Prime Minister Scott Morrison has tested positive for Covid-19 but says he will carry on working from isolation at home as Australia's east coast battles huge floods.

The prime minister said he was suffering from "flu-like" symptoms after a PCR test came back positive on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"While in isolation I will continue to discharge all my responsibilities as prime minister," he said in a statement late Tuesday.

Morrison said he would be working on the response to deadly floods in Queensland and New South Wales, "ensuring we stand with each and every one of the affected communities".

"I will also be focused on our urgent response to the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine and Russia's senseless aggression, staying in regular contact with our security and intelligence officials and our international partners."

Morrison said he had tested himself for Covid-19 on the mornings of Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, all with negative results.&nbsp; 
But he developed a fever late on Tuesday and tested himself again, with "inconclusive" results. A more precise PCR test then showed he was infected with Covid-19.

The prime minister said his wife and two daughters had so far tested negative but would be isolating with him at home as close contacts.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has tested positive for Covid-19 but says he will carry on working from isolation at home as Australia's east coast battles huge floods.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has tested positive for Covid-19 but says he will carry on working from isolation at home as Australia's east coast battles huge floods. The prime minister said he was suffering from "flu-like" symptoms after a PCR test came back positive on Tuesday. "While in isolation I will continue to discharge all my responsibilities as prime minister," he said in a statement late Tuesday. Morrison said he would be working on the response to deadly floods in Queensland and New South Wales, "ensuring we stand with each and every one of the affected communities". "I will also be focused on our urgent response to the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine and Russia's senseless aggression, staying in regular contact with our security and intelligence officials and our international partners." Morrison said he had tested himself for Covid-19 on the mornings of Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, all with negative results. But he developed a fever late on Tuesday and tested himself again, with "inconclusive" results. A more precise PCR test then showed he was infected with Covid-19. The prime minister said his wife and two daughters had so far tested negative but would be isolating with him at home as close contacts.

Australian PM tests positive for Covid, isolates

Podcasts aren't a new thing, but their popularity skyrocketed during pandemic years. As lockdowns became a norm, people consumed more media indoors. And that included podcasts. Preference for audio interaction was also evident from the rise of apps like Clubhouse.

People were able to establish a connection of a sort with podcast presenters who, maybe in many cases, were only human voice those in isolation had access to.

A new study has thrown light on an interesting aspect. The study says that whether or not you would establish 'perceived intimacy' with the podcast presenter or guests depended on how you heard the podcast.

As per the study, those who heard a particular podcast on headphones were more likely to empathise with the presenter than those who heard the same podcast on speakers.

The study was carried out by UC San Diego's Rady School, UCLA, and UC Berkeley.

The participants in the study were made to listen to a speech by a CEO whose company made visual information available to blind persons. The question was, should the CEO be nominated for an award?

The participants who heard the speech on headphones were more likely to say yes (30 per cent) than those who heard the podcast on speakers.

Researchers think that reason behind this is “in-head localization”. As sound from earphones/ headphones are imagined by listener to be coming from inside his/her head, the sounds “trigger a feeling of greater closeness to the person speaking to you”.

This research will be published in the journal Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes.

Podcasts aren't a new thing, but their popularity skyrocketed during pandemic years. As lockdowns became a norm, people consumed more media indoors. And that included podcasts.

Podcasts aren't a new thing, but their popularity skyrocketed during pandemic years. As lockdowns became a norm, people consumed more media indoors. And that included podcasts. Preference for audio interaction was also evident from the rise of apps like Clubhouse. People were able to establish a connection of a sort with podcast presenters who, maybe in many cases, were only human voice those in isolation had access to. A new study has thrown light on an interesting aspect. The study says that whether or not you would establish 'perceived intimacy' with the podcast presenter or guests depended on how you heard the podcast. As per the study, those who heard a particular podcast on headphones were more likely to empathise with the presenter than those who heard the same podcast on speakers. The study was carried out by UC San Diego's Rady School, UCLA, and UC Berkeley. The participants in the study were made to listen to a speech by a CEO whose company made visual information available to blind persons. The question was, should the CEO be nominated for an award? The participants who heard the speech on headphones were more likely to say yes (30 per cent) than those who heard the podcast on speakers. Researchers think that reason behind this is “in-head localization”. As sound from earphones/ headphones are imagined by listener to be coming from inside his/her head, the sounds “trigger a feeling of greater closeness to the person speaking to you”. This research will be published in the journal Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes.

Listening podcast on headphones than on speaker may make you connect more with presenters: Study

The Indian embassy&nbsp;in Ukraine on Wednesday issued an advisory on Wednesday and asked Indian nationals to leave Kharkiv. The advisory says that Indian nationals "must leave" immediately and reach Pesochin Babaye and Bezlyudovka settlements by 1800 hrs, amid the escalating military operation in Ukraine.

