United Nations Human Rights Office on Tuesday expressed concern over kidnapping of six individuals who disappeared earlier this month in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. The abductions took place following recent women's rights protests.

On January 19, Parwana Ibrahim Khil and her brother-in-law were abducted while travelling in Kabul, while Tamana Paryani and her three sisters disappeared from their home.&nbsp;

Both women had taken part in a peaceful demonstration on January 16 calling for respect for women`s rights.Since then, there have been reports coming in of house searches of other women in relation to their participation in protests.&nbsp;

The lack of clear information on the location and well-being of these and other individuals perpetuates a climate of fear and uncertainty.These reports have also brought into focus what appears to be a pattern of arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as torture and ill-treatment, of civil society activists, journalists and media workers, and former Government and security forces personnel in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"We are very alarmed at the continued disappearance of six people who were abducted in Kabul two weeks ago in connection with the recent women`s rights protests... Despite the de facto authorities` announcement on Saturday of an investigation into the disappearance of these individuals, there is still no confirmed information on their whereabouts," UN Human Rights Office Spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told a press briefing in Geneva.

She also called on the Taliban "to publicly report on the findings of their investigation into the abduction and disappearance of these women activists and their relatives, to take all possible measures to ensure their safe and immediate release, and to hold those responsible to account.

"Since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in August last year, the international community repeatedly expressed concern for women`s rights in Afghanistan. Afghan women have staged several protests in the country since the outfit came to power to demand rights, including work and education."

(With inputs from agencies)

United Nations Human Rights Office on Tuesday expressed concern over kidnapping of six individuals who disappeared earlier this month in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan.

United Nations Human Rights Office on Tuesday expressed concern over kidnapping of six individuals who disappeared earlier this month in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. The abductions took place following recent women's rights protests. On January 19, Parwana Ibrahim Khil and her brother-in-law were abducted while travelling in Kabul, while Tamana Paryani and her three sisters disappeared from their home. Both women had taken part in a peaceful demonstration on January 16 calling for respect for women`s rights.Since then, there have been reports coming in of house searches of other women in relation to their participation in protests. The lack of clear information on the location and well-being of these and other individuals perpetuates a climate of fear and uncertainty.These reports have also brought into focus what appears to be a pattern of arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as torture and ill-treatment, of civil society activists, journalists and media workers, and former Government and security forces personnel in Afghanistan. "We are very alarmed at the continued disappearance of six people who were abducted in Kabul two weeks ago in connection with the recent women`s rights protests... Despite the de facto authorities` announcement on Saturday of an investigation into the disappearance of these individuals, there is still no confirmed information on their whereabouts," UN Human Rights Office Spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told a press briefing in Geneva. She also called on the Taliban "to publicly report on the findings of their investigation into the abduction and disappearance of these women activists and their relatives, to take all possible measures to ensure their safe and immediate release, and to hold those responsible to account. "Since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in August last year, the international community repeatedly expressed concern for women`s rights in Afghanistan. Afghan women have staged several protests in the country since the outfit came to power to demand rights, including work and education." (With inputs from agencies)

UN expresses concern about abductions following women's rights protest in Kabul

In Pics: Shikaras in Kashmir's Dal Lake adorned with beautiful lights

Public universities in Afghanistan opened for the first time on Wednesday (February 2) since the Taliban took power last year. Female students were seen heading back to campus just as the male students.

The Taliban administration has not officially announced its plan for female university students, but Khalil Ahmad Bihsudwal, head of Nangarhar University, told Reuters, male and female students at the institution would attend separate classes, a practice already in place in many provinces.

Reuters quoted a witness in eastern Jalalabad city to say that female students were entering via a separate door at Nangarhar University. It is one of the large government universities opening this week.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-guns-in-amusement-parks-taliban-tells-its-fighters-449907">No guns in amusement parks, Taliban tells its fighters</a>

One student said he was happy to return to campus. "We hoped that the universities would start again, and we could continue our studies," said Shamsullah Wakilzai.

Another, Junaidullah Mohammadi, said university life had resumed as normal. "The only change we see is that the class hours have changed, girls and boys study separately," he said.

Under their previous rule from 1996 to 2001, the hardline Islamist Taliban barred women and girls from education. The group says it has changed since resuming power on Aug. 15, but school-aged girls in many provinces have still not been allowed to return to school.

