominance in Afghanistan under the pretext of strategic depth and they have pursued this policy. They see the Taliban as a tool for themselves," Khattak said in an interview with TOLOnews. &nbsp;

"We can say that their (the Taliban's) approach has changed if they stop violence and say that they will feel the people's pain," Khattak said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Reiterating that several Taliban leaders are based in Pakistan, the Afghan government on Monday said Islamabad is a direct party to the Afghanistan conflict and treating it as a 'normal neighbour' would not help the peace process in the war-torn country.

Reiterating that several Taliban leaders are based in Pakistan, the Afghan government on Monday said Islamabad is a direct party to the Afghanistan conflict and treating it as a 'normal neighbour' would not help the peace process in the war-torn country. Speaking at the seventh anniversary of the death of Marshall Mohammad Qasim Fahim, Afghanistan First Vice President Amrullah Saleh said without Pakistan, talks with the Taliban is 'useless', Sputnik reported. "Pakistan is a direct party to the Afghan conflict and crisis. Treating them as normal neighbour won't help the peace process. Defining their role in war and peace must be part of the discussion. Silence, sugar coating, appeasement or simply ignoring it won't help. Taliban leaders are in Pakistan," Afghanistan First Vice President Amrullah Saleh said. Pakistan has been long blamed for providing support to Taliban terrorists in Afghanistan. It is no secret that scores of top Afghan Taliban leaders are hidden in Pakistan. In December, a series of videos surfaced showing senior Taliban leaders meeting their followers and Taliban fighters in Pakistan. In the videos, Taliban deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the head of the Taliban political office, was seen holding a briefing with the Taliban cadre on the Afghanistan peace negotiations and acknowledging the presence of the Taliban's top leadership in Pakistan. Reacting to the videos, Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The presence of Taliban leaders in Pakistan clearly violates Afghanistan's national sovereignty". Afghanistan had also urged Islamabad 'not to allow its territory to be used by insurgents and elements, who insist on continuing the war and bloodshed'. "Meaningful peace and security will not come to Afghanistan until the issue of Pakistan's relentless disposition to meddle in Afghanistan's affairs is properly addressed, and it is wishful thinking to believe otherwise," Professor asserted that Pakistan needs to mend its ways. The UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team to the 1988 Sanctions Committee, which oversees sanctions on the Taliban, in its 2019 report had acknowledged that nearly 5,000 terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, which is based in Pakistan, were active in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces of Afghanistan alone. In December, former Pakistan senator Afrasiab Khattak said Pakistan is using the Taliban as a 'tool' for its dominance in Afghanistan under the pretext of strategic depth. "They [Pakistan] want dominance in Afghanistan under the pretext of strategic depth and they have pursued this policy. They see the Taliban as a tool for themselves," Khattak said in an interview with TOLOnews. "We can say that their (the Taliban's) approach has changed if they stop violence and say that they will feel the people's pain," Khattak said. (With inputs from agencies)

Treating Pak as 'normal neighbour' won't help Afghan peace process: Saleh 

Five media companies in Myanmar have been stripped of their licences, state television MRTV announced on Monday.&nbsp;

The five independent companies were named as Mizzima, Myanmar Now, 7-Day, DVB and Khit Thit Media. All have been active in covering protests against last month's military coup.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, three demonstrators were killed in Myanmar on Monday, witnesses said, while shops, factories and banks were closed in the main city Yangon in protests against last month's military coup.&nbsp;

Security forces were also deployed at hospitals and universities, state media said.&nbsp;

Two of the victims died of gunshot wounds to the head in the northern town of Myitkyina, the witnesses said. It was not immediately clear who fired on the protesters although both police and the military were at the scene.&nbsp;

Photos posted on Facebook showed the bodies of two men lying on the street. Witnesses said they were taking part in a protest against the coup when police fired stun grenades and tear gas. Several people were then hit by gunfire from nearby buildings.&nbsp;

One witness, who said he helped move the bodies, said two people were shot in the head and died on the spot. Three people were wounded.&nbsp;

"How inhumane to kill unarmed civilians," said the witness, a 20-year-old man. "We must have our right to protest peacefully."&nbsp;

At least one person was killed and two injured during a protest in the town of Phyar Pon in the Irrawaddy Delta, a political activist and local media said.&nbsp;

Police and military have killed more than 50 people to quell the daily demonstrations and strikes against the February 1 coup, according to the United Nations.&nbsp;

A military spokesman did not respond to calls asking for comment on the latest incidents. Police in Myitkyina and Phyar Pon also did not respond to calls.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Five media companies in Myanmar have been stripped of their licences, state television MRTV announced on Monday. The five independent companies were named as Mizzima, Myanmar Now, 7-Day, DVB and Khit Thit Media.