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2nd Advisory to Indian Students in Kharkiv 
2 March 2022.<a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNewslive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDNewslive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNational?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDNational</a> <a href="https://t.co/yOgQ8m25xh">pic.twitter.com/yOgQ8m25xh</a>
— India in Ukraine (@IndiainUkraine) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainUkraine/status/1498999192999632900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"Urgent advisory to all Indian Nationals in Kharkiv. For their safety and security, they must leave Kharkiv immediately in light of the deteriorating situation. They should Proceed to Pesochin, Babaye and Bezlyudovka as soon as possible for their safety. Under all circumstances they must reach these settlements by 1800 hrs (Ukrainian time) today," India in Ukraine said in a statement.

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Meanwhile, a total of 16 flights have already brought back stranded Indian nationals from Ukraine till today. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Tuesday said that Indian nationals have left Kyiv and nearly 60 per cent of Indians in Ukraine have left the country so far.

"All of our nationals have left Kyiv. The information with us is that we have no more nationals left in Kyiv, nobody has contacted us from Kyiv since. All our enquiries reveal that each and every one of our nationals have come out of Kyiv," Shringla said at a media briefing on the evacuation of Indian citizens from Ukraine in the wake of Russia`s military operations.

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indian-flag-helped-pakistani-turkish-students-cross-ukraine-border-says-indian-student-458070">Indian flag helped Pakistani, Turkish students cross Ukraine border, says Indian student</a>

He said out of an estimated 20,000 Indian citizens in Ukraine, 60 per cent have left the country since the first advisory was issued by the government.

"We had an estimated 20,000 Indian nationals in Ukraine at the time we issued our first advisory. Approximately 12,000 have left Ukraine so far, which means 60 per cent of the people have left the country. Of the remaining 40 per cent, roughly half remain in the conflict zone in Kharkiv and the other half have either reached the western border of Ukraine or are heading towards the western border. They are generally out of conflict areas," Shringla said.He also said a high-level meeting was also chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian embassy in Ukraine on Wednesday issued an advisory on Wednesday and asked Indian nationals to leave Kharkiv. The advisory says that Indian nationals "must leave" immediately and reach Pesochin Babaye and Bezlyudovka settlements by 1800 hrs, amid the escalating military operation in Ukraine.

The Indian embassy in Ukraine on Wednesday issued an advisory on Wednesday and asked Indian nationals to leave Kharkiv. The advisory says that Indian nationals "must leave" immediately and reach Pesochin Babaye and Bezlyudovka settlements by 1800 hrs, amid the escalating military operation in Ukraine. 2nd Advisory to Indian Students in Kharkiv 2 March 2022.@MEAIndia @PIB_India @DDNewslive @DDNational pic.twitter.com/yOgQ8m25xh — India in Ukraine (@IndiainUkraine) March 2, 2022 × "Urgent advisory to all Indian Nationals in Kharkiv. For their safety and security, they must leave Kharkiv immediately in light of the deteriorating situation. They should Proceed to Pesochin, Babaye and Bezlyudovka as soon as possible for their safety. Under all circumstances they must reach these settlements by 1800 hrs (Ukrainian time) today," India in Ukraine said in a statement. × Meanwhile, a total of 16 flights have already brought back stranded Indian nationals from Ukraine till today. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Tuesday said that Indian nationals have left Kyiv and nearly 60 per cent of Indians in Ukraine have left the country so far. "All of our nationals have left Kyiv. The information with us is that we have no more nationals left in Kyiv, nobody has contacted us from Kyiv since. All our enquiries reveal that each and every one of our nationals have come out of Kyiv," Shringla said at a media briefing on the evacuation of Indian citizens from Ukraine in the wake of Russia`s military operations. Watch | Indian flag helped Pakistani, Turkish students cross Ukraine border, says Indian student He said out of an estimated 20,000 Indian citizens in Ukraine, 60 per cent have left the country since the first advisory was issued by the government. "We had an estimated 20,000 Indian nationals in Ukraine at the time we issued our first advisory. Approximately 12,000 have left Ukraine so far, which means 60 per cent of the people have left the country. Of the remaining 40 per cent, roughly half remain in the conflict zone in Kharkiv and the other half have either reached the western border of Ukraine or are heading towards the western border. They are generally out of conflict areas," Shringla said.He also said a high-level meeting was also chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine conflict: India says citizens 'must leave' Kharkiv immediately

NASA on Tuesday at 4:38 p.m. EST launched a next-generation weather satellite. This is third in this series of satellites. NASA carried out the launch for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It was launched by United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida&nbsp;

Mission managers of the newest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, GOES-T, confirmed at 8:28 pm that the spacecraft’s solar arrays successfully deployed and the spacecraft was operating on its own power.

“We at NASA are proud to support our joint agency partner, NOAA, and their mission to provide critical data and imagery to forecasters and researchers tracking hazardous weather,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. “While the GOES-R series satellites’ main job is to help with weather prediction, these satellites produce observations that also help with NASA science. Our agencies’ collaboration brings great benefits toward understanding our planet.”

