At least nine people were injured in a blast at an explosives factory in Iran, ISNA news agency reported. The factory is located in Isfahan province of the country.

The blast at Sepahan Nargostar Chemical Industries occurred at 2330 GMT. Mansour Shisheforoush, head of the province's crisis management organisation said that the blast took place due to "unclear reasons still being investigated"

He added that nine factory workers were injured and transferred to hospital, he added. Shisheforoush said several investigation teams were at the scene to determine the cause of the blast.

The factory is located about 45 kilometres (just under 30 miles) northwest of Isfahan city

The company manufactures "industrial-commercial explosive materials" and was established in 1941, according to its website.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least nine people were injured in a blast at an explosives factory in Iran, ISNA news agency reported. The factory is located in Isfahan province of the country.

At least nine people were injured in a blast at an explosives factory in Iran, ISNA news agency reported. The factory is located in Isfahan province of the country. The blast at Sepahan Nargostar Chemical Industries occurred at 2330 GMT. Mansour Shisheforoush, head of the province's crisis management organisation said that the blast took place due to "unclear reasons still being investigated" He added that nine factory workers were injured and transferred to hospital, he added. Shisheforoush said several investigation teams were at the scene to determine the cause of the blast. The factory is located about 45 kilometres (just under 30 miles) northwest of Isfahan city The company manufactures "industrial-commercial explosive materials" and was established in 1941, according to its website. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran: Nine people injured in explosives factory blast

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing allegations of lying over country's Covid pandemic response Former chief adviser Dominic Cummings has made the accusation ahead of a much-anticipated hearing into Britain's coronavirus response. The allegation is that Johnson lied about the strategy of herd immunity when the pandemic first hit Britain.

He is due to give evidence to House of Commons select committees on health and science on Wednesday. Cummings has already suggested that he has a crucial document that'll expose the government's handling of the pandemic.

The influential adviser was sacked at the end of last year, and has recently been involved in a war of words with Downing Street, which accused him of leaking internal conversations and documents to the media.

Cummings tweeted that the government initially intended to treat the virus-like the flu and pursue a strategy of herd immunity by building up natural defences, but Johnson has denied that was ever the official plan.

"No 10 decided to lie... V foolish, &amp; appalling ethics, to lie about it," Cummings tweeted late Saturday.&nbsp;

Herd immunity by September 2020 "was literally the official plan," he said.

"The right line wd have been what PM knows is true: our original plan was wrong &amp; we changed when we realised," he added.

The initial herd immunity strategy was abandoned less than two weeks before the first lockdown in March 2020 and "is a fundamental issue in the whole disaster", he also said.

"If we'd had the right preparations + competent people in charge, we wd probably have avoided lockdown1, *definitely* no need for lockdowns 2&amp;3," he wrote.

Chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance suggested in March 2021 that herd immunity was one of the goals, but Health Secretary Matt Hancock two days later said it was "not a goal or strategy".

The former adviser warned he will release a "crucial historical document from Covid decision-making" to the Commons committee ahead of his appearance before MPs on Wednesday.

Cummings is constrained by the Official Secrets Act, which limits his ability to release classified documents.

MPs can only release documents that relate to their "lessons learned inquiry" into the pandemic.

Johnson has ordered a full public inquiry into how the pandemic was handled.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing allegations of lying over country's Covid pandemic response Former chief adviser Dominic Cummings has made the accusation ahead of a much-anticipated hearing into Britain's coronavirus response.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing allegations of lying over country's Covid pandemic response Former chief adviser Dominic Cummings has made the accusation ahead of a much-anticipated hearing into Britain's coronavirus response. The allegation is that Johnson lied about the strategy of herd immunity when the pandemic first hit Britain. He is due to give evidence to House of Commons select committees on health and science on Wednesday. Cummings has already suggested that he has a crucial document that'll expose the government's handling of the pandemic. The influential adviser was sacked at the end of last year, and has recently been involved in a war of words with Downing Street, which accused him of leaking internal conversations and documents to the media. Cummings tweeted that the government initially intended to treat the virus-like the flu and pursue a strategy of herd immunity by building up natural defences, but Johnson has denied that was ever the official plan. "No 10 decided to lie... V foolish, & appalling ethics, to lie about it," Cummings tweeted late Saturday. Herd immunity by September 2020 "was literally the official plan," he said. "The right line wd have been what PM knows is true: our original plan was wrong & we changed when we realised," he added. The initial herd immunity strategy was abandoned less than two weeks before the first lockdown in March 2020 and "is a fundamental issue in the whole disaster", he also said. "If we'd had the right preparations + competent people in charge, we wd probably have avoided lockdown1, *definitely* no need for lockdowns 2&3," he wrote. Chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance suggested in March 2021 that herd immunity was one of the goals, but Health Secretary Matt Hancock two days later said it was "not a goal or strategy". The former adviser warned he will release a "crucial historical document from Covid decision-making" to the Commons committee ahead of his appearance before MPs on Wednesday. Cummings is constrained by the Official Secrets Act, which limits his ability to release classified documents. MPs can only release documents that relate to their "lessons learned inquiry" into the pandemic. Johnson has ordered a full public inquiry into how the pandemic was handled. (With inputs from agencies)

Former aide accuses UK PM Boris Johnson of lying over Covid response

The second coronavirus wave is slowly subsiding in India. But another challenge has emerged.

Black fungus!

India has now been forced to declare this infection an epidemic. The situation is serious. The infection is scientifically known as Mucormycosis. It's a complication associated with the virus.

A few cases were reported in New Delhi last month with no loss of lives. Since then the infection has killed atleast 219 people. The case count has reached 7,250. With infections reported in at least 13 states &amp; union territories. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, UP, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Telangana are the worst-hit.

Considering the scale of infections the central government has directed all states to declare black fungus as an epidemic. The Health Ministry has asked them to list it under The Epidemic Diseases Act 1897.

This means that every single confirmed or suspected case will directly have to be reported to Union Health Ministry. All hospitals, state and private, will have to follow guidelines for screening, diagnosis and management of cases.

Are they prepared? Not really. Several hospitals across India have reported shortage of Amphotericin-B. The medicine is key to curing this infection.

The centre says this shortage will be resolved soon. So far, 6 pharma companies were producing this drug. Now the Centre has given permission to five more manufacturers. It has also placed orders to import 6 lakh vials from abroad. The rising cases and shortages have caused alarm. But it's important to understand that the fungus doesn't infect everyone. So far it is only being reported in some Covid-19 survivors.