Five media companies in Myanmar have been stripped of their licences, state television MRTV announced on Monday. The five independent companies were named as Mizzima, Myanmar Now, 7-Day, DVB and Khit Thit Media. All have been active in covering protests against last month's military coup. Meanwhile, three demonstrators were killed in Myanmar on Monday, witnesses said, while shops, factories and banks were closed in the main city Yangon in protests against last month's military coup. Security forces were also deployed at hospitals and universities, state media said. Two of the victims died of gunshot wounds to the head in the northern town of Myitkyina, the witnesses said. It was not immediately clear who fired on the protesters although both police and the military were at the scene. Photos posted on Facebook showed the bodies of two men lying on the street. Witnesses said they were taking part in a protest against the coup when police fired stun grenades and tear gas. Several people were then hit by gunfire from nearby buildings. One witness, who said he helped move the bodies, said two people were shot in the head and died on the spot. Three people were wounded. "How inhumane to kill unarmed civilians," said the witness, a 20-year-old man. "We must have our right to protest peacefully." At least one person was killed and two injured during a protest in the town of Phyar Pon in the Irrawaddy Delta, a political activist and local media said. Police and military have killed more than 50 people to quell the daily demonstrations and strikes against the February 1 coup, according to the United Nations. A military spokesman did not respond to calls asking for comment on the latest incidents. Police in Myitkyina and Phyar Pon also did not respond to calls. (With inputs from agencies)

Five media companies stripped of licences in Myanmar 

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma have tested positive for Covid-19 after showing minor symptoms, his office said on Monday.&nbsp;

The Syrian leader and his spouse, who announced her recovery from breast cancer in 2019, were both in good health and would keep working while in isolation at home, the statement said.&nbsp;

Syria has seen a sharp rise in infections since mid-February, a member of the country's coronavirus advisory committee said last week.&nbsp;

The health ministry started vaccinating frontline healthcare workers a week ago and said there had been a surge in Covid-19 cases without elaborating.&nbsp;

After a decade of war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and uprooted millions, Assad's military has reclaimed most of the country with Russia and Iran's help.&nbsp;

Recently, missile strikes on makeshift oil refineries in northern Syria killed four people and injured more than 20 others, a war monitor said on Saturday. &nbsp;

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a series of strikes launched from Russian warships and by allied Syrian government forces hit the makeshift refineries in Aleppo province on Friday night, causing a massive blaze as dozens of tankers caught fire in the area controlled by Turkey and its Syrian rebel proxies. &nbsp;

The Britain-based monitor 'documented the deaths of four people, while 24 others sustained various injuries and burns' in the attacks near the towns of Jarablus and Al-Bab. &nbsp;

At least one Syrian rebel was among the dead, said Observatory head Rami Abdul Rahman. Rescue workers spent hours trying to extinguish the fire, which spread to about 180 oil tankers, according to the war monitor. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"The fires are the largest yet from a missile attack on makeshift refineries," the Observatory said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Oil installations in Turkey-controlled parts of Aleppo have come under repeated attack in recent months although Moscow and the Syrian regime have not claimed responsibility. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma have tested positive for Covid-19 after showing minor symptoms, his office said on Monday. The Syrian leader and his spouse, who announced her recovery from breast cancer in 2019, were both in good health and would keep working while in isolation at home, the statement said.

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma have tested positive for Covid-19 after showing minor symptoms, his office said on Monday. The Syrian leader and his spouse, who announced her recovery from breast cancer in 2019, were both in good health and would keep working while in isolation at home, the statement said. Syria has seen a sharp rise in infections since mid-February, a member of the country's coronavirus advisory committee said last week. The health ministry started vaccinating frontline healthcare workers a week ago and said there had been a surge in Covid-19 cases without elaborating. After a decade of war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and uprooted millions, Assad's military has reclaimed most of the country with Russia and Iran's help. Recently, missile strikes on makeshift oil refineries in northern Syria killed four people and injured more than 20 others, a war monitor said on Saturday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a series of strikes launched from Russian warships and by allied Syrian government forces hit the makeshift refineries in Aleppo province on Friday night, causing a massive blaze as dozens of tankers caught fire in the area controlled by Turkey and its Syrian rebel proxies. The Britain-based monitor 'documented the deaths of four people, while 24 others sustained various injuries and burns' in the attacks near the towns of Jarablus and Al-Bab. At least one Syrian rebel was among the dead, said Observatory head Rami Abdul Rahman. Rescue workers spent hours trying to extinguish the fire, which spread to about 180 oil tankers, according to the war monitor. "The fires are the largest yet from a missile attack on makeshift refineries," the Observatory said. Oil installations in Turkey-controlled parts of Aleppo have come under repeated attack in recent months although Moscow and the Syrian regime have not claimed responsibility. (With inputs from agencies)

Syria's President Assad, wife test positive for Covid-19 

Child soldiers and other victims of convicted Congolese militia leader Bosco Ntaganda should get a total of $30 million compensation, International Criminal Court judges ruled on Monday, in their highest ever reparation order.&nbsp;

The judges said Ntaganda did not have the resources to pay the compensation himself. Instead, they asked the tribunal's own Trust Fund to help set up and finance vocational and other programmes to support victims of his crimes.&nbsp;

