How can a star be smallest and at the same time most massive? Well read on.

Scientists have found a dead star that is roughly the size of our Moon but has a mass greater than the Sun. The dead star named ZTF J1901+1458 is just 4,280 kilometers (2,660 miles) across but has 1.35 times the mass of the Sun.

It's a white dwarf star, which means it is ultradense collapsed core of a star. The dead star is located 130 light years away from us,

The star is superdense and very close to Chandrasekhar Limit

This limit refers to maximum mass a white dwarf star can have before it becomes unstable and literally explodes in a form of supernova.

Chandrasekhar limit is 1.4 times solar mass. And with 1.35 times the solar mass, the white dwarf is quite near the boundary line.

The team of scientists that studied the white dwarf feels that it is a product of merger between two white dwarf stars. The resultant mass is just below the Chandrasekhar limit and hence it hasn't exploded in a spectacular supernova.

The white dwarf is 100 million years old. And it has a very strong magnetic for a white dwarf. Its magnetic field is a billion times stronger than that of the Sun.

The research team has published their observations in scientific journal Nature.

How can a star be smallest and at the same time most massive? Well read on. Scientists have found a dead star that is roughly the size of our Moon but has a mass greater than the Sun.

How can a star be smallest and at the same time most massive? Well read on. Scientists have found a dead star that is roughly the size of our Moon but has a mass greater than the Sun. The dead star named ZTF J1901+1458 is just 4,280 kilometers (2,660 miles) across but has 1.35 times the mass of the Sun. It's a white dwarf star, which means it is ultradense collapsed core of a star. The dead star is located 130 light years away from us, The star is superdense and very close to Chandrasekhar Limit This limit refers to maximum mass a white dwarf star can have before it becomes unstable and literally explodes in a form of supernova. Chandrasekhar limit is 1.4 times solar mass. And with 1.35 times the solar mass, the white dwarf is quite near the boundary line. The team of scientists that studied the white dwarf feels that it is a product of merger between two white dwarf stars. The resultant mass is just below the Chandrasekhar limit and hence it hasn't exploded in a spectacular supernova. The white dwarf is 100 million years old. And it has a very strong magnetic for a white dwarf. Its magnetic field is a billion times stronger than that of the Sun. The research team has published their observations in scientific journal Nature.

Scientists find smallest but most massive dead star

Thousands of women protested Turkey's decision of formally withdrawing from the international treaty against domestic violence.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's move has drawn condemnation from Turks and Western allies. Erdogan however is stressing that this is not a step backwards.

"Some circles are trying to portray our withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention as a step backwards in our battle with violence against women," he said during a speech in Ankara to present an alternative action plan.

"Our battle did not start with the Istanbul Convention and it will not end with our withdrawal from the treaty," he said.

The Istanbul Convention, signed in 2011, committed its signatories to prevent and prosecute domestic violence and promote equality. Erdogan announced the withdrawal in March in favour of local laws to protect women's rights.

Thousands were set on Thursday to protest the decision across Turkey, where femicide has surged. A court appeal to halt the withdrawal was rejected this week.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of women protested Turkey's decision of formally withdrawing from the international treaty against domestic violence. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's move has drawn condemnation from Turks and Western allies.

Thousands of women protested Turkey's decision of formally withdrawing from the international treaty against domestic violence. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's move has drawn condemnation from Turks and Western allies. Erdogan however is stressing that this is not a step backwards. "Some circles are trying to portray our withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention as a step backwards in our battle with violence against women," he said during a speech in Ankara to present an alternative action plan. "Our battle did not start with the Istanbul Convention and it will not end with our withdrawal from the treaty," he said. The Istanbul Convention, signed in 2011, committed its signatories to prevent and prosecute domestic violence and promote equality. Erdogan announced the withdrawal in March in favour of local laws to protect women's rights. Thousands were set on Thursday to protest the decision across Turkey, where femicide has surged. A court appeal to halt the withdrawal was rejected this week. (With inputs from agencies)

Protests in Turkey as it withdraws from treaty against domestic violence

Cats are famous for acting like the master race of pets. A dog will shower you with affection, be ready to play and generally be a sunshine presence in your house.