Doctors blame the panic use of steroids which made it easier for this fungal infection to spread.

How does it spread?

Mucormycosis is caused by a group of molds called Mucormycetes. These molds exist freely throughout the environment. People get infected when they come in contact or breathe in these fungal molds.

Who is the most vulnerable?

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, four kinds of people are vulnerable

<ul>
	<li>Those who used steroids during their Covid treatment and ended up with lower immunity.</li>
	<li>Those who had prolonged stays at hospital ICUs and are yet to recover.</li>
	<li>Those with diabetes or a history of Kidney &amp; Heart failure.</li>
	<li>Those who are on medication for major health problems that reduce their ability to fight pathogens.</li>
</ul>

What are the symptoms?..

Pain under the eyes, one-sided facial swelling, nasal or sinus congestion, black lesions on nasal bridge, stuffy or bleeding nose, toothache or loosening of teeth, and partial loss of vision.

How do you protect yourself from such an infection?

Experts advise the following steps...

<ul>
	<li>Wear a mask at all times.</li>
	<li>Wear shoes, long trousers and preferably gloves if you step out into a park or for gardening.</li>
	<li>Maintain personal hygiene including a thorough scrub bath.</li>
</ul>

As infections rise, India must focus on precaution, judicious use of steroids. And immediate treatment where the fungus is detected.

The second coronavirus wave is slowly subsiding in India. But another challenge has emerged. Black fungus! India has now been forced to declare this infection an epidemic.

The second coronavirus wave is slowly subsiding in India. But another challenge has emerged. Black fungus! India has now been forced to declare this infection an epidemic. The situation is serious. The infection is scientifically known as Mucormycosis. It's a complication associated with the virus. A few cases were reported in New Delhi last month with no loss of lives. Since then the infection has killed atleast 219 people. The case count has reached 7,250. With infections reported in at least 13 states & union territories. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, UP, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Telangana are the worst-hit. Considering the scale of infections the central government has directed all states to declare black fungus as an epidemic. The Health Ministry has asked them to list it under The Epidemic Diseases Act 1897. This means that every single confirmed or suspected case will directly have to be reported to Union Health Ministry. All hospitals, state and private, will have to follow guidelines for screening, diagnosis and management of cases. Are they prepared? Not really. Several hospitals across India have reported shortage of Amphotericin-B. The medicine is key to curing this infection. The centre says this shortage will be resolved soon. So far, 6 pharma companies were producing this drug. Now the Centre has given permission to five more manufacturers. It has also placed orders to import 6 lakh vials from abroad. The rising cases and shortages have caused alarm. But it's important to understand that the fungus doesn't infect everyone. So far it is only being reported in some Covid-19 survivors. Doctors blame the panic use of steroids which made it easier for this fungal infection to spread. How does it spread? Mucormycosis is caused by a group of molds called Mucormycetes. These molds exist freely throughout the environment. People get infected when they come in contact or breathe in these fungal molds. Who is the most vulnerable? According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, four kinds of people are vulnerable Those who used steroids during their Covid treatment and ended up with lower immunity. Those who had prolonged stays at hospital ICUs and are yet to recover. Those with diabetes or a history of Kidney & Heart failure. Those who are on medication for major health problems that reduce their ability to fight pathogens. What are the symptoms?.. Pain under the eyes, one-sided facial swelling, nasal or sinus congestion, black lesions on nasal bridge, stuffy or bleeding nose, toothache or loosening of teeth, and partial loss of vision. How do you protect yourself from such an infection? Experts advise the following steps... Wear a mask at all times. Wear shoes, long trousers and preferably gloves if you step out into a park or for gardening. Maintain personal hygiene including a thorough scrub bath. As infections rise, India must focus on precaution, judicious use of steroids. And immediate treatment where the fungus is detected.

How to protect yourself from Black fungus infection? Read on

Britain's&nbsp;Queen&nbsp;Elizabeth&nbsp;visited the country's&nbsp;new&nbsp;aircraft&nbsp;carrier&nbsp;on Saturday, named in her honour before&nbsp;it leads a flotilla of Royal Navy ships to&nbsp;Asian waters on its maiden operational&nbsp;voyage.

The&nbsp;queen, aged 95, stepped aboard the HMS&nbsp;Queen&nbsp;Elizabeth&nbsp;in Portsmouth, seven years after she named the vessel alongside her late husband Prince Philip who died last month.

The 65,000-tonne&nbsp;Queen&nbsp;Elizabeth&nbsp;will carry eight British F-35B fighter jets and 10 US&nbsp;F-35s as well as 250 US&nbsp;marines as part of a 1,700-strong crew.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-queen-elizabeth-aircraft-carrier-to-visit-japan-south-korea-on-maiden-deployment-380844">Britain's Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier to visit Japan, South Korea on maiden deployment</a>

It will lead the flotilla alongside two destroyers, two frigates, a submarine and two support ships on its journey of 26,000 nautical miles over 28 weeks. The group will be joined by a US&nbsp;destroyer and a frigate from the Dutch navy.

The group will sail through the contested South China Sea, parts of which are claimed by China and South-East&nbsp;Asian countries, on its way to the Philippine Sea. The ships will also stop in India and Singapore.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uks-largest-naval-ship-to-sail-to-india-next-month-380639">UK's largest naval ship to sail to India next month</a>

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the deployment will help to project British soft power such as a belief in democracy and the rule of law.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth visited the country's new aircraft carrier on Saturday, named in her honour before it leads a flotilla of Royal Navy ships to Asian waters on its maiden operational voyage.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth visited the country's new aircraft carrier on Saturday, named in her honour before it leads a flotilla of Royal Navy ships to Asian waters on its maiden operational voyage. The queen, aged 95, stepped aboard the HMS Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth, seven years after she named the vessel alongside her late husband Prince Philip who died last month. The 65,000-tonne Queen Elizabeth will carry eight British F-35B fighter jets and 10 US F-35s as well as 250 US marines as part of a 1,700-strong crew. Also Read | Britain's Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier to visit Japan, South Korea on maiden deployment It will lead the flotilla alongside two destroyers, two frigates, a submarine and two support ships on its journey of 26,000 nautical miles over 28 weeks. The group will be joined by a US destroyer and a frigate from the Dutch navy. The group will sail through the contested South China Sea, parts of which are claimed by China and South-East Asian countries, on its way to the Philippine Sea. The ships will also stop in India and Singapore. Also Read | UK's largest naval ship to sail to India next month British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the deployment will help to project British soft power such as a belief in democracy and the rule of law.