Ntaganda was sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2019 for murder, rape and other atrocities committed when he was military chief of the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC) militia in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in 2002-2003.&nbsp;

Hundreds of civilians were killed and many thousands forced to flee during the fighting.&nbsp;

"The chamber hereby unanimously issues an order for reparations against mister Ntaganda (and) assesses mister Ntaganda's liability for these reparations at 30 million US dollars," judge Chang-ho Chung said.&nbsp;

As Ntaganda could not pay, "the Chamber encourages the Trust Fund for Victims to complement the reparation awards to the extent possible and engage in additional fundraising efforts as necessary to complement the totality of the award," he added.&nbsp;

In 2020 the fund, which relies on voluntary contributions, had around 18 million euros in reserves and much of that was already pledged in other cases.&nbsp;

Victims eligible for the reparations programme include victims of attacks led by Ntaganda, child soldiers under his command, rape victims and children born out of rape.&nbsp;

The judges awarded collective reparations, meaning there will be no individual pay outs. Any money will instead go to charities or funds set up to help victims.&nbsp;

Ntaganda is appealing against his conviction.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Child soldiers and other victims of convicted Congolese militia leader Bosco Ntaganda should get a total of $30 million compensation, International Criminal Court judges ruled on Monday, in their highest ever reparation order.

Child soldiers and other victims of convicted Congolese militia leader Bosco Ntaganda should get a total of $30 million compensation, International Criminal Court judges ruled on Monday, in their highest ever reparation order. The judges said Ntaganda did not have the resources to pay the compensation himself. Instead, they asked the tribunal's own Trust Fund to help set up and finance vocational and other programmes to support victims of his crimes. Ntaganda was sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2019 for murder, rape and other atrocities committed when he was military chief of the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC) militia in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in 2002-2003. Hundreds of civilians were killed and many thousands forced to flee during the fighting. "The chamber hereby unanimously issues an order for reparations against mister Ntaganda (and) assesses mister Ntaganda's liability for these reparations at 30 million US dollars," judge Chang-ho Chung said. As Ntaganda could not pay, "the Chamber encourages the Trust Fund for Victims to complement the reparation awards to the extent possible and engage in additional fundraising efforts as necessary to complement the totality of the award," he added. In 2020 the fund, which relies on voluntary contributions, had around 18 million euros in reserves and much of that was already pledged in other cases. Victims eligible for the reparations programme include victims of attacks led by Ntaganda, child soldiers under his command, rape victims and children born out of rape. The judges awarded collective reparations, meaning there will be no individual pay outs. Any money will instead go to charities or funds set up to help victims. Ntaganda is appealing against his conviction. (With inputs from agencies)

ICC orders record $30 million compensation for Congo victims 

The United Nations has said as many as 23 people were killed in Iran's Sistan Baluchistan province when authorities opened fire on fuel porters and protestors last month. &nbsp;

In a crackdown on cross-border fuel trade, Iran's Revolutionary Guards reportedly used live ammunition on a group of people transporting fuel across the Iranian border with Pakistan.&nbsp;

Shooting on February 22 left 10 Baluchi people dead and five injured in the town of Saravan, Al-Monitor reported. The shooting has sparked protests across southeastern Iran, during which security forces reportedly fired on the crowds to disperse them. &nbsp;

According to Baluchi human rights defenders, two people, including a child, were fatally shot during the protests. A spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Rupert Colville on Friday said, "According to some estimates, which we are unable to confirm, as many as 23 people may have been killed in all."&nbsp;

"In Iran, we condemn use of force violations in recent weeks by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and state security forces against unarmed fuel couriers and protesters belonging to the Baluch minority, which has reportedly led to the killing of at least 12 individuals, including at least two minors," he said. &nbsp;

"We are deeply concerned by the widespread shutdown of the internet across several cities in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, with the apparent purpose of preventing access to information about what is happening there. Blanket internet shutdowns violate the principles of necessity and proportionality applicable to restrictions of freedom of expression and constitute a violation of international human rights law," he added.&nbsp;

Colville called on the authorities to immediately restore internet access in areas that remain disconnected. Deploring the systematic intentional use of lethal force by Iranian border officials, especially against border couriers from the Kurdish and Baluch minorities, the UN body called for immediate measures to end the impunity that perpetuates this practice.&nbsp;

"During 2020, a total of 59 Kurdish couriers were reported to have been killed by border officials in provinces in the north-west of Iran. We call for prompt, impartial and full investigations into all such killings, and accountability for those found to be responsible for unlawful use of force leading to death or serious injury. Victims and their families have the right to truth and redress," he said.&nbsp;

Located along Iran's border with Pakistan, Sistan-Baluchestan is among Iran's poorest provinces and is rife with drug traffickers and separatist ethnic Baluch militants. The region is majority Sunni Muslim, whereas Iran's population is majority Shiite. Baluch rights activists organised a demonstration in the Pakistani port city of Karachi this week to protest the violence. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The United Nations has said as many as 23 people were killed in Iran's Sistan Baluchistan province when authorities opened fire on fuel porters and protestors last month.

