Ethiopia's military launched new air strikes on Tigray Wednesday, the second round of bombardments this week against rebel targets in the war-battered region.

The raids mark a sharp escalation in the brutal year-long conflict pitting government forces and their allies against the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the region's once dominant ruling party.

The government said it bombed weapons caches in the regional capital Mekele and the town of Agbe which lies about 80 kilometres (50 miles) to the west.&nbsp;

"It targeted at the facilities that TPLF have turned into arms construction and repair armaments sites," government spokesman Legesse Tulu told AFP by text message of the Mekele strike.

Dr Hayelom Kebede, research director at Mekele's Ayder Referral Hospital, said eight people had been wounded, including a pregnant woman.

"It was heavy and the jet was so close," one local resident told AFP, with witnesses reporting thick clouds of smoke rising up over the city.

The UN has voiced increasing alarm about the latest violence in northern Ethiopia, where millions need emergency aid.

UN secretary general Antonio Guterres' deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said initial information indicated that some civilians including women and children were injured in Mekele.

"We have made clear what our concerns are about the impact of these operations on civilians and the need to avoid any offensive activities that can target civilians or civilian infrastructures," he told reporters.

The conflict has killed untold numbers of people and the United Nations says two million have been displaced and hundreds of thousands plunged into famine-like conditions.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government, barely two weeks into its new term, seems to be waging a new offensive against the TPLF, which dominated national politics for almost three decades before he took power in 2018.

William Davison, the International Crisis Group's senior analyst for Ethiopia, said the strikes "appear to be part of efforts to weaken Tigray’s armed resistance," as the TPLF makes gains in the neighbouring Amhara region.

"Along with superior manpower, control of the skies is one of the few remaining areas of military advantage for the federal government."&nbsp;

- 'Surgical operations' -

TPLF spokesman Getachew Reda said Wednesday's raid on Mekele hit a residential area "causing injury to civilians and harm to property".

"Abiy's reaction to his losses in the ongoing fighting is to target civilians hundreds of kms away from the battlefield," he said on Twitter.

Much of northern Ethiopia is under a communications blackout and access for journalists is restricted, making claims difficult to independently verify.

Tigray remains under a de facto blockade, with the warring parties each accusing the other of hampering the delivery of desperately needed aid.

Legesse, the government spokesman, accused the TPLF of using ordinary people as human shields. 
"We confirm and assure these surgical operations have not any intended harm to civilians," he said.

On Monday, there were two aerial assaults on Mekele, the city held by the TPLF since it was recaptured from government forces in June.

Legesse had initially denied those raids but state media later confirmed the air force had hit TPLF media and communications infrastructure.

The United Nations said Monday's attacks had killed three children and wounded nine people.

- 'Strengthening Tigrayan resolve' -

"The bombing of urban areas... reinforces the impression that Addis Ababa is willing to risk civilian lives in Tigray as part of its military efforts, something also demonstrated by the continued federal constraints on aid flows and refusal to provide electricity, banking, and telecommunications services to the region," the ICG's Davison said.&nbsp;

"As such, the air raids may have the effect of strengthening the Tigrayan resolve to resist, rather than weaken it."

Fighting first erupted in Africa's second most populous country last November when Abiy sent troops to Tigray to topple the TPLF after months of rising tensions.

The 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner said the move came in response to TPLF attacks on federal army camps and promised a swift victory, with troops from neighbouring Eritrea providing support.

But in a dramatic turnaround, by late June the TPLF had regrouped and retaken most of the region including Mekele.

Since then, the rebels have pushed south from Tigray into the neighbouring regions of Amhara and Afar.&nbsp; 
The UN says up to seven million people in the three regions are now in need of food assistance and other emergency support.

The conflict has seen relations between Ethiopia and the West deteriorate, with its crucial ally Washington calling for sanctions if the warring parties do not commit to a negotiated settlement.

Ethiopia's military launched new air strikes on Tigray Wednesday, the second round of bombardments this week against rebel targets in the war-battered region. The raids mark a sharp escalation in the brutal year-long conflict pitting government forces and their allies against the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the region's once dominant ruling party.

Ethiopia's military launched new air strikes on Tigray Wednesday, the second round of bombardments this week against rebel targets in the war-battered region. The raids mark a sharp escalation in the brutal year-long conflict pitting government forces and their allies against the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the region's once dominant ruling party. The government said it bombed weapons caches in the regional capital Mekele and the town of Agbe which lies about 80 kilometres (50 miles) to the west. "It targeted at the facilities that TPLF have turned into arms construction and repair armaments sites," government spokesman Legesse Tulu told AFP by text message of the Mekele strike. Dr Hayelom Kebede, research director at Mekele's Ayder Referral Hospital, said eight people had been wounded, including a pregnant woman. "It was heavy and the jet was so close," one local resident told AFP, with witnesses reporting thick clouds of smoke rising up over the city. The UN has voiced increasing alarm about the latest violence in northern Ethiopia, where millions need emergency aid. UN secretary general Antonio Guterres' deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said initial information indicated that some civilians including women and children were injured in Mekele. "We have made clear what our concerns are about the impact of these operations on civilians and the need to avoid any offensive activities that can target civilians or civilian infrastructures," he told reporters. The conflict has killed untold numbers of people and the United Nations says two million have been displaced and hundreds of thousands plunged into famine-like conditions. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government, barely two weeks into its new term, seems to be waging a new offensive against the TPLF, which dominated national politics for almost three decades before he took power in 2018. William Davison, the International Crisis Group's senior analyst for Ethiopia, said the strikes "appear to be part of efforts to weaken Tigray’s armed resistance," as the TPLF makes gains in the neighbouring Amhara region. "Along with superior manpower, control of the skies is one of the few remaining areas of military advantage for the federal government." - 'Surgical operations' - TPLF spokesman Getachew Reda said Wednesday's raid on Mekele hit a residential area "causing injury to civilians and harm to property". "Abiy's reaction to his losses in the ongoing fighting is to target civilians hundreds of kms away from the battlefield," he said on Twitter. Much of northern Ethiopia is under a communications blackout and access for journalists is restricted, making claims difficult to independently verify. Tigray remains under a de facto blockade, with the warring parties each accusing the other of hampering the delivery of desperately needed aid. Legesse, the government spokesman, accused the TPLF of using ordinary people as human shields. "We confirm and assure these surgical operations have not any intended harm to civilians," he said. On Monday, there were two aerial assaults on Mekele, the city held by the TPLF since it was recaptured from government forces in June. Legesse had initially denied those raids but state media later confirmed the air force had hit TPLF media and communications infrastructure. The United Nations said Monday's attacks had killed three children and wounded nine people. - 'Strengthening Tigrayan resolve' - "The bombing of urban areas... reinforces the impression that Addis Ababa is willing to risk civilian lives in Tigray as part of its military efforts, something also demonstrated by the continued federal constraints on aid flows and refusal to provide electricity, banking, and telecommunications services to the region," the ICG's Davison said. "As such, the air raids may have the effect of strengthening the Tigrayan resolve to resist, rather than weaken it." Fighting first erupted in Africa's second most populous country last November when Abiy sent troops to Tigray to topple the TPLF after months of rising tensions. The 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner said the move came in response to TPLF attacks on federal army camps and promised a swift victory, with troops from neighbouring Eritrea providing support. But in a dramatic turnaround, by late June the TPLF had regrouped and retaken most of the region including Mekele. Since then, the rebels have pushed south from Tigray into the neighbouring regions of Amhara and Afar. The UN says up to seven million people in the three regions are now in need of food assistance and other emergency support. The conflict has seen relations between Ethiopia and the West deteriorate, with its crucial ally Washington calling for sanctions if the warring parties do not commit to a negotiated settlement.

