China urged the United States on Sunday to remove 'unreasonable' curbs on cooperation as soon as possible and work together on issues like climate change, while accusing Washington of bringing chaos in the name of spreading democracy.&nbsp;

Last week, US President Joe Biden singled out a 'growing rivalry with China' as a key challenge facing the United States, with his top diplomat describing the Asian country as 'the biggest geopolitical test' of this century.&nbsp;

Speaking at his annual news conference, the Chinese government's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, struck a tough line even as he outlined where the world's two biggest economies could work together.&nbsp;

Questioned about recent US-China frictions over Taiwan, Xinjiang and the disputed South China Sea, Wang said Beijing 'will never accept baseless accusations and smears'.&nbsp;

The United States used democracy and human rights as a basis for arbitrarily interfering with other countries' affairs, he said. "The US should realise this as soon as possible, otherwise the world will continue to experience instability."&nbsp;

Wang added that differences between China and the United States must be managed carefully, the two sides must advocate healthy competition not zero-sum finger-pointing, and that areas like climate change and fighting the pandemic were where they could cooperate.&nbsp;

"It is hoped that the United States and China will meet each other halfway and lift the various unreasonable restrictions placed on Sino-US cooperation to date as soon as possible, and not create new obstacles artificially."&nbsp;

The United States and China are at odds over influence in the Indo-Pacific region, Beijing's economic practices, Hong Kong, Taiwan and human rights in China's Xinjiang region.&nbsp;

The Biden administration has indicated it will broadly continue the tough approach to China taken by former President Donald Trump, but do so in coordination with allies.&nbsp;

Wang warned that on Chinese-claimed Taiwan, there was no room for compromise, urging the new US government to change the previous administration's 'dangerous acts of playing with fire'.&nbsp;

Biden's team says the US commitment to democratic Taiwan is 'rock solid'.&nbsp;

During Trump's administration, the United States levied a series of sanctions against China and its officials over Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Beijing's economic policies, which have not been lifted under the new administration.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

China urged the United States on Sunday to remove 'unreasonable' curbs on cooperation as soon as possible and work together on issues like climate change, while accusing Washington of bringing chaos in the name of spreading democracy.

China urged the United States on Sunday to remove 'unreasonable' curbs on cooperation as soon as possible and work together on issues like climate change, while accusing Washington of bringing chaos in the name of spreading democracy. Last week, US President Joe Biden singled out a 'growing rivalry with China' as a key challenge facing the United States, with his top diplomat describing the Asian country as 'the biggest geopolitical test' of this century. Speaking at his annual news conference, the Chinese government's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, struck a tough line even as he outlined where the world's two biggest economies could work together. Questioned about recent US-China frictions over Taiwan, Xinjiang and the disputed South China Sea, Wang said Beijing 'will never accept baseless accusations and smears'. The United States used democracy and human rights as a basis for arbitrarily interfering with other countries' affairs, he said. "The US should realise this as soon as possible, otherwise the world will continue to experience instability." Wang added that differences between China and the United States must be managed carefully, the two sides must advocate healthy competition not zero-sum finger-pointing, and that areas like climate change and fighting the pandemic were where they could cooperate. "It is hoped that the United States and China will meet each other halfway and lift the various unreasonable restrictions placed on Sino-US cooperation to date as soon as possible, and not create new obstacles artificially." The United States and China are at odds over influence in the Indo-Pacific region, Beijing's economic practices, Hong Kong, Taiwan and human rights in China's Xinjiang region. The Biden administration has indicated it will broadly continue the tough approach to China taken by former President Donald Trump, but do so in coordination with allies. Wang warned that on Chinese-claimed Taiwan, there was no room for compromise, urging the new US government to change the previous administration's 'dangerous acts of playing with fire'. Biden's team says the US commitment to democratic Taiwan is 'rock solid'. During Trump's administration, the United States levied a series of sanctions against China and its officials over Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Beijing's economic policies, which have not been lifted under the new administration. (With inputs from agencies)

China urges US to remove 'unreasonable' curbs on cooperation 

Researchers have developed a method based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) that rapidly identifies currently available medications that may treat Alzheimer's disease.&nbsp;

The method could represent a rapid and inexpensive way to repurpose existing therapies into new treatments for this progressive, debilitating neurodegenerative condition. Importantly, it could also help reveal new, unexplored targets for therapy by pointing to mechanisms of drug action.&nbsp;

"Repurposing FDA-approved drugs for Alzheimer's disease is an attractive idea that can help accelerate the arrival of effective treatment -- but unfortunately, even for previously approved drugs, clinical trials require substantial resources, making it impossible to evaluate every drug in patients with Alzheimer's disease," said researcher Artem Sokolov from Harvard Medical School.&nbsp;

"We therefore built a framework for prioritising drugs, helping clinical studies to focus on the most promising ones," Sokolov added.&nbsp;

For the study, published in Nature Communications, the team described their framework, called Drug Repurposing in Alzheimer's Disease (DRIAD), which relies on machine learning -- a branch of artificial intelligence in which systems are 'trained' on vast amounts of data, 'learn' to identify telltale patterns and augment researchers' and clinicians' decision-making.&nbsp;

DRIAD works by measuring what happens to human brain neural cells when treated with a drug.&nbsp;

The method then determines whether the changes induced by a drug correlate with molecular markers of disease severity.&nbsp;