Not cats!

They move past you without a single look, can be finicky about literally anything and will demand food like it's your duty to treat them royally.

Well now it has come to light that the coronavirus pandemic may have made cats more affectionate. If you have a cat and all you can think right now is 'No way', you may be forgiven. But a survey carried out by researchers from universities of York and Lincoln in the UK have found that cats may finally have decided to treat humans just a bit better than mere mortals.

The researchers surveyed 5323 people with a companion animal. These people had pets ranging from horses, reptiles, birds, fish and ofcourse cats and dogs.

Over 65 per cent of the respondents noticed change in their pets' behaviour in the first half of 2020. 
Many of them who owned cats and dogs said that their pets tended to follow them more during the lockdowns.

Imagine a cat affectionately following its owner!

Many of the respondents said that behaviour of dogs showed a negative trait. Dogs of such respondents became needier even clingy while the pet owners spent more time indoors during lockdowns. These dogs howled when the owners stepped out for just a couple minutes. As per the respondents, such a behaviour was not shown by them before the pandemic.

But the most amusing thing to come out of this survey is change in behaviour of cats.

There is hope still, it seems

Cats are famous for acting like the master race of pets. A dog will shower you with affection, be ready to play and generally be a sunshine presence in your house.

Cats are famous for acting like the master race of pets. A dog will shower you with affection, be ready to play and generally be a sunshine presence in your house. Not cats! They move past you without a single look, can be finicky about literally anything and will demand food like it's your duty to treat them royally. Well now it has come to light that the coronavirus pandemic may have made cats more affectionate. If you have a cat and all you can think right now is 'No way', you may be forgiven. But a survey carried out by researchers from universities of York and Lincoln in the UK have found that cats may finally have decided to treat humans just a bit better than mere mortals. The researchers surveyed 5323 people with a companion animal. These people had pets ranging from horses, reptiles, birds, fish and ofcourse cats and dogs. Over 65 per cent of the respondents noticed change in their pets' behaviour in the first half of 2020. Many of them who owned cats and dogs said that their pets tended to follow them more during the lockdowns. Imagine a cat affectionately following its owner! Many of the respondents said that behaviour of dogs showed a negative trait. Dogs of such respondents became needier even clingy while the pet owners spent more time indoors during lockdowns. These dogs howled when the owners stepped out for just a couple minutes. As per the respondents, such a behaviour was not shown by them before the pandemic. But the most amusing thing to come out of this survey is change in behaviour of cats. There is hope still, it seems

Cats may have become more affectionate during pandemic: Survey

Sweden's ousted Prime Minister Stefan Lofven is being asked to acquire support for a government. Swedish parliament speaker Andreas Norlen said on Thursday that he asked Lofven to rally support for a government.

The move came after the leader of Sweden's largest right-wing opposition party, Ulf Kristersson, announced earlier that he was giving up on trying to secure a majority of his own.

"The parliamentary conditions to form a new right-wing government are simply not there," Moderate Party leader Kristersson told a press conference Thursday morning.

As the leader of the largest party, Kristersson was tapped by Norlen on Tuesday.

After Kristersson conceded, Norlen said he had telephoned Lofven "and given him the mission to probe the conditions to form a government that can be tolerated by parliament".

That means Lofven could potentially see a quick return to power after announcing his resignation on Monday.&nbsp; 
"My message remains that the Social Democrats and I are ready to shoulder the responsibility of leading the country forward together with other constructive forces," Lofven said in a social media post.

Unholy alliance

An "unholy alliance" of parties, from the Left Party to the far-right Sweden Democrats, teamed up to oust Lofven on June 21.

The confidence motion was filed by the Sweden Democrats after the Left Party, which had previously propped up Lofven's government, said it was planning such a motion itself in a row over housing policy.

The Left Party had been unhappy with a plan to ease rent controls for newly-built homes, a policy which proponents argue is a step towards reforming Sweden's dysfunctional housing market.