Ethiopia launches new air strikes in Tigray

Regional countries in south and Central Asia on Wednesday supported humanitarian aid for Afghanistan but also called on US to pay up for reconstruction Afghanistan. The joint statement made an indirect reference to the US and its allies who waged a war in Afghanistan for last two decades.

Russia, China, Pakistan, India, Iran and five formerly Soviet Central Asian states joined the Taliban in calling for the United Nations to convene such a conference as soon as possible to help rebuild the country.

They said it should take place "with the understanding, of course, that the main burden...should be borne by the forces whose military contingents have been present in this country over the past 20 years".

It is important to note that the US chose not to attend the talks citing technical reasons, but has said it may join future rounds.

Russia has led calls for international aid. The country fears spillover of conflict into Central Asia, part of the erstwhile Soviet Union and still considered a region in Russia's sphere of influence.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-russia-calls-for-humanitarian-aid-as-it-hosts-taliban-422322">Afghanistan: Russia calls for humanitarian aid as it hosts Taliban</a>

"Nobody is interested in the complete paralysis of an entire state, which borders, among other things, the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States)," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

The Taliban's resurgence has stirred international fears of a return to their hardline form of Islamist rule in the 1990s, when they hosted Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda movement and carried out egregious human rights violations, including public stonings and the marginalisation of women at work and in schools.

Since returning to power, the Taliban say they have moved as quickly as possible on opening up their government and guaranteeing rights to women, and that they do not represent a threat to any other country.

"Afghanistan will never allow its soil to be used as a base for anyone to threaten the security of another country," Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said.

Abdul Salam Hanafi, the deputy prime minister who led the delegation, said: "Isolating Afghanistan is in no one's interests."

While governments around the world, including Russia, have declined to give official recognition to the Taliban government, the communique recognised the "new reality" of their ascent to power.

SEEKING INFLUENCE

Russia's initiative in hosting the talks is part of an effort to boost its influence in the region after the U.S. pullout. Its main fear is the risk of instability in Central Asia, and possible migrant flows and Islamist militant activity directed from Afghanistan.

The concerns have intensified after a series of attacks by the Afghan affiliate of Islamic State - dubbed Islamic State in Khorasan Province after an ancient name for the region - on mosques and other targets that have killed hundreds of people.

Russia fought its own disastrous war in Afghanistan in the 1980s and has close military and political ties with former Soviet Central Asian republics that border Afghanistan.

As well as saying no militant groups will be able to operate from Afghanistan, the Taliban have said they will safeguard the rights of women and minorities. But many women and girls have been prevented from going to work or school, and the interim cabinet includes only men.

Regional countries in south and Central Asia on Wednesday supported humanitarian aid for Afghanistan but also called on US to pay up for reconstruction Afghanistan.

Regional countries in south and Central Asia on Wednesday supported humanitarian aid for Afghanistan but also called on US to pay up for reconstruction Afghanistan. The joint statement made an indirect reference to the US and its allies who waged a war in Afghanistan for last two decades. Russia, China, Pakistan, India, Iran and five formerly Soviet Central Asian states joined the Taliban in calling for the United Nations to convene such a conference as soon as possible to help rebuild the country. They said it should take place "with the understanding, of course, that the main burden...should be borne by the forces whose military contingents have been present in this country over the past 20 years". It is important to note that the US chose not to attend the talks citing technical reasons, but has said it may join future rounds. Russia has led calls for international aid. The country fears spillover of conflict into Central Asia, part of the erstwhile Soviet Union and still considered a region in Russia's sphere of influence. Also Read | Afghanistan: Russia calls for humanitarian aid as it hosts Taliban "Nobody is interested in the complete paralysis of an entire state, which borders, among other things, the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States)," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The Taliban's resurgence has stirred international fears of a return to their hardline form of Islamist rule in the 1990s, when they hosted Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda movement and carried out egregious human rights violations, including public stonings and the marginalisation of women at work and in schools. Since returning to power, the Taliban say they have moved as quickly as possible on opening up their government and guaranteeing rights to women, and that they do not represent a threat to any other country. "Afghanistan will never allow its soil to be used as a base for anyone to threaten the security of another country," Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said. Abdul Salam Hanafi, the deputy prime minister who led the delegation, said: "Isolating Afghanistan is in no one's interests." While governments around the world, including Russia, have declined to give official recognition to the Taliban government, the communique recognised the "new reality" of their ascent to power. SEEKING INFLUENCE Russia's initiative in hosting the talks is part of an effort to boost its influence in the region after the U.S. pullout. Its main fear is the risk of instability in Central Asia, and possible migrant flows and Islamist militant activity directed from Afghanistan. The concerns have intensified after a series of attacks by the Afghan affiliate of Islamic State - dubbed Islamic State in Khorasan Province after an ancient name for the region - on mosques and other targets that have killed hundreds of people. Russia fought its own disastrous war in Afghanistan in the 1980s and has close military and political ties with former Soviet Central Asian republics that border Afghanistan. As well as saying no militant groups will be able to operate from Afghanistan, the Taliban have said they will safeguard the rights of women and minorities. But many women and girls have been prevented from going to work or school, and the interim cabinet includes only men.

