World Health Organisation (WHO) officially announced the end of Guinea's second Ebola outbreak. The outbreak was declared on February 14.

"I have the honour of declaring the end of Ebola" in Guinea, WHO official Alfred Ki-Zerbo said at a ceremony in the southeastern Nzerekore region where the disease surfaced at the end of January.

"In the name of the head of state (President Alpha Conde) I wish to declare the end of resurgence of Ebola in Guinea," Health Minister Remy Lamah added:&nbsp;

Latest outbreak saw seven probable infections and 16 confirmed cases, said WHO. It added that 12 of these cases were fatal.

It was second outbreak in Guinea, a poor country of 13 million people since the Ebola epidemic of 2013-2016. The epidemic left 11,300 dead in Guinea Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Ebola causes severe fever and, in the worst cases, unstoppable bleeding.&nbsp;

It is transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids, and people who live with or care for patients are most at risk.&nbsp;

Guinea reacted quickly to this year's outbreak, however, building on its previous experience of fighting the disease.&nbsp;

Among other measures, the country launched an Ebola vaccination campaign this year with the help of the WHO.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation (WHO) officially announced the end of Guinea's second Ebola outbreak. The outbreak was declared on February 14. "I have the honour of declaring the end of Ebola" in Guinea, WHO official Alfred Ki-Zerbo said at a ceremony in the southeastern Nzerekore region where the disease surfaced at the end of January.

World Health Organisation (WHO) officially announced the end of Guinea's second Ebola outbreak. The outbreak was declared on February 14. "I have the honour of declaring the end of Ebola" in Guinea, WHO official Alfred Ki-Zerbo said at a ceremony in the southeastern Nzerekore region where the disease surfaced at the end of January. "In the name of the head of state (President Alpha Conde) I wish to declare the end of resurgence of Ebola in Guinea," Health Minister Remy Lamah added: Latest outbreak saw seven probable infections and 16 confirmed cases, said WHO. It added that 12 of these cases were fatal. It was second outbreak in Guinea, a poor country of 13 million people since the Ebola epidemic of 2013-2016. The epidemic left 11,300 dead in Guinea Liberia and Sierra Leone. Ebola causes severe fever and, in the worst cases, unstoppable bleeding. It is transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids, and people who live with or care for patients are most at risk. Guinea reacted quickly to this year's outbreak, however, building on its previous experience of fighting the disease. Among other measures, the country launched an Ebola vaccination campaign this year with the help of the WHO. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO officially declares end to second Ebola outbreak in Guinea

Ebrahim Raisi (60), an ultraconservative cleric was declared winner of Saturday's presidential election in Iran. He will be the next president of the country. His victory was widely anticipated after many political heavyweights were barred from running.

Raisi won 62 percent of the vote with about 90 percent of ballots counted from Friday's election, poll officials said, without releasing turnout figures, after the three other candidates had conceded defeat.

"I congratulate the people on their choice," said outgoing moderate President Hassan Rouhani, who has served the maximum of two consecutive four-year terms and leaves office in August.

Raisi is set to take over as Iran's president at a critical time. Iran is currently seeking to salvage its tattered nuclear deal with major powers in the world and also seeking to free itself from crippling US sanctions that have caused economic downturn in the country. Iran had struck a nuclear deal with US and other world powers but US under Donald Trump withdrew from the deal, creating uncertainty about future of the deal. After Joe Biden became US president, talks to rescue the deal started.

The head of the Iranian judiciary, whose black turban signifies direct descent from Islam's Prophet Mohammed, Raisi is seen as close to the 81-year-old supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has ultimate political power in Iran.

Friday's voting was extended by two hours past the original midnight deadline amid fears of a low turnout of 50 percent or less.&nbsp;

Many voters chose to stay away after the field of some 600 hopefuls including 40 women had been winnowed down to seven candidates, all men, excluding an ex-president and a former parliament speaker.

Three of the vetted candidates dropped out of the race two days before Friday's vote.

Populist former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, one of those barred from running by the Guardian Council of clerics and jurists, said he would not vote, declaring in a video message: "I do not want to have a part in this sin."

Raisi's victory was confirmed Saturday when he received the congratulations of the incumbent and the three other candidates -- ultraconservatives Mohsen Rezai and Amirhossein Qazizadeh Hashemi, and reformist Abdolnasser Hemmati.

Khamenei hailed the election saying that "the great winner ... is the Iranian nation because it has risen up once again in the face of the propaganda of the enemy's mercenary media".

(With inputs from agencies)

Ebrahim Raisi (60), an ultraconservative cleric was declared winner of Saturday's presidential election in Iran. He will be the next president of the country. His victory was widely anticipated after many political heavyweights were barred from running.

Ebrahim Raisi (60), an ultraconservative cleric was declared winner of Saturday's presidential election in Iran. He will be the next president of the country. His victory was widely anticipated after many political heavyweights were barred from running. Raisi won 62 percent of the vote with about 90 percent of ballots counted from Friday's election, poll officials said, without releasing turnout figures, after the three other candidates had conceded defeat. "I congratulate the people on their choice," said outgoing moderate President Hassan Rouhani, who has served the maximum of two consecutive four-year terms and leaves office in August. Raisi is set to take over as Iran's president at a critical time. Iran is currently seeking to salvage its tattered nuclear deal with major powers in the world and also seeking to free itself from crippling US sanctions that have caused economic downturn in the country. Iran had struck a nuclear deal with US and other world powers but US under Donald Trump withdrew from the deal, creating uncertainty about future of the deal. After Joe Biden became US president, talks to rescue the deal started. The head of the Iranian judiciary, whose black turban signifies direct descent from Islam's Prophet Mohammed, Raisi is seen as close to the 81-year-old supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has ultimate political power in Iran. Friday's voting was extended by two hours past the original midnight deadline amid fears of a low turnout of 50 percent or less. Many voters chose to stay away after the field of some 600 hopefuls including 40 women had been winnowed down to seven candidates, all men, excluding an ex-president and a former parliament speaker. Three of the vetted candidates dropped out of the race two days before Friday's vote. Populist former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, one of those barred from running by the Guardian Council of clerics and jurists, said he would not vote, declaring in a video message: "I do not want to have a part in this sin." Raisi's victory was confirmed Saturday when he received the congratulations of the incumbent and the three other candidates -- ultraconservatives Mohsen Rezai and Amirhossein Qazizadeh Hashemi, and reformist Abdolnasser Hemmati. Khamenei hailed the election saying that "the great winner ... is the Iranian nation because it has risen up once again in the face of the propaganda of the enemy's mercenary media". (With inputs from agencies)

Ultraconservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi wins Iran's presidential election

Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed Prime Minister's initiative of calling an all-party meet. The meeting is to be held on June 24. All regional and national parties of Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed this step and said dialogue is the only way forward.&nbsp;

This is the first time New Delhi has initiated a political process in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of article 370. The UT has been under President's rule since.&nbsp;

People's Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti received a call from the Centre to attend the meeting. However, no official invite has been sent to any party yet. PDP has decided to hold a meeting tomorrow to deliberate.&nbsp;

"We have not received any formal written invitation but PDP president Mehbooba Mufti received a call and was informed about this meeting. We have now called for a party meeting on Sunday which will be chaired by Mehbooba Mufti and everything will be discussed in the meeting. We will take a decision on whether the party will attend the meet or not," said Suhail Bukhari, chief spokesperson, PDP.&nbsp;

None of the Political parties including BJP's state wing has received any formal invitation from the Centre yet. But every political party has appreciated the step.&nbsp;

“We are learning it from you only, we have not received any formal invitation for it, but I think it will be a good opportunity for political parties and people of Jammu and Kashmir. As there have been hiccups in the political process and this opportunity should be used by everyone. Everyone should go and speak. Every party must go.” said Rafi Mir, senior leader, Apni Party.

While the conglomerate of Kashmir's political parties called 'People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration' (PAGD) has not taken any decision so far, parties affiliated say whatever the conglomerate decides that will be their course of action.&nbsp;

“This is what we are hearing, on this we had a discussion. When we met under the chairmanship of National Conference (NC) leader Dr Farooq Abdullah, our spokesperson said that dialogue is fine, it’s ok and we are here for that. We have been saying that we should sit down and talk. If the initiative is coming from the Prime Minister, I welcome it. But the final decision would be taken by the party president and by PAGD leadership. And we hope for the best," said Muzaffar Shah, PAGD member.

However, National Conference (NC) has said that they will attend the meeting if invited.&nbsp;

“If we get the invitation, we will go and we will put across the points we have. We will ask for pre position on 5 august 2019. &nbsp;It’s going to be the first of its kind. We are ready for elections," Akbar Lone, parliamentarian, NC.

While this whole process is going on, the Government has released Mehbooba Mufti's Uncle Sartaj Madni from detention.

Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed Prime Minister's initiative of calling an all-party meet. The meeting is to be held on June 24. All regional and national parties of Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed this step and said dialogue is the only way forward.

Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed Prime Minister's initiative of calling an all-party meet. The meeting is to be held on June 24. All regional and national parties of Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed this step and said dialogue is the only way forward. This is the first time New Delhi has initiated a political process in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of article 370. The UT has been under President's rule since. People's Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti received a call from the Centre to attend the meeting. However, no official invite has been sent to any party yet. PDP has decided to hold a meeting tomorrow to deliberate. "We have not received any formal written invitation but PDP president Mehbooba Mufti received a call and was informed about this meeting. We have now called for a party meeting on Sunday which will be chaired by Mehbooba Mufti and everything will be discussed in the meeting. We will take a decision on whether the party will attend the meet or not," said Suhail Bukhari, chief spokesperson, PDP. None of the Political parties including BJP's state wing has received any formal invitation from the Centre yet. But every political party has appreciated the step. “We are learning it from you only, we have not received any formal invitation for it, but I think it will be a good opportunity for political parties and people of Jammu and Kashmir. As there have been hiccups in the political process and this opportunity should be used by everyone. Everyone should go and speak. Every party must go.” said Rafi Mir, senior leader, Apni Party. While the conglomerate of Kashmir's political parties called 'People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration' (PAGD) has not taken any decision so far, parties affiliated say whatever the conglomerate decides that will be their course of action. “This is what we are hearing, on this we had a discussion. When we met under the chairmanship of National Conference (NC) leader Dr Farooq Abdullah, our spokesperson said that dialogue is fine, it’s ok and we are here for that. We have been saying that we should sit down and talk. If the initiative is coming from the Prime Minister, I welcome it. But the final decision would be taken by the party president and by PAGD leadership. And we hope for the best," said Muzaffar Shah, PAGD member. However, National Conference (NC) has said that they will attend the meeting if invited. “If we get the invitation, we will go and we will put across the points we have. We will ask for pre position on 5 august 2019. It’s going to be the first of its kind. We are ready for elections," Akbar Lone, parliamentarian, NC. While this whole process is going on, the Government has released Mehbooba Mufti's Uncle Sartaj Madni from detention.

Parties in Kashmir welcome PM's initiative of all-party meet

Jammu and Kashmir Police has busted a narco terror module in north Kashmir's Baramulla District. Ten Over Ground Workers (OGW) have been arrested. The police have recovered 5.5 kg of heroin, 10 grenades, 4 pistols, 4 magazines, 20 rounds and some vehicles.

The Police also recovered more than two million rupees (2150,000) from the OGWs

"We had received information and we had laid specific nakas. We were successful in busting a big narco terror module which was operating from different places in union territory (UT) as well as some part of it even outside UT. We have arrested 10 people, We made recoveries of 5.5Kgs of Heroin packed in 11 packets. We also recovered 10 grenades, 4 pistols and 4 rounds," said Rayees Mohammad Bhat, Senior Superintendent of Police, Baramulla.&nbsp;

<img alt="Jammu and Kashmir" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8138cae-3836-4afd-92eb-b10ad6192d21" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Image%20%284%29.jpeg" />

The Narco Terror is prevalent in North Kashmir and Police have time and again busted these groups. The Police have also seized some vehicles from the OGW's in north Kashmir which were used to transfer these arms and ammunition and narcotics to various parts of the UT.

The police say that the network of this module not only works in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir but outside too.&nbsp;

"We have seized vehicles, a truck. a Verna car and a scooty. We have made some arrests in Jammu also. This was a joint operation," said Rayees Ahmad Bhat, SSP, Baramulla.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Police has busted a narco terror module in north Kashmir's Baramulla District. Ten Over Ground Workers (OGW) have been arrested. The police have recovered 5.