Lofven had agreed to the policy to secure the support of two other centre-left parties for his government, as part of a drawn-out struggle to find a workable coalition following inconclusive elections in 2018.

But the Left Party and other critics see any easing of the rent controls as fundamentally at odds with the Swedish social model, and a threat to tenants' rights.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Sweden's ousted Prime Minister Stefan Lofven is being asked to acquire support for a government. Swedish parliament speaker Andreas Norlen said on Thursday that he asked Lofven to rally support for a government.

Sweden's ousted Prime Minister Stefan Lofven is being asked to acquire support for a government. Swedish parliament speaker Andreas Norlen said on Thursday that he asked Lofven to rally support for a government. The move came after the leader of Sweden's largest right-wing opposition party, Ulf Kristersson, announced earlier that he was giving up on trying to secure a majority of his own. "The parliamentary conditions to form a new right-wing government are simply not there," Moderate Party leader Kristersson told a press conference Thursday morning. As the leader of the largest party, Kristersson was tapped by Norlen on Tuesday. After Kristersson conceded, Norlen said he had telephoned Lofven "and given him the mission to probe the conditions to form a government that can be tolerated by parliament". That means Lofven could potentially see a quick return to power after announcing his resignation on Monday. "My message remains that the Social Democrats and I are ready to shoulder the responsibility of leading the country forward together with other constructive forces," Lofven said in a social media post. Unholy alliance An "unholy alliance" of parties, from the Left Party to the far-right Sweden Democrats, teamed up to oust Lofven on June 21. The confidence motion was filed by the Sweden Democrats after the Left Party, which had previously propped up Lofven's government, said it was planning such a motion itself in a row over housing policy. The Left Party had been unhappy with a plan to ease rent controls for newly-built homes, a policy which proponents argue is a step towards reforming Sweden's dysfunctional housing market. Lofven had agreed to the policy to secure the support of two other centre-left parties for his government, as part of a drawn-out struggle to find a workable coalition following inconclusive elections in 2018. But the Left Party and other critics see any easing of the rent controls as fundamentally at odds with the Swedish social model, and a threat to tenants' rights. (With inputs from agencies)

Sweden's ousted PM gets feelers to form government again

UK on Thursday opened post-study work visa for international students. The graduate route visa was announced by UK Home Secretary Priti Patel. The applications are open from this week. Thousands of international students including Indians stand to benefit from the visa.

Under the graduate route visa, students can apply to stay in the UK to look for work for at least two years. In order to avail benefits of this visa the student must have obtained a degree from a recognised UK university.

"Under the UK Government's points-based immigration system, talented students from India and across the globe now have the opportunity to kick start their careers in the UK at the highest levels of business, science, technology and the arts," Home Secretary Priti Patel said in a statement.

"Once they've received their world-leading qualification from one of our fantastic education institutions, this new visa will give them the freedom to fulfil their aspirations and advance their careers," she added.

This is also an important step in UK-India 2030 roadmap. It was launched by Indian PM Narendra Modi and UK PM Boris Johnson in 2021.

UK on Thursday opened post-study work visa for international students. The graduate route visa was announced by UK Home Secretary Priti Patel. The applications are open from this week.

UK on Thursday opened post-study work visa for international students. The graduate route visa was announced by UK Home Secretary Priti Patel. The applications are open from this week. Thousands of international students including Indians stand to benefit from the visa. Under the graduate route visa, students can apply to stay in the UK to look for work for at least two years. In order to avail benefits of this visa the student must have obtained a degree from a recognised UK university. "Under the UK Government's points-based immigration system, talented students from India and across the globe now have the opportunity to kick start their careers in the UK at the highest levels of business, science, technology and the arts," Home Secretary Priti Patel said in a statement. "Once they've received their world-leading qualification from one of our fantastic education institutions, this new visa will give them the freedom to fulfil their aspirations and advance their careers," she added. This is also an important step in UK-India 2030 roadmap. It was launched by Indian PM Narendra Modi and UK PM Boris Johnson in 2021.