Moscow talks: Regional powers support aid for Afghanistan, but ask US to pay as well

A video is doing the rounds online, appearing to show Superman and Wonder Woman 'solving' the Kashmir 'dispute'. It's not clear whether the animated clip is&nbsp;officially produced by DC, the comics home of Superman, whose official YouTube channel does not host the video. But the mention of Kashmir as 'disputed' has riled many social media users in India.

Jammu and Kashmir is an inseparable part of India.

The clip purportedly shows Superman and Wonder Woman, two of the most powerful heroes from the DC Comic Universe, destroying military equipment in 'disputed Kashmir'.

Media reports said the two heroes are destroying Indian military infrastructure. The voiceover in the clip can says that Superman and Wonder Woman destroy 'every piece of military equipment declaring 'an arms-free zone'. There is no apparent mention of India or Pakistan but Kashmir can be heard as being referred to as a 'disputed' territory.

And many netizens are not happy.

"Why are they so specific about Kashmir? First they refer to an imaginary place like m'gota, but the next moment they mention Kashmir. Its better to keep quiet about complex geopolitical affairs that they don't know anything about..." says a Twitter user.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Why are they so specific about Kashmir? First they refer to an imaginary place like m'gota, but the next moment they mention Kashmir. Its better to keep quiet about complex geopolitical affairs that they don't know anything about 
Btw, when did captain America become a woman ? 😱
— अजातशत्रु (@Ayushless) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ayushless/status/1450090767192506376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

"USA (is) only strong in animation movie," says another.

Some Twitter users have poked fun at Superman and USA's war on terror in Afghanistan that met a disastrous end in August this year.

"How about Superman, Wonder Woman &amp; DC doing something about Afghanistan," reads a comment.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
How about superman, Wonderwoman &amp; DC doing something about Afghanistan
— Mukesh राणे (@Rane4MVP) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rane4MVP/status/1450145650201432066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"What a mess.. Superman couldn't save Afghanistan.. Went home defeated," reads another.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
What a mess.. Superman couldn't save afganistan.. Went home defeated.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/afghanistancrisis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#afghanistancrisis</a>
— India Aces Always (@IndiaAcesalways) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaAcesalways/status/1450413201883996161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Some comments say that Superman and Wonder Woman are seen destroying a specific type of fighter jet that neither India nor Pakistan possess.

A video is doing the rounds online, appearing to show Superman and Wonder Woman 'solving' the Kashmir 'dispute'. It's not clear whether the animated clip is officially produced by DC, the comics home of Superman, whose official YouTube channel does not host the video.

A video is doing the rounds online, appearing to show Superman and Wonder Woman 'solving' the Kashmir 'dispute'. It's not clear whether the animated clip is officially produced by DC, the comics home of Superman, whose official YouTube channel does not host the video. But the mention of Kashmir as 'disputed' has riled many social media users in India. Jammu and Kashmir is an inseparable part of India. The clip purportedly shows Superman and Wonder Woman, two of the most powerful heroes from the DC Comic Universe, destroying military equipment in 'disputed Kashmir'. Media reports said the two heroes are destroying Indian military infrastructure. The voiceover in the clip can says that Superman and Wonder Woman destroy 'every piece of military equipment declaring 'an arms-free zone'. There is no apparent mention of India or Pakistan but Kashmir can be heard as being referred to as a 'disputed' territory. And many netizens are not happy. "Why are they so specific about Kashmir? First they refer to an imaginary place like m'gota, but the next moment they mention Kashmir. Its better to keep quiet about complex geopolitical affairs that they don't know anything about..." says a Twitter user. Why are they so specific about Kashmir? First they refer to an imaginary place like m'gota, but the next moment they mention Kashmir. Its better to keep quiet about complex geopolitical affairs that they don't know anything about Btw, when did captain America become a woman ? 😱 — अजातशत्रु (@Ayushless) October 18, 2021 × "USA (is) only strong in animation movie," says another. Some Twitter users have poked fun at Superman and USA's war on terror in Afghanistan that met a disastrous end in August this year. "How about Superman, Wonder Woman & DC doing something about Afghanistan," reads a comment. How about superman, Wonderwoman & DC doing something about Afghanistan — Mukesh राणे (@Rane4MVP) October 18, 2021 × "What a mess.. Superman couldn't save Afghanistan.. Went home defeated," reads another. What a mess.. Superman couldn't save afganistan.. Went home defeated.#afghanistancrisis — India Aces Always (@IndiaAcesalways) October 19, 2021 × Some comments say that Superman and Wonder Woman are seen destroying a specific type of fighter jet that neither India nor Pakistan possess.

Animation of Superman, Wonder Woman 'in Kashmir' draws angry reactions online

When a powerful Democratic Senate chairman assembled his Special Committee on Aging to confront what he called a “crisis of affordability” for prescription drugs, he proposed a novel solution: allow the government to negotiate better deals for critical medications.

The year was 1989, and the idea from that chairman, former Sen. David Pryor of Arkansas, touched off a drive for government drug-price negotiations that has been embraced by two generations of Democrats and one Republican president, Donald Trump — but now appears at risk of being left out of a sprawling domestic policy bill taking shape in Congress.

Senior Democrats insist that they have not given up the push to grant Medicare broad powers to negotiate lower drug prices as part of a once-ambitious climate change and social safety net bill that is slowly shrinking in scope. They know that the loss of the provision, promoted by President Joe Biden on the campaign trail and in the White House, could be a particularly embarrassing defeat for the package, since it has been central to Democratic congressional campaigns for nearly three decades.

“Senate Democrats understand that after all the pledges, you’ve got to deliver,” said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., the chairman of the Finance Committee.

“It’s not dead,” declared Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.

But with at least three House Democrats opposing the toughest version of the measure, and at least one Senate Democrat, Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, against it, government negotiating power appears almost certain to be curtailed, if not jettisoned. The loss would be akin to Republicans’ failure under Trump to repeal the Affordable Care Act, after solemn pledges for eight years to dismantle the health law “root and branch.”

And after so many campaign-trail promises, Democrats could be left next year with a lot of explaining to do.

“It would mean that the pharmaceutical industry, which has 1,500 paid lobbyists, the pharmaceutical industry, which made $50 billion in profits last year, the pharmaceutical industry, which pays its executives huge compensation packages, and which is spending hundreds of millions of dollars to defeat this legislation, will have won,” Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., the Budget Committee chairman, said Wednesday. “And I intend to not allow that to happen.”

It is not clear how Sanders can pull that off. The length of the fight speaks to the durability and popularity of the issue, but also the power of the pharmaceutical industry.