The satellite will provide constant coverage of weather and hazardous environmental conditions in the Western Hemisphere. in addition to this, the GOES program will also predict space weather near Earth which can interfere with satellite electronics, GPS, and radio communications

"Once GOES-T is positioned in a geostationary orbit 22,300 miles above Earth, it will be renamed GOES-18. Following a successful orbital checkout of its instruments and systems, &nbsp;GOES-18 will go into service over the U.S. West Coast and Pacific Ocean. This position puts it in a key spot where it can observe weather sweeping in from the west to the east over the U.S. – giving forecasters an upstream view of what is coming," said NASA in its press release. 
&nbsp;

NASA on Tuesday at 4:38 p.m. EST launched a next-generation weather satellite. This is third in this series of satellites. NASA carried out the launch for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

NASA on Tuesday at 4:38 p.m. EST launched a next-generation weather satellite. This is third in this series of satellites. NASA carried out the launch for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It was launched by United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida Mission managers of the newest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, GOES-T, confirmed at 8:28 pm that the spacecraft’s solar arrays successfully deployed and the spacecraft was operating on its own power. “We at NASA are proud to support our joint agency partner, NOAA, and their mission to provide critical data and imagery to forecasters and researchers tracking hazardous weather,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. “While the GOES-R series satellites’ main job is to help with weather prediction, these satellites produce observations that also help with NASA science. Our agencies’ collaboration brings great benefits toward understanding our planet.” The satellite will provide constant coverage of weather and hazardous environmental conditions in the Western Hemisphere. in addition to this, the GOES program will also predict space weather near Earth which can interfere with satellite electronics, GPS, and radio communications "Once GOES-T is positioned in a geostationary orbit 22,300 miles above Earth, it will be renamed GOES-18. Following a successful orbital checkout of its instruments and systems, GOES-18 will go into service over the U.S. West Coast and Pacific Ocean. This position puts it in a key spot where it can observe weather sweeping in from the west to the east over the U.S. – giving forecasters an upstream view of what is coming," said NASA in its press release.

NASA launches next-gen weather satellite

Scientists are reporting a glow of X-Ray after a mega collision between two neutron stars. The strange glow is visible more than three years after the collision that resulted in what is called kilonova explosion. This X-Ray glow has been called "uncharted territory" by scientists.

It is being put for that the glow may have resulted from shockwave of the collision slamming into dust present in this region of space. Another theory is that the glow &nbsp;is generated due to ejecta of the explosion falling back into the new object, most likely a black hole

"We have entered uncharted territory here in studying the aftermath of a neutron star merger," said Northwestern’s Aprajita Hajela, who led the new study. “We are looking at something new and extraordinary for the very first time. This gives us an opportunity to study and understand new physical processes, which have not before been observed.”

The merger of the neutron stars led to a massive explosion. This explosion, called a kilonova blast is 1000 times brighter than a classical nova.

Using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, astronomers observed X-ray emissions from a jet moving very close to the speed of light produced by the neutron star merger. Starting in early 2018, the jet’s X-ray emission steadily faded as the jet continued to slow and expand. Hajela and her team then noticed from March 2020 until the end of 2020, the decline in brightness stopped, and the X-ray emission was approximately constant in brightness

The study has been published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Scientists are reporting a glow of X-Ray after a mega collision between two neutron stars. The strange glow is visible more than three years after the collision that resulted in what is called kilonova explosion.

Scientists are reporting a glow of X-Ray after a mega collision between two neutron stars. The strange glow is visible more than three years after the collision that resulted in what is called kilonova explosion. This X-Ray glow has been called "uncharted territory" by scientists. It is being put for that the glow may have resulted from shockwave of the collision slamming into dust present in this region of space. Another theory is that the glow is generated due to ejecta of the explosion falling back into the new object, most likely a black hole "We have entered uncharted territory here in studying the aftermath of a neutron star merger," said Northwestern’s Aprajita Hajela, who led the new study. “We are looking at something new and extraordinary for the very first time. This gives us an opportunity to study and understand new physical processes, which have not before been observed.” The merger of the neutron stars led to a massive explosion. This explosion, called a kilonova blast is 1000 times brighter than a classical nova. Using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, astronomers observed X-ray emissions from a jet moving very close to the speed of light produced by the neutron star merger. Starting in early 2018, the jet’s X-ray emission steadily faded as the jet continued to slow and expand. Hajela and her team then noticed from March 2020 until the end of 2020, the decline in brightness stopped, and the X-ray emission was approximately constant in brightness The study has been published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Afterglow of a possible kilonova explosion creates a buzz

Jailed Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's team on Monday appealed Russians to take up civil obedience campaign to protest Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"Putin declared war on Ukraine and is trying to make everyone think that Ukraine was attacked by Russia, that is, by all of us. But that's not right," the Navalny team wrote on its Twitter account.

"We must show that we do not support the war. We call on Russians to show civil disobedience. Do not be silent."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-shelling-in-ukraines-kharkiv-violates-laws-of-war-european-union-457796">Russian shelling in Ukraine's Kharkiv 'violates laws of war': European Union</a>

Navalny is most prominent of opposition leaders who fiercely criticises Russian President Vladimir Putin. He was jailed last year after returning to Germany post recovery from a poisoning attempt. Laboratory tests had revealed that it was Novichok, a Soviet-era nerve agent. Navalny had accused Putin of trying to kill him.