UK opens graduate route visa for Indian, other international students

A famous Hong Kong protester&nbsp;nicknamed "Grandma Wong" was arrested again by the police after she waved a Union Jack in Hong Kong on July 1, the 24th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China.

Alexandra Wong, nicknamed 'Grandma Wong', was detained in August 19, 2019 and kept in custody for 14 months in China. She became a familiar face during anti-government protests that rocked Hong Kong in 2019.

July 1st not only marked the 24th anniversary of the territory's handover to China, but it also a year since Hong Kong imposed a wide-ranging national security law that has seen Beijing drastically tightening its grip on the once-freewheeling financial hub.

Permission to hold traditional July 1 protests marking the handover were cancelled by police citing coronavirus restrictions.

(With inputs from agencies)

A famous Hong Kong protester nicknamed "Grandma Wong" was arrested again by the police after she waved a Union Jack in Hong Kong on July 1, the 24th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China.

A famous Hong Kong protester nicknamed "Grandma Wong" was arrested again by the police after she waved a Union Jack in Hong Kong on July 1, the 24th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China. Alexandra Wong, nicknamed 'Grandma Wong', was detained in August 19, 2019 and kept in custody for 14 months in China. She became a familiar face during anti-government protests that rocked Hong Kong in 2019. July 1st not only marked the 24th anniversary of the territory's handover to China, but it also a year since Hong Kong imposed a wide-ranging national security law that has seen Beijing drastically tightening its grip on the once-freewheeling financial hub. Permission to hold traditional July 1 protests marking the handover were cancelled by police citing coronavirus restrictions. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong protester 'Grandma Wong' arrested by police again

At the age of 112 years, a Puerto Rican man has become&nbsp;the world’s oldest living person. As per a Guinness World Records, Emilio Flores Marquez is 112 years and 326 days old to be exact.

Born in 1908 in a town called Carolina, east of the Puerto Rican capital of San Juan, Marquez was recently recognised and awarded the title by Guinness.

When asked about the secret behind his long life, Emilio or “Don Milo” as he is known to his friends, said it's as simple as living a compassionate life.

He said his father raised him with love, teaching him to love everyone else. Marquez added that his dad always taught him and his siblings to do good for others and that he believes “Christ lives in me."

Don Milo, who worked on his family’s sugarcane farm, only had about three years of formal schooling and is the second oldest of 11 siblings, the first-born son.

He has taken the title from Dumitru Comanescu, a Romanian man who died on 27 June 2021, aged 111 years and 219 days. He received recognition from Guinness a few weeks before his death. After his passing, Guinness received evidence that Emilio Flores Marquez was actually older than Comanescu by three months.

Talking about the record applications for the world’s oldest man, Craig Glenday, Editor in chief at Guinness World Records, said it is always an honour to celebrate remarkable human beings like these.

This year, Glenday said,&nbsp;they had the good fortune to process not just one but two applications for the title of world’s oldest man.

(With inputs from agencies)

At the age of 112 years, a Puerto Rican man has become the world’s oldest living person. As per a Guinness World Records, Emilio Flores Marquez is 112 years and 326 days old to be exact.

At the age of 112 years, a Puerto Rican man has become the world’s oldest living person. As per a Guinness World Records, Emilio Flores Marquez is 112 years and 326 days old to be exact. Born in 1908 in a town called Carolina, east of the Puerto Rican capital of San Juan, Marquez was recently recognised and awarded the title by Guinness. When asked about the secret behind his long life, Emilio or “Don Milo” as he is known to his friends, said it's as simple as living a compassionate life. He said his father raised him with love, teaching him to love everyone else. Marquez added that his dad always taught him and his siblings to do good for others and that he believes “Christ lives in me." Don Milo, who worked on his family’s sugarcane farm, only had about three years of formal schooling and is the second oldest of 11 siblings, the first-born son. He has taken the title from Dumitru Comanescu, a Romanian man who died on 27 June 2021, aged 111 years and 219 days. He received recognition from Guinness a few weeks before his death. After his passing, Guinness received evidence that Emilio Flores Marquez was actually older than Comanescu by three months. Talking about the record applications for the world’s oldest man, Craig Glenday, Editor in chief at Guinness World Records, said it is always an honour to celebrate remarkable human beings like these. This year, Glenday said, they had the good fortune to process not just one but two applications for the title of world’s oldest man. (With inputs from agencies)