Pryor teed it up in the late 1980s, hoping to muscle through lower prices for Medicaid, with an eye on the bigger prize, Medicare. President Bill Clinton included government price negotiations in his universal health care plan in 1993, and throughout the 1990s, as Democrats pressed to add a prescription drug benefit for Medicare, government negotiations were central to holding the cost down.

Then in 2003, a Republican Congress and president, George W. Bush, secured passage of that drug benefit — but with an explicit prohibition on the government negotiating the price of medicines older Americans would purchase.

Repealing that so-called noninterference provision has been a centerpiece of Democratic campaigns ever since. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, a former head of House Democrats’ campaign arm, recalled that “Medicare shall negotiate drug prices” was one of the six planks in the “Six for ’06” platform that helped the Democrats win control of the House in 2006.

It has passed the House numerous times, including in 2019 with yes votes from the three House members now opposing it — Reps. Kathleen Rice of New York, Scott Peters of California and Kurt Schrader of Oregon — only to die in the Senate. Even Trump adopted the effort in his 2016 campaign, only to see it go nowhere.

That futility is why Schrader said he opposed it: “Why do the same thing again and again and expect to have a different result?” he asked.

To proponents, defeat after defeat speaks solely to the power of the pharmaceutical industry and its attendant lobbyists.

But opponents say it reflects the complexity of the issue. Once lawmakers realize they could actually secure government price negotiations, they see how problematic that could be.

“If anyone thinks this is the easy political route for me, that’s just laughable,” said Peters, who has endured scorn and pressure from his Democratic colleagues but whose San Diego district includes almost 1,000 biotechnology companies and 68,000 jobs directly tied to pharmaceutical work.

Schrader and Peters said the House version of prescription drug price controls, tucked into the broader social policy legislation, would stifle innovation in one of the country’s most profitable global industries.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, known as PhRMA, also maintains that government negotiations would severely limit the types of prescription drugs that would be available to Medicare beneficiaries as companies withdraw their products from the program. With the goodwill the industry has accrued with its coronavirus vaccines and treatments, drug companies have pressed their case with key lawmakers, and roped in the larger business community.

American Action Network, a conservative group with business money, unveiled a new set of ads Wednesday targeting vulnerable Democrats such as Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux of Georgia and decrying “another socialist health care plan to control what medicines you can get.”

“We are taking on the greed and the corruption of the pharmaceutical industry — I know their power, believe me, I know their power,” Sanders said. “But this is a fight we’ve got to win.”

Wyden insisted that any legislative effort to tackle rising drug costs must include government negotiating power, but alternatives are emerging.

Some simpler solutions would change the formula of the existing Medicare prescription drug benefit to limit out-of-pocket costs, especially in the event of a catastrophic health event.

Wyden is also pressing to enact legislation he drafted with Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, that would force drugmakers to offer rebates to consumers on products whose prices rise faster than inflation. Grassley said he still supports the measure, as does Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., a traditional ally of the pharmaceutical industry in his state.

Schrader and Peters said negotiations were progressing around their proposal, which would grant the government power to negotiate prices under Medicare Part B, which covers outpatient services and some of the most costly medications, once outpatient drugs like chemotherapy have outlived their patent exclusivity.

Their bill would also force rebates for drug prices rising faster than inflation, and limit out-of-pocket medication expenses for older Americans. That is projected to save the government $300 billion over 10 years, about half what the broader measure would save.

“Frankly, based on discussions we’ve had with the White House, senators and other members in our party, this could get done,” Schrader said. “That’d be huge.”

Ultimately, if any significant price controls survive, it will be the logic of the policy overcoming the power over the lobby, said Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wis., whose district is being hit with pharmaceutical industry advertising. Kind, an influential centrist, said he has been speaking with like-minded Democrats, trying to buck them up against the onslaught.

“Obviously, there’s some advertising,” he said. “But boy, public sentiment is overwhelming. They just don’t understand why the pharmaceutical industry is the only private industry the federal government’s refused to even discuss prices with.”

When a powerful Democratic Senate chairman assembled his Special Committee on Aging to confront what he called a “crisis of affordability” for prescription drugs, he proposed a novel solution: allow the government to negotiate better deals for critical medications.