Jammu and Kashmir Police has busted a narco terror module in north Kashmir's Baramulla District. Ten Over Ground Workers (OGW) have been arrested. The police have recovered 5.5 kg of heroin, 10 grenades, 4 pistols, 4 magazines, 20 rounds and some vehicles. The Police also recovered more than two million rupees (2150,000) from the OGWs "We had received information and we had laid specific nakas. We were successful in busting a big narco terror module which was operating from different places in union territory (UT) as well as some part of it even outside UT. We have arrested 10 people, We made recoveries of 5.5Kgs of Heroin packed in 11 packets. We also recovered 10 grenades, 4 pistols and 4 rounds," said Rayees Mohammad Bhat, Senior Superintendent of Police, Baramulla. The Narco Terror is prevalent in North Kashmir and Police have time and again busted these groups. The Police have also seized some vehicles from the OGW's in north Kashmir which were used to transfer these arms and ammunition and narcotics to various parts of the UT. The police say that the network of this module not only works in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir but outside too. "We have seized vehicles, a truck. a Verna car and a scooty. We have made some arrests in Jammu also. This was a joint operation," said Rayees Ahmad Bhat, SSP, Baramulla.

Jammu and Kashmir: Narco terror group busted, heroin and arms recovered

For a while, it wasn’t clear that this week’s meeting in Geneva between President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Biden would go ahead.

Mr. Biden, seeking his first encounter as president with Mr. Putin, made the invitation in mid-April; but it took until the end of May for the summit to be confirmed. Despite Mr. Putin’s experience with American presidents — he’s dealt with four, across two decades — the Kremlin, Russian officials said, was considering the risk that Mr. Biden would use the meeting to publicly lecture his Russian counterpart on democracy and human rights.

The caution seemed reasonable. After all, the new American administration, especially by comparison with its predecessor, devotes considerable attention to promoting human rights across the globe. And Mr. Biden set out his stall when he agreed in an interview in March that Mr. Putin is a “killer.”

Yet the Kremlin eventually accepted the invitation. Why? Besides the chance to de-escalate tensions, there’s one very good reason: Mr. Putin has nothing to fear from Mr. Biden. Enduringly popular and freshly buoyed by the quashing of the opposition, Russia’s president has ample cause to feel secure. Whatever the American president might say in Geneva — or his administration do, by way of sanctions — will not affect Mr. Putin’s rule in Russia.

The first impediment for Mr. Biden is straightforward: His message will not get a good airing. Television, dominated by channels run or controlled by the state, remains the main source of news for three-quarters of Russians, so most people in Russia will see the American president through the Kremlin’s eyes. Independent media, recently curtailed by the authorities declaring several prominent outlets to be “foreign agents,” won’t be able to redress the imbalance.

Yet even without this media filter, Mr. Putin has no reason to fear any aspersions Mr. Biden might cast his way. Though the president’s popularity has waned a touch since its peak in 2014, he retains the trust and approval of over 60 percent of Russians, according to Levada Center, an independent and highly respected polling organization. This might be more inertia and apathy than a conscious political affiliation, but the result is the same. The opposition can only dream about such ratings: Support for the most prominent opposition leader, Aleksei Navalny, doesn’t rise above 20 percent.

The blame for that can’t be placed squarely on the Kremlin. Though the opposition is hampered by a range of state restrictions, the fact remains that opposition rallies do not attract significant numbers of participants. The last big protest in support of Mr. Navalny — one of the largest displays of dissent in the past decade — brought between 51,000 and 120,000 people to 109 cities across the country on April 21, according to opposition outlets. But even if you take the higher number, that amounts to less than 0.1 percent of the country’s population. Protesting is a minority interest.

And that’s not just because Russian authorities have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to brutally suppress gatherings. Many people unhappy with life in Russia stay away from protests because they don’t associate themselves with the organizers and don’t believe they can bring about change from the street. In a recent survey by the Levada Center, only 21 percent of respondents said they would consider going to a rally in support of economic demands, and even fewer, 16 percent, said they’d go in support of political demands. There are demographic divides — young people are generally more eager to protest — but that doesn’t really change the picture.

What’s more, those ready to actively challenge Mr. Putin’s rule have been repressed. Mr. Navalny, who returned to the country in January in the hope of setting off a substantive movement to oppose Mr. Putin, was imprisoned with a two-and-a-half-year sentence. Many of his allies were jailed, while others fled the country. And last week, his organization, the Anti-Corruption Foundation, whose activities were already suspended, was officially labeled “extremist” — effectively preventing its activists from running in future elections and further intimidating supporters.

It’s not just Mr. Navalny. Another opposition network — Open Russia, founded by a former oil tycoon and now exiled Kremlin critic, Mikhail Khodorkovsky — recently announced its closure, hoping to protect its coordinators. That didn’t stop the arrest on May 31 of one of the group’s executives, Andrey Pivovarov, who now faces up to six years in prison. Fearing the same fate, another prominent opposition figure, Dmitry Gudkov, fled to Ukraine in early June.

Ahead of September’s legislative elections, the authorities have disbanded the opposition and docked the media, closing down the space for dissent. But a majority of Russians, consumed by the concerns of everyday life and long inured to Mr. Putin’s rule, don’t seem to care much. With them, Mr. Biden’s message about the inviolability of human rights and the sanctity of democracy — both of which are slipping away in Russia, to no general uproar — is likely to ring hollow.

Even among Russians who actively support democracy, the rule of law and human rights, Mr. Biden won’t find much support. Over the past decades, many Russian liberals have become disillusioned with the West, especially the United States. For some, America’s image started to crack with the bombing of Yugoslavia and the war in Iraq. For others, it was the revelations of WikiLeaks and Edward Snowden, which brought to light a host of America’s covert operations and dirty dealings, that soured feelings of admiration.

And for many, the presidency of Donald Trump — during which Washington abandoned international agreements, treated allies as clients, badly mismanaged the pandemic and, most important, exacerbated political polarization and social dysfunction — definitively stripped America of its authority. With this legacy, no American president would have a substantial audience in Russia.

Secure internally and with little to lose, Vladimir Putin is ready for President Biden. As for his image in the United States and the rest of the West, it’s fair to assume — after years as their arch-villain and evil mastermind — that Mr. Putin couldn’t care less.

For a while, it wasn’t clear that this week’s meeting in Geneva between President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Biden would go ahead. Mr. Biden, seeking his first encounter as president with Mr.

