China said on Friday that the US needed to take more responsibility on climate change. The comments came during former US Secretary of State John Kerry's visit to the country. However, China welcomed greater co-operation on the issue with China.

The former secretary of state turned US climate emissary was the first official from President Joe Biden's administration to visit China, signalling hopes the two sides could work together on the global challenge despite sky-high tensions on multiple other fronts.

"China attaches importance to carrying out dialogue and cooperation on climate change with the US side," said Vice Premier Han Zheng, according to state news agency Xinhua.

"China welcomes the US return to the Paris agreement, and expects the US side to uphold the agreement, shoulder its due responsibilities and make due contributions," Han said after virtual talks with Kerry, who visited Shanghai where he met his Chinese counterpart.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying was more blunt on Twitter as she highlighted the US withdrawal from the Paris accord under former president Donald Trump.

"Its return is by no means a glorious comeback but rather a truant getting back to class," Hua said of the United States.

Chunying pressed the UN to ""offer how it will make up for the lost four years" including payments to the UN-backed Green Climate Fund, which provides support to developing countries worst hit by climate change

Joe Biden is expected to announce new US targets on reducing carbon emissions.

(With inputs from agencies)

China said on Friday that the US needed to take more responsibility on climate change. The comments came during former US Secretary of State John Kerry's visit to the country.

China said on Friday that the US needed to take more responsibility on climate change. The comments came during former US Secretary of State John Kerry's visit to the country. However, China welcomed greater co-operation on the issue with China. The former secretary of state turned US climate emissary was the first official from President Joe Biden's administration to visit China, signalling hopes the two sides could work together on the global challenge despite sky-high tensions on multiple other fronts. "China attaches importance to carrying out dialogue and cooperation on climate change with the US side," said Vice Premier Han Zheng, according to state news agency Xinhua. "China welcomes the US return to the Paris agreement, and expects the US side to uphold the agreement, shoulder its due responsibilities and make due contributions," Han said after virtual talks with Kerry, who visited Shanghai where he met his Chinese counterpart. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying was more blunt on Twitter as she highlighted the US withdrawal from the Paris accord under former president Donald Trump. "Its return is by no means a glorious comeback but rather a truant getting back to class," Hua said of the United States. Chunying pressed the UN to ""offer how it will make up for the lost four years" including payments to the UN-backed Green Climate Fund, which provides support to developing countries worst hit by climate change Joe Biden is expected to announce new US targets on reducing carbon emissions. (With inputs from agencies)

China puts climate change onus on US during Kerry's visit

What China has unleashed in Xinjiang has all the makings of a 21st-century holocaust. China has unleashed a war on Uighur culture. At least 1 million people are in detention. But if you ask China, the world has got it all wrong. China claims to be running 're-education camps', not labour camps. China's methods are brutal. They involve illegal detention, forced labour, torture, state-sponsored rape and even medical experiments.

Every time the world moves against Beijing, it unleashes a propaganda drive. This time, the target is the United States of America.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-accuses-us-of-funding-terror-in-xinjiang-377843/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Two videos featuring disgraced American officials have been published. The officials are Lawrence Wilkerson (former aide to US Secretary of State Colin Powell) and Sibel Edmonds (A former FBI translator).

In the video, both of them appear to say that Xinjiang is America's best bet to destabilise China. Now. Beijing is accusing Washington of funding terrorists in Xinjiang.

As usual, context is missing from China's claim.

Lawrence Wilkerson's speech is from 2018. This is a man who helped sell the Iraq war to George Bush. But after all the death and destruction, he retracted his support.

Sibel Edmonds' speech is from 2015, and 13 years after she was fired from the FBI. As per records, Ms Edmonds lasted 6 months in the organisation.&nbsp;She is a known conspiracy theorist.

These two are China's top sources. Conspiracy theorists and disgraced military officers. Both Edmonds and Wilkerson said that the US could possibly leverage Xinjiang.

Possibly, they did not admit to any such US operation. In fact, looking back at American actions, overreach has not been the issue. Our complaint is the lack of concrete measures.

Today, America loves to call itself the defender of Uighurs.

But that wasn't always the case. In the 2000s the US was an active accomplice. They detained 22 Uighur Muslims in Guantanamo Bay.