When a powerful Democratic Senate chairman assembled his Special Committee on Aging to confront what he called a “crisis of affordability” for prescription drugs, he proposed a novel solution: allow the government to negotiate better deals for critical medications. The year was 1989, and the idea from that chairman, former Sen. David Pryor of Arkansas, touched off a drive for government drug-price negotiations that has been embraced by two generations of Democrats and one Republican president, Donald Trump — but now appears at risk of being left out of a sprawling domestic policy bill taking shape in Congress. Senior Democrats insist that they have not given up the push to grant Medicare broad powers to negotiate lower drug prices as part of a once-ambitious climate change and social safety net bill that is slowly shrinking in scope. They know that the loss of the provision, promoted by President Joe Biden on the campaign trail and in the White House, could be a particularly embarrassing defeat for the package, since it has been central to Democratic congressional campaigns for nearly three decades. “Senate Democrats understand that after all the pledges, you’ve got to deliver,” said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., the chairman of the Finance Committee. “It’s not dead,” declared Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. But with at least three House Democrats opposing the toughest version of the measure, and at least one Senate Democrat, Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, against it, government negotiating power appears almost certain to be curtailed, if not jettisoned. The loss would be akin to Republicans’ failure under Trump to repeal the Affordable Care Act, after solemn pledges for eight years to dismantle the health law “root and branch.” And after so many campaign-trail promises, Democrats could be left next year with a lot of explaining to do. “It would mean that the pharmaceutical industry, which has 1,500 paid lobbyists, the pharmaceutical industry, which made $50 billion in profits last year, the pharmaceutical industry, which pays its executives huge compensation packages, and which is spending hundreds of millions of dollars to defeat this legislation, will have won,” Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., the Budget Committee chairman, said Wednesday. “And I intend to not allow that to happen.” It is not clear how Sanders can pull that off. The length of the fight speaks to the durability and popularity of the issue, but also the power of the pharmaceutical industry. Pryor teed it up in the late 1980s, hoping to muscle through lower prices for Medicaid, with an eye on the bigger prize, Medicare. President Bill Clinton included government price negotiations in his universal health care plan in 1993, and throughout the 1990s, as Democrats pressed to add a prescription drug benefit for Medicare, government negotiations were central to holding the cost down. Then in 2003, a Republican Congress and president, George W. Bush, secured passage of that drug benefit — but with an explicit prohibition on the government negotiating the price of medicines older Americans would purchase. Repealing that so-called noninterference provision has been a centerpiece of Democratic campaigns ever since. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, a former head of House Democrats’ campaign arm, recalled that “Medicare shall negotiate drug prices” was one of the six planks in the “Six for ’06” platform that helped the Democrats win control of the House in 2006. It has passed the House numerous times, including in 2019 with yes votes from the three House members now opposing it — Reps. Kathleen Rice of New York, Scott Peters of California and Kurt Schrader of Oregon — only to die in the Senate. Even Trump adopted the effort in his 2016 campaign, only to see it go nowhere. That futility is why Schrader said he opposed it: “Why do the same thing again and again and expect to have a different result?” he asked. To proponents, defeat after defeat speaks solely to the power of the pharmaceutical industry and its attendant lobbyists. But opponents say it reflects the complexity of the issue. Once lawmakers realize they could actually secure government price negotiations, they see how problematic that could be. “If anyone thinks this is the easy political route for me, that’s just laughable,” said Peters, who has endured scorn and pressure from his Democratic colleagues but whose San Diego district includes almost 1,000 biotechnology companies and 68,000 jobs directly tied to pharmaceutical work. Schrader and Peters said the House version of prescription drug price controls, tucked into the broader social policy legislation, would stifle innovation in one of the country’s most profitable global industries. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, known as PhRMA, also maintains that government negotiations would severely limit the types of prescription drugs that would be available to Medicare beneficiaries as companies withdraw their products from the program. With the goodwill the industry has accrued with its coronavirus vaccines and treatments, drug companies have pressed their case with key lawmakers, and roped in the larger business community. American Action Network, a conservative group with business money, unveiled a new set of ads Wednesday targeting vulnerable Democrats such as Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux of Georgia and decrying “another socialist health care plan to control what medicines you can get.” “We are taking on the greed and the corruption of the pharmaceutical industry — I know their power, believe me, I know their power,” Sanders said. “But this is a fight we’ve got to win.” Wyden insisted that any legislative effort to tackle rising drug costs must include government negotiating power, but alternatives are emerging. Some simpler solutions would change the formula of the existing Medicare prescription drug benefit to limit out-of-pocket costs, especially in the event of a catastrophic health event. Wyden is also pressing to enact legislation he drafted with Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, that would force drugmakers to offer rebates to consumers on products whose prices rise faster than inflation. Grassley said he still supports the measure, as does Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., a traditional ally of the pharmaceutical industry in his state. Schrader and Peters said negotiations were progressing around their proposal, which would grant the government power to negotiate prices under Medicare Part B, which covers outpatient services and some of the most costly medications, once outpatient drugs like chemotherapy have outlived their patent exclusivity. Their bill would also force rebates for drug prices rising faster than inflation, and limit out-of-pocket medication expenses for older Americans. That is projected to save the government $300 billion over 10 years, about half what the broader measure would save. “Frankly, based on discussions we’ve had with the White House, senators and other members in our party, this could get done,” Schrader said. “That’d be huge.” Ultimately, if any significant price controls survive, it will be the logic of the policy overcoming the power over the lobby, said Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wis., whose district is being hit with pharmaceutical industry advertising. Kind, an influential centrist, said he has been speaking with like-minded Democrats, trying to buck them up against the onslaught. “Obviously, there’s some advertising,” he said. “But boy, public sentiment is overwhelming. They just don’t understand why the pharmaceutical industry is the only private industry the federal government’s refused to even discuss prices with.”

A 30-Year campaign to control drug prices faces yet another failure

Asteroids may be small as compared to Earth, but their destructive power is huge due to momentum imparted to them by their speed. An asteroid struck Earth millions of years ago and ended the reign of dinosaurs. Such a rogue asteroid will very much be capable of ending human civilisation as we know it. Planetary defence hence is an important aspect of our space studies.

Humankind is taking first steps in this direction. NASA's asteroid deflecting spacecraft has begun final preparations before its lift-off. The spacecraft will lift-off in November this year. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will take it in space.

The spacecraft is now at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. It was transported there on October 2.

"The spacecraft will go through a series of final tests and checks, as well as fueling, in the next few weeks as the team prepares for DART’s scheduled launch," NASA said.

DART is an acronym for Double Asteroid Redirection Test.

"DART will be the world’s first mission to test planetary defense techniques, demonstrating one mitigation method of asteroid deflection, called kinetic impact. DART will impact the small asteroid moonlet Dimorphos, which orbits a larger companion, Didymos, in a binary asteroid system to change its orbital period. Although neither asteroid poses a threat to Earth, the collision with Dimorphos enables researchers to demonstrate the deflection technique along with several new technologies, and collect important data to enhance our modeling and predictive capabilities for asteroid deflection. Those enhancements will help us better prepare should an asteroid ever be discovered as a threat to Earth," NASA said on its website 
&nbsp;

Asteroids may be small as compared to Earth, but their destructive power is huge due to momentum imparted to them by their speed. An asteroid struck Earth millions of years ago and ended the reign of dinosaurs.

Asteroids may be small as compared to Earth, but their destructive power is huge due to momentum imparted to them by their speed. An asteroid struck Earth millions of years ago and ended the reign of dinosaurs. Such a rogue asteroid will very much be capable of ending human civilisation as we know it. Planetary defence hence is an important aspect of our space studies. Humankind is taking first steps in this direction. NASA's asteroid deflecting spacecraft has begun final preparations before its lift-off. The spacecraft will lift-off in November this year. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will take it in space. The spacecraft is now at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. It was transported there on October 2. "The spacecraft will go through a series of final tests and checks, as well as fueling, in the next few weeks as the team prepares for DART’s scheduled launch," NASA said. DART is an acronym for Double Asteroid Redirection Test. "DART will be the world’s first mission to test planetary defense techniques, demonstrating one mitigation method of asteroid deflection, called kinetic impact. DART will impact the small asteroid moonlet Dimorphos, which orbits a larger companion, Didymos, in a binary asteroid system to change its orbital period. Although neither asteroid poses a threat to Earth, the collision with Dimorphos enables researchers to demonstrate the deflection technique along with several new technologies, and collect important data to enhance our modeling and predictive capabilities for asteroid deflection. Those enhancements will help us better prepare should an asteroid ever be discovered as a threat to Earth," NASA said on its website

Asteroid-deflecting NASA spacecraft begins final preparations

Jackie Chan may not be called an A-lister among Hollywood stars but he has a legendary status. The Kung Fu master has carved his niche by making films only he can make. The nimble-footed actor has acted in many films and is famous for doing his own stunts without a body double.