For a while, it wasn’t clear that this week’s meeting in Geneva between President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Biden would go ahead. Mr. Biden, seeking his first encounter as president with Mr. Putin, made the invitation in mid-April; but it took until the end of May for the summit to be confirmed. Despite Mr. Putin’s experience with American presidents — he’s dealt with four, across two decades — the Kremlin, Russian officials said, was considering the risk that Mr. Biden would use the meeting to publicly lecture his Russian counterpart on democracy and human rights. The caution seemed reasonable. After all, the new American administration, especially by comparison with its predecessor, devotes considerable attention to promoting human rights across the globe. And Mr. Biden set out his stall when he agreed in an interview in March that Mr. Putin is a “killer.” Yet the Kremlin eventually accepted the invitation. Why? Besides the chance to de-escalate tensions, there’s one very good reason: Mr. Putin has nothing to fear from Mr. Biden. Enduringly popular and freshly buoyed by the quashing of the opposition, Russia’s president has ample cause to feel secure. Whatever the American president might say in Geneva — or his administration do, by way of sanctions — will not affect Mr. Putin’s rule in Russia. The first impediment for Mr. Biden is straightforward: His message will not get a good airing. Television, dominated by channels run or controlled by the state, remains the main source of news for three-quarters of Russians, so most people in Russia will see the American president through the Kremlin’s eyes. Independent media, recently curtailed by the authorities declaring several prominent outlets to be “foreign agents,” won’t be able to redress the imbalance. Yet even without this media filter, Mr. Putin has no reason to fear any aspersions Mr. Biden might cast his way. Though the president’s popularity has waned a touch since its peak in 2014, he retains the trust and approval of over 60 percent of Russians, according to Levada Center, an independent and highly respected polling organization. This might be more inertia and apathy than a conscious political affiliation, but the result is the same. The opposition can only dream about such ratings: Support for the most prominent opposition leader, Aleksei Navalny, doesn’t rise above 20 percent. The blame for that can’t be placed squarely on the Kremlin. Though the opposition is hampered by a range of state restrictions, the fact remains that opposition rallies do not attract significant numbers of participants. The last big protest in support of Mr. Navalny — one of the largest displays of dissent in the past decade — brought between 51,000 and 120,000 people to 109 cities across the country on April 21, according to opposition outlets. But even if you take the higher number, that amounts to less than 0.1 percent of the country’s population. Protesting is a minority interest. And that’s not just because Russian authorities have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to brutally suppress gatherings. Many people unhappy with life in Russia stay away from protests because they don’t associate themselves with the organizers and don’t believe they can bring about change from the street. In a recent survey by the Levada Center, only 21 percent of respondents said they would consider going to a rally in support of economic demands, and even fewer, 16 percent, said they’d go in support of political demands. There are demographic divides — young people are generally more eager to protest — but that doesn’t really change the picture. What’s more, those ready to actively challenge Mr. Putin’s rule have been repressed. Mr. Navalny, who returned to the country in January in the hope of setting off a substantive movement to oppose Mr. Putin, was imprisoned with a two-and-a-half-year sentence. Many of his allies were jailed, while others fled the country. And last week, his organization, the Anti-Corruption Foundation, whose activities were already suspended, was officially labeled “extremist” — effectively preventing its activists from running in future elections and further intimidating supporters. It’s not just Mr. Navalny. Another opposition network — Open Russia, founded by a former oil tycoon and now exiled Kremlin critic, Mikhail Khodorkovsky — recently announced its closure, hoping to protect its coordinators. That didn’t stop the arrest on May 31 of one of the group’s executives, Andrey Pivovarov, who now faces up to six years in prison. Fearing the same fate, another prominent opposition figure, Dmitry Gudkov, fled to Ukraine in early June. Ahead of September’s legislative elections, the authorities have disbanded the opposition and docked the media, closing down the space for dissent. But a majority of Russians, consumed by the concerns of everyday life and long inured to Mr. Putin’s rule, don’t seem to care much. With them, Mr. Biden’s message about the inviolability of human rights and the sanctity of democracy — both of which are slipping away in Russia, to no general uproar — is likely to ring hollow. Even among Russians who actively support democracy, the rule of law and human rights, Mr. Biden won’t find much support. Over the past decades, many Russian liberals have become disillusioned with the West, especially the United States. For some, America’s image started to crack with the bombing of Yugoslavia and the war in Iraq. For others, it was the revelations of WikiLeaks and Edward Snowden, which brought to light a host of America’s covert operations and dirty dealings, that soured feelings of admiration. And for many, the presidency of Donald Trump — during which Washington abandoned international agreements, treated allies as clients, badly mismanaged the pandemic and, most important, exacerbated political polarization and social dysfunction — definitively stripped America of its authority. With this legacy, no American president would have a substantial audience in Russia. Secure internally and with little to lose, Vladimir Putin is ready for President Biden. As for his image in the United States and the rest of the West, it’s fair to assume — after years as their arch-villain and evil mastermind — that Mr. Putin couldn’t care less.

Sorry, Biden. Putin honestly could not care less

Two hundred and fifty-eight Taliban terrorists were killed and 156 were wounded in last 24 hours during military operations conducted by Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) across the country. Afghan Defense Ministry said on Twitter that the terrorists were killed in several provinces including. Nangarhar, Laghman, Helmand and Faryab.

"258 Taliban terrorists were killed and 156 were wounded as a result of #ANDSF operations in Nangarhar, Laghman, Paktia, Zabul, Herat, Farah, Ghor, Faryab, Balkh, Jowzjan, Helmand, Takhar and Baghlan provinces during the last 24 hours. Also, 76 IEDs were discovered and defused by ANA," the ministry said.

This has come amid recent surge in violence due to Taliban's offensive.

On Thursday, 19 Taliban terrorists were killed and 8 others were wounded in clearing operations conducted in Shah Joy and Shinkai districts of Zabul province.&nbsp;

In a separate operation, 19 Taliban terrorists including a prominent commander named "Abdul Rahman" were killed in operations conducted in Helmand province.As US and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) foreign forces continue to scale down their presence in Afghanistan, the Taliban have been gaining ground in some parts of the country.

Back in April, US President Joe Biden announced plans for US and allied forces to completely depart the war-torn country till September 11 this year.

As the deadline draws near, top Pentagon officials on Thursday said that terrorist groups like al-Qaeda could pose a threat from Afghanistan to the United States and American allies in two years after the full withdrawal of international troops from the country."It would take possibly two years for them to develop that capability," US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had said during a congressional hearing yesterday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two hundred and fifty-eight Taliban terrorists were killed and 156 were wounded in last 24 hours during military operations conducted by Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) across the country.