The approach also allowed the researchers to identify drugs that had protective as well as damaging effects on brain cells.&nbsp;

The team applied the screening method to 80 FDA-approved and clinically tested drugs for a wide range of conditions. The analysis yielded a ranked list of candidates, with several anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and blood cancers emerging as top contenders.&nbsp;

These drugs belong to a class of medications known as Janus kinase inhibitors. The drugs work by blocking the action of inflammation-fueling Janus kinase proteins, suspected to play a role in Alzheimer's disease and known for their role in autoimmune conditions. The team's analyses also pointed to other potential treatment targets for further investigation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Researchers have developed a method based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) that rapidly identifies currently available medications that may treat Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers have developed a method based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) that rapidly identifies currently available medications that may treat Alzheimer's disease. The method could represent a rapid and inexpensive way to repurpose existing therapies into new treatments for this progressive, debilitating neurodegenerative condition. Importantly, it could also help reveal new, unexplored targets for therapy by pointing to mechanisms of drug action. "Repurposing FDA-approved drugs for Alzheimer's disease is an attractive idea that can help accelerate the arrival of effective treatment -- but unfortunately, even for previously approved drugs, clinical trials require substantial resources, making it impossible to evaluate every drug in patients with Alzheimer's disease," said researcher Artem Sokolov from Harvard Medical School. "We therefore built a framework for prioritising drugs, helping clinical studies to focus on the most promising ones," Sokolov added. For the study, published in Nature Communications, the team described their framework, called Drug Repurposing in Alzheimer's Disease (DRIAD), which relies on machine learning -- a branch of artificial intelligence in which systems are 'trained' on vast amounts of data, 'learn' to identify telltale patterns and augment researchers' and clinicians' decision-making. DRIAD works by measuring what happens to human brain neural cells when treated with a drug. The method then determines whether the changes induced by a drug correlate with molecular markers of disease severity. The approach also allowed the researchers to identify drugs that had protective as well as damaging effects on brain cells. The team applied the screening method to 80 FDA-approved and clinically tested drugs for a wide range of conditions. The analysis yielded a ranked list of candidates, with several anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and blood cancers emerging as top contenders. These drugs belong to a class of medications known as Janus kinase inhibitors. The drugs work by blocking the action of inflammation-fueling Janus kinase proteins, suspected to play a role in Alzheimer's disease and known for their role in autoimmune conditions. The team's analyses also pointed to other potential treatment targets for further investigation. (With inputs from agencies)

Artificial Intelligence reveals current drugs may help combat Alzheimer's

In a surprise and unexpected decision, Nepal's Supreme Court on Sunday annulled the unification of the ruling Nepal Communist Party's factions and paved the way for them to be divided into two separate parties.&nbsp;

Passing a verdict on legitimacy of Nepal Communist Party challenged by veteran Communist leader Rishiram Kattel in 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that the original Nepal Communist Party or NCP is headed by Kattel and not Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli or the faction led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal or 'Prachanda'. The Supreme Court decided to award the Nepal Communist Party leadership to Kattel.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court's decision has pushed Nepal’s ruling party into a state of confusion and disarray.&nbsp;

Quashing the Election Commission’s decision to award the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) leadership to Oli and Dahal, the top court has said the then CPN-UML and then CPN (Maoist Centre) would return to the pre-merger stage and if they were to merge, they should apply to the Election Commission as per the Political Parties Act. Oli's CPN-UML and Dahal's CPN (Maoist Centre) had announced their merger in May 2018.&nbsp;

"The Supreme Court's ruling came beyond our expectations," Prachanda said, adding that "we cannot comment on it without going through the detailed text of the verdict." The Prachanda-led faction also held an emergency meeting after the verdict.&nbsp;

But the Oli faction is happy with the verdict. Oli's CPN-UML was the largest party in 2017 election. Later it merged with Prachanda-led CPN (Maoist Centre) and formed the Nepal Communist Party in 2018 and became the largest party in the Parliament with almost two-third seats.&nbsp;

"We respect the verdict, we believe in the independence of the judiciary," party secretary general and Finance Minister, Bishnu Poudel said.&nbsp;

Both Oli and Prachanda factions are functioning as two parties though they have not technically split after Prime Minister Oli dissolved the House on December 20 and declared snap polls. Oli's decision has created a furor and opposition inside the ruling party.&nbsp;

The Prachanda-led faction has already claimed legitimacy with the Elections Commission saying it has a majority of the central committee members. But the Election Commission could not take a decision on the party split because Oli is also claiming the same.&nbsp;

Kattel had challenged the Election Commission's decision to register Nepal Communist Party (NCP) under Oli and Dahal in May 2018.&nbsp;

The bench has said that the new party cannot be registered with the Election Commission when it already has a party registered with a similar name.&nbsp;

The decision came just hours before the scheduled meeting of the House of Representatives where the two factions of the Nepal Communist Party are battling to show their majority.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a surprise and unexpected decision, Nepal's Supreme Court on Sunday annulled the unification of the ruling Nepal Communist Party's factions and paved the way for them to be divided into two separate parties.