The international community has made education of girls and women a key part of its demands as the Taliban seek more foreign aid and the unfreezing of overseas assets.

An education official who asked not be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media told Reuters that universities had been given different options to keep female students isolated, including separated classes and staggered operating hours.&nbsp;

Khalil Ahmad Bihsudwal, the head of Nangarhar University, told Reuters male and female students at the institution would attend separate classes, a practice already in place in many provinces. Only universities in warmer provinces opened on Wednesday. Tertiary institutions in colder areas, including Kabul, are due to resume on Feb. 26.

(With inputs from agencies)

Public universities in Afghanistan opened for the first time on Wednesday (February 2) since the Taliban took power last year. Female students were seen heading back to campus just as the male students.

Public universities in Afghanistan opened for the first time on Wednesday (February 2) since the Taliban took power last year. Female students were seen heading back to campus just as the male students. The Taliban administration has not officially announced its plan for female university students, but Khalil Ahmad Bihsudwal, head of Nangarhar University, told Reuters, male and female students at the institution would attend separate classes, a practice already in place in many provinces. Reuters quoted a witness in eastern Jalalabad city to say that female students were entering via a separate door at Nangarhar University. It is one of the large government universities opening this week. Also Read | No guns in amusement parks, Taliban tells its fighters One student said he was happy to return to campus. "We hoped that the universities would start again, and we could continue our studies," said Shamsullah Wakilzai. Another, Junaidullah Mohammadi, said university life had resumed as normal. "The only change we see is that the class hours have changed, girls and boys study separately," he said. Under their previous rule from 1996 to 2001, the hardline Islamist Taliban barred women and girls from education. The group says it has changed since resuming power on Aug. 15, but school-aged girls in many provinces have still not been allowed to return to school. The international community has made education of girls and women a key part of its demands as the Taliban seek more foreign aid and the unfreezing of overseas assets. An education official who asked not be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media told Reuters that universities had been given different options to keep female students isolated, including separated classes and staggered operating hours. Khalil Ahmad Bihsudwal, the head of Nangarhar University, told Reuters male and female students at the institution would attend separate classes, a practice already in place in many provinces. Only universities in warmer provinces opened on Wednesday. Tertiary institutions in colder areas, including Kabul, are due to resume on Feb. 26. (With inputs from agencies)

Female students seen going to classes as Afghan universities reopen

Quebec, the Canadian province is scrapping a plan to tax adults who refuse Covid vaccination. State's premier Francois Legault announced this on Tuesday saying that the idea was too divisive.

The proposed measure for a special health contribution from adults who refuse vaccination was unveiled by Legault last month. He had said that those who chose to avoid inoculations should help cover the extra costs imposed on the health system by the coronavirus. Experts said the idea would go against the spirit of Canada's universal public health system.

Legault said he was worried about the divisions that COVID-19 and measures introduced to fight it had caused in Quebec, the second most populous of the 10 provinces.

"My role is to try to bring Quebecers together to stay united. This is why we won't go ahead with the health contribution," he told reporters. "I understand that this divides Quebecers and right now we need to build bridges."

Quebec and neighboring Ontario, which together account for around 61% of Canada's population, are starting to lift restrictions amid signs that the Omicron variant has peaked.

But experts in Ontario on Tuesday said this meant infections and hospitalizations linked to the variant would start rising.

Ontario removed some limits on businesses on Monday, allowing restaurants, malls, and cinemas to start operating with a 50% capacity. It plans to further relax curbs later in February and March.

A report by the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table said Omicron infections had peaked around Jan. 11, but relaxing the measures "will increase the spread of COVID-19."

The panel said "we expect hospitalizations to rebound after reopening on January 31, and to remain at a prolonged peak, except under the most favorable assumptions".

A spokesperson for Ontario's health minister said the province had sufficient hospital capacity to respond to the panel's projections.

(With inputs from agencies)

Quebec, the Canadian province is scrapping a plan to tax adults who refuse Covid vaccination. State's premier Francois Legault announced this on Tuesday saying that the idea was too divisive.