The United Nations has said as many as 23 people were killed in Iran's Sistan Baluchistan province when authorities opened fire on fuel porters and protestors last month. In a crackdown on cross-border fuel trade, Iran's Revolutionary Guards reportedly used live ammunition on a group of people transporting fuel across the Iranian border with Pakistan. Shooting on February 22 left 10 Baluchi people dead and five injured in the town of Saravan, Al-Monitor reported. The shooting has sparked protests across southeastern Iran, during which security forces reportedly fired on the crowds to disperse them. According to Baluchi human rights defenders, two people, including a child, were fatally shot during the protests. A spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Rupert Colville on Friday said, "According to some estimates, which we are unable to confirm, as many as 23 people may have been killed in all." "In Iran, we condemn use of force violations in recent weeks by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and state security forces against unarmed fuel couriers and protesters belonging to the Baluch minority, which has reportedly led to the killing of at least 12 individuals, including at least two minors," he said. "We are deeply concerned by the widespread shutdown of the internet across several cities in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, with the apparent purpose of preventing access to information about what is happening there. Blanket internet shutdowns violate the principles of necessity and proportionality applicable to restrictions of freedom of expression and constitute a violation of international human rights law," he added. Colville called on the authorities to immediately restore internet access in areas that remain disconnected. Deploring the systematic intentional use of lethal force by Iranian border officials, especially against border couriers from the Kurdish and Baluch minorities, the UN body called for immediate measures to end the impunity that perpetuates this practice. "During 2020, a total of 59 Kurdish couriers were reported to have been killed by border officials in provinces in the north-west of Iran. We call for prompt, impartial and full investigations into all such killings, and accountability for those found to be responsible for unlawful use of force leading to death or serious injury. Victims and their families have the right to truth and redress," he said. Located along Iran's border with Pakistan, Sistan-Baluchestan is among Iran's poorest provinces and is rife with drug traffickers and separatist ethnic Baluch militants. The region is majority Sunni Muslim, whereas Iran's population is majority Shiite. Baluch rights activists organised a demonstration in the Pakistani port city of Karachi this week to protest the violence. (With inputs from agencies)

UN condemns killing of 23 people at Iran's border with Pakistan 

US President Joe Biden on Monday will order a review of changes the previous administration made to on rules on how colleges should handle sexual assault allegations and formally establish a White House Gender Policy Council, officials said.&nbsp;

A Biden executive order he will sign later on Monday will direct the US Education Department to review all its existing regulations, orders, guidance, and 'policies for consistency with the administration’s policy to guarantee education free from sexual violence', according to a White House fact sheet provided Sunday night.&nbsp;

In 2017, the Trump administration reversed Obama-era guidelines that had spelt out measures, schools should follow to try to prevent sexual assaults on campuses. Trump's Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, argued the Obama guidelines resulted in too many students being falsely charged and the accused being treated unfairly.&nbsp;

In May 2020, DeVos unveiled final regulations on how colleges should deal with sexual misconduct allegations on campuses. She said the rules would require 'schools to act in meaningful ways to support survivors of sexual misconduct, without sacrificing important safeguards to ensure a fair and transparent process'.&nbsp;

Biden's order directs a review of the 2020 regulation 'to determine whether the regulation and agency action are consistent with the policies of the Biden-Harris Administration', the fact sheet said.&nbsp;

A second executive order will formally establish a White House council gender equality council, officials said.&nbsp;

The council is part of 'a government-wide focus on uplifting the rights of women and girls in the United States and around the world', according to a White House fact sheet.&nbsp;

Jennifer Klein, chief strategy and policy officer at anti-sexual harassment activist group Time's Up, is cochairing the council with Julissa Reynoso, a lawyer, who previously served as a diplomat and deputy assistant secretary of state during the Obama administration.&nbsp;

As a candidate, Biden pledged to narrow the wage gap between men and women, invest in women-owned businesses and fight against workplace discrimination. His vice president, Kamala Harris, is the first woman to occupy the position.&nbsp;

The council will work with other parts of the administration to address 'barriers to women’s participation in the labour force, decreasing wage and wealth gaps, and addressing the caregiving needs of American families and supporting care workers', the fact sheet said.&nbsp;

As of January, women accounted for slightly more than half of the 10 million jobs lost during the coronavirus crisis, even though they typically make up a little less than half the workforce.&nbsp;

More than 2.5 million women left the labour force between February 2020 and January of this year, compared to 1.8 million men.&nbsp;

Biden will direct the council to submit a 'government-wide strategy to address gender in policies, programs and budgets' and an annual report on progress, the White House said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on Monday will order a review of changes the previous administration made to on rules on how colleges should handle sexual assault allegations and formally establish a White House Gender Policy Council, officials said.