In a surprise and unexpected decision, Nepal's Supreme Court on Sunday annulled the unification of the ruling Nepal Communist Party's factions and paved the way for them to be divided into two separate parties. Passing a verdict on legitimacy of Nepal Communist Party challenged by veteran Communist leader Rishiram Kattel in 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that the original Nepal Communist Party or NCP is headed by Kattel and not Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli or the faction led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal or 'Prachanda'. The Supreme Court decided to award the Nepal Communist Party leadership to Kattel. The Supreme Court's decision has pushed Nepal’s ruling party into a state of confusion and disarray. Quashing the Election Commission’s decision to award the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) leadership to Oli and Dahal, the top court has said the then CPN-UML and then CPN (Maoist Centre) would return to the pre-merger stage and if they were to merge, they should apply to the Election Commission as per the Political Parties Act. Oli's CPN-UML and Dahal's CPN (Maoist Centre) had announced their merger in May 2018. "The Supreme Court's ruling came beyond our expectations," Prachanda said, adding that "we cannot comment on it without going through the detailed text of the verdict." The Prachanda-led faction also held an emergency meeting after the verdict. But the Oli faction is happy with the verdict. Oli's CPN-UML was the largest party in 2017 election. Later it merged with Prachanda-led CPN (Maoist Centre) and formed the Nepal Communist Party in 2018 and became the largest party in the Parliament with almost two-third seats. "We respect the verdict, we believe in the independence of the judiciary," party secretary general and Finance Minister, Bishnu Poudel said. Both Oli and Prachanda factions are functioning as two parties though they have not technically split after Prime Minister Oli dissolved the House on December 20 and declared snap polls. Oli's decision has created a furor and opposition inside the ruling party. The Prachanda-led faction has already claimed legitimacy with the Elections Commission saying it has a majority of the central committee members. But the Election Commission could not take a decision on the party split because Oli is also claiming the same. Kattel had challenged the Election Commission's decision to register Nepal Communist Party (NCP) under Oli and Dahal in May 2018. The bench has said that the new party cannot be registered with the Election Commission when it already has a party registered with a similar name. The decision came just hours before the scheduled meeting of the House of Representatives where the two factions of the Nepal Communist Party are battling to show their majority. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal’s Supreme Court annuls unification of NCP factions

The European Union should shake off its ill will and build a good relationship with Britain as sovereign equals, Britain's top EU adviser David Frost said on Sunday, promising to stand up for the country's interests.&nbsp;

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Frost again defended Britain's unilateral move to smooth post-Brexit trade between Britain and Northern Ireland, over which the EU has promised to launch legal action for breaching the terms of the Brexit deal.&nbsp;

Since Britain left the EU last year, relations between the two have soured, with both sides accusing the other of acting in bad faith in relation to part of their trade agreement that covers goods movements to Northern Ireland.&nbsp;

Frost, who led Britain's negotiations to secure a trade deal with the bloc, was appointed as a minister and Prime Minister Boris Johnson's main point man for future ties with the EU earlier this year and looks set to take a firmer approach.&nbsp;

"I hope they will shake off any remaining ill will towards us for leaving, and instead build a friendly relationship, between sovereign equals," he wrote in an opinion piece.&nbsp;

"That is what I will be working towards, acting constructively when we can, standing up for our interests when we must – as a sovereign country in full control of our own destiny."&nbsp;

He again defended the British government's extension of a grace period for checks on some food products imported by retailers to Northern Ireland as being 'lawful and consistent with the progressive and good faith implementation' of part of the post-Brexit trade deal called the Northern Ireland protocol.&nbsp;

But he added, "Without this threat of disruption, we can continue our discussions with the EU to resolve difficulties arising from the protocol constructively and we aim to do so."&nbsp;

Northern Ireland's future was bitterly contested during the Brexit negotiations. London ultimately agreed to leave the British-ruled province aligned to the EU's single market for goods to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland, fearing it could be detrimental to the 1998 peace agreement that ended decades of conflict in the province.&nbsp;

This has required checks on some items arriving in Northern Ireland from elsewhere in the United Kingdom, which some businesses say has made it difficult to bring in supplies. To address that issue, the British government extended the grace period for some checks until October 1.&nbsp;

The EU disputes that the grace period extension was in line with the agreement, saying London should honour what it signed up to. It has promised to launch legal action, or a so-called 'infringement procedure' against Britain.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The European Union should shake off its ill will and build a good relationship with Britain as sovereign equals, Britain's top EU adviser David Frost said on Sunday, promising to stand up for the country's interests.

The European Union should shake off its ill will and build a good relationship with Britain as sovereign equals, Britain's top EU adviser David Frost said on Sunday, promising to stand up for the country's interests. Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Frost again defended Britain's unilateral move to smooth post-Brexit trade between Britain and Northern Ireland, over which the EU has promised to launch legal action for breaching the terms of the Brexit deal. Since Britain left the EU last year, relations between the two have soured, with both sides accusing the other of acting in bad faith in relation to part of their trade agreement that covers goods movements to Northern Ireland. Frost, who led Britain's negotiations to secure a trade deal with the bloc, was appointed as a minister and Prime Minister Boris Johnson's main point man for future ties with the EU earlier this year and looks set to take a firmer approach. "I hope they will shake off any remaining ill will towards us for leaving, and instead build a friendly relationship, between sovereign equals," he wrote in an opinion piece. "That is what I will be working towards, acting constructively when we can, standing up for our interests when we must – as a sovereign country in full control of our own destiny." He again defended the British government's extension of a grace period for checks on some food products imported by retailers to Northern Ireland as being 'lawful and consistent with the progressive and good faith implementation' of part of the post-Brexit trade deal called the Northern Ireland protocol. But he added, "Without this threat of disruption, we can continue our discussions with the EU to resolve difficulties arising from the protocol constructively and we aim to do so." Northern Ireland's future was bitterly contested during the Brexit negotiations. London ultimately agreed to leave the British-ruled province aligned to the EU's single market for goods to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland, fearing it could be detrimental to the 1998 peace agreement that ended decades of conflict in the province. This has required checks on some items arriving in Northern Ireland from elsewhere in the United Kingdom, which some businesses say has made it difficult to bring in supplies. To address that issue, the British government extended the grace period for some checks until October 1. The EU disputes that the grace period extension was in line with the agreement, saying London should honour what it signed up to. It has promised to launch legal action, or a so-called 'infringement procedure' against Britain. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain asks EU to shake off ill will over post-Brexit trade 