Two hundred and fifty-eight Taliban terrorists were killed and 156 were wounded in last 24 hours during military operations conducted by Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) across the country. Afghan Defense Ministry said on Twitter that the terrorists were killed in several provinces including. Nangarhar, Laghman, Helmand and Faryab. "258 Taliban terrorists were killed and 156 were wounded as a result of #ANDSF operations in Nangarhar, Laghman, Paktia, Zabul, Herat, Farah, Ghor, Faryab, Balkh, Jowzjan, Helmand, Takhar and Baghlan provinces during the last 24 hours. Also, 76 IEDs were discovered and defused by ANA," the ministry said. This has come amid recent surge in violence due to Taliban's offensive. On Thursday, 19 Taliban terrorists were killed and 8 others were wounded in clearing operations conducted in Shah Joy and Shinkai districts of Zabul province. In a separate operation, 19 Taliban terrorists including a prominent commander named "Abdul Rahman" were killed in operations conducted in Helmand province.As US and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) foreign forces continue to scale down their presence in Afghanistan, the Taliban have been gaining ground in some parts of the country. Back in April, US President Joe Biden announced plans for US and allied forces to completely depart the war-torn country till September 11 this year. As the deadline draws near, top Pentagon officials on Thursday said that terrorist groups like al-Qaeda could pose a threat from Afghanistan to the United States and American allies in two years after the full withdrawal of international troops from the country."It would take possibly two years for them to develop that capability," US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had said during a congressional hearing yesterday. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan security forces eliminate 258 Taliban terrorists in last 24 hrs

At least 20,000 supporters of Armenia's opposition candidate Robert Kocharyan rallied in his support in Armenian capital Yerevan on Friday. Armenia is to hold snap parlimentary elections this weekend.

The snap election has been called by Armenia's acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to resolve political crisis that started after Armenia's disasterous war with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Opinion polls have shown that its a neck-and-neck fight.

On Friday evening supporters of Pashinyan's main rival Robert Kocharyan, including decorated war veterans, massed in the capital's Republic Square waving flags and chanting "Kocharyan!".

This demonstration came just a day after about 20,000 people turned out to support Pashinyan.

The rally for Kocharyan, who was in power between 1998 and 2008 and counts Russian leader Vladimir Putin among his friends, was the last campaign event ahead of the snap parliamentary elections on Sunday.&nbsp;

Polls show Pashinyan's party neck-in-neck with &nbsp;Kocharyan's electoral bloc, and political analysts say the election result is hard to predict.

Many at Friday's rally said they could no longer trust Pashinyan, who came to power in 2018 on pledges to oust old elites but led the small South Caucasus country into a war with arch-enemy Azerbaijan that claimed more than 6,000 lives.

"We lived well when Kocharyan was president," said one supporter, Emma Khachaturyan, 50. She was quoted by news agency AFP.

"Pashinyan is a traitor," she added, referring to the prime minister's controversial agreement that ceded swathes of territory to Azerbaijan after the six-week conflict over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh last year.

Mger Palyan, a 47-year-old businessman, said Kocharyan, a dollar millionaire who hails from Karabakh, understood the needs of the army.

"I was in the army when he was president. He always worked and was true to his word," Palyan said. 
A poll released Friday by MPG, a polling group affiliated with Gallup International Association, showed Kocharyan's bloc leading narrowly with 28.7 percent to 25.2 percent for Pashinyan's party.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 20,000 supporters of Armenia's opposition candidate Robert Kocharyan rallied in his support in Armenian capital Yerevan on Friday. Armenia is to hold snap parlimentary elections this weekend.

At least 20,000 supporters of Armenia's opposition candidate Robert Kocharyan rallied in his support in Armenian capital Yerevan on Friday. Armenia is to hold snap parlimentary elections this weekend. The snap election has been called by Armenia's acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to resolve political crisis that started after Armenia's disasterous war with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. Opinion polls have shown that its a neck-and-neck fight. On Friday evening supporters of Pashinyan's main rival Robert Kocharyan, including decorated war veterans, massed in the capital's Republic Square waving flags and chanting "Kocharyan!". This demonstration came just a day after about 20,000 people turned out to support Pashinyan. The rally for Kocharyan, who was in power between 1998 and 2008 and counts Russian leader Vladimir Putin among his friends, was the last campaign event ahead of the snap parliamentary elections on Sunday. Polls show Pashinyan's party neck-in-neck with Kocharyan's electoral bloc, and political analysts say the election result is hard to predict. Many at Friday's rally said they could no longer trust Pashinyan, who came to power in 2018 on pledges to oust old elites but led the small South Caucasus country into a war with arch-enemy Azerbaijan that claimed more than 6,000 lives. "We lived well when Kocharyan was president," said one supporter, Emma Khachaturyan, 50. She was quoted by news agency AFP. "Pashinyan is a traitor," she added, referring to the prime minister's controversial agreement that ceded swathes of territory to Azerbaijan after the six-week conflict over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh last year. Mger Palyan, a 47-year-old businessman, said Kocharyan, a dollar millionaire who hails from Karabakh, understood the needs of the army. "I was in the army when he was president. He always worked and was true to his word," Palyan said. A poll released Friday by MPG, a polling group affiliated with Gallup International Association, showed Kocharyan's bloc leading narrowly with 28.7 percent to 25.2 percent for Pashinyan's party. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 20,000 rally for Armenia opposition leader ahead of polls: Report

Opinion polls have put Armenia's acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and former President Robert Kocharyan neck-and-neck ahead of parliamentary election on Sunday. The snap election has been called to end the political crisis that started after Armenian forces lost war against Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Pashinyan has been under pressure ever since, with regular street protests demanding he step down over the terms of the peace agreement that ended the conflict. Under the deal, which was brokered by Russia, Azerbaijan regained control of territory it had lost during a war in the early 1990s.

Pashinyan himself called the agreement a disaster, but said he had been compelled to sign it in order to prevent greater human and territorial losses.

According to a recent Gallup International poll conducted on June 7-10, 24.1% of voters are ready to vote for Kocharyan's Armenia Alliance and 23.8% for Pashinyan's Civil Contract party.

Whoever forms majority in parliament gets to elect the prime minister. The PM is nominated by the president.

Armenia, which hosts a Russian military base, is a close ally of Moscow, though Pashinyan, who came to power on the back of street protests and on an anti-corruption agenda in 2018, has had cooler relations with the Kremlin.