Quebec, the Canadian province is scrapping a plan to tax adults who refuse Covid vaccination. State's premier Francois Legault announced this on Tuesday saying that the idea was too divisive. The proposed measure for a special health contribution from adults who refuse vaccination was unveiled by Legault last month. He had said that those who chose to avoid inoculations should help cover the extra costs imposed on the health system by the coronavirus. Experts said the idea would go against the spirit of Canada's universal public health system. Legault said he was worried about the divisions that COVID-19 and measures introduced to fight it had caused in Quebec, the second most populous of the 10 provinces. "My role is to try to bring Quebecers together to stay united. This is why we won't go ahead with the health contribution," he told reporters. "I understand that this divides Quebecers and right now we need to build bridges." Quebec and neighboring Ontario, which together account for around 61% of Canada's population, are starting to lift restrictions amid signs that the Omicron variant has peaked. But experts in Ontario on Tuesday said this meant infections and hospitalizations linked to the variant would start rising. Ontario removed some limits on businesses on Monday, allowing restaurants, malls, and cinemas to start operating with a 50% capacity. It plans to further relax curbs later in February and March. A report by the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table said Omicron infections had peaked around Jan. 11, but relaxing the measures "will increase the spread of COVID-19." The panel said "we expect hospitalizations to rebound after reopening on January 31, and to remain at a prolonged peak, except under the most favorable assumptions". A spokesperson for Ontario's health minister said the province had sufficient hospital capacity to respond to the panel's projections. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada: Quebec ditches plan of levying new tax on unvaccinated people

Russia and the United States faced off against each other in United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) session on Russia's troop buildup on Ukrainian border.&nbsp;

The US-requested meeting, which began around 1530 GMT, came with fears growing of an imminent incursion into Ukraine, despite Kremlin denials.

Russia has more than 100,000 of its troops stationed on Ukrainian border. On Monday, Russia contested the claim. Asking basis for reporting of such figure, Russia said that it had not cited any figure about the troop buildup.

Russia tried to block the 15-member Council from holding the meeting at all -- with its envoy to the UN Vasily Nebenzya accusing the United States of trying to "whip up hysteria" by pushing a Security Council debate.

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But Washington's UN envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Moscow's troop buildup justified the move, and Russia's blocking move was rejected with 10 out of 15 members backing Washington.

"This is the largest... mobilization of troops in Europe in decades," the ambassador said. "And as we speak, Russia is sending even more forces and arms to join them."

She told the Council Russia's military buildup had been paired with "aggressive rhetoric" as part of an escalation often seen from Russia when it seized Crimea in 2014.

US also alleged that Russia planned to raise 30,000 troops in Belarus, a Russian ally. Russian soldiers, a fraction of the number, have already reached Belarus. Both Russia and Belarus are saying that Russian troops withhold military drills with Belarus forces.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia and the United States faced off against each other in United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) session on Russia's troop buildup on Ukrainian border. The US-requested meeting, which began around 1530 GMT, came with fears growing of an imminent incursion into Ukraine, despite Kremlin denials.

Russia and the United States faced off against each other in United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) session on Russia's troop buildup on Ukrainian border. The US-requested meeting, which began around 1530 GMT, came with fears growing of an imminent incursion into Ukraine, despite Kremlin denials. Russia has more than 100,000 of its troops stationed on Ukrainian border. On Monday, Russia contested the claim. Asking basis for reporting of such figure, Russia said that it had not cited any figure about the troop buildup. Russia tried to block the 15-member Council from holding the meeting at all -- with its envoy to the UN Vasily Nebenzya accusing the United States of trying to "whip up hysteria" by pushing a Security Council debate. × But Washington's UN envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Moscow's troop buildup justified the move, and Russia's blocking move was rejected with 10 out of 15 members backing Washington. "This is the largest... mobilization of troops in Europe in decades," the ambassador said. "And as we speak, Russia is sending even more forces and arms to join them." She told the Council Russia's military buildup had been paired with "aggressive rhetoric" as part of an escalation often seen from Russia when it seized Crimea in 2014. US also alleged that Russia planned to raise 30,000 troops in Belarus, a Russian ally. Russian soldiers, a fraction of the number, have already reached Belarus. Both Russia and Belarus are saying that Russian troops withhold military drills with Belarus forces. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine crisis: Who says we have 100,000 troops at border? Russia asks in UNSC

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday he had tested positive for Covid-19 but was not experiencing severe symptoms.

The 50-year-old leader -- who is vaccinated and boosted -- had announced last week he was isolating after being exposed to the coronavirus.

"This morning, I tested positive for Covid-19. I'm feeling fine -- and I'll continue to work remotely this week while following public health guidelines," the premier wrote on Twitter Monday.