US President Joe Biden on Monday will order a review of changes the previous administration made to on rules on how colleges should handle sexual assault allegations and formally establish a White House Gender Policy Council, officials said. A Biden executive order he will sign later on Monday will direct the US Education Department to review all its existing regulations, orders, guidance, and 'policies for consistency with the administration’s policy to guarantee education free from sexual violence', according to a White House fact sheet provided Sunday night. In 2017, the Trump administration reversed Obama-era guidelines that had spelt out measures, schools should follow to try to prevent sexual assaults on campuses. Trump's Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, argued the Obama guidelines resulted in too many students being falsely charged and the accused being treated unfairly. In May 2020, DeVos unveiled final regulations on how colleges should deal with sexual misconduct allegations on campuses. She said the rules would require 'schools to act in meaningful ways to support survivors of sexual misconduct, without sacrificing important safeguards to ensure a fair and transparent process'. Biden's order directs a review of the 2020 regulation 'to determine whether the regulation and agency action are consistent with the policies of the Biden-Harris Administration', the fact sheet said. A second executive order will formally establish a White House council gender equality council, officials said. The council is part of 'a government-wide focus on uplifting the rights of women and girls in the United States and around the world', according to a White House fact sheet. Jennifer Klein, chief strategy and policy officer at anti-sexual harassment activist group Time's Up, is cochairing the council with Julissa Reynoso, a lawyer, who previously served as a diplomat and deputy assistant secretary of state during the Obama administration. As a candidate, Biden pledged to narrow the wage gap between men and women, invest in women-owned businesses and fight against workplace discrimination. His vice president, Kamala Harris, is the first woman to occupy the position. The council will work with other parts of the administration to address 'barriers to women’s participation in the labour force, decreasing wage and wealth gaps, and addressing the caregiving needs of American families and supporting care workers', the fact sheet said. As of January, women accounted for slightly more than half of the 10 million jobs lost during the coronavirus crisis, even though they typically make up a little less than half the workforce. More than 2.5 million women left the labour force between February 2020 and January of this year, compared to 1.8 million men. Biden will direct the council to submit a 'government-wide strategy to address gender in policies, programs and budgets' and an annual report on progress, the White House said. (With inputs from agencies)

White House orders review of campus sexual misconduct rules changed by Trump 

The names of women victimised by violence were painted on metal barriers hastily erected around Mexico's national palace late on Saturday, ahead of a major women's march as activists turned the fencing into a makeshift billboard for their movement.&nbsp;

Near the front of the colonial-era building that serves as the president's offices, activists wrote: "Victims of Femicide" in huge letters across the top of the barriers, with the names of many women scrawled underneath.&nbsp;

A day earlier, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador described the barrier as a needed tool to avoid provocation and protect the historic building from vandalism ahead of Monday's planned march on International Women's Day.&nbsp;

On Sunday, the leftist leader insisted that he had always believed in equality in a video he posted on social media, in which he also lashed out at those he described as conservative critics, who aim to attack his government.&nbsp;

"I'm not a male chauvinist. I'm in favour of the rights of women," he said, pledging never to repress the free assembly of protesters.&nbsp;

Similar metallic barriers were erected around the nearby orange-domed Fine Arts Palace, including its towering bronze sculptures, as city officials announced plans to deploy police downtown to protect marchers as well as the monuments, including some 2,000 female police officers.&nbsp;

"Our struggle has names," Marisol Clava, an academic, wrote in a post on Twitter, along with photos of the names written on the national palace barriers.&nbsp;

Last year, at least 939 women were victims of femicide, the term used for homicides that deliberately target women, according to government data.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The names of women victimised by violence were painted on metal barriers hastily erected around Mexico's national palace late on Saturday, ahead of a major women's march as activists turned the fencing into a makeshift billboard for their movement.

The names of women victimised by violence were painted on metal barriers hastily erected around Mexico's national palace late on Saturday, ahead of a major women's march as activists turned the fencing into a makeshift billboard for their movement. Near the front of the colonial-era building that serves as the president's offices, activists wrote: "Victims of Femicide" in huge letters across the top of the barriers, with the names of many women scrawled underneath. A day earlier, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador described the barrier as a needed tool to avoid provocation and protect the historic building from vandalism ahead of Monday's planned march on International Women's Day. On Sunday, the leftist leader insisted that he had always believed in equality in a video he posted on social media, in which he also lashed out at those he described as conservative critics, who aim to attack his government. "I'm not a male chauvinist. I'm in favour of the rights of women," he said, pledging never to repress the free assembly of protesters. Similar metallic barriers were erected around the nearby orange-domed Fine Arts Palace, including its towering bronze sculptures, as city officials announced plans to deploy police downtown to protect marchers as well as the monuments, including some 2,000 female police officers. "Our struggle has names," Marisol Clava, an academic, wrote in a post on Twitter, along with photos of the names written on the national palace barriers. Last year, at least 939 women were victims of femicide, the term used for homicides that deliberately target women, according to government data. (With inputs from agencies)

Activists paint barriers with names of femicide victims in Mexico 

Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, exiled Chairman of United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) on Saturday (local time) said Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan were a part of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir but have been illegally held by Pakistan since 1947.&nbsp;

Speaking at a press conference at Geneva on human rights violations in Pakistan and the occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir, he said UKPNP is opposed to the use of religion as a weapon and terrorism as a foreign policy tool. &nbsp;