"We wish a successful election to our close ally and partner," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.

Turkey, which supported Azerbaijan in last year's conflict, will also be watching closely.

Pashinyan's main rival is Kocharyan, a native of Nagorno-Karabakh, the region that was fought over last year. It is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but has long been claimed by ethnic Armenians too.

He was president of Armenia from 1998 to 2008 and was accused of acting unlawfully when he introduced a state of emergency in March 2008 following a disputed election. At least 10 people were killed in the clashes that followed between the police and protesters.

In a recent interview with Russia's RT TV channel, Kocharyan accused the then Armenian leadership of inaction during last year's war and pledged to start negotiations on Nagorno-Karabakh's borders if he came to power.

(With inputs from agencies)

Opinion polls have put Armenia's acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and former President Robert Kocharyan neck-and-neck ahead of parliamentary election on Sunday.

Opinion polls have put Armenia's acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and former President Robert Kocharyan neck-and-neck ahead of parliamentary election on Sunday. The snap election has been called to end the political crisis that started after Armenian forces lost war against Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. Pashinyan has been under pressure ever since, with regular street protests demanding he step down over the terms of the peace agreement that ended the conflict. Under the deal, which was brokered by Russia, Azerbaijan regained control of territory it had lost during a war in the early 1990s. Pashinyan himself called the agreement a disaster, but said he had been compelled to sign it in order to prevent greater human and territorial losses. According to a recent Gallup International poll conducted on June 7-10, 24.1% of voters are ready to vote for Kocharyan's Armenia Alliance and 23.8% for Pashinyan's Civil Contract party. Whoever forms majority in parliament gets to elect the prime minister. The PM is nominated by the president. Armenia, which hosts a Russian military base, is a close ally of Moscow, though Pashinyan, who came to power on the back of street protests and on an anti-corruption agenda in 2018, has had cooler relations with the Kremlin. "We wish a successful election to our close ally and partner," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday. Turkey, which supported Azerbaijan in last year's conflict, will also be watching closely. Pashinyan's main rival is Kocharyan, a native of Nagorno-Karabakh, the region that was fought over last year. It is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but has long been claimed by ethnic Armenians too. He was president of Armenia from 1998 to 2008 and was accused of acting unlawfully when he introduced a state of emergency in March 2008 following a disputed election. At least 10 people were killed in the clashes that followed between the police and protesters. In a recent interview with Russia's RT TV channel, Kocharyan accused the then Armenian leadership of inaction during last year's war and pledged to start negotiations on Nagorno-Karabakh's borders if he came to power. (With inputs from agencies)

Armenian election too close to call, reveals opinion poll

Just a day after&nbsp;United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab&nbsp;accused&nbsp;China of using its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-man-accused-of-terrorism-in-first-use-of-new-china-security-law-310498">security legislation</a> to "target dissenting voices", the CEO, and chief editor,&nbsp;two of the five arrested Apple Daily tabloid's executives have been charged under the authoritarian law. Meanwhile,&nbsp;due to a dramatic rise in the number of coronavirus cases due to the new Delta strain, Russia's capital&nbsp;Moscow&nbsp;closed its&nbsp;European football Championship&nbsp;fan zone and banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people. The United Kingdom is also suffering under the onslaught of the Delta strain of COVID-19, and according to a new study, a corelation has been discovered between&nbsp;the strain gaining prominence, and the number of patients infected with the coronavirus doubling every 11 days in England.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-must-press-on-two-apple-daily-executives-charged-in-hong-kong-under-chinas-security-law-392392">'We must press on': Two Apple Daily executives charged in Hong Kong under China's security law</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/18/199018-untitled-design-92.jpg" />

A day after the Hong Kong government crackdown on its offices, the pro-democracy&nbsp;Apple Daily&nbsp;popular tabloid made it to the stands with an extra-large print run and a characteristic message of defiance emblazoned on its front that read: "We must press on".

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-variant-represents-almost-90-of-coronavirus-cases-confirms-moscow-mayor-392387">Delta variant represents almost 90% of coronavirus cases, confirms Moscow mayor</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/18/199015-mm1.jpg" />

After reporting over 17,000 cases in one day,&nbsp;Russia's capital&nbsp;Moscow&nbsp;closed its&nbsp;European football Championship&nbsp;fan zone and banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people due to a spike in&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-pm-trudeau-nominates-first-judge-of-colour-to-supreme-court-392395">Canadian PM Trudeau nominates first judge of colour to Supreme Court</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/13/198318-untitled-design-51.jpg" />

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau nominated&nbsp;Mahmud Jamal to the country's Supreme court, making him the first judge of colour since the146 years of the institution's existence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-infections-rising-exponentially-in-england-doubling-every-11-days-392367">COVID-19 infections rising exponentially in England, doubling every 11 days</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/03/06/185831-untitled-design-3.jpg" />

Surpassing 10,000 for the first time since late February, the United Kingdom registered 11,007 new daily coronavirus infections on Thursday and according to a new study, the number of patients infected with the coronavirus in England doubling every 11 days.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/court-orders-astrazeneca-to-deliver-less-vaccines-than-eu-demand-392442">Court orders AstraZeneca to deliver less vaccines than EU demand</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/03/12/186850-astrazeneca.jpg" />

A court in Belgium has ordered pharma giant AstraZeneca to deliver 50 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to European Union (EU) members by September 27,&nbsp;fewer than what the EU had demanded.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-backs-catholic-agency-in-case-on-gay-rights-and-foster-care-392371">US Supreme Court backs Catholic agency in case on gay rights and foster care</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/16/145112-untitled-design.jpg" />In a setback for gay rights, the US Supreme Court ruled unanimously&nbsp;that a Catholic social services agency in Philadelphia could defy city rules and refuse to work with same-sex couples who apply to take in foster children.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-decries-russias-seizure-of-power-in-central-africa-392409">France decries Russia's 'seizure of power' in central Africa</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/05/193951-untitled-design-7.jpg" />France&nbsp;accuses&nbsp;Russia of making efforts amounting to "seizure of power" in the Central African Republic (CAR) acknowledging that CAR's cooperation with Russian "mercenaries" had prompted Paris to scale down its military support.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/becoming-a-developing-nation-nepal-graduates-from-uns-least-developed-country-status-392346">Becoming a developing nation: Nepal graduates from UN’s least developed country status</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/06/18/198984-amrit-rai.jpg" />