UK's Queen Elizabeth visits new aircraft carrier before Asia voyage

Top 10 world news today: In our daily evening newsletter, we bring to you the biggest stories of the day from multiple beats. Today, amid the ceasefire between Isreal and Hamas, which was brokered after eleven days of continuous fighting a UN humanitarian official along with aid teams visited Gaza, to&nbsp;assess the damage. Meanwhile, Taiwan has accused China of spreading false information about the novel Coronavirus on social media sites.&nbsp;In other news, former President&nbsp;Donal Trump is also facing the brunt of an accusation, the&nbsp;American network CNN&nbsp; has accused him of spying on their reporter. If you wish to read the full story, please click on the headline.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-humanitarian-aid-chief-tours-gaza-presses-both-sides-386755">UN humanitarian aid chief tours Gaza to assess damage, presses both sides</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/22/195811-un-gaza.jpg" />Observing the situation in airstrike-hit Gaza,&nbsp;top United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the Palestinian territories Lynn Hastings&nbsp;appealed to Hamas and Israel&nbsp;to observe the ceasefire.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cognitive-warfare-taiwan-says-china-is-spreading-vile-fake-news-about-covid-19-386661">Cognitive warfare? Taiwan says China is spreading 'vile fake news' about COVID-19</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/22/195778-oof-6.jpg" />A Taiwanese official&nbsp;has accused China of spreading fake news about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Blaming China for the misinformation circulating on social media platforms, he said, that Taiwan is currently undertaking public measures to ward off the misinformation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-pro-palestinian-protests-merkel-warns-on-anti-semitism-386747">Ahead of pro-Palestinian protests, Merkel warns on anti-Semitism</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/03/13/86670-123.jpg" />Ahead of weekend pro-Palestinian rallies in Germany, the country's Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned against the show of racist or anti-Semitic behaviour.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccine-passport-the-european-covid-certificate-a-users-guide-386729">Vaccine Passport: The European Covid certificate, a user's guide</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/22/195798-untitled-design-67.jpg" />After multiple name changes and a lot of scientific and political discussions, Europen Union's " Digital Covid Certificate" is all set to come into use from July 1. Let's take a look at the certificate and the various information related to its use for travelling purposes.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-army-chief-protests-un-bias-in-report-over-mali-strikes-386743">France army chief protests UN 'bias' in report over Mali strikes</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/11/44969-france.flag_.jpg" />

In an interview, General Francois Lecointre, head of French armed forces&nbsp;slams a United Nations report which looked into the airstrikes in Mali, that resulted in the death of 19 civilians. According to him, the report was biased, and it delegitimised the operations of the French-led Barkhane force in the area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/blinken-palestinian-prez-abbas-discuss-ceasefire-measures-386739">Watch:&nbsp;Blinken, Palestinian Prez Abbas discuss ceasefire measures</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/blinken-palestinian-prez-abbas-discuss-ceasefire-measures-386739/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/aung-san-suu-kyi-will-appear-soon-says-myanmars-military-junta-leader-386706">Aung San Suu Kyi will appear soon, says Myanmar's military junta leader</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/22/195788-oof-9.jpg" />

Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in his first interview since the February 1 coup said that the country’s deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi would soon appear in court.&nbsp;The Southeast Asian country was pushed into a violent crisis in the aftermath of the coup.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-president-dissolves-parliament-new-election-in-november-386646">Nepal president dissolves parliament, new election in November</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/22/195770-oof-3.jpg" />

After neither the caretaker Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, nor opposition leader Sher Bahadur Deuba were able to demonstrate a majority to form a new government set deadline,&nbsp;President Bidya Devi Bhandari has dissolved parliament and fixed general elections in November amid a worsening COVID-19 outbreak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-washington-post-cnn-alleges-trump-of-spying-on-reporters-386653">After Washington Post, CNN alleges Trump of spying on reporters</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/02/09/181871-untitled-design-1.jpg" />

After Washington post, another American media house, CNN, has alleged that the Trump administration spied on a reporter and also&nbsp;obtained&nbsp;phone and email records of a network reporter&nbsp;who was covering the Pentagon at the time Trump was in the White House.

Scientists click photo of oldest spiral galaxy in universe

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/22/195813-spiral-galaxy-science-news.jpg" />

Scientists have&nbsp;clicked a picture of the oldest spiral galaxy in the universe which is estimated to have been formed 12.4 billion years ago, or just&nbsp;1.4 billion years after the big bang.
</div>

Top 10 world news today: In our daily evening newsletter, we bring to you the biggest stories of the day from multiple beats. Today, amid the ceasefire between Isreal and Hamas, which was brokered after eleven days of continuous fighting a UN humanitarian official along with aid teams visited Gaza, to assess the damage.

Top 10 world news today: In our daily evening newsletter, we bring to you the biggest stories of the day from multiple beats. Today, amid the ceasefire between Isreal and Hamas, which was brokered after eleven days of continuous fighting a UN humanitarian official along with aid teams visited Gaza, to assess the damage. Meanwhile, Taiwan has accused China of spreading false information about the novel Coronavirus on social media sites. In other news, former President Donal Trump is also facing the brunt of an accusation, the American network CNN has accused him of spying on their reporter. If you wish to read the full story, please click on the headline. UN humanitarian aid chief tours Gaza to assess damage, presses both sides Observing the situation in airstrike-hit Gaza, top United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the Palestinian territories Lynn Hastings appealed to Hamas and Israel to observe the ceasefire. Cognitive warfare? Taiwan says China is spreading 'vile fake news' about COVID-19 A Taiwanese official has accused China of spreading fake news about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Blaming China for the misinformation circulating on social media platforms, he said, that Taiwan is currently undertaking public measures to ward off the misinformation. Ahead of pro-Palestinian protests, Merkel warns on anti-Semitism Ahead of weekend pro-Palestinian rallies in Germany, the country's Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned against the show of racist or anti-Semitic behaviour. Vaccine Passport: The European Covid certificate, a user's guide After multiple name changes and a lot of scientific and political discussions, Europen Union's " Digital Covid Certificate" is all set to come into use from July 1. Let's take a look at the certificate and the various information related to its use for travelling purposes. France army chief protests UN 'bias' in report over Mali strikes In an interview, General Francois Lecointre, head of French armed forces slams a United Nations report which looked into the airstrikes in Mali, that resulted in the death of 19 civilians. According to him, the report was biased, and it delegitimised the operations of the French-led Barkhane force in the area. Watch: Blinken, Palestinian Prez Abbas discuss ceasefire measures Aung San Suu Kyi will appear soon, says Myanmar's military junta leader Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in his first interview since the February 1 coup said that the country’s deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi would soon appear in court. The Southeast Asian country was pushed into a violent crisis in the aftermath of the coup. Nepal president dissolves parliament, new election in November After neither the caretaker Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, nor opposition leader Sher Bahadur Deuba were able to demonstrate a majority to form a new government set deadline, President Bidya Devi Bhandari has dissolved parliament and fixed general elections in November amid a worsening COVID-19 outbreak. After Washington Post, CNN alleges Trump of spying on reporters After Washington post, another American media house, CNN, has alleged that the Trump administration spied on a reporter and also obtained phone and email records of a network reporter who was covering the Pentagon at the time Trump was in the White House. Scientists click photo of oldest spiral galaxy in universe Scientists have clicked a picture of the oldest spiral galaxy in the universe which is estimated to have been formed 12.4 billion years ago, or just 1.4 billion years after the big bang.