Trudeau, who received his third vaccine dose in January, urged Canadians to get vaccinated and boosted as the nation battles a rise in Covid cases and hospitalizations due to the Omicron variant.&nbsp;

The province of Ontario, where Trudeau lives in the Canadian capital Ottawa, requires people to isolate after a Covid exposure for 10 days if unvaccinated.

Ontario, Canada's most populous province, is expected to start easing Covid restrictions from Monday, allowing restaurants, bars, sports venues and movie theaters to re-open.

Canada has recorded more than 2.9 million cases of Covid-19 and more than 33,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Ottawa was hit over the weekend by mass protests led by Canadian truckers opposed to vaccine mandates for crossing the Canada-US border.

Trudeau defended the vaccination mandate last week, noting that 90 percent of drivers are already vaccinated.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday he had tested positive for Covid-19 but was not experiencing severe symptoms. The 50-year-old leader -- who is vaccinated and boosted -- had announced last week he was isolating after being exposed to the coronavirus.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday he had tested positive for Covid-19 but was not experiencing severe symptoms. The 50-year-old leader -- who is vaccinated and boosted -- had announced last week he was isolating after being exposed to the coronavirus. "This morning, I tested positive for Covid-19. I'm feeling fine -- and I'll continue to work remotely this week while following public health guidelines," the premier wrote on Twitter Monday. Trudeau, who received his third vaccine dose in January, urged Canadians to get vaccinated and boosted as the nation battles a rise in Covid cases and hospitalizations due to the Omicron variant. The province of Ontario, where Trudeau lives in the Canadian capital Ottawa, requires people to isolate after a Covid exposure for 10 days if unvaccinated. Ontario, Canada's most populous province, is expected to start easing Covid restrictions from Monday, allowing restaurants, bars, sports venues and movie theaters to re-open. Canada has recorded more than 2.9 million cases of Covid-19 and more than 33,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic. Ottawa was hit over the weekend by mass protests led by Canadian truckers opposed to vaccine mandates for crossing the Canada-US border. Trudeau defended the vaccination mandate last week, noting that 90 percent of drivers are already vaccinated.

Canada PM Trudeau says tests positive for Covid-19

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday expressed hopes that dialogue on Ukraine crisis would continue. He said he hoped that dialogue went on in order to avoid "negative scenarios" including war. he was speaking at a news conference.

During the news conference, Vladimir Putin raised the possibility of war between Russia and NATO if Ukraine joined the alliance and then attempted to take back Crimea from Russia by force.

"Let's imagine Ukraine is a NATO member and starts these military operations. Are we supposed to go to war with the NATO bloc? Has anyone given that any thought? Apparently not," he said.

Putin said ways were needed to be found to protect everyone's security.

Russia has more than 100,000 troops and military equipments stationed along its border with Ukraine. Although Russia claims that it did not intend to invade Ukraine, various statements from the Russian camp have been perceived to be an attempt to create a pretext.

Russia has made it clear that it was completely against Ukraine joining the NATO. Ukraine is an ex-Soviet state. In 2014, Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula by force.

United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held a session to discuss Ukraine crisis on Monday. The session was held at the request of the US while Russia opposed it.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday expressed hopes that dialogue on Ukraine crisis would continue. He said he hoped that dialogue went on in order to avoid "negative scenarios" including war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday expressed hopes that dialogue on Ukraine crisis would continue. He said he hoped that dialogue went on in order to avoid "negative scenarios" including war. he was speaking at a news conference. During the news conference, Vladimir Putin raised the possibility of war between Russia and NATO if Ukraine joined the alliance and then attempted to take back Crimea from Russia by force. "Let's imagine Ukraine is a NATO member and starts these military operations. Are we supposed to go to war with the NATO bloc? Has anyone given that any thought? Apparently not," he said. Putin said ways were needed to be found to protect everyone's security. Russia has more than 100,000 troops and military equipments stationed along its border with Ukraine. Although Russia claims that it did not intend to invade Ukraine, various statements from the Russian camp have been perceived to be an attempt to create a pretext. Russia has made it clear that it was completely against Ukraine joining the NATO. Ukraine is an ex-Soviet state. In 2014, Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula by force. United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held a session to discuss Ukraine crisis on Monday. The session was held at the request of the US while Russia opposed it. (With inputs from agencies)

Hope dialogue on Ukraine continues, says Putin

Ethiopian Airlines was due to resume flying the Boeing 737 MAX plane on Tuesday (February 1), but opinions are divided on the airline's first flight using the model since a crash nearly three years ago forced regulators to ground the fleet globally.