The emergency ministry of Russia’s far eastern Amur region on Sunday reported an oil spill at an oil processing station but said the spill has been contained.&nbsp;

The second stage of Russia's East Siberia - Pacific Ocean oil pipeline is working as usual, the ministry added.&nbsp;

Oil pipeline monopoly Transneft and the Russian emergency ministry's task force are tackling the accident, the ministry said, without disclosing further detail.&nbsp;

The scale of the spill was not immediately clear.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a fire broke out on Russia’s Ob river in Siberia on Saturday due to an accident on an underwater pipeline, Russia’s Rosprirodnadzor state environment watchdog said.&nbsp;

Petrochemicals producer Sibur said the fire near the city of Nizhnevartovsk in the oil-rich region of Yugra was quickly localised and that there was no risk to local people or the environment.&nbsp;

The accident occurred on a pipeline carrying light hydrocarbons, it said in a statement.&nbsp;

Large flames could be seen from a distance belching up smoke into the night sky with snow in the foreground in footage circulated by the RIA news agency.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The emergency ministry of Russia’s far eastern Amur region on Sunday reported an oil spill at an oil processing station but said the spill has been contained. The second stage of Russia's East Siberia - Pacific Ocean oil pipeline is working as usual, the ministry added.

The emergency ministry of Russia’s far eastern Amur region on Sunday reported an oil spill at an oil processing station but said the spill has been contained. The second stage of Russia's East Siberia - Pacific Ocean oil pipeline is working as usual, the ministry added. Oil pipeline monopoly Transneft and the Russian emergency ministry's task force are tackling the accident, the ministry said, without disclosing further detail. The scale of the spill was not immediately clear. Meanwhile, a fire broke out on Russia’s Ob river in Siberia on Saturday due to an accident on an underwater pipeline, Russia’s Rosprirodnadzor state environment watchdog said. Petrochemicals producer Sibur said the fire near the city of Nizhnevartovsk in the oil-rich region of Yugra was quickly localised and that there was no risk to local people or the environment. The accident occurred on a pipeline carrying light hydrocarbons, it said in a statement. Large flames could be seen from a distance belching up smoke into the night sky with snow in the foreground in footage circulated by the RIA news agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia reports oil spill at processing station in Far East 

The Chinese government's top diplomat State Councillor Wang Yi on Sunday said the electoral system in Hong Kong must be improved for long-term stability, saying reform would bring about a 'brighter future' for the city.&nbsp;

China's plan to dramatically reform Hong Kong's electoral system, unveiled this week during the country's annual parliamentary session, is expected to upend the territory's governance and ensure Beijing loyalists are in charge.&nbsp;

Speaking at his annual news conference at the parliamentary session, Wang said there was no democracy in Hong Kong during colonial times, and that China has confidence electoral reforms will be beneficial.&nbsp;

"Hong Kong's transition from chaos to governance is fully in the interests of all parties," said Wang.&nbsp;

A year ago, China imposed a tough national security law on the former British colony, saying it was needed following months of sometimes violent anti-government protests.&nbsp;

Beijing has since said that it will directly vet electoral candidates for the city's legislature and declared that only 'patriots' should rule Hong Kong.&nbsp;

"Loving Hong Kong and patriotism are exactly the same," said Wang on Sunday, adding that changes to the electoral system are constitutional and justified.&nbsp;

It comes a week after Hong Kong police detained 47 pro-democracy activists on charges of conspiracy to commit subversion, the largest such mass arrest to date under the new national security law.&nbsp;

China's actions in Hong Kong have been condemned by the United States and its allies to the anger of the Chinese government, which has said Hong Kong issues are an internal matter with which foreigners have no right to interfere.&nbsp;

Supporters of the national security law, which punishes what it broadly defines as secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison, have said the legislation is necessary to restore stability in Hong Kong after months of pro-democracy protests in 2019.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Chinese government's top diplomat State Councillor Wang Yi on Sunday said the electoral system in Hong Kong must be improved for long-term stability, saying reform would bring about a 'brighter future' for the city.