Top 10 world news: UN aid teams visit Gaza, Nepal parliament dissolved & more

A former BBC&nbsp;chief&nbsp;who was criticised for his "woefully ineffective"&nbsp;probe&nbsp;into Martin Bashir's deception in securing a bombshell interview with Princess&nbsp;Diana&nbsp;on Saturday resigned as chair of Britain's National Gallery.

Journalist Bashir tricked&nbsp;Diana&nbsp;into giving a 1995 BBC television interview in which she lifted the lid on her troubled marriage to Prince Charles, an independent investigation concluded on Thursday.

Tony Hall, who had led an earlier investigation into the interview and was later named head of the BBC, said he had "today resigned as Chair of the National Gallery.

"As I said two days ago, I am very sorry for the events of 25 years ago and I believe leadership means taking responsibility," he said in a statement released by the world-renowned London gallery.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-journalist-lied-to-get-princess-dianas-interview-bbc-covered-it-up-386359">Journalist lied to get Princess Diana's interview, BBC covered it up</a>

"I have always had a strong sense of public service and it is clear my continuing in the role would be a distraction to an institution I care deeply about".

Retired senior judge John Dyson said Bashir commissioned faked bank statements that falsely suggested some of&nbsp;Diana's closest aides were being paid by the security services to keep tabs on her.

Bashir then showed them to&nbsp;Diana's brother Charles Spencer, in a succesful bid to convince him to arrange a meeting between himself and&nbsp;Diana&nbsp;and earn her trust.

Questions have long been asked about how Bashir convinced&nbsp;Diana&nbsp;to talk on the BBC's flagship "Panorama" programme in November 1995, which was watched by a record 22.8 million people and won a string of television awards.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-bbcs-deceit-the-diana-interview-386609/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In it, she famously said "there were three people" in her marriage, her, Charles and his long-time mistress and now wife, Camilla Parker-Bowles,&nbsp;and also admitted adultery.

Bashir, now 58, was little-known at the time of the interview but went on to have a&nbsp;high-profile&nbsp;career on US television networks, and interviewed stars such as Michael Jackson.

'Woeful incompetence'&nbsp;

He returned to work for the corporation as religion editor until he stepped&nbsp;down&nbsp;last week, citing ill health, just hours before Dyson's report was submitted to BBC bosses.

A 1996 internal inquiry by Hall cleared Bashir of wrong-doing, but Dyson called that&nbsp;probe&nbsp;"flawed and woefully ineffective".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-haunted-by-dianas-death-prince-harry-talks-of-how-he-feared-losing-meghan-too-386397">Haunted by Diana's death, Prince Harry talks of how he feared losing Meghan too</a>

In particular, it did not ask&nbsp;Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, for his version of events, Dyson said, lambasting it for failing to scrutinise Bashir's actions properly.

"If they had been able to test Mr Bashir's account by asking him to comment on Earl Spencer's detailed account, it is very unlikely that they would have believed him and concluded that he was an 'honest and an honourable man'," he wrote.

Hall admitted that the&nbsp;probe&nbsp;"fell well short of what was required", and said he was "wrong to give Martin Bashir the benefit of the doubt".

Diana's son Prince William said the interview had made "a major contribution" to the demise of his parents' relationship, while the BBC's "woeful incompetence" in uncovering the truth had "contributed significantly to her fear, paranoia and isolation" in her final years.

Diana&nbsp;died in a high-speed car crash while being chased by paparazzi photographers in 1997.

Hall took charge of the BBC in 2013, and stepped&nbsp;down&nbsp;last year.

A former BBC chief who was criticised for his "woefully ineffective" probe into Martin Bashir's deception in securing a bombshell interview with Princess Diana on Saturday resigned as chair of Britain's National Gallery.

A former BBC chief who was criticised for his "woefully ineffective" probe into Martin Bashir's deception in securing a bombshell interview with Princess Diana on Saturday resigned as chair of Britain's National Gallery. Journalist Bashir tricked Diana into giving a 1995 BBC television interview in which she lifted the lid on her troubled marriage to Prince Charles, an independent investigation concluded on Thursday. Tony Hall, who had led an earlier investigation into the interview and was later named head of the BBC, said he had "today resigned as Chair of the National Gallery. "As I said two days ago, I am very sorry for the events of 25 years ago and I believe leadership means taking responsibility," he said in a statement released by the world-renowned London gallery. Also Read | Journalist lied to get Princess Diana's interview, BBC covered it up "I have always had a strong sense of public service and it is clear my continuing in the role would be a distraction to an institution I care deeply about". Retired senior judge John Dyson said Bashir commissioned faked bank statements that falsely suggested some of Diana's closest aides were being paid by the security services to keep tabs on her. Bashir then showed them to Diana's brother Charles Spencer, in a succesful bid to convince him to arrange a meeting between himself and Diana and earn her trust. Questions have long been asked about how Bashir convinced Diana to talk on the BBC's flagship "Panorama" programme in November 1995, which was watched by a record 22.8 million people and won a string of television awards. In it, she famously said "there were three people" in her marriage, her, Charles and his long-time mistress and now wife, Camilla Parker-Bowles, and also admitted adultery. Bashir, now 58, was little-known at the time of the interview but went on to have a high-profile career on US television networks, and interviewed stars such as Michael Jackson. 'Woeful incompetence' He returned to work for the corporation as religion editor until he stepped down last week, citing ill health, just hours before Dyson's report was submitted to BBC bosses. A 1996 internal inquiry by Hall cleared Bashir of wrong-doing, but Dyson called that probe "flawed and woefully ineffective". Also Read | Haunted by Diana's death, Prince Harry talks of how he feared losing Meghan too In particular, it did not ask Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, for his version of events, Dyson said, lambasting it for failing to scrutinise Bashir's actions properly. "If they had been able to test Mr Bashir's account by asking him to comment on Earl Spencer's detailed account, it is very unlikely that they would have believed him and concluded that he was an 'honest and an honourable man'," he wrote. Hall admitted that the probe "fell well short of what was required", and said he was "wrong to give Martin Bashir the benefit of the doubt". Diana's son Prince William said the interview had made "a major contribution" to the demise of his parents' relationship, while the BBC's "woeful incompetence" in uncovering the truth had "contributed significantly to her fear, paranoia and isolation" in her final years. Diana died in a high-speed car crash while being chased by paparazzi photographers in 1997. Hall took charge of the BBC in 2013, and stepped down last year.