In March 2019, a flight to Nairobi crashed in a field six minutes after take-off from Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa killing all 157 passengers and crew. The accident followed another incident five months earlier, when the same model crashed in Indonesia, killing 189 people.

The accidents exposed a problem with a system on the plane, and the model was grounded worldwide, costing Boeing some $20 billion and triggering court cases that exposed shortcomings with the certification process.

The airline will fly a demonstration flight around Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, and return to Addis Ababa with journalists, diplomats, and officials onboard, the airline said.

Some relatives of those killed in the Ethiopian Airlines crash were angered by the decision to resume flying the 737 MAX.

"I will never fly in a MAX and certainly if I find myself booked into a MAX, I will have to cancel that flight," said Tom Kabau, a Kenyan lawyer who lost his 29-year-old brother George in the crash.

Ethiopian Airlines said in a statement on Jan. 22 that the decision came "after intense recertification" by multiple regulatory bodies.

Ethiopia is among the last countries to return the 737 MAX to service; it is already flying in the United States, Europe, China, Australia, Japan, and Indonesia.

Ethiopian Airlines was due to resume flying the Boeing 737 MAX plane on Tuesday (February 1), but opinions are divided on the airline's first flight using the model since a crash nearly three years ago forced regulators to ground the fleet globally.

Ethiopian Airlines was due to resume flying the Boeing 737 MAX plane on Tuesday (February 1), but opinions are divided on the airline's first flight using the model since a crash nearly three years ago forced regulators to ground the fleet globally. In March 2019, a flight to Nairobi crashed in a field six minutes after take-off from Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa killing all 157 passengers and crew. The accident followed another incident five months earlier, when the same model crashed in Indonesia, killing 189 people. The accidents exposed a problem with a system on the plane, and the model was grounded worldwide, costing Boeing some $20 billion and triggering court cases that exposed shortcomings with the certification process. The airline will fly a demonstration flight around Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, and return to Addis Ababa with journalists, diplomats, and officials onboard, the airline said. Some relatives of those killed in the Ethiopian Airlines crash were angered by the decision to resume flying the 737 MAX. "I will never fly in a MAX and certainly if I find myself booked into a MAX, I will have to cancel that flight," said Tom Kabau, a Kenyan lawyer who lost his 29-year-old brother George in the crash. Ethiopian Airlines said in a statement on Jan. 22 that the decision came "after intense recertification" by multiple regulatory bodies. Ethiopia is among the last countries to return the 737 MAX to service; it is already flying in the United States, Europe, China, Australia, Japan, and Indonesia.

Ethiopian Airlines to fly 737 MAX with passengers for first time since deadly crash

Residents of Karachi in Pakistan were thrilled to see a meteor lighting up the sky on Saturday (January 29). The falling fireball meteor was recorded by many (who could quickly take sights off the wonderful event and take out their phones). Social media buzzed with photos and videos of the meteoroid falling from the sky.

It has been reported that the falling meteor was visible in the sky around 7:15 pm local time. It was seen not only from Karachi&nbsp;but from some other parts of Sindh province as well. It was seen by many people and local astronomers reportedly confirmed that it was really a space rock burning through Earth's atmosphere.

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Exclusive Scenes of Falling of Meteor in Karachi Last Night..❤<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BreakingNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BreakingNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meteor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meteor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karachi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karachi</a> <a href="https://t.co/MH1yVzoYxt">pic.twitter.com/MH1yVzoYxt</a>
— Weather Of Karachi- WOK (@KarachiWok) <a href="https://twitter.com/KarachiWok/status/1487865527552913418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Saw meteor in Pakistan. People from karachi and hyderabad saw it on Saturday. It was in green light. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meteor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meteor</a> <a href="https://t.co/WjBT0RCD9H">https://t.co/WjBT0RCD9H</a> <a href="https://t.co/C0U9HCuKdf">pic.twitter.com/C0U9HCuKdf</a>
— asadMmanc (@asadMManc) <a href="https://twitter.com/asadMManc/status/1487906838989656065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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A <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/meteor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#meteor</a> hurtled through the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/night?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#night</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sky?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sky</a> over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karachi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karachi</a> last night and was visible to stargazers in the metropolis and other parts of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sindh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sindh</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astronomical?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Astronomical</a> groups confirmed the event as the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rock?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rock</a> could be seen <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/burning?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#burning</a> up in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earth</a>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/atmosphere?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#atmosphere</a>, before crashing to the ground <a href="https://t.co/yp53cwtMVh">pic.twitter.com/yp53cwtMVh</a>
— Haider Ali (@Haider__Al1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Haider__Al1/status/1488032623561633793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Such a phenomenon is often called a 'falling star' because it really appears as if a star is falling from the sky. It is also held in many cultures that if you make a wish when you see a falling star, it becomes a reality.