The superstar has got quite an unexpected tribute from India as Indian herpetologists have named a quick-on-its-foot gecko after Jackie Chan. The researchers have described this in journal Zoological Research.

The gecko is a type of lizard. The one named after Jackie Chan is one of 12 new gecko species found in India.

All these 12 species are endemic to the Western Ghats, a biodiversity-rich mountain range that runs parallel to India's western coast.

Saunak Pal of the Bombay Natural History Society has been quoted in media reports as saying that the gecko named after Jacki Chan would "spring from one rock to the other" and "crawl into the smallest of crevices to escape" researchers' attempts to catch it.

The lizard has been named Jackie’s day gecko (Cnemaspis jackieii).

Zeeshan Mirza, coauthor of the study told media outlets that naming animals in such way may help in people developing connect with the species. He has reportedly identified 60 new faunal species to date, including &nbsp;Salazar’s pit viper (Trimeresurus salazar), named after Salazar Slytherin from Harry Potter universe.

Jackie Chan may not be called an A-lister among Hollywood stars but he has a legendary status. The Kung Fu master has carved his niche by making films only he can make.

Jackie Chan may not be called an A-lister among Hollywood stars but he has a legendary status. The Kung Fu master has carved his niche by making films only he can make. The nimble-footed actor has acted in many films and is famous for doing his own stunts without a body double. The superstar has got quite an unexpected tribute from India as Indian herpetologists have named a quick-on-its-foot gecko after Jackie Chan. The researchers have described this in journal Zoological Research. The gecko is a type of lizard. The one named after Jackie Chan is one of 12 new gecko species found in India. All these 12 species are endemic to the Western Ghats, a biodiversity-rich mountain range that runs parallel to India's western coast. Saunak Pal of the Bombay Natural History Society has been quoted in media reports as saying that the gecko named after Jacki Chan would "spring from one rock to the other" and "crawl into the smallest of crevices to escape" researchers' attempts to catch it. The lizard has been named Jackie’s day gecko (Cnemaspis jackieii). Zeeshan Mirza, coauthor of the study told media outlets that naming animals in such way may help in people developing connect with the species. He has reportedly identified 60 new faunal species to date, including Salazar’s pit viper (Trimeresurus salazar), named after Salazar Slytherin from Harry Potter universe.

Indian researchers name a quick-moving gecko after Jackie Chan

Dame Cindy Karo, New Zealand's first indigenous Maori woman to be named Governor-General, was formally sworn in into largely ceremonial role in parliament on Thursday. She pledged to reach out to migrants and marginalised citizens.

Dame Cindy said she was proud of her dual Maori and British heritage.

In New Zealand, a former British colony, The Governor-general carries out constitutional and ceremonial duties on behalf of the British monarch, who remains the country's official head of state.

"Communities develop resilience when people feel connected, have a sense of belonging, and have a place to stand," Dame Cindy said in a speech at the ceremony.

"I will connect to new migrants and former refugees, and celebrate the many diverse cultures and religions gifted to our nation by those who have chosen to make New Zealand their home," she said.

Maori account for 17 per cent of New Zealand's population. Many members of the community are still disadvantaged socially and economically.

Maori are over-represented in statistics for criminal justice and health problems, and the majority of children ending in state care are from the community. Thousands of Maori hit the streets in 2019 demanding social justice and land rights.

Dame Cindy has had a career in academics and held leadership roles at several New Zealand universities. She holds a PhD in Social Policy and an MBA (Exec) in Business Administration from the University of Auckland and Massey University, and was the first in her family to achieve a university qualification.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern welcomed Dame Cindy's appointment in a speech at the swearing-in ceremony.

"I know as the first Maori women to hold this role you are mindful that your opportunity here also provides inspiration that reaches far and wide for many from all walks of life," said Ardern.

The PM appointed the country's most diverse parliament after she secured a second term as Prime Minister last year, including a high number of women among legislators.

(With inputs from agencies)

Dame Cindy Karo, New Zealand's first indigenous Maori woman to be named Governor-General, was formally sworn in into largely ceremonial role in parliament on Thursday.

Dame Cindy Karo, New Zealand's first indigenous Maori woman to be named Governor-General, was formally sworn in into largely ceremonial role in parliament on Thursday. She pledged to reach out to migrants and marginalised citizens. Dame Cindy said she was proud of her dual Maori and British heritage. In New Zealand, a former British colony, The Governor-general carries out constitutional and ceremonial duties on behalf of the British monarch, who remains the country's official head of state. "Communities develop resilience when people feel connected, have a sense of belonging, and have a place to stand," Dame Cindy said in a speech at the ceremony. "I will connect to new migrants and former refugees, and celebrate the many diverse cultures and religions gifted to our nation by those who have chosen to make New Zealand their home," she said. Maori account for 17 per cent of New Zealand's population. Many members of the community are still disadvantaged socially and economically. Maori are over-represented in statistics for criminal justice and health problems, and the majority of children ending in state care are from the community. Thousands of Maori hit the streets in 2019 demanding social justice and land rights. Dame Cindy has had a career in academics and held leadership roles at several New Zealand universities. She holds a PhD in Social Policy and an MBA (Exec) in Business Administration from the University of Auckland and Massey University, and was the first in her family to achieve a university qualification. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern welcomed Dame Cindy's appointment in a speech at the swearing-in ceremony. "I know as the first Maori women to hold this role you are mindful that your opportunity here also provides inspiration that reaches far and wide for many from all walks of life," said Ardern. The PM appointed the country's most diverse parliament after she secured a second term as Prime Minister last year, including a high number of women among legislators. (With inputs from agencies)

First Maori woman to become New Zealand's Governor-general sworn in

A traffic chief of Iranian police's NAJA special forces units has hit headlines for reportedly saying that Iranian women who ride motorcycles will&nbsp;be 'definitively' dealt with. Kamal Hadianfar, the traffic chief told this to Iranian media on Tuesday (October 19).&nbsp;

The assertions didn't stop there, Hadianfar said further that only men's names could appear on motorcycle licenses and that no woman could legally drive one.

"This issue needs to be amended in law,” he was quoted as saying by the Iranian media.

Women riding motorbikes in Iran are often harassed and even arrested by police.&nbsp;

Iranian women have found no respite from Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei who in 2016 reportedly said, “Women's cycling in public and in the presence of male non-relations, often attracts the attention of men. It tends toward sedition and corruption in society, and runs contrary to women's chastity.”

He was responding to a question from Fars New Agency about ban on women riding bikes.