At 112 years, Puerto Rico's Emilio Flores Marquez wins the title of 'World's oldest man'

Protests rocked Lebanon on Monday over deepening economic downturn that had led to a fuel crisis and power shortage. The protests came ahead of fuel price hike. The energy ministry has said that fuel rise may be declared on Tuesday morning. Protesters blocked roads all across Lebanon on Monday.

In addition to fuel price hike protesters were unhappy about power outages

AFP correspondents said protesters blocked major roads and burned tyres and garbage bins in Beirut, while the official National News Agency said roadways north and southeast of the capital were also blocked.

Protesters in the south Lebanon city of Nabatiyeh parked vehicles across a main artery to stop traffic, the NNA said.

The demonstrations took place after weekend scuffles between security forces and protesters that left nearly 20 people wounded in the northern city of Tripoli following a plunge in the value of the Lebanese pound.

Officially pegged to the dollar at 1,507 since 1997, the local currency now sells for a record low of more than 17,000 to the greenback on the black market.

On Monday, the central bank said it would provide fuel importers with dollars at a rate of 3,900 pounds to the greenback instead of the official rate, in compliance with a government decision issued last week.

The move effectively reduces subsidies on fuel as the central bank tries to shore up fast-diminishing foreign currency reserves.

The energy ministry said it would issue revised fuel prices on Tuesday based on the new exchange rate.

It said fuel tankers docked in Lebanese waters had started offloading fuel shipments that would boost supply in the coming days.&nbsp;

Lebanese have flocked to the gas pumps ahead of the price hikes, causing major congestion and massive queues.

(With inputs from agencies)

Protests rocked Lebanon on Monday over deepening economic downturn that had led to a fuel crisis and power shortage. The protests came ahead of fuel price hike. The energy ministry has said that fuel rise may be declared on Tuesday morning.

Protests rocked Lebanon on Monday over deepening economic downturn that had led to a fuel crisis and power shortage. The protests came ahead of fuel price hike. The energy ministry has said that fuel rise may be declared on Tuesday morning. Protesters blocked roads all across Lebanon on Monday. In addition to fuel price hike protesters were unhappy about power outages AFP correspondents said protesters blocked major roads and burned tyres and garbage bins in Beirut, while the official National News Agency said roadways north and southeast of the capital were also blocked. Protesters in the south Lebanon city of Nabatiyeh parked vehicles across a main artery to stop traffic, the NNA said. The demonstrations took place after weekend scuffles between security forces and protesters that left nearly 20 people wounded in the northern city of Tripoli following a plunge in the value of the Lebanese pound. Officially pegged to the dollar at 1,507 since 1997, the local currency now sells for a record low of more than 17,000 to the greenback on the black market. On Monday, the central bank said it would provide fuel importers with dollars at a rate of 3,900 pounds to the greenback instead of the official rate, in compliance with a government decision issued last week. The move effectively reduces subsidies on fuel as the central bank tries to shore up fast-diminishing foreign currency reserves. The energy ministry said it would issue revised fuel prices on Tuesday based on the new exchange rate. It said fuel tankers docked in Lebanese waters had started offloading fuel shipments that would boost supply in the coming days. Lebanese have flocked to the gas pumps ahead of the price hikes, causing major congestion and massive queues. (With inputs from agencies)

Protests rock Lebanon ahead of fuel price hike

Pope Francis on Monday held talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The discussion came in the wake of a decision by American Catholic bishops that could lead them to deny communion to President Joe Biden.

It was not clear if the topic came up during the talks.

Blinken held 40 minutes of private talks with the Pope at the Vatican. Earlier Blinken also had a separate meeting with Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican`s foreign minister.