The Chinese government's top diplomat State Councillor Wang Yi on Sunday said the electoral system in Hong Kong must be improved for long-term stability, saying reform would bring about a 'brighter future' for the city. China's plan to dramatically reform Hong Kong's electoral system, unveiled this week during the country's annual parliamentary session, is expected to upend the territory's governance and ensure Beijing loyalists are in charge. Speaking at his annual news conference at the parliamentary session, Wang said there was no democracy in Hong Kong during colonial times, and that China has confidence electoral reforms will be beneficial. "Hong Kong's transition from chaos to governance is fully in the interests of all parties," said Wang. A year ago, China imposed a tough national security law on the former British colony, saying it was needed following months of sometimes violent anti-government protests. Beijing has since said that it will directly vet electoral candidates for the city's legislature and declared that only 'patriots' should rule Hong Kong. "Loving Hong Kong and patriotism are exactly the same," said Wang on Sunday, adding that changes to the electoral system are constitutional and justified. It comes a week after Hong Kong police detained 47 pro-democracy activists on charges of conspiracy to commit subversion, the largest such mass arrest to date under the new national security law. China's actions in Hong Kong have been condemned by the United States and its allies to the anger of the Chinese government, which has said Hong Kong issues are an internal matter with which foreigners have no right to interfere. Supporters of the national security law, which punishes what it broadly defines as secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison, have said the legislation is necessary to restore stability in Hong Kong after months of pro-democracy protests in 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong needs electoral reform for 'brighter future', says China  

Fierce fighting between Yemeni pro-government forces and Iran-backed Huthi rebels has killed at least 90 combatants on both sides in the past 24 hours, government military sources said on Saturday.&nbsp;

The Shiite rebels launched an offensive last month to seize Marib, the last stronghold in northern Yemen of pro-government forces, who are backed by a Saudi-led military coalition.&nbsp;

The clashes in the oil-rich province left 32 dead among government forces and loyalist tribes, while 58 Huthi rebels were killed in coalition air strikes, the sources said.&nbsp;

They said heavy clashes broke out on six fronts as government forces were able to counter attacks by the Huthis, who managed to advance only on the Kassara front northwest of Marib city.&nbsp;

The fighting also left dozens of people wounded, the sources added.&nbsp;

The loss of Marib would be a huge blow for the Yemeni government, but would also threaten catastrophe for civilians, including hundreds of thousands of displaced people sheltering in desolate camps in the surrounding desert.&nbsp;

It would also be a major setback for Saudi Arabia, which has been the target of increasingly frequent Huthi missile attacks in recent weeks.&nbsp;

Shrapnel from Huthi drones intercepted by the Saudis on Friday wounded two civilians, including a 10-year-old, in the southwest of the kingdom, the official SPA news agency reported.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday urged the Huthis to halt their offensive in Marib, as he announced $191 million in aid at a donors' conference.&nbsp;

"Aid alone will not end the conflict. We can only end the humanitarian crisis in Yemen by ending the war... so the United States is reinvigorating our diplomatic efforts to end the war," he said.&nbsp;

The United Nations had sought to raise $3.85 billion from more than 100 governments and donors, but only $1.7 billion was offered.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Fierce fighting between Yemeni pro-government forces and Iran-backed Huthi rebels has killed at least 90 combatants on both sides in the past 24 hours, government military sources said on Saturday.

Fierce fighting between Yemeni pro-government forces and Iran-backed Huthi rebels has killed at least 90 combatants on both sides in the past 24 hours, government military sources said on Saturday. The Shiite rebels launched an offensive last month to seize Marib, the last stronghold in northern Yemen of pro-government forces, who are backed by a Saudi-led military coalition. The clashes in the oil-rich province left 32 dead among government forces and loyalist tribes, while 58 Huthi rebels were killed in coalition air strikes, the sources said. They said heavy clashes broke out on six fronts as government forces were able to counter attacks by the Huthis, who managed to advance only on the Kassara front northwest of Marib city. The fighting also left dozens of people wounded, the sources added. The loss of Marib would be a huge blow for the Yemeni government, but would also threaten catastrophe for civilians, including hundreds of thousands of displaced people sheltering in desolate camps in the surrounding desert. It would also be a major setback for Saudi Arabia, which has been the target of increasingly frequent Huthi missile attacks in recent weeks. Shrapnel from Huthi drones intercepted by the Saudis on Friday wounded two civilians, including a 10-year-old, in the southwest of the kingdom, the official SPA news agency reported. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday urged the Huthis to halt their offensive in Marib, as he announced $191 million in aid at a donors' conference. "Aid alone will not end the conflict. We can only end the humanitarian crisis in Yemen by ending the war... so the United States is reinvigorating our diplomatic efforts to end the war," he said. The United Nations had sought to raise $3.85 billion from more than 100 governments and donors, but only $1.7 billion was offered. (With inputs from agencies)

Fighting in Yemen's Marib kills 90 in 24 hours: Sources 

Myanmar authorities exhumed the body of a 19-year-old woman, who was shot dead wearing a T-shirt that read 'Everything will be OK' and their examination exonerated police from the killing, state television MRTV said on Saturday.&nbsp;

Kyal Sin, widely known as Angel, died on Wednesday from a shot to the head as protesters came under fire from security forces trying to end demonstrations against the February 1 coup. She has become an icon of the protest movement.&nbsp;

The exhumation of Kyal Sin has brought fresh outrage from opponents of the coup, who accuse the junta of trying to conceal the fact she was killed by their forces.&nbsp;

State television said police, a judge and doctors had exhumed the body and carried out a surgical investigation.&nbsp;

They found a penetration wound in the back of the head and a piece of lead measuring 1.2 cm by 0.7 cm in the brain and said that it was different from the tips of bullets used by the police.&nbsp;