Scientifically speaking, a meteoroid is just a space rock that is drawn to Earth due to gravity. As it falls towards the Earth, it travels through Earth's atmosphere. The immense friction this process causes generates a lot of heat and the meteoroid can be seen glowing as falls. Most meteoroids burn up before reaching the surface of the Earth. But if they are of sufficient size, small parts do fall on Earth. These are then called 'meteorites'.

Watching meteors burning through the sky sure makes for a beautiful sight. But meteoroids of very big size can also collide with Earth to wipe humanity off the only planet it calls home.

Residents of Karachi in Pakistan were thrilled to see a meteor lighting up the sky on Saturday (January 29). The falling fireball meteor was recorded by many (who could quickly take sights off the wonderful event and take out their phones).

Residents of Karachi in Pakistan were thrilled to see a meteor lighting up the sky on Saturday (January 29). The falling fireball meteor was recorded by many (who could quickly take sights off the wonderful event and take out their phones). Social media buzzed with photos and videos of the meteoroid falling from the sky. It has been reported that the falling meteor was visible in the sky around 7:15 pm local time. It was seen not only from Karachi but from some other parts of Sindh province as well. It was seen by many people and local astronomers reportedly confirmed that it was really a space rock burning through Earth's atmosphere. Exclusive Scenes of Falling of Meteor in Karachi Last Night..❤#BreakingNews #Meteor #Karachi pic.twitter.com/MH1yVzoYxt — Weather Of Karachi- WOK (@KarachiWok) January 30, 2022 × Saw meteor in Pakistan. People from karachi and hyderabad saw it on Saturday. It was in green light. #Meteor https://t.co/WjBT0RCD9H pic.twitter.com/C0U9HCuKdf — asadMmanc (@asadMManc) January 30, 2022 × A #meteor hurtled through the #night #sky over #Karachi last night and was visible to stargazers in the metropolis and other parts of #Sindh. #Astronomical groups confirmed the event as the #rock could be seen #burning up in the #earth's #atmosphere, before crashing to the ground pic.twitter.com/yp53cwtMVh — Haider Ali (@Haider__Al1) January 31, 2022 × Such a phenomenon is often called a 'falling star' because it really appears as if a star is falling from the sky. It is also held in many cultures that if you make a wish when you see a falling star, it becomes a reality. Scientifically speaking, a meteoroid is just a space rock that is drawn to Earth due to gravity. As it falls towards the Earth, it travels through Earth's atmosphere. The immense friction this process causes generates a lot of heat and the meteoroid can be seen glowing as falls. Most meteoroids burn up before reaching the surface of the Earth. But if they are of sufficient size, small parts do fall on Earth. These are then called 'meteorites'. Watching meteors burning through the sky sure makes for a beautiful sight. But meteoroids of very big size can also collide with Earth to wipe humanity off the only planet it calls home.

Watch video: Fireball meteor brightens up Karachi sky

SpaceX Falcon-9 two-stage rocket topped with Italian Cosmo-Skymed satellite successfully lifted off on Monday at 6:11 pm EST (Tuesday at 4.41 am as per IST.) The launch took place from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

The launch was to initially take place on January 27. But it was postponed due to bad weather.

The booster landing was the 104th that SpaceX has pulled off to date during an orbital mission, SpaceX production manager Jessie Anderson was quoted as saying during the webcast of Monday`s launch.

This particular first stage had flown twice before, as a side booster on SpaceX`s massive Falcon Heavy rocket. The mission marked the first time that a Heavy side booster had been reconfigured and launched alone as a Falcon 9, Anderson said.

Such reuse is key to SpaceX`s long-range goals, as the company aims to reduce the cost of spaceflight to make ambitious exploration feats such as Mars colonisation economically feasible.

SpaceX also aimed to recover the CSG-2 mission`s payload fairing -- the protective "nose cone" that surrounds a payload during launch -- Monday for reuse down the road, Anderson said.