The visit follows a conference at which US Roman Catholic bishops voted to draft a statement on Communion that may admonish Catholic politicians, including Biden, who support a woman`s right to abortion despite opposing the practice personally.

The bishops decided to move forward with the document, mostly disregarding a Vatican warning that it would be highly divisive.

The topic did not appear in statements by State Department spokesperson Ned Price and the Vatican and, when asked specifically at a news conference afterwards, Blinken would not be drawn.

He said the meeting with the pope was "extremely warm and very wide ranging" but he did not answer directly, saying that domestic politics was not part of his job.

Price said that Blinken in his talks with Parolin and Gallagher discussed various topics including human rights and religious freedom in China.

Price said Blinken also discussed China with the pope, as well as refugees, climate change, Lebanon, Syria and Ethiopia.

Since the Vatican and Beijing signed an agreement in 2018 on the naming of bishops in China, critics of the deal have appealed to the Vatican to speak out more about religious freedom in Hong Kong and mainland China.

NATO took a tough line on China at Biden`s debut summit earlier this month.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said that the atmosphere was cordial and that it gave the pope a chance "to express his affection for and attention to, the people of the United States of America".

The Vatican and the Biden administration agree on the dangers of climate change, which was a main point of contention with the White House while Donald Trump was president.

Trump was dismissive of the problem as he dismantled climate policies and regulations on fossil fuels.

The pope criticised Trump`s withdrawal of the United States from the 2015 Paris accord to limit global warming. The Vatican welcomed Biden`s return to the accord.

Blinken gave the pope a gold and silver sculpture of a dove holding an olive branch and pope gave him copies of several of his writings, including the landmark 2015 encyclical "Laudado Si" on the protection of the environment.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis on Monday held talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The discussion came in the wake of a decision by American Catholic bishops that could lead them to deny communion to President Joe Biden.

Pope Francis on Monday held talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The discussion came in the wake of a decision by American Catholic bishops that could lead them to deny communion to President Joe Biden. It was not clear if the topic came up during the talks. Blinken held 40 minutes of private talks with the Pope at the Vatican. Earlier Blinken also had a separate meeting with Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican`s foreign minister. The visit follows a conference at which US Roman Catholic bishops voted to draft a statement on Communion that may admonish Catholic politicians, including Biden, who support a woman`s right to abortion despite opposing the practice personally. The bishops decided to move forward with the document, mostly disregarding a Vatican warning that it would be highly divisive. The topic did not appear in statements by State Department spokesperson Ned Price and the Vatican and, when asked specifically at a news conference afterwards, Blinken would not be drawn. He said the meeting with the pope was "extremely warm and very wide ranging" but he did not answer directly, saying that domestic politics was not part of his job. Price said that Blinken in his talks with Parolin and Gallagher discussed various topics including human rights and religious freedom in China. Price said Blinken also discussed China with the pope, as well as refugees, climate change, Lebanon, Syria and Ethiopia. Since the Vatican and Beijing signed an agreement in 2018 on the naming of bishops in China, critics of the deal have appealed to the Vatican to speak out more about religious freedom in Hong Kong and mainland China. NATO took a tough line on China at Biden`s debut summit earlier this month. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said that the atmosphere was cordial and that it gave the pope a chance "to express his affection for and attention to, the people of the United States of America". The Vatican and the Biden administration agree on the dangers of climate change, which was a main point of contention with the White House while Donald Trump was president. Trump was dismissive of the problem as he dismantled climate policies and regulations on fossil fuels. The pope criticised Trump`s withdrawal of the United States from the 2015 Paris accord to limit global warming. The Vatican welcomed Biden`s return to the accord. Blinken gave the pope a gold and silver sculpture of a dove holding an olive branch and pope gave him copies of several of his writings, including the landmark 2015 encyclical "Laudado Si" on the protection of the environment. (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken meets Pope, speculations on discussion over US bishops' vote

Ethiopia government on Monday declared "unilateral ceasefire" in war-torn Tigray region, reported state media. Rebel fighters have entered regional capital Mekele that sparked celebrations on the streets. The dramatic development has signalled a reversal in 8-month-old fighting between Ethiopia's federal forces and the rebels.