So the Uighurs aren't just victims of China's war on terror. They also suffered under America's war.

Then came the presidency of Barack Obama.&nbsp;Would the multi-cultural president stand up for China's diversity?&nbsp;As it turned out, he chose the policy of silence. Obama did not raise the Uighur genocide during his visit to China. Back then no one knew where the relationship was headed. So Obama decided to not rock the boat.

Like it or not, it was Donald Trump who put the spotlight on Uighurs. Not out of love for the community. But because it was a convenient issue to tackle Beijing on.

Nonetheless, it worked. In 2020, Trump signed the Uighur Human Rights Policy Act.

What did it say?&nbsp;All US government bodies would have to report on Communist abuses in Xinjiang. These reports would define American sanctions in the future.

Another law is in the pipeline:&nbsp;The Uighur Forced Labour Prevention Act. The House of Representatives has already cleared it. It is now up to the Senate to send it to Joe Biden.

This law would keep American firms away from the forced labour camps in Xinjiang. But Trump's biggest move was declaring the Uighur crackdown a genocide.

This was an indictment of the Chinese state. The Communist regime was placed on the same level as Nazi Germany.

The problem is, Trump's actions were punctuated by flip-flops. There were reports that privately he supported President Xi's crackdown.

And this is American policy in a nutshell. The right goals for the wrong reasons.

Last month, American and Chinese officials met in Alaska. It was more like a classroom squabble than a diplomatic meeting. China kept calling Xinjiang a domestic issue.

However, genocide cannot be a domestic matter. It appears that in near future, we could be looking at more of what happened in Alaska. Diplomatic meetings that descend into chaos.

Talks are successful, when there is a basic understanding between the two sides. But China does not understand the concept of human rights. It is a headstrong bully living in a world of denial.

What China has unleashed in Xinjiang has all the makings of a 21st-century holocaust. China has unleashed a war on Uighur culture. At least 1 million people are in detention.

What China has unleashed in Xinjiang has all the makings of a 21st-century holocaust. China has unleashed a war on Uighur culture. At least 1 million people are in detention. But if you ask China, the world has got it all wrong. China claims to be running 're-education camps', not labour camps. China's methods are brutal. They involve illegal detention, forced labour, torture, state-sponsored rape and even medical experiments. Every time the world moves against Beijing, it unleashes a propaganda drive. This time, the target is the United States of America. Two videos featuring disgraced American officials have been published. The officials are Lawrence Wilkerson (former aide to US Secretary of State Colin Powell) and Sibel Edmonds (A former FBI translator). In the video, both of them appear to say that Xinjiang is America's best bet to destabilise China. Now. Beijing is accusing Washington of funding terrorists in Xinjiang. As usual, context is missing from China's claim. Lawrence Wilkerson's speech is from 2018. This is a man who helped sell the Iraq war to George Bush. But after all the death and destruction, he retracted his support. Sibel Edmonds' speech is from 2015, and 13 years after she was fired from the FBI. As per records, Ms Edmonds lasted 6 months in the organisation. She is a known conspiracy theorist. These two are China's top sources. Conspiracy theorists and disgraced military officers. Both Edmonds and Wilkerson said that the US could possibly leverage Xinjiang. Possibly, they did not admit to any such US operation. In fact, looking back at American actions, overreach has not been the issue. Our complaint is the lack of concrete measures. Today, America loves to call itself the defender of Uighurs. But that wasn't always the case. In the 2000s the US was an active accomplice. They detained 22 Uighur Muslims in Guantanamo Bay. So the Uighurs aren't just victims of China's war on terror. They also suffered under America's war. Then came the presidency of Barack Obama. Would the multi-cultural president stand up for China's diversity? As it turned out, he chose the policy of silence. Obama did not raise the Uighur genocide during his visit to China. Back then no one knew where the relationship was headed. So Obama decided to not rock the boat. Like it or not, it was Donald Trump who put the spotlight on Uighurs. Not out of love for the community. But because it was a convenient issue to tackle Beijing on. Nonetheless, it worked. In 2020, Trump signed the Uighur Human Rights Policy Act. What did it say? All US government bodies would have to report on Communist abuses in Xinjiang. These reports would define American sanctions in the future. Another law is in the pipeline: The Uighur Forced Labour Prevention Act. The House of Representatives has already cleared it. It is now up to the Senate to send it to Joe Biden. This law would keep American firms away from the forced labour camps in Xinjiang. But Trump's biggest move was declaring the Uighur crackdown a genocide. This was an indictment of the Chinese state. The Communist regime was placed on the same level as Nazi Germany. The problem is, Trump's actions were punctuated by flip-flops. There were reports that privately he supported President Xi's crackdown. And this is American policy in a nutshell. The right goals for the wrong reasons. Last month, American and Chinese officials met in Alaska. It was more like a classroom squabble than a diplomatic meeting. China kept calling Xinjiang a domestic issue. However, genocide cannot be a domestic matter. It appears that in near future, we could be looking at more of what happened in Alaska. Diplomatic meetings that descend into chaos. Talks are successful, when there is a basic understanding between the two sides. But China does not understand the concept of human rights. It is a headstrong bully living in a world of denial.