Russia denied carrying out such an attack.

Since then, authorities have clamped down even more tightly on his movement, and key figures have fled into exile after being designated by the authorities as "foreign agents".

The OVD-Info group which monitors protests and arrests in Russia said 6,006 people had so far been arrested for anti-war demonstrations since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb.27 in what Putin said was a special operation to demilitarise and "denazify" the country. Ukraine and the West have dismissed that justification as baseless propaganda.

(With inputs from agencies)

Jailed Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's team on Monday appealed Russians to take up civil obedience campaign to protest Russian invasion of Ukraine. "Putin declared war on Ukraine and is trying to make everyone think that Ukraine was attacked by Russia, that is, by all of us.

Jailed Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's team on Monday appealed Russians to take up civil obedience campaign to protest Russian invasion of Ukraine. "Putin declared war on Ukraine and is trying to make everyone think that Ukraine was attacked by Russia, that is, by all of us. But that's not right," the Navalny team wrote on its Twitter account. "We must show that we do not support the war. We call on Russians to show civil disobedience. Do not be silent." Also Read | Russian shelling in Ukraine's Kharkiv 'violates laws of war': European Union Navalny is most prominent of opposition leaders who fiercely criticises Russian President Vladimir Putin. He was jailed last year after returning to Germany post recovery from a poisoning attempt. Laboratory tests had revealed that it was Novichok, a Soviet-era nerve agent. Navalny had accused Putin of trying to kill him. Russia denied carrying out such an attack. Since then, authorities have clamped down even more tightly on his movement, and key figures have fled into exile after being designated by the authorities as "foreign agents". The OVD-Info group which monitors protests and arrests in Russia said 6,006 people had so far been arrested for anti-war demonstrations since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb.27 in what Putin said was a special operation to demilitarise and "denazify" the country. Ukraine and the West have dismissed that justification as baseless propaganda. (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny's team calls for civil disobedience to protest Ukraine invasion

A Ukrainian activist broke down in front of UK PM Boris Johnson on Tuesday as she made an impassioned plea to enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine. She urged Johnson to do more to help Ukraine which is under Russian attack. Johnson was is Warsaw, Poland and was taking questions from journalists at the British embassy.

It was during this interaction that Daria Kaleniuk, a Ukrainian activist from the NGO Anti-Corruption Action Centre told him that Ukrainians needed a no-fly zone.

"Ukrainian women and Ukrainian children are in deep fear because of bombs and missiles which are coming from the sky. Ukrainian people are desperately asking for the West to protect our sky," she said, her voice reverberating with emotion.

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"Britain guarantees our security under the Budapest Memorandum so you're coming to Poland, you are not coming to Kyiv, prime minister .. because you are afraid."

Britain, along with fellow nuclear powers the United States and Russia, is a signatory to the 1994 Budapest Memorandum under which Ukraine gave up its own atomic weapons in return for security guarantees.

In response, Johnson said that there was "not enough that we can do as the UK government to help ... the way that you want."

"The implication of that (no fly zone) is that the UK would be engaged in shooting down Russian planes, would be in direct combat with Russia. That's not something that we can do or that we've envisaged."

Speaking to Reuters after the question-and-answer session, Kaleniuk condemned what she said was Britain's refusal to stand by the security commitments it made almost three decades ago and said a no-fly zone was essential in order to get humanitarian aid to central and eastern Ukraine.

"Ukrainian children are sitting in shelters in the bombardments and UK and the United States are saying sorry we will not go into war against Russia, we will not protect your sky ... because we are simply afraid of World War Three," she said.

"So what does this security guarantee mean? Nothing."

(With inputs from agencies)

A Ukrainian activist broke down in front of UK PM Boris Johnson on Tuesday as she made an impassioned plea to enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine. She urged Johnson to do more to help Ukraine which is under Russian attack.

A Ukrainian activist broke down in front of UK PM Boris Johnson on Tuesday as she made an impassioned plea to enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine. She urged Johnson to do more to help Ukraine which is under Russian attack. Johnson was is Warsaw, Poland and was taking questions from journalists at the British embassy. It was during this interaction that Daria Kaleniuk, a Ukrainian activist from the NGO Anti-Corruption Action Centre told him that Ukrainians needed a no-fly zone. "Ukrainian women and Ukrainian children are in deep fear because of bombs and missiles which are coming from the sky. Ukrainian people are desperately asking for the West to protect our sky," she said, her voice reverberating with emotion. × "Britain guarantees our security under the Budapest Memorandum so you're coming to Poland, you are not coming to Kyiv, prime minister .. because you are afraid." Britain, along with fellow nuclear powers the United States and Russia, is a signatory to the 1994 Budapest Memorandum under which Ukraine gave up its own atomic weapons in return for security guarantees. In response, Johnson said that there was "not enough that we can do as the UK government to help ... the way that you want." "The implication of that (no fly zone) is that the UK would be engaged in shooting down Russian planes, would be in direct combat with Russia. That's not something that we can do or that we've envisaged." Speaking to Reuters after the question-and-answer session, Kaleniuk condemned what she said was Britain's refusal to stand by the security commitments it made almost three decades ago and said a no-fly zone was essential in order to get humanitarian aid to central and eastern Ukraine. "Ukrainian children are sitting in shelters in the bombardments and UK and the United States are saying sorry we will not go into war against Russia, we will not protect your sky ... because we are simply afraid of World War Three," she said. "So what does this security guarantee mean? Nothing." (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian activist breaks down before UK PM Boris Johnson demanding no-fly zone