Based on a The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (UN CDP) recommendation, Nepal has&nbsp;qualified to graduate into a developing nation from a Least Developed Country (LDC) without meeting the per capita Gross National Income (GNI) criterion.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/juneteenth-the-african-american-communitys-fight-for-its-rights-392334">Juneteenth: The African-American community's fight for its rights</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/01/171986-ye-black-lives-matter.jpg" />Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is annually observed on June 19 to commemorate the day when the Confederate states, in 1865, surrendered to end the Civil War and African-Americans were informed about their long-due freedom.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sangorians-take-a-page-from-insurgent-playbook-in-fight-against-taliban-392412">'Sangorians' take a page from insurgent playbook in fight against Taliban</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/2021/06/18/199023-untitled-design-94.jpg" />Discover the story of the Sangorians, named after a Turkish soap opera, they count former Taliban insurgents among their ranks and dress like their enemies, but the shadowy "Sangorians" militiamen are among the fiercest forces on the Afghan battlefield.

Just a day after United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab accused China of using its security legislation to "target dissenting voices", the CEO, and chief editor, two of the five arrested Apple Daily tabloid's executives have been charged under the authoritarian law.

Just a day after United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab accused China of using its security legislation to "target dissenting voices", the CEO, and chief editor, two of the five arrested Apple Daily tabloid's executives have been charged under the authoritarian law. Meanwhile, due to a dramatic rise in the number of coronavirus cases due to the new Delta strain, Russia's capital Moscow closed its European football Championship fan zone and banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people. The United Kingdom is also suffering under the onslaught of the Delta strain of COVID-19, and according to a new study, a corelation has been discovered between the strain gaining prominence, and the number of patients infected with the coronavirus doubling every 11 days in England. Click on headlines to read more 'We must press on': Two Apple Daily executives charged in Hong Kong under China's security law A day after the Hong Kong government crackdown on its offices, the pro-democracy Apple Daily popular tabloid made it to the stands with an extra-large print run and a characteristic message of defiance emblazoned on its front that read: "We must press on". Delta variant represents almost 90% of coronavirus cases, confirms Moscow mayor After reporting over 17,000 cases in one day, Russia's capital Moscow closed its European football Championship fan zone and banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people due to a spike in COVID-19 cases. Canadian PM Trudeau nominates first judge of colour to Supreme Court Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau nominated Mahmud Jamal to the country's Supreme court, making him the first judge of colour since the146 years of the institution's existence. COVID-19 infections rising exponentially in England, doubling every 11 days Surpassing 10,000 for the first time since late February, the United Kingdom registered 11,007 new daily coronavirus infections on Thursday and according to a new study, the number of patients infected with the coronavirus in England doubling every 11 days. Court orders AstraZeneca to deliver less vaccines than EU demand A court in Belgium has ordered pharma giant AstraZeneca to deliver 50 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to European Union (EU) members by September 27, fewer than what the EU had demanded. US Supreme Court backs Catholic agency in case on gay rights and foster care In a setback for gay rights, the US Supreme Court ruled unanimously that a Catholic social services agency in Philadelphia could defy city rules and refuse to work with same-sex couples who apply to take in foster children. France decries Russia's 'seizure of power' in central Africa France accuses Russia of making efforts amounting to "seizure of power" in the Central African Republic (CAR) acknowledging that CAR's cooperation with Russian "mercenaries" had prompted Paris to scale down its military support. Becoming a developing nation: Nepal graduates from UN’s least developed country status Based on a The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (UN CDP) recommendation, Nepal has qualified to graduate into a developing nation from a Least Developed Country (LDC) without meeting the per capita Gross National Income (GNI) criterion. Juneteenth: The African-American community's fight for its rights Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is annually observed on June 19 to commemorate the day when the Confederate states, in 1865, surrendered to end the Civil War and African-Americans were informed about their long-due freedom. 'Sangorians' take a page from insurgent playbook in fight against Taliban Discover the story of the Sangorians, named after a Turkish soap opera, they count former Taliban insurgents among their ranks and dress like their enemies, but the shadowy "Sangorians" militiamen are among the fiercest forces on the Afghan battlefield.

Top 10 world news: Apple daily executives charged under Chinese security law, First judge of colour nominated to Canadian SC & more

United Nations General Assembly on Friday, appointed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for a second five-year term.

"I will give it my all to ensure the blossoming of trust between and among nations large and small, to build bridges, and to engage relentlessly in confidence building," Guterres told the General Assembly after taking the oath of office. His second term starts on January 1,&nbsp; 2022.

The UN Security Council had recommended reappointment of Guterres earlier this month.

Guterres succeeded Ban Ki-moon in January 2017, just weeks before Donald Trump became US&nbsp;president. Much of Guterres' first term was focused on placating Trump, who questioned the value of the United Nations and multilateralism.

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the United Nations faced historic challenges, but she hoped that with Guterres at the helm "the next five years will see more peace, more security, and more prosperity than the last."

"It will require hard work, political will, and accountability from all UN&nbsp;member states," she said in a statement, adding every member states should have "an impassioned commitment" to human rights.

The US is the largest financial contributor to the UN. It contributes 22 per cent of the regular budget and about quarter of the peacekeeping budget. US President Joe Biden has started restoring funding cuts made by Trump to UN agencies and re-engaged with the world body.

Guterres, 72, was prime minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 and head of the UN&nbsp;refugee agency from 2005 to 2015. As secretary-general, he has been a cheerleader for climate action, COVID-19 vaccines for all and digital cooperation.

(With inputs from agencies)

United Nations General Assembly on Friday, appointed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for a second five-year term. "I will give it my all to ensure the blossoming of trust between and among nations large and small, to build bridges, and to engage relentlessly in confidence building," Guterres told the General Assembly after taking the oath of office.