"An unconditional, unilateral ceasefire has been declared starting from today, June 28," read a statement published Monday night by state media.

There was no immediate reaction from the TDF to the federal government's ceasefire declaration. 
The war in Tigray began last November, when Abiy sent troops in to oust the dissident regional leadership.

He said the move came in response to attacks by the regional ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), on federal army camps.

Abiy promised a swift victory, and federal troops took control of Mekele in late November.

But intense fighting has persisted throughout the region amid mounting reports of massacres and widespread sexual violence.

The TDF launched a major offensive last week coinciding with Ethiopia's highly anticipated national elections.&nbsp; 
An interim government official told AFP Monday that the TDF fighters had entered Mekele.

"TDF has taken control of the city," the official said. "They have entered. The city is celebrating. Everybody is outside dancing."

The official said Tigray's Abiy-appointed interim government had earlier opted to leave their posts in Mekele as TDF fighters closed in "on every side".&nbsp;

"Everybody has left. The last ones left in the afternoon... The region doesn't have a government," said the official, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity for safety reasons.&nbsp;

A humanitarian official confirmed the interim government's departure.&nbsp;

Abiy's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday evening.&nbsp;

State-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate earlier reported that the head of Tigray's interim administration had asked the federal government to declare a ceasefire.&nbsp;

Ethiopia government on Monday declared "unilateral ceasefire" in war-torn Tigray region, reported state media. Rebel fighters have entered regional capital Mekele that sparked celebrations on the streets.

Ethiopia government on Monday declared "unilateral ceasefire" in war-torn Tigray region, reported state media. Rebel fighters have entered regional capital Mekele that sparked celebrations on the streets. The dramatic development has signalled a reversal in 8-month-old fighting between Ethiopia's federal forces and the rebels. "An unconditional, unilateral ceasefire has been declared starting from today, June 28," read a statement published Monday night by state media. There was no immediate reaction from the TDF to the federal government's ceasefire declaration. The war in Tigray began last November, when Abiy sent troops in to oust the dissident regional leadership. He said the move came in response to attacks by the regional ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), on federal army camps. Abiy promised a swift victory, and federal troops took control of Mekele in late November. But intense fighting has persisted throughout the region amid mounting reports of massacres and widespread sexual violence. The TDF launched a major offensive last week coinciding with Ethiopia's highly anticipated national elections. An interim government official told AFP Monday that the TDF fighters had entered Mekele. "TDF has taken control of the city," the official said. "They have entered. The city is celebrating. Everybody is outside dancing." The official said Tigray's Abiy-appointed interim government had earlier opted to leave their posts in Mekele as TDF fighters closed in "on every side". "Everybody has left. The last ones left in the afternoon... The region doesn't have a government," said the official, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity for safety reasons. A humanitarian official confirmed the interim government's departure. Abiy's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday evening. State-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate earlier reported that the head of Tigray's interim administration had asked the federal government to declare a ceasefire.

Rebels enter Tigray capital, Ethiopia declares 'unilateral ceasefire'

Defending champion Novak Djokovic overcame an early fright to fend off British teenager Jack Draper 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 and launch his quest for a sixth title as Wimbledon returned after a two-year absence on Monday.

The first match on Centre Court since Djokovic's nailbiting victory over Roger Federer in the 2019 final -- 716 days ago -- was a classic David versus Goliath clash.

And while there was to be no dream Grand Slam debut for 19-year-old Draper, the match proved the perfect way to bring Centre Court back to life after it's enforced silence.

Djokovic has never lost a Grand Slam match to a player ranked as low as world number 253 Draper, but looked a little stunned as he struggled to find his footing on the greasy turf and contain the fearless hitting of the Briton.

Grand Slam main draw debutant Draper broke serve in the third game and made a mockery of his inexperience to win the opening set to huge roars from the crowd.

Twice Djokovic found himself on his backside in the first set and with the roof closed because of the rain that delayed play on the outside courts, the stage looked perfect for a Wimbledon shock of monumental proportions.