He said the Article 257 constitution of Pakistan is a provision related to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, "when the people of the State of Jammu and Kashmir decide to accede to Pakistan, the relationship between Pakistan and that State shall be determined in accordance with the wishes of the people of that State." &nbsp;

According to a UN resolution, Pakistan is obligated to ensure life, liberty, the dignity of the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, he said. &nbsp;

The people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan do not enjoy any basic political rights. The government represses political freedom, and controls the freedom of expression, Kashmiri said. &nbsp;

He further said that anyone, who wants to take part in public life in the country, has to sign a pledge of loyalty to Pakistan while anyone, who publicly supports or worries about Kashmir, faces persecution. &nbsp;

Those, who favour independence, risk being beaten and jailed. Numerous political leaders of Kashmir have been forced to live in exile and face the threat of being eliminated or languish in jail. &nbsp;

Talking about a prominent political leader from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Sardar Arif Shahid, who was brutally killed in Rawalpindi seven years ago, Kashmiri said that the issue was raised several times at different forums including United Nations to put pressure on Pakistan for a judicial inquiry but no action has been taken yet.&nbsp;

In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, nationalist leaders and political workers and human rights activists are being booked for sedition, he added.&nbsp;

Speaking about the China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC), he said, the project runs through disputed territories of Gilgit Baltistan and is a cause of environmental damage - air quality, water resources, and soil erosion.&nbsp;

Kashmiri also said that UKPNP demands that the Pakistan government must take immediate actions against security forces and agencies, who kidnap citizens of Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir and make arrangement for the immediate release of all those, who have disappeared.&nbsp;

UKPNP recommends that the Jammu and Kashmir issue must be resolved through a process of dialogue and peaceful means, he further said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, exiled Chairman of United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) on Saturday (local time) said Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan were a part of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir but have been illegally held by Pakistan since 1947.

Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, exiled Chairman of United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) on Saturday (local time) said Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan were a part of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir but have been illegally held by Pakistan since 1947. Speaking at a press conference at Geneva on human rights violations in Pakistan and the occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir, he said UKPNP is opposed to the use of religion as a weapon and terrorism as a foreign policy tool. He said the Article 257 constitution of Pakistan is a provision related to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, "when the people of the State of Jammu and Kashmir decide to accede to Pakistan, the relationship between Pakistan and that State shall be determined in accordance with the wishes of the people of that State." According to a UN resolution, Pakistan is obligated to ensure life, liberty, the dignity of the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, he said. The people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan do not enjoy any basic political rights. The government represses political freedom, and controls the freedom of expression, Kashmiri said. He further said that anyone, who wants to take part in public life in the country, has to sign a pledge of loyalty to Pakistan while anyone, who publicly supports or worries about Kashmir, faces persecution. Those, who favour independence, risk being beaten and jailed. Numerous political leaders of Kashmir have been forced to live in exile and face the threat of being eliminated or languish in jail. Talking about a prominent political leader from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Sardar Arif Shahid, who was brutally killed in Rawalpindi seven years ago, Kashmiri said that the issue was raised several times at different forums including United Nations to put pressure on Pakistan for a judicial inquiry but no action has been taken yet. In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, nationalist leaders and political workers and human rights activists are being booked for sedition, he added. Speaking about the China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC), he said, the project runs through disputed territories of Gilgit Baltistan and is a cause of environmental damage - air quality, water resources, and soil erosion. Kashmiri also said that UKPNP demands that the Pakistan government must take immediate actions against security forces and agencies, who kidnap citizens of Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir and make arrangement for the immediate release of all those, who have disappeared. UKPNP recommends that the Jammu and Kashmir issue must be resolved through a process of dialogue and peaceful means, he further said. (With inputs from agencies)

UKPNP chairman: Parts of Jammu & Kashmir illegally held by Pakistan since 1947 

As part of the 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' celebration commemorating 50 years of the 1971 war triumph against Pakistan, Indian Naval ships are scheduled to make the first-ever visit to the historic port town of Mongla in Bangladesh from March 8 to 10.&nbsp;

According to an official release, Indian Naval ships Sumedha, an indigenously build Offshore Patrol vessel and Kulish, an indigenously built guided missile corvette, are scheduled to make a port call at Mongla from March 8 to 10 to commemorate the ongoing Swarnim Vijay Varsh and reiterating the historic Indo-Bangladeshi friendship.&nbsp;

"This is the first time that any Indian Naval Ship is visiting the port of Mongla in Bangladesh and the visit is aimed at paying homage to the Bangladeshi and Indian combatants and citizens who laid down their lives during the Liberation War of 1971, and reiterate India's firm resolve and commitment to maintain peace, stability and good order in the region, in line with SAGAR - Security and Growth for all in the Region, as articulated by the Prime Minister of India," the statement read.&nbsp;

On behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, the Commanding Officers of the ships will call on the senior Bangladesh Navy hierarchy to reaffirm the Indian Navy's solidarity and partnership with Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Following all Covid-19 protocols, the ships' crew will participate in professional and cultural exchanges as well as friendly sports fixtures with their counterparts in the Bangladesh Navy, further enhancing synergy between the two navies, the statement added.&nbsp;

On Thursday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar embarked on his official visit to Dhaka to prepare the ground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Bangladesh, wherein he held talks with his counterpart on the progress of bilateral ties. This will be PM Modi's first foreign trip in over a year mainly because of the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

India and Bangladesh are celebrating 50 years of the liberation war in which the Pakistan Army was thrown out of Bangladesh and 90,000 of their troops were made to surrender. Meanwhile, a number of events are being organised by both countries to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the decisive war.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As part of the 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' celebration commemorating 50 years of the 1971 war triumph against Pakistan, Indian Naval ships are scheduled to make the first-ever visit to the historic port town of Mongla in Bangladesh from March 8 to 10.

As part of the 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' celebration commemorating 50 years of the 1971 war triumph against Pakistan, Indian Naval ships are scheduled to make the first-ever visit to the historic port town of Mongla in Bangladesh from March 8 to 10. According to an official release, Indian Naval ships Sumedha, an indigenously build Offshore Patrol vessel and Kulish, an indigenously built guided missile corvette, are scheduled to make a port call at Mongla from March 8 to 10 to commemorate the ongoing Swarnim Vijay Varsh and reiterating the historic Indo-Bangladeshi friendship. "This is the first time that any Indian Naval Ship is visiting the port of Mongla in Bangladesh and the visit is aimed at paying homage to the Bangladeshi and Indian combatants and citizens who laid down their lives during the Liberation War of 1971, and reiterate India's firm resolve and commitment to maintain peace, stability and good order in the region, in line with SAGAR - Security and Growth for all in the Region, as articulated by the Prime Minister of India," the statement read. On behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, the Commanding Officers of the ships will call on the senior Bangladesh Navy hierarchy to reaffirm the Indian Navy's solidarity and partnership with Bangladesh. Following all Covid-19 protocols, the ships' crew will participate in professional and cultural exchanges as well as friendly sports fixtures with their counterparts in the Bangladesh Navy, further enhancing synergy between the two navies, the statement added. On Thursday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar embarked on his official visit to Dhaka to prepare the ground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Bangladesh, wherein he held talks with his counterpart on the progress of bilateral ties. This will be PM Modi's first foreign trip in over a year mainly because of the Covid-19 pandemic. India and Bangladesh are celebrating 50 years of the liberation war in which the Pakistan Army was thrown out of Bangladesh and 90,000 of their troops were made to surrender. Meanwhile, a number of events are being organised by both countries to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the decisive war. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Navy ships to visit Bangladesh to mark 50th anniversary of 1971 war

In Pics: George Floyd, whose fall, fuelled a complete movement

Bids for Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey's first post on the microblogging site has reached USD 2.5 million. &nbsp;

Dorsey had listed his first-ever tweet on the website 'Valuables by cent', which is poised to sell it as a non-fungible token (NFT).&nbsp;

The 2006 post 'Just setting up my twttr' has been listed as a unique digital signature on the website and the highest offer that has been offered till now is USD 2,500,000.&nbsp;

Dorsey tweeted a link to the website listing on Friday, and the Twitter co-founder's post has since then been shared thousands of times.&nbsp;

The buyer of Dorsey's tweet will receive a certificate that will be digitally signed and verified by the Twitter CEO. The certificate will include information, such as the time of the tweet posted and its text.&nbsp;

According to Valuables, a tweets marketplace that was launched three months ago, buying a tweet means 'What you are purchasing is a digital certificate of the tweet, unique because it has been signed and verified by the creator'. &nbsp;

Earlier, it was reported that by Friday, he had received offers going as high as $88,888.88 just minutes after Dorsey posted a link of the listing. &nbsp;

Based on old offers already in place, many believe that the tweet was put up for sale in December 2020, with the listing gaining traction on Friday after Dorsey tweeted about the same.&nbsp;

The 15-year-old tweet by Dorsey is one of the platform's most famous tweets ever, and could attract high prices by bidders. On Saturday, the highest bid stood at $100,000.&nbsp;

Regardless of who the Tweet is sold to, it will continue to appear on the website.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Bids for Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey's first post on the microblogging site has reached USD 2.5 million. Dorsey had listed his first-ever tweet on the website 'Valuables by cent', which is poised to sell it as a non-fungible token (NFT).