United Nations General Assembly on Friday, appointed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for a second five-year term. "I will give it my all to ensure the blossoming of trust between and among nations large and small, to build bridges, and to engage relentlessly in confidence building," Guterres told the General Assembly after taking the oath of office. His second term starts on January 1, 2022. The UN Security Council had recommended reappointment of Guterres earlier this month. Guterres succeeded Ban Ki-moon in January 2017, just weeks before Donald Trump became US president. Much of Guterres' first term was focused on placating Trump, who questioned the value of the United Nations and multilateralism. US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the United Nations faced historic challenges, but she hoped that with Guterres at the helm "the next five years will see more peace, more security, and more prosperity than the last." "It will require hard work, political will, and accountability from all UN member states," she said in a statement, adding every member states should have "an impassioned commitment" to human rights. The US is the largest financial contributor to the UN. It contributes 22 per cent of the regular budget and about quarter of the peacekeeping budget. US President Joe Biden has started restoring funding cuts made by Trump to UN agencies and re-engaged with the world body. Guterres, 72, was prime minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 and head of the UN refugee agency from 2005 to 2015. As secretary-general, he has been a cheerleader for climate action, COVID-19 vaccines for all and digital cooperation. (With inputs from agencies)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reappointed for second term

Rhinos are battletanks of nature. Perfected armoured body, a mighty weapon in the front and a bulky body that packs enough punch to eliminate anyone. Rhinos are not to be messed with. Definitely not in the wild but also in captivity. There are records of many people getting seriously injured or worse in zoos around the world.

A normal-sized Rhino can cause this much of damage.

Now imagine a rhino taller than a giraffe charging at you! Yep, taller than a giraffe.

Researchers have concluded that fossils found in a Chinese village point towards an entirely new species of rhinos. These rhinos weighed 21 tonnes! This is the equivalent of four large African elephants.

The name of this rhino species is Paraceratherium linxiaense and the giant beasts lived some 26.5 million years ago. These rhinos did not have horns but were as tall as 23 feet (7 metres). This makes them taller than a giraffe.

The fossils of the rhino was found in Gansu province in China in the year 2015. The study of this rhino took place in Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology. During the study, it was found that these rhinos did not have horn on the nose like the one modern rhinos have.

These rhinos were herbivores, which means they ate tree leaves like the giraffes do. But their massive size sure must have deterred any predator from hunting them.

The research has been published in Communications Biology journal on Thursday.

Rhinos are battletanks of nature. Perfected armoured body, a mighty weapon in the front and a bulky body that packs enough punch to eliminate anyone. Rhinos are not to be messed with.

Rhinos are battletanks of nature. Perfected armoured body, a mighty weapon in the front and a bulky body that packs enough punch to eliminate anyone. Rhinos are not to be messed with. Definitely not in the wild but also in captivity. There are records of many people getting seriously injured or worse in zoos around the world. A normal-sized Rhino can cause this much of damage. Now imagine a rhino taller than a giraffe charging at you! Yep, taller than a giraffe. Researchers have concluded that fossils found in a Chinese village point towards an entirely new species of rhinos. These rhinos weighed 21 tonnes! This is the equivalent of four large African elephants. The name of this rhino species is Paraceratherium linxiaense and the giant beasts lived some 26.5 million years ago. These rhinos did not have horns but were as tall as 23 feet (7 metres). This makes them taller than a giraffe. The fossils of the rhino was found in Gansu province in China in the year 2015. The study of this rhino took place in Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology. During the study, it was found that these rhinos did not have horn on the nose like the one modern rhinos have. These rhinos were herbivores, which means they ate tree leaves like the giraffes do. But their massive size sure must have deterred any predator from hunting them. The research has been published in Communications Biology journal on Thursday.

Do rhinos scare you? Well, this one was taller than a giraffe

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday nominated first judge of colour to country's Supreme Court. Canada's Supreme Court has only ever had white justices in it 146 years of existence.

Prime Minister Trudeau has nominated Mahmud Jamal to the Supreme Court. Jamal has been a judge on Ontario's court of appeal since 2019. He trained as a lawyer and appeared before Supreme Court in 35 appeals addressing a range of civil, constitutional, criminal and regulatory issues.

"He'll be a valuable asset to the Supreme Court - and that's why, today, I'm announcing his historic nomination to our country's highest court," Trudeau said on Twitter.

Trudeau has frequently said there is a need to address systemic racism in Canada.

Jamal was born in 1967 in Nairobi, he emigrated with his family to Britain &nbsp;in 1969 where he said he was "taunted and harassed because of my name, religion, or the color of my skin."

<img alt="Jamal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e25e2ff8-99a9-41b5-a46e-b5066a419100" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-06-18T142549Z_1_LYNXNPEH5H0UY_RTROPTP_3_CANADA-POLITICS-JUDGE.JPG" />

In 1981 the family moved to Canada, where his "experiences exposed me to some of the challenges and aspirations of immigrants, religious minorities, and racialized persons," he said in a document submitted to support his candidacy.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-discovery-of-childrens-remains-canada-announces-search-for-unmarked-indigenous-graves-391735">After discovery of children's remains, Canada announces search for unmarked indigenous graves</a>

Canada is a multicultural country, with more than 22% of the population comprised of minorities and another 5% aboriginal, according to the latest census.

"We know people are facing systemic discrimination, unconscious bias and anti-black racism every single day," Trudeau said last year.

Jamal will replace Justice Rosalie Abella, who is due to retire from the nine-person court on July 1.

(With inputs from agencies)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday nominated first judge of colour to country's Supreme Court. Canada's Supreme Court has only ever had white justices in it 146 years of existence.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday nominated first judge of colour to country's Supreme Court. Canada's Supreme Court has only ever had white justices in it 146 years of existence. Prime Minister Trudeau has nominated Mahmud Jamal to the Supreme Court. Jamal has been a judge on Ontario's court of appeal since 2019. He trained as a lawyer and appeared before Supreme Court in 35 appeals addressing a range of civil, constitutional, criminal and regulatory issues. "He'll be a valuable asset to the Supreme Court - and that's why, today, I'm announcing his historic nomination to our country's highest court," Trudeau said on Twitter. Trudeau has frequently said there is a need to address systemic racism in Canada. Jamal was born in 1967 in Nairobi, he emigrated with his family to Britain in 1969 where he said he was "taunted and harassed because of my name, religion, or the color of my skin." In 1981 the family moved to Canada, where his "experiences exposed me to some of the challenges and aspirations of immigrants, religious minorities, and racialized persons," he said in a document submitted to support his candidacy. Also Read | After discovery of children's remains, Canada announces search for unmarked indigenous graves Canada is a multicultural country, with more than 22% of the population comprised of minorities and another 5% aboriginal, according to the latest census. "We know people are facing systemic discrimination, unconscious bias and anti-black racism every single day," Trudeau said last year. Jamal will replace Justice Rosalie Abella, who is due to retire from the nine-person court on July 1. (With inputs from agencies)

Canadian PM Trudeau nominates first judge of colour to Supreme Court

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