Ex-BBC chief steps down from high-profile job over Diana probe

Dozens of countries have revised a proposal at the WTO for patent waivers for medical tools needed to combat Covid, insisting it must be broader than just vaccines, non-governmental organisations said Saturday.

More than 60 countries have presented a revision of their text before the World Trade Organization on ditching intellectual property protections for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> jabs and other medical tools while the pandemic rages, according to the Doctors Without Borders (MSF) charity and NGO Knowledge Ecology International (KEI).

KEI published what it said was the revised text, which pushed for the waiver to be broad and long-lasting.

The WTO did not immediately verify the authenticity of the document, but a Western diplomat close to the waiver discussions confirmed it was genuine and had been distributed to all WTO members.

That text said the waiver should cover all medical "prevention, treatment and containment" tools needed to battle Covid.

In addition to vaccines, it should include treatments, diagnostics, vaccines, medical devices and protective equipment, along with the material and components needed to produce them, it said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-patent-waiver-will-not-be-enough-to-bridge-supply-gap-wto-386296">COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver will not be enough to bridge supply gap: WTO</a>

It also said the waiver should last for "at least three years" from the date it takes effect, following which, the WTO's General Council should determine whether it could be lifted or should be prolonged.

'Frightening increase'

"We are pleased to see the governments sponsoring the COVID-19 intellectual property waiver proposal reaffirm that the waiver aims to remove monopoly barriers for all medical tools ... needed to tackle this pandemic," MSF South Asia chief Leena Manghaney said in a statement.

"With a frightening increase in infections and deaths in developing countries, and with potentially promising treatments in the pipeline, it is crucial that governments have every flexibility at their disposal to beat back this pandemic," she said.

The WTO has since October faced calls led by India and South Africa for the temporary removal of such IP protections, in what proponents argue will boost production in developing countries and address the dramatic inequity in access.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-big-pharma-is-trying-to-block-vaccine-patent-waivers-385902">How big pharma is trying to block vaccine patent waivers</a>

That notion has long met with fierce opposition from pharmaceutical giants and their host countries, which insisted patents were not the main roadblocks to scaling up production and warned the move could hamper innovation.

The positions appeared to shift earlier this month, when Washington came out in support of a global patent waiver for the jabs, with other long-time opponents voicing openness to discuss the matter.

The European Parliament voted narrowly this week to urge Brussels to get behind the proposal.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eu-parliament-extends-support-to-india-south-africas-covid-vaccine-patent-waiver-386638">EU Parliament extends support to India, South Africa's Covid vaccine patent waiver</a>

Observers have however said the ambitions for the waiver appear to differ significantly among the longtime supporters and those now coming around to the idea, who have seemed to focus more narrowly on vaccines.

It remains unclear if countries will be able to see eye to eye, but with the pandemic that has killed over 3.4 million people still far from over, there is intense pressure on them to do so.

With the new revision on the table, MSF called for "governments to immediately move towards text-based negotiations," insisting there was no time to lose.

In light of the WTO's usual glacial pace in decision-making, with agreements requiring consensus backing by all 164 member states, a deal could meanwhile take time.

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According to MSF, more than 100 countries overall now support the proposal, including China and Russia.

A full 62 countries are now official co-sponsors of the proposal, with Indonesia, Fiji, Vanuatu and Namibia having joined in recent weeks.

Dozens of countries have revised a proposal at the WTO for patent waivers for medical tools needed to combat Covid, insisting it must be broader than just vaccines, non-governmental organisations said Saturday.

Dozens of countries have revised a proposal at the WTO for patent waivers for medical tools needed to combat Covid, insisting it must be broader than just vaccines, non-governmental organisations said Saturday. More than 60 countries have presented a revision of their text before the World Trade Organization on ditching intellectual property protections for COVID-19 jabs and other medical tools while the pandemic rages, according to the Doctors Without Borders (MSF) charity and NGO Knowledge Ecology International (KEI). KEI published what it said was the revised text, which pushed for the waiver to be broad and long-lasting. The WTO did not immediately verify the authenticity of the document, but a Western diplomat close to the waiver discussions confirmed it was genuine and had been distributed to all WTO members. That text said the waiver should cover all medical "prevention, treatment and containment" tools needed to battle Covid. In addition to vaccines, it should include treatments, diagnostics, vaccines, medical devices and protective equipment, along with the material and components needed to produce them, it said. Also Read | COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver will not be enough to bridge supply gap: WTO It also said the waiver should last for "at least three years" from the date it takes effect, following which, the WTO's General Council should determine whether it could be lifted or should be prolonged. 'Frightening increase' "We are pleased to see the governments sponsoring the COVID-19 intellectual property waiver proposal reaffirm that the waiver aims to remove monopoly barriers for all medical tools ... needed to tackle this pandemic," MSF South Asia chief Leena Manghaney said in a statement. "With a frightening increase in infections and deaths in developing countries, and with potentially promising treatments in the pipeline, it is crucial that governments have every flexibility at their disposal to beat back this pandemic," she said. The WTO has since October faced calls led by India and South Africa for the temporary removal of such IP protections, in what proponents argue will boost production in developing countries and address the dramatic inequity in access. Also Read | How big pharma is trying to block vaccine patent waivers That notion has long met with fierce opposition from pharmaceutical giants and their host countries, which insisted patents were not the main roadblocks to scaling up production and warned the move could hamper innovation. The positions appeared to shift earlier this month, when Washington came out in support of a global patent waiver for the jabs, with other long-time opponents voicing openness to discuss the matter. The European Parliament voted narrowly this week to urge Brussels to get behind the proposal. Also Read | EU Parliament extends support to India, South Africa's Covid vaccine patent waiver Observers have however said the ambitions for the waiver appear to differ significantly among the longtime supporters and those now coming around to the idea, who have seemed to focus more narrowly on vaccines. It remains unclear if countries will be able to see eye to eye, but with the pandemic that has killed over 3.4 million people still far from over, there is intense pressure on them to do so. With the new revision on the table, MSF called for "governments to immediately move towards text-based negotiations," insisting there was no time to lose. In light of the WTO's usual glacial pace in decision-making, with agreements requiring consensus backing by all 164 member states, a deal could meanwhile take time. According to MSF, more than 100 countries overall now support the proposal, including China and Russia. A full 62 countries are now official co-sponsors of the proposal, with Indonesia, Fiji, Vanuatu and Namibia having joined in recent weeks.