An Indian student has died in shelling taking place in Ukraine conflict. Naveen Shekaragouda, the deceased student, was out to buy grocery when he met the tragic end. This is first reported death of an Indian student amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. India's Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed the news to Naveen's family saying that confirmation of Naveen's death had been received from his friends. As per the MEA, the body has been kept in morgue and all out efforts are on to bring Naveen's mortal remains to India.

Naveen's family members said Naveen was in the fourth year of his course in the Kharkiv medical college. Kharkiv is the second biggest city in Ukraine and under heavy Russian attack.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-shelling-in-ukraines-kharkiv-violates-laws-of-war-european-union-457796">Russian shelling in Ukraine's Kharkiv 'violates laws of war': European Union</a>

Naveen hails from southern Indian state of Karnataka.&nbsp;

Indian news agency ANI said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Naveen's family this morning.

After learning about the tragedy, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai called up Shekaragouda over phone and expressed his sorrow.

Bommai assured Shekaragouda he would make every effort to bring back his son's body to India. He also told him that he is touch with the officials in the external affairs ministry.

The bereaved father told Bommai that Naveen had called him in the morning as well. Daily the son used to ring him up at least two to three times, he told the Chief Minister.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian student has died in shelling taking place in Ukraine conflict. Naveen Shekaragouda, the deceased student, was out to buy grocery when he met the tragic end.

An Indian student has died in shelling taking place in Ukraine conflict. Naveen Shekaragouda, the deceased student, was out to buy grocery when he met the tragic end. This is first reported death of an Indian student amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. India's Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed the news to Naveen's family saying that confirmation of Naveen's death had been received from his friends. As per the MEA, the body has been kept in morgue and all out efforts are on to bring Naveen's mortal remains to India. Naveen's family members said Naveen was in the fourth year of his course in the Kharkiv medical college. Kharkiv is the second biggest city in Ukraine and under heavy Russian attack. Also Read | Russian shelling in Ukraine's Kharkiv 'violates laws of war': European Union Naveen hails from southern Indian state of Karnataka. Indian news agency ANI said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Naveen's family this morning. After learning about the tragedy, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai called up Shekaragouda over phone and expressed his sorrow. Bommai assured Shekaragouda he would make every effort to bring back his son's body to India. He also told him that he is touch with the officials in the external affairs ministry. The bereaved father told Bommai that Naveen had called him in the morning as well. Daily the son used to ring him up at least two to three times, he told the Chief Minister. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian student dies in Ukraine, caught in shelling while out for grocery

Nepal's ruling coalition on Sunday ratified the much-debated Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact. The compact was endorsed by the ruling coalition parties amid obstructions by the main opposition party, CPN-UML, in the lower house of the parliament.

Following this development, the implementation of the compact will now take place. Finance Minister Janardan Sharma, on behalf of the government, presented the proposal for endorsement. Speaker of the House, Agni Prasad Sapkota, after rounds of deliberation, announced ratification of the agreement.

The ratification came after communist parties in the coalition government agreed to endorse the compact. Their support was won by including 'interpretive declaration' to the proposal. The proposal was later passed by the Council of Ministers.

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has not only managed to stick to the deadline of February 28 given to the United States but also saved the coalition from breaking apart.

“Due to patience and tactful leadership of Prime Minister Sher B Deuba, he is able to obtain broader consensus to accept the developmental grant from US gov under MCC. It is passed by parliament with explanatory notes. It is now the duty of MCA Nepal to complete this project in time,” Prakash S Mahat, Nepali Congress Spokesperson said in a tweet.&nbsp;

While Nepali Congress was firm on its stance to ratify the agreement, its partners in government - CPN-Maoist Centre, CPN- Unified Socialist, Janata Samajwadi Party, and Rashtriya Janamorcha Party - were opposed to the same.

The interpretative declaration will seek clarification on the provisions that the parties opposing the MCC compact have been saying are against the interest of the country.

The declaration also interprets that the MCC compact won’t be part of any military strategy of the United States government in the Indo-Pacific. It also specifies that Nepal’s constitution would be above the MCC.

It also has the provision that Nepal can terminate the MCC compact within 30 days if it finds it to be against interests of the country.

The interpretative declaration has basically included all those provisions on which the US had earlier issued a clarification.

US reacts

Asserting on the strong ties Nepal and America share, the United States Embassy in Nepal on Sunday said relationship with Nepal is ‘broader than one agreement’.

The embassy in a statement said the Government of Nepal signed the MCC agreement in 2017 after determining its goals to modernize Nepal’s energy and transportation sectors with the hope of helping more than 23 million Nepalis.