State television said police had been face-to-face with the protesters and the wound was at the back of the head and that the object which killed Kyal Sin could be fired from a gun able to shoot .38 calibre bullets.&nbsp;

"Therefore, it can be assumed that those who do not want stability conducted the assassination," MRTV said.&nbsp;

On social media, coup opponents described the exhumation as a further insult to Kyal Sin and her family, with the intention of giving a false account of what happened.&nbsp;

A military spokesman did not answer calls seeking comment. &nbsp;

State television said authorities had asked for the family's permission to exhume the body, but did not say whether it was granted. &nbsp;

Protesters at the scene of the demonstration in Mandalay on Wednesday said they had come under fire from live bullets at the time Kyal Sin was killed.&nbsp;

Kyal Sin had the back of her head turned towards the line of security forces in the moments before she was killed.&nbsp;

Residents said Kyal Sin's body had been exhumed on Friday by a team who arrived under police and military guard and kept people away from the grave site. The tomb was sealed with fresh cement and discarded rubber boots and gloves and plastic surgical gowns littered the site on Saturday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Myanmar authorities exhumed the body of a 19-year-old woman, who was shot dead wearing a T-shirt that read 'Everything will be OK' and their examination exonerated police from the killing, state television MRTV said on Saturday.

Myanmar authorities exhumed the body of a 19-year-old woman, who was shot dead wearing a T-shirt that read 'Everything will be OK' and their examination exonerated police from the killing, state television MRTV said on Saturday. Kyal Sin, widely known as Angel, died on Wednesday from a shot to the head as protesters came under fire from security forces trying to end demonstrations against the February 1 coup. She has become an icon of the protest movement. The exhumation of Kyal Sin has brought fresh outrage from opponents of the coup, who accuse the junta of trying to conceal the fact she was killed by their forces. State television said police, a judge and doctors had exhumed the body and carried out a surgical investigation. They found a penetration wound in the back of the head and a piece of lead measuring 1.2 cm by 0.7 cm in the brain and said that it was different from the tips of bullets used by the police. State television said police had been face-to-face with the protesters and the wound was at the back of the head and that the object which killed Kyal Sin could be fired from a gun able to shoot .38 calibre bullets. "Therefore, it can be assumed that those who do not want stability conducted the assassination," MRTV said. On social media, coup opponents described the exhumation as a further insult to Kyal Sin and her family, with the intention of giving a false account of what happened. A military spokesman did not answer calls seeking comment. State television said authorities had asked for the family's permission to exhume the body, but did not say whether it was granted. Protesters at the scene of the demonstration in Mandalay on Wednesday said they had come under fire from live bullets at the time Kyal Sin was killed. Kyal Sin had the back of her head turned towards the line of security forces in the moments before she was killed. Residents said Kyal Sin's body had been exhumed on Friday by a team who arrived under police and military guard and kept people away from the grave site. The tomb was sealed with fresh cement and discarded rubber boots and gloves and plastic surgical gowns littered the site on Saturday. (With inputs from agencies)

'Everything will be OK' Myanmar protester's body exhumed  

German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned on Saturday that the pandemic risked rolling back progress made on gender equality, as women take on the lion's share of childcare in lockdown and are more likely to work in at-risk jobs.&nbsp;

"We have to make sure that the pandemic does not lead us to fall back into old gender patterns we thought we had overcome," Merkel said in a video message ahead of International Women's Day on March 8.&nbsp;

Women have been disproportionately affected by the health crisis, she said, while being underrepresented in decision-making positions.&nbsp;

"Once again it's more often women who have to master the balancing act between homeschooling, childcare and their own jobs," said the veteran leader.&nbsp;

Women also outnumber men in care professions at a time when those jobs are "particularly challenging".&nbsp;

"More than 75 per cent of those working in the health sector are women, from doctor's offices and hospitals, to labs and pharmacies," Merkel said -- yet women account for barely 30 per cent of management positions in those areas.&nbsp;

"It cannot be that women are to a large extent carrying our society yet at the same time are not equally involved in important political, economic and societal decisions," she added.&nbsp;

Merkel welcomed recent legislation requiring listed German companies to include more women on their executive boards.&nbsp;

But she said more should be done to support women, including through expanding childcare facilities and equal pay.&nbsp;

"Women must finally earn the same as men," she said.&nbsp;

Germany has one of the European Union's largest gender pay gaps, with women earning on average 19 per cent less than men in 2019 -- partly because many German women work part-time.&nbsp;

The gap narrows to six per cent when comparing men and women in the same jobs.&nbsp;

Merkel's warnings were echoed in the EU's annual report on gender equality released earlier this week.&nbsp;

The study found that the pandemic "has exacerbated existing inequalities between women and men in almost all areas of life".&nbsp;

On top of increased childcare burdens from school and nursery closures, it said women were also more likely to work in low-paid jobs in the services sector worst affected by the shutdowns, leaving them at higher risk of unemployment.&nbsp;