Countries urge broader patent waivers than just Covid vaccines

Republican lawmakers have rejected a new White House infrastructure proposal that lowers the overall price tag in a bid to gain the opposition party's support, potentially raising the likelihood President Joe&nbsp;Biden's Democrats pass the measure on their own.

The White House on Friday had proposed reducing the cost of the $2.3 trillion American Jobs Plan to $1.7 trillion by having other bills cover some of the projects it would pay for and cutting out some spending altogether, but a key Republican lawmaker said she still wouldn't support it.

"There continue to be vast differences between the White House and Senate Republicans when it comes to the definition of infrastructure, the magnitude of proposed spending and how to pay for it," said a spokeswoman for Shelley Moore Capito, who is part of a group of Republican senators negotiating with the&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;administration over the proposal.

"Based on today's meeting, the groups seem further apart after two meetings with White House staff than they were after one meeting with President&nbsp;Biden. Senate Republicans will further review the details in today's counteroffer and continue to engage in conversations with the administration."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-vows-flexibility-in-landmark-2-trillion-infrastructure-bill-377181">US President Joe Biden vows flexibility in landmark $2 trillion infrastructure bill</a>

Biden&nbsp;had in March proposed the measure that would direct money towards fixing roads and bridges as well as expanding services like broadband internet and increasing climate change resiliency across the United States.

But with his Democratic Party controlling Congress by a small margin, he is under pressure to find Republican support for the bill, and on Friday Press Secretary Jen Psaki said he would cut its cost down by $500 billion "in the spirit of finding common ground."

"This proposal exhibits a willingness to come down in size, giving on some areas that are important to the president... while staying firm in areas that are most vital to rebuilding our infrastructure and industries of the future, making our country more competitive with China," she told reporters.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-push-through-infrastructure-plan-even-without-republican-support-375366">Biden to push through infrastructure plan even without Republican support</a>

he Republican rejection increases the chances that Democrats will attempt to pass the measure through a parliamentary procedure that could see it clear the Senate without opposition votes, which the party's leader in the chamber has hinted they could do.&nbsp;

There were also signs the party's progressive wing&nbsp;would not support a scaled-down bill.

"A smaller infrastructure package means fewer jobs, less justice, less climate action, and less investment in America's future," Democratic Senator Ed Markey tweeted after the White House detailed the proposal. "This is not the time for half-measures, half-spending or foot-dragging. Now is the time to go big, to go bold, and to go fast."

Paying for it

The infrastructure plan is among two major spending bills&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;is pushing, along with his $1.8 trillion American Families Plan aimed at expanding education and social protections.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-outlines-far-reaching-plan-to-reengineer-us-infrastructure-374638">Biden outlines far-reaching plan to reengineer US infrastructure</a>

After taking office in January,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;won passage of a $1.9 trillion measure intended to help the world's largest economy recover from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> downturn, a measure paid for by deficit spending.

The president is under pressure to find ways to offset the costs of the new spending plans.

He has proposed ending tax cuts and loopholes benefiting small businesses to pay for the American Families Plan, while hiking the corporate tax rate to pay for the infrastructure proposal.

In detailing the new counter proposal, Psaki said the White House rejected ideas from Republicans to increase gas taxes or impose user fees instead of raising taxes on corporations.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-pay-for-infrastructure-plan-with-15-years-of-corporate-taxes-374595">Biden to pay for infrastructure plan with 15 years of corporate taxes</a>

Biden&nbsp;"believes that the extraordinarily wealthy companies... many of whom have not paid taxes in recent years, can afford a modest increase to pay for middle class jobs," Psaki said.

However the overall price tag could be lowered by shifting money in the original plan intended to pay for research, supply chains, manufacturing and small businesses to other bills, while funds for roads and bridges, as well as broadband, would be slashed.

Spending on improved rail transportation would stay, "especially considering China's level of investment in such projects," Psaki said, while money for the removal of lead pipes and projects to bolster the country against climate change would also remain.

Republican lawmakers have rejected a new White House infrastructure proposal that lowers the overall price tag in a bid to gain the opposition party's support, potentially raising the likelihood President Joe Biden's Democrats pass the measure on their own.