Bids for Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey's first post on the microblogging site has reached USD 2.5 million. Dorsey had listed his first-ever tweet on the website 'Valuables by cent', which is poised to sell it as a non-fungible token (NFT). The 2006 post 'Just setting up my twttr' has been listed as a unique digital signature on the website and the highest offer that has been offered till now is USD 2,500,000. Dorsey tweeted a link to the website listing on Friday, and the Twitter co-founder's post has since then been shared thousands of times. The buyer of Dorsey's tweet will receive a certificate that will be digitally signed and verified by the Twitter CEO. The certificate will include information, such as the time of the tweet posted and its text. According to Valuables, a tweets marketplace that was launched three months ago, buying a tweet means 'What you are purchasing is a digital certificate of the tweet, unique because it has been signed and verified by the creator'. Earlier, it was reported that by Friday, he had received offers going as high as $88,888.88 just minutes after Dorsey posted a link of the listing. Based on old offers already in place, many believe that the tweet was put up for sale in December 2020, with the listing gaining traction on Friday after Dorsey tweeted about the same. The 15-year-old tweet by Dorsey is one of the platform's most famous tweets ever, and could attract high prices by bidders. On Saturday, the highest bid stood at $100,000. Regardless of who the Tweet is sold to, it will continue to appear on the website. (With inputs from agencies)

Bid for first tweet of Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey reaches USD 2.5 million 

The chief of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), Maulana Fazlur Rehman, on Sunday rejected Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vote of confidence, terming it without any constitutional or legal validity, and dared him to take trust vote directly from the nation, reported The News International. &nbsp;

Speaking at a press conference, Fazlur said that the vote of confidence is initiated by the President, but the session summoned by the President on Khan's call has no legal or constitutional validity.&nbsp;

"A President sends the motion for the vote of confidence on the knowledge of the dwindling strength of the Prime Minister in the Senate and this does not involve summary by the fake Prime Minister," said the PDM chief."&nbsp;

The PDM does not recognise today's session nor does it recognise the fake Prime Minister," added Fazlur.&nbsp;

He said, "We know, who knocked at the doors of the Members of the National Assembly (MNAs), to ensure they caste vote in favour of Imran Khan." &nbsp;

He also reprimanded Imran's party (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) ruffians attack on the press conference of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders on Saturday where former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Senator Musadiq Malik, PML-N Marriyum Aurangzeb PML-N Sr Vice President Ahsan Iqbal were physically attacked and harassed.&nbsp;

Fazlur termed it shameful, calling it an attack on the entire opposition alliance. Agitated over harassing of the PML-N leaders, Fazl said we can show a stronger reaction against the government. He warned if the PDM retaliated, there will be no space left for PTI leadership to escape. &nbsp;

Fazl said the PTI ruffians attacked decent leaders and dared the prime minister to take trust vote directly from the nation, reported The News International.&nbsp;

Moreover, the PDM chief said it is ironic that Imran Khan talks about the state of Madina, but goes to China to praise their system and in America sings praise for theirs, reported The News International.&nbsp;

Further, Fazlur said that arresting or harassing his party members by (National Accountability Bureau) NAB does not affect him. He warned NAB officials not to harass or victimise the opposition members. &nbsp;

He said the NAB would be abolished by the next elected government. Earlier also the opposition had levelled charges against the NAB of committing grave human rights violations, custodial deaths, and of being used by Khan's government to weaken the PDM. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The chief of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), Maulana Fazlur Rehman, on Sunday rejected Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vote of confidence, terming it without any constitutional or legal validity, and dared him to take trust vote directly from the nation, reported The News International.

The chief of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), Maulana Fazlur Rehman, on Sunday rejected Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vote of confidence, terming it without any constitutional or legal validity, and dared him to take trust vote directly from the nation, reported The News International. Speaking at a press conference, Fazlur said that the vote of confidence is initiated by the President, but the session summoned by the President on Khan's call has no legal or constitutional validity. "A President sends the motion for the vote of confidence on the knowledge of the dwindling strength of the Prime Minister in the Senate and this does not involve summary by the fake Prime Minister," said the PDM chief." The PDM does not recognise today's session nor does it recognise the fake Prime Minister," added Fazlur. He said, "We know, who knocked at the doors of the Members of the National Assembly (MNAs), to ensure they caste vote in favour of Imran Khan." He also reprimanded Imran's party (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) ruffians attack on the press conference of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders on Saturday where former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Senator Musadiq Malik, PML-N Marriyum Aurangzeb PML-N Sr Vice President Ahsan Iqbal were physically attacked and harassed. Fazlur termed it shameful, calling it an attack on the entire opposition alliance. Agitated over harassing of the PML-N leaders, Fazl said we can show a stronger reaction against the government. He warned if the PDM retaliated, there will be no space left for PTI leadership to escape. Fazl said the PTI ruffians attacked decent leaders and dared the prime minister to take trust vote directly from the nation, reported The News International. Moreover, the PDM chief said it is ironic that Imran Khan talks about the state of Madina, but goes to China to praise their system and in America sings praise for theirs, reported The News International. Further, Fazlur said that arresting or harassing his party members by (National Accountability Bureau) NAB does not affect him. He warned NAB officials not to harass or victimise the opposition members. He said the NAB would be abolished by the next elected government. Earlier also the opposition had levelled charges against the NAB of committing grave human rights violations, custodial deaths, and of being used by Khan's government to weaken the PDM. (With inputs from agencies)

PDM chief dares PM Imran Khan to take trust vote from masses 

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Gandharv Walia

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.