It could "take years, or even decades" to overcome the gender setbacks caused by the pandemic, it said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned on Saturday that the pandemic risked rolling back progress made on gender equality, as women take on the lion's share of childcare in lockdown and are more likely to work in at-risk jobs.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned on Saturday that the pandemic risked rolling back progress made on gender equality, as women take on the lion's share of childcare in lockdown and are more likely to work in at-risk jobs. "We have to make sure that the pandemic does not lead us to fall back into old gender patterns we thought we had overcome," Merkel said in a video message ahead of International Women's Day on March 8. Women have been disproportionately affected by the health crisis, she said, while being underrepresented in decision-making positions. "Once again it's more often women who have to master the balancing act between homeschooling, childcare and their own jobs," said the veteran leader. Women also outnumber men in care professions at a time when those jobs are "particularly challenging". "More than 75 per cent of those working in the health sector are women, from doctor's offices and hospitals, to labs and pharmacies," Merkel said -- yet women account for barely 30 per cent of management positions in those areas. "It cannot be that women are to a large extent carrying our society yet at the same time are not equally involved in important political, economic and societal decisions," she added. Merkel welcomed recent legislation requiring listed German companies to include more women on their executive boards. But she said more should be done to support women, including through expanding childcare facilities and equal pay. "Women must finally earn the same as men," she said. Germany has one of the European Union's largest gender pay gaps, with women earning on average 19 per cent less than men in 2019 -- partly because many German women work part-time. The gap narrows to six per cent when comparing men and women in the same jobs. Merkel's warnings were echoed in the EU's annual report on gender equality released earlier this week. The study found that the pandemic "has exacerbated existing inequalities between women and men in almost all areas of life". On top of increased childcare burdens from school and nursery closures, it said women were also more likely to work in low-paid jobs in the services sector worst affected by the shutdowns, leaving them at higher risk of unemployment. It could "take years, or even decades" to overcome the gender setbacks caused by the pandemic, it said. (With inputs from agencies)

Merkel warns coronavirus pandemic risks undoing gains for women  

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab threatened on Saturday to stop performing his duties to pressure politicians to form a new government.&nbsp;

"If seclusion helps with cabinet formation, then I am ready to resort to it, although it goes against my convictions for it disrupts the entire state and is detrimental to the Lebanese," Diab said in a speech.&nbsp;

Diab's cabinet resigned on the back of the August 4 Beirut port explosion that devastated swathes of the capital.&nbsp;

Prime minister-designate Saad al-Hariri was nominated in October but has failed to form a new cabinet so far due to political deadlock between him and President Michel Aoun.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, protesters blocked roads with burning tyres and dumpsters across Lebanon recently after the currency tumbled to a new low in a financial meltdown that has fueled poverty.&nbsp;

"We can't bear it anymore...The dollar is going up and they don't care about us. They're still dividing up their gains," Rabih Khaled, who has been unemployed for months, said at one of the protests.&nbsp;

Crushed under a mountain of debt, Lebanon is grappling with a financial crisis that has wiped out jobs, raised warnings of growing hunger and locked people out of their bank deposits.&nbsp;

The collapse of the Lebanese pound, which fell to 10,000 to the dollar on Tuesday, has slashed about 85% of its value in a country relying heavily on imports.&nbsp;

The decline was the last straw for many who have seen prices of consumer goods such as diapers or cereals nearly triple since the crisis erupted.&nbsp;

"They're taking away our dignity. We came down today to say no we have dignity ... We are not insects. They are controlling the dollar for your interests to steal money from the people," 43-year-old Tawfik Marei said.&nbsp;

Protesters shut down a main highway out of the capital Beirut and the airport road. People took to the streets in other cities as well after the cost of scarce dollars hit 10,000 Lebanese pounds on the informal market.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab threatened on Saturday to stop performing his duties to pressure politicians to form a new government. "If seclusion helps with cabinet formation, then I am ready to resort to it, although it goes against my convictions for it disrupts the entire state and is detrimental to the Lebanese," Diab said in a speech.

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab threatened on Saturday to stop performing his duties to pressure politicians to form a new government. "If seclusion helps with cabinet formation, then I am ready to resort to it, although it goes against my convictions for it disrupts the entire state and is detrimental to the Lebanese," Diab said in a speech. Diab's cabinet resigned on the back of the August 4 Beirut port explosion that devastated swathes of the capital. Prime minister-designate Saad al-Hariri was nominated in October but has failed to form a new cabinet so far due to political deadlock between him and President Michel Aoun. Meanwhile, protesters blocked roads with burning tyres and dumpsters across Lebanon recently after the currency tumbled to a new low in a financial meltdown that has fueled poverty. "We can't bear it anymore...The dollar is going up and they don't care about us. They're still dividing up their gains," Rabih Khaled, who has been unemployed for months, said at one of the protests. Crushed under a mountain of debt, Lebanon is grappling with a financial crisis that has wiped out jobs, raised warnings of growing hunger and locked people out of their bank deposits. The collapse of the Lebanese pound, which fell to 10,000 to the dollar on Tuesday, has slashed about 85% of its value in a country relying heavily on imports. The decline was the last straw for many who have seen prices of consumer goods such as diapers or cereals nearly triple since the crisis erupted. "They're taking away our dignity. We came down today to say no we have dignity ... We are not insects. They are controlling the dollar for your interests to steal money from the people," 43-year-old Tawfik Marei said. Protesters shut down a main highway out of the capital Beirut and the airport road. People took to the streets in other cities as well after the cost of scarce dollars hit 10,000 Lebanese pounds on the informal market. (With inputs from agencies)

Caretaker PM threatens to stop running government in Lebanon 

Pakistan opposition leader Maryam Nawaz said the trust vote secured by Prime Minister Imran Khan in National Assembly has 'no worth' as he had forced lawmakers on gunpoint to vote for him. &nbsp;