Republican lawmakers have rejected a new White House infrastructure proposal that lowers the overall price tag in a bid to gain the opposition party's support, potentially raising the likelihood President Joe Biden's Democrats pass the measure on their own. The White House on Friday had proposed reducing the cost of the $2.3 trillion American Jobs Plan to $1.7 trillion by having other bills cover some of the projects it would pay for and cutting out some spending altogether, but a key Republican lawmaker said she still wouldn't support it. "There continue to be vast differences between the White House and Senate Republicans when it comes to the definition of infrastructure, the magnitude of proposed spending and how to pay for it," said a spokeswoman for Shelley Moore Capito, who is part of a group of Republican senators negotiating with the Biden administration over the proposal. "Based on today's meeting, the groups seem further apart after two meetings with White House staff than they were after one meeting with President Biden. Senate Republicans will further review the details in today's counteroffer and continue to engage in conversations with the administration." Also Read | US President Joe Biden vows flexibility in landmark $2 trillion infrastructure bill Biden had in March proposed the measure that would direct money towards fixing roads and bridges as well as expanding services like broadband internet and increasing climate change resiliency across the United States. But with his Democratic Party controlling Congress by a small margin, he is under pressure to find Republican support for the bill, and on Friday Press Secretary Jen Psaki said he would cut its cost down by $500 billion "in the spirit of finding common ground." "This proposal exhibits a willingness to come down in size, giving on some areas that are important to the president... while staying firm in areas that are most vital to rebuilding our infrastructure and industries of the future, making our country more competitive with China," she told reporters. Also Read | Biden to push through infrastructure plan even without Republican support he Republican rejection increases the chances that Democrats will attempt to pass the measure through a parliamentary procedure that could see it clear the Senate without opposition votes, which the party's leader in the chamber has hinted they could do. There were also signs the party's progressive wing would not support a scaled-down bill. "A smaller infrastructure package means fewer jobs, less justice, less climate action, and less investment in America's future," Democratic Senator Ed Markey tweeted after the White House detailed the proposal. "This is not the time for half-measures, half-spending or foot-dragging. Now is the time to go big, to go bold, and to go fast." Paying for it The infrastructure plan is among two major spending bills Biden is pushing, along with his $1.8 trillion American Families Plan aimed at expanding education and social protections. Also Read | Biden outlines far-reaching plan to reengineer US infrastructure After taking office in January, Biden won passage of a $1.9 trillion measure intended to help the world's largest economy recover from the COVID-19 downturn, a measure paid for by deficit spending. The president is under pressure to find ways to offset the costs of the new spending plans. He has proposed ending tax cuts and loopholes benefiting small businesses to pay for the American Families Plan, while hiking the corporate tax rate to pay for the infrastructure proposal. In detailing the new counter proposal, Psaki said the White House rejected ideas from Republicans to increase gas taxes or impose user fees instead of raising taxes on corporations. Also Read | Biden to pay for infrastructure plan with 15 years of corporate taxes Biden "believes that the extraordinarily wealthy companies... many of whom have not paid taxes in recent years, can afford a modest increase to pay for middle class jobs," Psaki said. However the overall price tag could be lowered by shifting money in the original plan intended to pay for research, supply chains, manufacturing and small businesses to other bills, while funds for roads and bridges, as well as broadband, would be slashed. Spending on improved rail transportation would stay, "especially considering China's level of investment in such projects," Psaki said, while money for the removal of lead pipes and projects to bolster the country against climate change would also remain.

Republicans reject Biden infrastructure bill despite reduced cost

Thousands of demonstrators marched through London and other British cities on Saturday (May 22) to show support for Palestine. The demonstrators protested Israeli air strikes on Gaza during the conflict that raged for 11 days.

The protesters demanded sanctions on Israel during a&nbsp;march in London. Some of them were draped in Palestinian flags and lit red and green flares. Some others carried banners that said "Free Palestine", "Stop bombing Gaza" and "Sanctions on Israel".

A ceasefire on Friday (May 21), mediated by Egypt, ended 11 days of hostilities, during which the Israeli military pounded Gaza with air strikes which it said were a response to rockets fired at Israel by Palestinian militants.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-pro-palestinian-protests-merkel-warns-on-anti-semitism-386747">Ahead of pro-Palestinian protests, Merkel warns on anti-Semitism</a>

Gaza medical officials said 248 people were killed in the Palestinian enclave, and aid officials have expressed concern about the humanitarian situation there.

Health officials said 13 people were killed in Israel in the hostilities, during which the Israeli military said Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other militant groups fired around 4,350 rockets, many of which did not reach Israel or were intercepted.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of demonstrators marched through London and other British cities on Saturday (May 22) to show support for Palestine. The demonstrators protested Israeli air strikes on Gaza during the conflict that raged for 11 days.

Thousands of demonstrators marched through London and other British cities on Saturday (May 22) to show support for Palestine. The demonstrators protested Israeli air strikes on Gaza during the conflict that raged for 11 days. The protesters demanded sanctions on Israel during a march in London. Some of them were draped in Palestinian flags and lit red and green flares. Some others carried banners that said "Free Palestine", "Stop bombing Gaza" and "Sanctions on Israel". A ceasefire on Friday (May 21), mediated by Egypt, ended 11 days of hostilities, during which the Israeli military pounded Gaza with air strikes which it said were a response to rockets fired at Israel by Palestinian militants. Also Read | Ahead of pro-Palestinian protests, Merkel warns on anti-Semitism Gaza medical officials said 248 people were killed in the Palestinian enclave, and aid officials have expressed concern about the humanitarian situation there. Health officials said 13 people were killed in Israel in the hostilities, during which the Israeli military said Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other militant groups fired around 4,350 rockets, many of which did not reach Israel or were intercepted. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands march in Britain to show support for Palestine

Italy passed the milestone of 30 million Covid vaccine doses on Saturday. This brings the number of fully vaccinated people to nearly 10 million.

More than 9.85 million people in Italy have received two doses of a coronavirus vaccine, according to government figures, representing 16.6 percent of the 60 million-strong population.&nbsp;

Two-thirds of the doses administered so far have been given to those aged over 60.

Italy was hit hard by coronavirus pandemic in early 2020. It has suffered 125,153 Covid-19 deaths. This is the highest official toll in Europe after Britain (128,000 deaths)

Since April 26 Italy has been cautiously relaxing months-long coronavirus restrictions, with bars and restaurants now serving customers outdoors.&nbsp;

The latest data has been promising, with health authorities on Saturday reporting 125 Covid deaths over the past 24 hours -- three times less than a month ago.&nbsp;

The positivity rate of some 300,000 Covid tests carried out over the same period has meanwhile dropped to 1.6 percent, the lowest in 2021.

(With inputs from agencies)

Italy passed the milestone of 30 million Covid vaccine doses on Saturday. This brings the number of fully vaccinated people to nearly 10 million. More than 9.85 million people in Italy have received two doses of a coronavirus vaccine, according to government figures, representing 16.

Italy passed the milestone of 30 million Covid vaccine doses on Saturday. This brings the number of fully vaccinated people to nearly 10 million. More than 9.85 million people in Italy have received two doses of a coronavirus vaccine, according to government figures, representing 16.6 percent of the 60 million-strong population. Two-thirds of the doses administered so far have been given to those aged over 60. Italy was hit hard by coronavirus pandemic in early 2020. It has suffered 125,153 Covid-19 deaths. This is the highest official toll in Europe after Britain (128,000 deaths) Since April 26 Italy has been cautiously relaxing months-long coronavirus restrictions, with bars and restaurants now serving customers outdoors. The latest data has been promising, with health authorities on Saturday reporting 125 Covid deaths over the past 24 hours -- three times less than a month ago. The positivity rate of some 300,000 Covid tests carried out over the same period has meanwhile dropped to 1.6 percent, the lowest in 2021. (With inputs from agencies)

Italy crosses 30 million vaccine doses mark

Shape of galaxies has more significance than we think. At the very start of its formation, dark matter brings hot gas together. This forms stars and it further leads to formation of a mis-shapen galaxy. As the galaxy 'matures' and starts rotating about itself, it may give rise to a spiral galaxy. The spiral shape of a galaxy gives rise to more stars and some stars may even form planets that have life. Our Milky Way galaxy is one such spiral galaxy.