But Djokovic is not a 19-times Grand Slam champion for nothing and the Serb quickly snuffed out the danger, levelling the match by dominating a 26-minute second set.

When Draper completely missed an overhead to drop serve in the second set, Djokovic roared in relief.

From that point on it was straightforward enough for Djokovic who looked immaculate as he completed his victory.

"It feels great seeing everyone and being back on the most sacred tennis court in the world," Djokovic, who is bidding to win a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title, said on court.

"It was very sad last year that Wimbledon was cancelled but really glad the sport is back."

Defending champion Novak Djokovic overcame an early fright to fend off British teenager Jack Draper 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 and launch his quest for a sixth title as Wimbledon returned after a two-year absence on Monday.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic overcame an early fright to fend off British teenager Jack Draper 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 and launch his quest for a sixth title as Wimbledon returned after a two-year absence on Monday. The first match on Centre Court since Djokovic's nailbiting victory over Roger Federer in the 2019 final -- 716 days ago -- was a classic David versus Goliath clash. And while there was to be no dream Grand Slam debut for 19-year-old Draper, the match proved the perfect way to bring Centre Court back to life after it's enforced silence. Djokovic has never lost a Grand Slam match to a player ranked as low as world number 253 Draper, but looked a little stunned as he struggled to find his footing on the greasy turf and contain the fearless hitting of the Briton. Grand Slam main draw debutant Draper broke serve in the third game and made a mockery of his inexperience to win the opening set to huge roars from the crowd. Twice Djokovic found himself on his backside in the first set and with the roof closed because of the rain that delayed play on the outside courts, the stage looked perfect for a Wimbledon shock of monumental proportions. But Djokovic is not a 19-times Grand Slam champion for nothing and the Serb quickly snuffed out the danger, levelling the match by dominating a 26-minute second set. When Draper completely missed an overhead to drop serve in the second set, Djokovic roared in relief. From that point on it was straightforward enough for Djokovic who looked immaculate as he completed his victory. "It feels great seeing everyone and being back on the most sacred tennis court in the world," Djokovic, who is bidding to win a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title, said on court. "It was very sad last year that Wimbledon was cancelled but really glad the sport is back."

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Fire at industrial units in south London sent thick smoke across the British capital on Monday. Two people were treated for smoke inhalation.

At the height of the fire, about 100 firefighters tackled the flames in three commercial units under railway arches at Elephant and Castle, near the River Thames.

London Fire Brigade said that six cars and a telephone box also caught fire.

London mayor Sadiq Khan said that the fire was brought under control. A police officer and a member of the public were treated for smoke inhalation.

"I want to thank our brave emergency services... who acted quickly to ensure both residents and passengers at the nearby station were safely evacuated," Khan said.

London Fire Brigade said that it had sent 15 fire engines to tackle the fire. It said that it received dozens of emergency calls

"The cause of the fire is not known at this time," it added. But the Metropolitan Police said it was not believed to be terror related.

(With inputs from agencies)

Fire at industrial units in south London sent thick smoke across the British capital on Monday. Two people were treated for smoke inhalation. At the height of the fire, about 100 firefighters tackled the flames in three commercial units under railway arches at Elephant and Castle, near the River Thames.

Fire at industrial units in south London sent thick smoke across the British capital on Monday. Two people were treated for smoke inhalation. At the height of the fire, about 100 firefighters tackled the flames in three commercial units under railway arches at Elephant and Castle, near the River Thames. London Fire Brigade said that six cars and a telephone box also caught fire. London mayor Sadiq Khan said that the fire was brought under control. A police officer and a member of the public were treated for smoke inhalation. "I want to thank our brave emergency services... who acted quickly to ensure both residents and passengers at the nearby station were safely evacuated," Khan said. London Fire Brigade said that it had sent 15 fire engines to tackle the fire. It said that it received dozens of emergency calls "The cause of the fire is not known at this time," it added. But the Metropolitan Police said it was not believed to be terror related. (With inputs from agencies)

Fire in south London sends plumes of smoke across capital

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Manas Joshi

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