“The decision whether to ratify the $500 million-dollar Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact has always rested with the Government of Nepal as a sovereign democratic nation,” the statement said.&nbsp;

Outlining on the benefits of the compact, the embassy said, “In the nearly 20 years since its inception, MCC compacts have helped alleviate poverty around the world by forming partnerships with developing countries who are committed to economic freedom, investing in their citizens, and good governance, including promoting democratic principles and combatting corruption.”

Nepal's ruling coalition on Sunday ratified the much-debated Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact. The compact was endorsed by the ruling coalition parties amid obstructions by the main opposition party, CPN-UML, in the lower house of the parliament.

Nepal's ruling coalition on Sunday ratified the much-debated Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact. The compact was endorsed by the ruling coalition parties amid obstructions by the main opposition party, CPN-UML, in the lower house of the parliament. Following this development, the implementation of the compact will now take place. Finance Minister Janardan Sharma, on behalf of the government, presented the proposal for endorsement. Speaker of the House, Agni Prasad Sapkota, after rounds of deliberation, announced ratification of the agreement. The ratification came after communist parties in the coalition government agreed to endorse the compact. Their support was won by including 'interpretive declaration' to the proposal. The proposal was later passed by the Council of Ministers. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has not only managed to stick to the deadline of February 28 given to the United States but also saved the coalition from breaking apart. “Due to patience and tactful leadership of Prime Minister Sher B Deuba, he is able to obtain broader consensus to accept the developmental grant from US gov under MCC. It is passed by parliament with explanatory notes. It is now the duty of MCA Nepal to complete this project in time,” Prakash S Mahat, Nepali Congress Spokesperson said in a tweet. While Nepali Congress was firm on its stance to ratify the agreement, its partners in government - CPN-Maoist Centre, CPN- Unified Socialist, Janata Samajwadi Party, and Rashtriya Janamorcha Party - were opposed to the same. The interpretative declaration will seek clarification on the provisions that the parties opposing the MCC compact have been saying are against the interest of the country. The declaration also interprets that the MCC compact won’t be part of any military strategy of the United States government in the Indo-Pacific. It also specifies that Nepal’s constitution would be above the MCC. It also has the provision that Nepal can terminate the MCC compact within 30 days if it finds it to be against interests of the country. The interpretative declaration has basically included all those provisions on which the US had earlier issued a clarification. US reacts Asserting on the strong ties Nepal and America share, the United States Embassy in Nepal on Sunday said relationship with Nepal is ‘broader than one agreement’. The embassy in a statement said the Government of Nepal signed the MCC agreement in 2017 after determining its goals to modernize Nepal’s energy and transportation sectors with the hope of helping more than 23 million Nepalis. “The decision whether to ratify the $500 million-dollar Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact has always rested with the Government of Nepal as a sovereign democratic nation,” the statement said. Outlining on the benefits of the compact, the embassy said, “In the nearly 20 years since its inception, MCC compacts have helped alleviate poverty around the world by forming partnerships with developing countries who are committed to economic freedom, investing in their citizens, and good governance, including promoting democratic principles and combatting corruption.”

Nepal ratifies MCC, the US-offered infrastructure aid deal

Police in Russia detained more than 2,000 people protesting against Ukraine conflict. The detainments have been made in 48 cities across Russia, said protest monitoring group. People defied official warnings to show their displeasure and even anger over Russian invasion.

More than 5,500 people have been detained at various anti-war protests since the invasion began on Thursday, according to the OVD-Info monitor, which has documented crackdowns on Russia's opposition for years.

In Moscow, riot police often outnumbered protesters, some of whom carried hand-written placards with peace signs and anti-war slogans in Russian and Ukrainian. Some wore masks with the word "Enough" emblazoned in the front.

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A reporter for the independent television channel Dozhd was arrested during the protests despite showing his accreditation to the police and wearing a press vest.

Outside the upmarket Gostiny Dvor department store in downtown Saint Petersburg, hundreds of anti-war protesters stood together, linking arms and chanting.

Sunday's protests coincided with the seventh anniversary of the murder of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov.

In Moscow some of the arrests took place at an improvised memorial just outside the Kremlin at the site where Nemtsov was shot, a Reuters witness said. "No to war!" shouted one of the demonstrators as he was being dragged away by the police.

Nemtsov was a prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin, Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and Moscow's support for pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine, which ultimately led to what Putin labels a "special operation" to protect the two separatist regions although his troops are fighting in wider Ukraine.

Ukraine's Western allies have slapped unprecedented sanctions in response to Russia's land, sea and air invasion.

Putin ordered his military command to put nuclear-armed forces on high alert on Sunday as Ukrainian fighters defending the city of Kharkiv said they had repelled an attack by invading Russian troops.

Tens of thousands of people across Europe marched in protest against Russia's invasion on Sunday, with 100,000 people protesting in solidarity with Ukraine in Berlin.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Police in Russia detained more than 2,000 people protesting against Ukraine conflict. The detainments have been made in 48 cities across Russia, said protest monitoring group.