In other words, the spiral shape of our galaxy is directly connected with human experience.

Scientists have now clicked a picture of oldest spiral galaxy in the universe. This galaxy was formed 12.4 billion years ago. This means that it was formed just 1.4 billion years after the big bang.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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By <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ESOcast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ESOcast</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ESO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESO</a> 
'Light: ALMA Sees MostDistant Milky Way Look-alike'✨ <a href="https://t.co/dgHhufEKcs">pic.twitter.com/dgHhufEKcs</a>
— ALMA Observatory at Home📡 (@almaobs) <a href="https://twitter.com/almaobs/status/1393933001516531713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The galaxy has been officially named BRI 1335-0417. It's image was clicked as a part of study that has now been published in journal&nbsp;Science. It was clicked by &nbsp;Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) telescope in Chile.

The ALMA telescope also has the distinction of clicking the image of another galaxy that was formerly considered the oldest spiral galaxy in universe.

Though the newly clicked BRI 1335-0417 is the oldest spiral galaxy in the universe, it is not the oldest galaxy observed by us. That place is held by galaxy named GNz11. It was observed last December.

Shape of galaxies has more significance than we think. At the very start of its formation, dark matter brings hot gas together. This forms stars and it further leads to formation of a mis-shapen galaxy.

Shape of galaxies has more significance than we think. At the very start of its formation, dark matter brings hot gas together. This forms stars and it further leads to formation of a mis-shapen galaxy. As the galaxy 'matures' and starts rotating about itself, it may give rise to a spiral galaxy. The spiral shape of a galaxy gives rise to more stars and some stars may even form planets that have life. Our Milky Way galaxy is one such spiral galaxy. In other words, the spiral shape of our galaxy is directly connected with human experience. Scientists have now clicked a picture of oldest spiral galaxy in the universe. This galaxy was formed 12.4 billion years ago. This means that it was formed just 1.4 billion years after the big bang. By #ESOcast @ESO 'Light: ALMA Sees MostDistant Milky Way Look-alike'✨ pic.twitter.com/dgHhufEKcs — ALMA Observatory at Home📡 (@almaobs) May 16, 2021 × The galaxy has been officially named BRI 1335-0417. It's image was clicked as a part of study that has now been published in journal Science. It was clicked by Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) telescope in Chile. The ALMA telescope also has the distinction of clicking the image of another galaxy that was formerly considered the oldest spiral galaxy in universe. Though the newly clicked BRI 1335-0417 is the oldest spiral galaxy in the universe, it is not the oldest galaxy observed by us. That place is held by galaxy named GNz11. It was observed last December.

Scientists click photo of oldest spiral galaxy in universe

Top United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the Palestinian territories Lynn Hastings observed situation in airstrike-hit Gaza and appealed both sides to observe ceasefire. Aid teams are currently assessing damage in rubble-strewn Gaza that has taken a lot of beating in the 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas. The ceasefire between both sides began early on Friday (May 21).

"Last night was calm, and we hope obviously that it is going to hold and everybody just needs to stand down and not to engage in any provocative moves," Lynn Hastings, U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for the Palestinian territories, said in Gaza City.

Hastings stopped to talk to survivors on heavily damaged Wehda Street (Unity Street), where Palestinian health officials said 42 people had been killed, including 22 members of one family, during the Israeli air strikes.

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"All my ideas and dreams have ended. I have no more hopes in life," Riyad Eshkuntana, who lost his wife and four of his five children, told Hastings. "Under the rubble, my children were screaming, and I heard them. Their voices stopped one after another."

Israel has maintained that its airstrike was targetting the Hamas underground tunnel network and civilians were not the target.

Standing by the rubble of residential buildings, Hastings said she had seen more than just damaged infrastructure.

"I have been speaking to the families here and what they all said is that they have no hope, they feel that they have no control of their lives and their situation is, one woman said, helpless," she told Reuters.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ceasefire-between-israel-and-gaza-holds-as-egyptian-mediators-eye-long-term-peace-386713">Ceasefire between Israel and Gaza holds as Egyptian mediators eye long-term peace</a>

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden has said Washington will work with U.N. agencies on expediting humanitarian aid for Gaza "in a manner that does not permit Hamas to simply restock its military arsenal".

Hastings said suitable mechanisms were already in place and had been active since a war in 2014.

She cited the "Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism" agreed among Israel, the United Nations and the Palestinian Authority under President Mahmoud Abbas, a Hamas rival who governs the occupied West Bank but has negligible influence within Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies)

Top United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the Palestinian territories Lynn Hastings observed situation in airstrike-hit Gaza and appealed both sides to observe ceasefire.

Top United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the Palestinian territories Lynn Hastings observed situation in airstrike-hit Gaza and appealed both sides to observe ceasefire. Aid teams are currently assessing damage in rubble-strewn Gaza that has taken a lot of beating in the 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas. The ceasefire between both sides began early on Friday (May 21). "Last night was calm, and we hope obviously that it is going to hold and everybody just needs to stand down and not to engage in any provocative moves," Lynn Hastings, U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for the Palestinian territories, said in Gaza City. Hastings stopped to talk to survivors on heavily damaged Wehda Street (Unity Street), where Palestinian health officials said 42 people had been killed, including 22 members of one family, during the Israeli air strikes. × "All my ideas and dreams have ended. I have no more hopes in life," Riyad Eshkuntana, who lost his wife and four of his five children, told Hastings. "Under the rubble, my children were screaming, and I heard them. Their voices stopped one after another." Israel has maintained that its airstrike was targetting the Hamas underground tunnel network and civilians were not the target. Standing by the rubble of residential buildings, Hastings said she had seen more than just damaged infrastructure. "I have been speaking to the families here and what they all said is that they have no hope, they feel that they have no control of their lives and their situation is, one woman said, helpless," she told Reuters. Also Read | Ceasefire between Israel and Gaza holds as Egyptian mediators eye long-term peace US President Joe Biden has said Washington will work with U.N. agencies on expediting humanitarian aid for Gaza "in a manner that does not permit Hamas to simply restock its military arsenal". Hastings said suitable mechanisms were already in place and had been active since a war in 2014. She cited the "Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism" agreed among Israel, the United Nations and the Palestinian Authority under President Mahmoud Abbas, a Hamas rival who governs the occupied West Bank but has negligible influence within Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

UN humanitarian aid chief tours Gaza to assess damage, presses both sides

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