The Cosmo-SkyMed programme consists of two satellites, which are designed to observe Earth using synthetic aperture radar (SAR), the report said.

CSG is an enhanced follow-on to the original Cosmo-SkyMed system.

The first CSG satellite, CSG-1, launched atop an Arianespace Soyuz rocket from Kourou, French Guiana in December 2019 and is currently operating in a sun-synchronous polar orbit with an altitude of 385 miles (620 km).

(With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX Falcon-9 two-stage rocket topped with Italian Cosmo-Skymed satellite successfully lifted off on Monday at 6:11 pm EST (Tuesday at 4.41 am as per IST.) The launch took place from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

SpaceX Falcon-9 two-stage rocket topped with Italian Cosmo-Skymed satellite successfully lifted off on Monday at 6:11 pm EST (Tuesday at 4.41 am as per IST.) The launch took place from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch was to initially take place on January 27. But it was postponed due to bad weather. The booster landing was the 104th that SpaceX has pulled off to date during an orbital mission, SpaceX production manager Jessie Anderson was quoted as saying during the webcast of Monday`s launch. This particular first stage had flown twice before, as a side booster on SpaceX`s massive Falcon Heavy rocket. The mission marked the first time that a Heavy side booster had been reconfigured and launched alone as a Falcon 9, Anderson said. Such reuse is key to SpaceX`s long-range goals, as the company aims to reduce the cost of spaceflight to make ambitious exploration feats such as Mars colonisation economically feasible. SpaceX also aimed to recover the CSG-2 mission`s payload fairing -- the protective "nose cone" that surrounds a payload during launch -- Monday for reuse down the road, Anderson said. The Cosmo-SkyMed programme consists of two satellites, which are designed to observe Earth using synthetic aperture radar (SAR), the report said. CSG is an enhanced follow-on to the original Cosmo-SkyMed system. The first CSG satellite, CSG-1, launched atop an Arianespace Soyuz rocket from Kourou, French Guiana in December 2019 and is currently operating in a sun-synchronous polar orbit with an altitude of 385 miles (620 km). (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX successfully launches Italian satellite 

A report released by Rio Tinto, a major mining company, on Tuesday (February 1) showed a culture of bullying, harassment and racism within the company. The report stated that there were complaints of actual or attempted rape or sexual assault by 21 women.

The external report commissioned by Rio was based on an online survey completed by 10,300 people, nearly a quarter of its 45,000 strong workforce at 60 operations in 35 countries, as well as group and individual listening sessions.

The ‘Report into Workplace Culture at Rio Tinto’ was written by Elizabeth Broderick, who served as Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner from 2007-2015.

As per the report, nearly 30 per cent of women and about 7 per cent of men had experienced sexual harassment at work

Racism was a "significant challenge" for employees at many locations. People working in a country different to their birth experienced high rates of racism while nearly 40% of men who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in Australia had experienced racism.

The 85-page document was available on the company's website on Tuesday (February 1).

Rio said reforms will focus on a commitment from the company's leadership to create a safe and inclusive working environment, including by increasing diversity within the company. It would also ensure the company's remote mine site facilities are safe, and make it easier for staff to call out unacceptable behaviours.

The Rio report comes ahead of the release of another report by the West Australia state government later this year on sexual harassment at mining camps in the state, which provides more than half of the world's supply of iron ore.

(With inputs from agencies)

A report released by Rio Tinto, a major mining company, on Tuesday (February 1) showed a culture of bullying, harassment and racism within the company. The report stated that there were complaints of actual or attempted rape or sexual assault by 21 women.

A report released by Rio Tinto, a major mining company, on Tuesday (February 1) showed a culture of bullying, harassment and racism within the company. The report stated that there were complaints of actual or attempted rape or sexual assault by 21 women. The external report commissioned by Rio was based on an online survey completed by 10,300 people, nearly a quarter of its 45,000 strong workforce at 60 operations in 35 countries, as well as group and individual listening sessions. The ‘Report into Workplace Culture at Rio Tinto’ was written by Elizabeth Broderick, who served as Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner from 2007-2015. As per the report, nearly 30 per cent of women and about 7 per cent of men had experienced sexual harassment at work Racism was a "significant challenge" for employees at many locations. People working in a country different to their birth experienced high rates of racism while nearly 40% of men who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in Australia had experienced racism. The 85-page document was available on the company's website on Tuesday (February 1). Rio said reforms will focus on a commitment from the company's leadership to create a safe and inclusive working environment, including by increasing diversity within the company. It would also ensure the company's remote mine site facilities are safe, and make it easier for staff to call out unacceptable behaviours. The Rio report comes ahead of the release of another report by the West Australia state government later this year on sexual harassment at mining camps in the state, which provides more than half of the world's supply of iron ore. (With inputs from agencies)