Police in Russia detained more than 2,000 people protesting against Ukraine conflict. The detainments have been made in 48 cities across Russia, said protest monitoring group. People defied official warnings to show their displeasure and even anger over Russian invasion. More than 5,500 people have been detained at various anti-war protests since the invasion began on Thursday, according to the OVD-Info monitor, which has documented crackdowns on Russia's opposition for years. In Moscow, riot police often outnumbered protesters, some of whom carried hand-written placards with peace signs and anti-war slogans in Russian and Ukrainian. Some wore masks with the word "Enough" emblazoned in the front. Also Read | Ukraine invasion: Elon Musk activates Starlink internet service after request from an official A reporter for the independent television channel Dozhd was arrested during the protests despite showing his accreditation to the police and wearing a press vest. Outside the upmarket Gostiny Dvor department store in downtown Saint Petersburg, hundreds of anti-war protesters stood together, linking arms and chanting. Sunday's protests coincided with the seventh anniversary of the murder of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov. In Moscow some of the arrests took place at an improvised memorial just outside the Kremlin at the site where Nemtsov was shot, a Reuters witness said. "No to war!" shouted one of the demonstrators as he was being dragged away by the police. Nemtsov was a prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin, Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and Moscow's support for pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine, which ultimately led to what Putin labels a "special operation" to protect the two separatist regions although his troops are fighting in wider Ukraine. Ukraine's Western allies have slapped unprecedented sanctions in response to Russia's land, sea and air invasion. Putin ordered his military command to put nuclear-armed forces on high alert on Sunday as Ukrainian fighters defending the city of Kharkiv said they had repelled an attack by invading Russian troops. Tens of thousands of people across Europe marched in protest against Russia's invasion on Sunday, with 100,000 people protesting in solidarity with Ukraine in Berlin. (With inputs from agencies)

More than 2000 detained in anti-war protests across Russia

United Nations held a rare emergency special session of General Assembly on Monday (February 28) to debate Russia's invasion of Poland. The countries condemned Rusia's "unprovoked armed aggression". Russia defended its decision to invade its neighbor as member state after member state made a plea for peace.

This was just 11th such session in United Nations' 77-year history.&nbsp;

"The fighting in Ukraine must stop," warned UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, after the session began with a minute of silence for the victims of the conflict.

"Enough is enough. Soldiers need to move back to their barracks. Leaders need to move to peace. Civilians must be protected," he pleaded.

More than 100 countries were expected to speak as the global body decides if it will support the resolution that demands Russia immediately withdraws its troops from Ukraine.

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The resolution is non-binding but will serve as marker of how isolated Russia is.

A vote may not come until Tuesday. Its authors hope they may exceed 100 votes in favor -- though countries including Syria, China, Cuba and India are expected to either support Russia or abstain.

It will be seen as a barometer of democracy in a world where autocratic sentiment has been on the rise, diplomats said, pointing to such regimes in Myanmar, Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, Venezuela, Nicaragua -- and, of course, Russia.

"If Ukraine does not survive, the United Nations will not survive. Have no illusions," said Ukraine's ambassador to the UN, Sergiy Kyslytsya, imploring countries to support the resolution.

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"We can save Ukraine, save the United Nations, save democracy and defend the values we believe in," he added.

Russian ambassador Vassily Nebenzia reiterated Moscow's stance -- flatly rejected by Kiev and its Western allies -- that its military operation was launched to protect residents of breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine.

"The hostilities were unleashed by Ukraine against its own residents," he said from the podium.

"Russia is seeking to end this war," he added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Moscow has pleaded "self-defense" under Article 51 of the UN Charter.&nbsp;

But that has been roundly rejected by Western countries and the UN, which accuse Moscow of violating Article 2 of the Charter, requiring its members to refrain from the threat or use of force to resolve a crisis.

(With inputs from agencies)

United Nations held a rare emergency special session of General Assembly on Monday (February 28) to debate Russia's invasion of Poland. The countries condemned Rusia's "unprovoked armed aggression".

United Nations held a rare emergency special session of General Assembly on Monday (February 28) to debate Russia's invasion of Poland. The countries condemned Rusia's "unprovoked armed aggression". Russia defended its decision to invade its neighbor as member state after member state made a plea for peace. This was just 11th such session in United Nations' 77-year history. "The fighting in Ukraine must stop," warned UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, after the session began with a minute of silence for the victims of the conflict. "Enough is enough. Soldiers need to move back to their barracks. Leaders need to move to peace. Civilians must be protected," he pleaded. More than 100 countries were expected to speak as the global body decides if it will support the resolution that demands Russia immediately withdraws its troops from Ukraine. Also Read | Russia, Ukraine plan 'second round' of conflict talks The resolution is non-binding but will serve as marker of how isolated Russia is. A vote may not come until Tuesday. Its authors hope they may exceed 100 votes in favor -- though countries including Syria, China, Cuba and India are expected to either support Russia or abstain. It will be seen as a barometer of democracy in a world where autocratic sentiment has been on the rise, diplomats said, pointing to such regimes in Myanmar, Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, Venezuela, Nicaragua -- and, of course, Russia. "If Ukraine does not survive, the United Nations will not survive. Have no illusions," said Ukraine's ambassador to the UN, Sergiy Kyslytsya, imploring countries to support the resolution. Also Read | Ukraine invasion: United States Treasury bans transactions with Russia’s Central Bank "We can save Ukraine, save the United Nations, save democracy and defend the values we believe in," he added. Russian ambassador Vassily Nebenzia reiterated Moscow's stance -- flatly rejected by Kiev and its Western allies -- that its military operation was launched to protect residents of breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine. "The hostilities were unleashed by Ukraine against its own residents," he said from the podium. "Russia is seeking to end this war," he added. Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Moscow has pleaded "self-defense" under Article 51 of the UN Charter. But that has been roundly rejected by Western countries and the UN, which accuse Moscow of violating Article 2 of the Charter, requiring its members to refrain from the threat or use of force to resolve a crisis. (With inputs from agencies)