Iran, a prominent and influential country in West Asia is still battling age-old beliefs that deny its citizens, especially women basic freedoms that are afforded or even taken for granted in many other countries across the world. The issues have often hit headlines globally.

A traffic chief of Iranian police's NAJA special forces units has hit headlines for reportedly saying that Iranian women who ride motorcycles will be 'definitively' dealt with.

A traffic chief of Iranian police's NAJA special forces units has hit headlines for reportedly saying that Iranian women who ride motorcycles will be 'definitively' dealt with. Kamal Hadianfar, the traffic chief told this to Iranian media on Tuesday (October 19). The assertions didn't stop there, Hadianfar said further that only men's names could appear on motorcycle licenses and that no woman could legally drive one. "This issue needs to be amended in law,” he was quoted as saying by the Iranian media. Women riding motorbikes in Iran are often harassed and even arrested by police. Iranian women have found no respite from Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei who in 2016 reportedly said, “Women's cycling in public and in the presence of male non-relations, often attracts the attention of men. It tends toward sedition and corruption in society, and runs contrary to women's chastity.” He was responding to a question from Fars New Agency about ban on women riding bikes. Iran, a prominent and influential country in West Asia is still battling age-old beliefs that deny its citizens, especially women basic freedoms that are afforded or even taken for granted in many other countries across the world. The issues have often hit headlines globally.

Iran: Women bike riders will be 'definitively' dealt with, says traffic chief

For all those who use the words like 'Feminazi' or think that women's rights movements have outlived their 'social utility', a look at reflection of patriarchal mindset in aspects of our lives is essential. The social mindset influences life, art and even ways we remember people.

A study in United Kingdon is perhaps symbolic of a global need to still stand for gender equality. The study has found that London has more than double the number of monuments dedicated to animals than that of those dedicated to named women.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-school-adds-white-privilege-course-will-discuss-meghan-markle-james-bond-422079">London school adds 'white privilege' course, will discuss Meghan Markle, James Bond</a>

Findings in this study show that out of about 1500 monuments in the British capital, more than a fifth (20.5 per cent) are dedicated to named men and only 4 per cent are dedicated to women. Number of monuments featuring animals is 100 or in other words, double than that of named women.

Just 1 per cent of the total sculptures are dedicated to named people of colour.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-london-music-venue-koko-to-re-open-next-spring-after-96-million-revamp-422533">London music venue Koko to re-open next spring after $96 million revamp</a>

The study is part of a national research project by Art UK and is funded in part by City Hall. It is the first comprehensive audit of sculptures and monuments in London

London Mayor Sadiq Khan's office is announcing a 1 million Pound fund for diversity in British capital's public spaces. The fund will seek to ensure that London's landmarks like monuments better reflect the city's diversity.

For all those who use the words like 'Feminazi' or think that women's rights movements have outlived their 'social utility', a look at reflection of patriarchal mindset in aspects of our lives is essential.

For all those who use the words like 'Feminazi' or think that women's rights movements have outlived their 'social utility', a look at reflection of patriarchal mindset in aspects of our lives is essential. The social mindset influences life, art and even ways we remember people. A study in United Kingdon is perhaps symbolic of a global need to still stand for gender equality. The study has found that London has more than double the number of monuments dedicated to animals than that of those dedicated to named women. Also Read | London school adds 'white privilege' course, will discuss Meghan Markle, James Bond Findings in this study show that out of about 1500 monuments in the British capital, more than a fifth (20.5 per cent) are dedicated to named men and only 4 per cent are dedicated to women. Number of monuments featuring animals is 100 or in other words, double than that of named women. Just 1 per cent of the total sculptures are dedicated to named people of colour. Also Read | London music venue Koko to re-open next spring after $96 million revamp The study is part of a national research project by Art UK and is funded in part by City Hall. It is the first comprehensive audit of sculptures and monuments in London London Mayor Sadiq Khan's office is announcing a 1 million Pound fund for diversity in British capital's public spaces. The fund will seek to ensure that London's landmarks like monuments better reflect the city's diversity.

London has more monuments for animals than for named women: Study

An Australian think tank has said in its report that Chinese authorities in the country's Xinjiang region are using predictive policing to gather 'micro clues' about Uyghurs. This is aimed at empowering neighbourhood informants in order to ensure compliance at every level of society.

The research has been carrried out by Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). The think tank's report has explained China's extensive use of technology to keep track of Uyghurs' movements and even their emotions.

In addition to reliance on technology, China is also relying on grassroot committees to keep an eye on Uyghur Muslims. Experts say that these committees resemble Mao-era “revolutionary neighbourhood committees”. These committees meet regularly, often daily to assess whether any member of the community needs 're-education'

However, a major difference for these modern-era committees is the 'micro-clues' it is getting from technology-based solutions.

An Uyghur may get a house inspection in case of an unexpected visitor or an overseas phone call.

“Xinjiang’s community-based control mechanisms are part of a national push to enhance grassroots governance, which seeks to mobilise the masses to help stamp out dissent and instability and to increase the party’s domination in the lowest reaches of society,” says the report, excerpts of which have been mentioned by various news outlets.

The report mentioned the case of an 18-year-old in Urumqi who used a filesharing app that is used widely in China to share music, movies and other content. He was sentenced to three years in a re-education camp.

An Australian think tank has said in its report that Chinese authorities in the country's Xinjiang region are using predictive policing to gather 'micro clues' about Uyghurs.

An Australian think tank has said in its report that Chinese authorities in the country's Xinjiang region are using predictive policing to gather 'micro clues' about Uyghurs. This is aimed at empowering neighbourhood informants in order to ensure compliance at every level of society. The research has been carrried out by Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). The think tank's report has explained China's extensive use of technology to keep track of Uyghurs' movements and even their emotions. In addition to reliance on technology, China is also relying on grassroot committees to keep an eye on Uyghur Muslims. Experts say that these committees resemble Mao-era “revolutionary neighbourhood committees”. These committees meet regularly, often daily to assess whether any member of the community needs 're-education' However, a major difference for these modern-era committees is the 'micro-clues' it is getting from technology-based solutions. An Uyghur may get a house inspection in case of an unexpected visitor or an overseas phone call. “Xinjiang’s community-based control mechanisms are part of a national push to enhance grassroots governance, which seeks to mobilise the masses to help stamp out dissent and instability and to increase the party’s domination in the lowest reaches of society,” says the report, excerpts of which have been mentioned by various news outlets. The report mentioned the case of an 18-year-old in Urumqi who used a filesharing app that is used widely in China to share music, movies and other content. He was sentenced to three years in a re-education camp.