Speaking to reporters just after the conclusion of the National Assembly (NA) session, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader Maryam said that the government turned the Parliament lodges into a bunker and government members were assigned to each of the 16 MNAs, who had allegedly sold their votes in the Senate polls to ensure their presence for the vote of confidence, Dawn reported. &nbsp;

"What worth does a vote have that you got by telling [MNAs] on gunpoint: 'Give me the vote or I won't spare you'?" she asked. Pakistan Opposition on Saturday rejected the confidence vote cast in favour of the country's Prime Minister Imran Khan during a National Assembly (NA) session, said Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. &nbsp;

Speaking to media in Sukkur just after the NA session concluded, Rehman said that the Constitution clearly stated that the president can summon a session "if he believes that the prime minister does not hold majority", Dawn reported.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Imran Khan won a trust vote in the National Assembly (NA) with his party securing votes above a majority mark in the 342-member lower house of parliament. &nbsp;

Khan decided to take a vote of confidence after finance minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, on Wednesday, faced a drubbing in the Senate election, reinforcing the Opposition to demand the Prime Minister's resignation.&nbsp;

"Here, the session was called over a summary by the fake prime minister. Summary is not involved in summoning such sessions, all of this is a drama," said the JUI-F chief, who is not part of the NA. &nbsp;

"We don't accept today's Assembly session, nor do we accept the confidence vote. This was not a confidence vote. We know which agencies watched the members of the assembly the entire night. [We know] who knocked on the doors of each member to ensure they were present," he added. &nbsp;

Rehman, who is the chief of the opposition alliance PDM, alleged that MNAs were 'forcefully' made to vote for Prime Minister Imran. He urged the premier to 'be courageous and ask the public to cast a vote of confidence [by] conducting a new election'.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan opposition leader Maryam Nawaz said the trust vote secured by Prime Minister Imran Khan in National Assembly has 'no worth' as he had forced lawmakers on gunpoint to vote for him.

Pakistan opposition leader Maryam Nawaz said the trust vote secured by Prime Minister Imran Khan in National Assembly has 'no worth' as he had forced lawmakers on gunpoint to vote for him. Speaking to reporters just after the conclusion of the National Assembly (NA) session, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader Maryam said that the government turned the Parliament lodges into a bunker and government members were assigned to each of the 16 MNAs, who had allegedly sold their votes in the Senate polls to ensure their presence for the vote of confidence, Dawn reported. "What worth does a vote have that you got by telling [MNAs] on gunpoint: 'Give me the vote or I won't spare you'?" she asked. Pakistan Opposition on Saturday rejected the confidence vote cast in favour of the country's Prime Minister Imran Khan during a National Assembly (NA) session, said Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Speaking to media in Sukkur just after the NA session concluded, Rehman said that the Constitution clearly stated that the president can summon a session "if he believes that the prime minister does not hold majority", Dawn reported. Earlier in the day, Imran Khan won a trust vote in the National Assembly (NA) with his party securing votes above a majority mark in the 342-member lower house of parliament. Khan decided to take a vote of confidence after finance minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, on Wednesday, faced a drubbing in the Senate election, reinforcing the Opposition to demand the Prime Minister's resignation. "Here, the session was called over a summary by the fake prime minister. Summary is not involved in summoning such sessions, all of this is a drama," said the JUI-F chief, who is not part of the NA. "We don't accept today's Assembly session, nor do we accept the confidence vote. This was not a confidence vote. We know which agencies watched the members of the assembly the entire night. [We know] who knocked on the doors of each member to ensure they were present," he added. Rehman, who is the chief of the opposition alliance PDM, alleged that MNAs were 'forcefully' made to vote for Prime Minister Imran. He urged the premier to 'be courageous and ask the public to cast a vote of confidence [by] conducting a new election'. (With inputs from agencies)

Trust vote won by Pak PM has 'no worth', says Maryam Nawaz 

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. &nbsp;

Rescue workers spent hours trying to extinguish the fire, which spread to about 180 oil tankers, according to the war monitor.&nbsp;

"The fires are the largest yet from a missile attack on makeshift refineries," the Observatory said.&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;

The Observatory reported two such missile attacks last month.&nbsp;

In January, unidentified drones also hit oil refineries in Turkish-held areas of Aleppo, causing a large fire, according to the Observatory. &nbsp;

Syria's war has killed more than 387,000 people and displaced millions since starting in 2011 with a brutal repression of anti-government protests.&nbsp;

It later evolved into a complex conflict involving jihadists and foreign powers.&nbsp;

Northern neighbour Turkey has seized control of several regions inside Syria in military campaigns against the Islamic State group and Kurdish fighters since 2016.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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.

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. The Observatory reported two such missile attacks last month. In January, unidentified drones also hit oil refineries in Turkish-held areas of Aleppo, causing a large fire, according to the Observatory. Syria's war has killed more than 387,000 people and displaced millions since starting in 2011 with a brutal repression of anti-government protests. It later evolved into a complex conflict involving jihadists and foreign powers. Northern neighbour Turkey has seized control of several regions inside Syria in military campaigns against the Islamic State group and Kurdish fighters since 2016. (With inputs from agencies)

Missile strikes on makeshift oil refineries in Syria kill four, says monitor  

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