UNGA emergency session: Russia defends Ukraine invasion, countries appeal for peace

United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned that humanity is not doing enough to limit the effects of climate change. IPCC noted that nearly half of the world population was already vulnerable to increasingly dangerous climate impacts.

Through its report, the IPCC has called for drastic action on huge scale. A third to a half of the planet needs to be conserved to ensure future food and freshwater supplies. Coastal cities need plans to keep people safe from storms and rising seas. And more.

"Adaptation saves lives," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said with the report's release. "As climate impacts worsen – and they will – scaling up investments will be essential for survival... Delay means death."

The 3,675-page report, the latest in a series by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), details the global consensus on climate science. This report, however, focuses on how nature and societies are being affected and what they can do to adapt.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine overshadowed the release of the report and drove the sole Ukrainian author to leave the proceedings to take shelter, although a government representative did attend its final approval by nearly 200 nations.

British, Spanish and Egyptian officials said the report was a call to action. U.S. Climate Envoy John Kerry lamented that too little has been done to adapt to climate change and said the report offered a "blueprint for action".

"Denial and delay are not strategies, they are a recipe for disaster," Kerry said in a statement.

TOUGH CHOICES

On nearly all counts, the report makes clear that climate change is impacting the world far faster than scientists had anticipated. Meanwhile, countries have failed to rein in planet-warming carbon emissions, which continue to rise.

"Unchecked carbon pollution is forcing the world's most vulnerable on a frogmarch to destruction," Guterres said in a video address Monday. "The facts are undeniable. This abdication of leadership is criminal."

While governments need to drastically curb their emissions to prevent runaway global warming, they can also work to limit suffering by adapting to the conditions of a warmer world, the report says.

That will take a lot of money - to finance new technologies and institutional support. Cities can invest in cooling areas to help people through heatwaves. Coastal communities may need new infrastructure or to relocate altogether.

"The scale of transformation that we need is unprecedented in human history," said Zinta Zommers, a report review editor with the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned that humanity is not doing enough to limit the effects of climate change. IPCC noted that nearly half of the world population was already vulnerable to increasingly dangerous climate impacts.

United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned that humanity is not doing enough to limit the effects of climate change. IPCC noted that nearly half of the world population was already vulnerable to increasingly dangerous climate impacts. Through its report, the IPCC has called for drastic action on huge scale. A third to a half of the planet needs to be conserved to ensure future food and freshwater supplies. Coastal cities need plans to keep people safe from storms and rising seas. And more. "Adaptation saves lives," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said with the report's release. "As climate impacts worsen – and they will – scaling up investments will be essential for survival... Delay means death." The 3,675-page report, the latest in a series by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), details the global consensus on climate science. This report, however, focuses on how nature and societies are being affected and what they can do to adapt. Russia's invasion of Ukraine overshadowed the release of the report and drove the sole Ukrainian author to leave the proceedings to take shelter, although a government representative did attend its final approval by nearly 200 nations. British, Spanish and Egyptian officials said the report was a call to action. U.S. Climate Envoy John Kerry lamented that too little has been done to adapt to climate change and said the report offered a "blueprint for action". "Denial and delay are not strategies, they are a recipe for disaster," Kerry said in a statement. TOUGH CHOICES On nearly all counts, the report makes clear that climate change is impacting the world far faster than scientists had anticipated. Meanwhile, countries have failed to rein in planet-warming carbon emissions, which continue to rise. "Unchecked carbon pollution is forcing the world's most vulnerable on a frogmarch to destruction," Guterres said in a video address Monday. "The facts are undeniable. This abdication of leadership is criminal." While governments need to drastically curb their emissions to prevent runaway global warming, they can also work to limit suffering by adapting to the conditions of a warmer world, the report says. That will take a lot of money - to finance new technologies and institutional support. Cities can invest in cooling areas to help people through heatwaves. Coastal communities may need new infrastructure or to relocate altogether. "The scale of transformation that we need is unprecedented in human history," said Zinta Zommers, a report review editor with the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

UN climate report calls for immediate, drastic action

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Manas Joshi

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