China using predictive policing on Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang: Report

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend United Nations climate summit in Glasgow, said Reuters quoting India's Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The climate summit is expected to boost efforts for steeper emissions cut tp tackle global warming.

Amid uncertainty over Chinese President Xi Jinping's presence in the summit, the attendance of PM Modi is seen as critical.&nbsp;

India is world's third-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases. China has more emissions than India.

Both nations, which have not yet come forward with stronger pledges to cut emissions, known as nationally determined contributions or NDCs, face pressure to do so at the conference.

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"The prime minister is going to Glasgow," Indian Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said in an interview, adding that the country was doing more than its bit in tackling climate change.

"India's NDCs are quite ambitious," Yadav told Reuters. "We are doing more than our fair share. Our NDCs are more progressive than major polluters."

The country is on track to increase green energy capacity to 450 GW by 2030, he said. It has installed more than 100 GW of renewable energy, which accounts for more than 25% of overall capacity.

Growing public pressure for action on climate change has spurred promises by countries and companies worldwide to contribute to the effort, which will be reviewed and amended at Glasgow.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-putin-wont-attend-cop26-climate-summit-at-glasgow-kremlin-422349">President Putin won't attend COP26 climate summit at Glasgow: Kremlin</a>

Energy-hungry India has not yet committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, considered a vital goal in limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Its cabinet, chaired by Modi, will decide the position to be taken at COP26, most probably within a week, a spokesperson of the environment ministry said.

Government sources have told Reuters that India was unlikely to bind itself to a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as tougher deadlines would hit demand growth projected to outstrip that of any other nation over the next two decades.

Last month, India's chief economic adviser K.V. Subramanian said rich nations needed to commit much more than $100 billion to help poor countries fight climate change, due to their high historical share of emissions.

"Even today, India's per capita greenhouse emission is one-third of the world average," Yadav, the minister, said.

About 120 countries have submitted revised NDCs, but there is a lack of consistency with no common timeframe for meeting pledges.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend United Nations climate summit in Glasgow, said Reuters quoting India's Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The climate summit is expected to boost efforts for steeper emissions cut tp tackle global warming.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend United Nations climate summit in Glasgow, said Reuters quoting India's Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The climate summit is expected to boost efforts for steeper emissions cut tp tackle global warming. Amid uncertainty over Chinese President Xi Jinping's presence in the summit, the attendance of PM Modi is seen as critical. India is world's third-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases. China has more emissions than India. Both nations, which have not yet come forward with stronger pledges to cut emissions, known as nationally determined contributions or NDCs, face pressure to do so at the conference. × "The prime minister is going to Glasgow," Indian Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said in an interview, adding that the country was doing more than its bit in tackling climate change. "India's NDCs are quite ambitious," Yadav told Reuters. "We are doing more than our fair share. Our NDCs are more progressive than major polluters." The country is on track to increase green energy capacity to 450 GW by 2030, he said. It has installed more than 100 GW of renewable energy, which accounts for more than 25% of overall capacity. Growing public pressure for action on climate change has spurred promises by countries and companies worldwide to contribute to the effort, which will be reviewed and amended at Glasgow. Also Read | President Putin won't attend COP26 climate summit at Glasgow: Kremlin Energy-hungry India has not yet committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, considered a vital goal in limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Its cabinet, chaired by Modi, will decide the position to be taken at COP26, most probably within a week, a spokesperson of the environment ministry said. Government sources have told Reuters that India was unlikely to bind itself to a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as tougher deadlines would hit demand growth projected to outstrip that of any other nation over the next two decades. Last month, India's chief economic adviser K.V. Subramanian said rich nations needed to commit much more than $100 billion to help poor countries fight climate change, due to their high historical share of emissions. "Even today, India's per capita greenhouse emission is one-third of the world average," Yadav, the minister, said. About 120 countries have submitted revised NDCs, but there is a lack of consistency with no common timeframe for meeting pledges. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi to attend COP26 climate summit in Glasgow: Report

The iconic Charging Bull on Wall Street may be unstoppable. He may represent the Alpha behaviour that characterises the financial district. But he seems to have encountered a formidable foe in the form of Harambe the gorilla.

A seven-foot statue of the gorilla has been installed in front of the Charging Bull. What's more, the bull is surrounded by 10,000 bananas. The prime symbol of capitalism has a gorilla stoically sitting in his way, and he appears in no mood to budge.

The statue has been installed by Sapien. Network. It is a social media platform that describes itself as “dedicated to putting the needs and welfare of human beings first.”

Founders of Sapien. Network, Robert Giometti, Tejay Aluru and Ankit Bhatia were quoted by NBC as saying that the gorilla statue represents millions who struggle in America's capitalist system. According to them, the capitalist system “enriches wealthy elites and leaves the average person behind." Giometti adds that though the artwork is at odds with the system, it does not necessarily oppose Capitalism.

Harambe was a gorilla in Cincinnati Zoo. He was shot dead in May, 2016 by authorities when a 3-year-old ventured into his enclosure. The gorilla was cradling the child and as per many onlookers, appeared to be protecting the child. Harambe's killing had hit global headlines and caused an uproar.

The iconic Charging Bull on Wall Street may be unstoppable. He may represent the Alpha behaviour that characterises the financial district. But he seems to have encountered a formidable foe in the form of Harambe the gorilla.

The iconic Charging Bull on Wall Street may be unstoppable. He may represent the Alpha behaviour that characterises the financial district. But he seems to have encountered a formidable foe in the form of Harambe the gorilla. A seven-foot statue of the gorilla has been installed in front of the Charging Bull. What's more, the bull is surrounded by 10,000 bananas. The prime symbol of capitalism has a gorilla stoically sitting in his way, and he appears in no mood to budge. The statue has been installed by Sapien. Network. It is a social media platform that describes itself as “dedicated to putting the needs and welfare of human beings first.” Founders of Sapien. Network, Robert Giometti, Tejay Aluru and Ankit Bhatia were quoted by NBC as saying that the gorilla statue represents millions who struggle in America's capitalist system. According to them, the capitalist system “enriches wealthy elites and leaves the average person behind." Giometti adds that though the artwork is at odds with the system, it does not necessarily oppose Capitalism. Harambe was a gorilla in Cincinnati Zoo. He was shot dead in May, 2016 by authorities when a 3-year-old ventured into his enclosure. The gorilla was cradling the child and as per many onlookers, appeared to be protecting the child. Harambe's killing had hit global headlines and caused an uproar.

Harambe the gorilla's statue stands in the way of Charging Bull on Wall Street

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