Rio Tinto report mentions culture of sexual harassment, racism

People in Myanmar marked one year of the military coup with what were called as 'silent strikes' with streets in the cities nearly deserted. Myanmar's military toppled civillian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1 last year and seized control of the country which has already seen years of military rule in previous decades.

The United States, Britain and Canada imposed new sanctions on the military and joined other countries in calling for a global halt in arms sales to Myanmar, a year after Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government was overthrown.

The military coup in Myanmar was followed by countrywide pro-democracy protests and unrest. The protests were brutally put down by the military regime.

Since its bloody suppression of protests in the weeks following the coup, the military has faced armed resistance on multiple fronts in the countryside from groups allied with the ousted government.

On Tuesday, an explosion took placed during a procession of military supporters in the eastern border town of Tachileik, two witnesses told Reuters. The blast killed two people, said one of the witnesses, and wounded more than 30 others.

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing extended a state of emergency imposed at the time of the coup for a further six months, state media announced on Tuesday, amid threats from "internal and external saboteurs" and "terrorist attacks and destruction".

Activists urged people to stay indoors and businesses to close on Tuesday in a silent show of defiance, despite warnings of arrests, jail and a seizure of businesses.

"We might be arrested and spend our life in jail if we're lucky. We might be tortured and killed if we're unlucky," saidyouth activist Nan Lin.

STREETS QUIET

Images on social media showed quiet streets in various cities including Mandalay, Magway, Myitkyina and Yangon, where pictures on a page put up by strike organisers later showed a small protest at which people threw red paint on the ground.

Pictures on an online portal and Telegram channel supportive of the military showed pro-junta rallies in the central town of Tase, and the capital, Naypyitaw, where thousands attended a rally, some dancing and holding aloft photographs of Min Aung Hlaing, with banners wishing him good health.

State media said the military was striving to hold an election when the country was "peaceful and stable".

(With inputs from agencies)

People in Myanmar marked one year of the military coup with what were called as 'silent strikes' with streets in the cities nearly deserted. Myanmar's military toppled civillian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1 last year and seized control of the country which has already seen years of military rule in previous decades.

People in Myanmar marked one year of the military coup with what were called as 'silent strikes' with streets in the cities nearly deserted. Myanmar's military toppled civillian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1 last year and seized control of the country which has already seen years of military rule in previous decades. The United States, Britain and Canada imposed new sanctions on the military and joined other countries in calling for a global halt in arms sales to Myanmar, a year after Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government was overthrown. The military coup in Myanmar was followed by countrywide pro-democracy protests and unrest. The protests were brutally put down by the military regime. Since its bloody suppression of protests in the weeks following the coup, the military has faced armed resistance on multiple fronts in the countryside from groups allied with the ousted government. On Tuesday, an explosion took placed during a procession of military supporters in the eastern border town of Tachileik, two witnesses told Reuters. The blast killed two people, said one of the witnesses, and wounded more than 30 others. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing extended a state of emergency imposed at the time of the coup for a further six months, state media announced on Tuesday, amid threats from "internal and external saboteurs" and "terrorist attacks and destruction". Activists urged people to stay indoors and businesses to close on Tuesday in a silent show of defiance, despite warnings of arrests, jail and a seizure of businesses. "We might be arrested and spend our life in jail if we're lucky. We might be tortured and killed if we're unlucky," saidyouth activist Nan Lin. STREETS QUIET Images on social media showed quiet streets in various cities including Mandalay, Magway, Myitkyina and Yangon, where pictures on a page put up by strike organisers later showed a small protest at which people threw red paint on the ground. Pictures on an online portal and Telegram channel supportive of the military showed pro-junta rallies in the central town of Tase, and the capital, Naypyitaw, where thousands attended a rally, some dancing and holding aloft photographs of Min Aung Hlaing, with banners wishing him good health. State media said the military was striving to hold an election when the country was "peaceful and stable". (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar completes a year of return of military rule

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Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Manas Joshi

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