In new propaganda, China claims US is funding terrorism in Xinjiang

Russia said on Friday that it would ban FBI chief Christopher Wray from entering the country. The list of US officials who would be banned from entering Russia includes top officials from US President Joe Biden's administration.&nbsp;

Attorney General Merrick Garland, Biden's chief domestic policy advisor Susan Rice and FBI chief Christopher Wray would be barred, the Russian foreign ministry said.

Also on the list were Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons Michael Carvajal, Donald Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton and ex-head of the CIA James Woolsey.

Russian foreign ministry said that the officials had "participated in the anti-Russian push" of US politics.

The Russian move has come as a 'tit-for-tat' after US expelled 10 Russian diplomats from the country on Thursday.

"We will respond to this measure in a tit-for-tat manner. We will ask ten US diplomats in Russia to leave the country," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told the reporters earlier on Friday.

He also said that President Vladimir Putin's top foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov, had recommended that US envoy John Sullivan leave for Washington to conduct "serious consultations."

On Thursday, US President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-slaps-sanctions-on-russia-expels-10-diplomats-377760">expelled 10 Russian diplomats</a> from the country and also slapped economic sanctions on Russia. The US said that this action was taken as a retaliation for&nbsp;Kremlin's interference in US elections and other hostile activities including a massive cyber attack.

The White House on Thursday had said that US President Joe Biden's executive order on sanctions "sends a signal that the United States will impose costs in a strategic and economically impactful manner on Russia if it continues or escalates its destabilising international action".

Russia under pressure

Russia saw itself under increasing international pressure as France, Germany and Ukraine called on it to pull back troops from the Ukrainian border to reduce tension.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-slaps-sanctions-on-russia-expels-10-diplomats-377760">US slaps sanctions on Russia, expels 10 diplomats over poll meddlling, cyber attack</a>

Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky "shared concerns about the build-up of Russian troops on the border with Ukraine and in the illegally annexed Crimea. They called for the reduction of these troop reinforcements in order to bring about a deescalation of the situation," said the German leader's spokesman in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia said on Friday that it would ban FBI chief Christopher Wray from entering the country. The list of US officials who would be banned from entering Russia includes top officials from US President Joe Biden's administration.

Russia said on Friday that it would ban FBI chief Christopher Wray from entering the country. The list of US officials who would be banned from entering Russia includes top officials from US President Joe Biden's administration. Attorney General Merrick Garland, Biden's chief domestic policy advisor Susan Rice and FBI chief Christopher Wray would be barred, the Russian foreign ministry said. Also on the list were Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons Michael Carvajal, Donald Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton and ex-head of the CIA James Woolsey. Russian foreign ministry said that the officials had "participated in the anti-Russian push" of US politics. The Russian move has come as a 'tit-for-tat' after US expelled 10 Russian diplomats from the country on Thursday. "We will respond to this measure in a tit-for-tat manner. We will ask ten US diplomats in Russia to leave the country," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told the reporters earlier on Friday. He also said that President Vladimir Putin's top foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov, had recommended that US envoy John Sullivan leave for Washington to conduct "serious consultations." On Thursday, US President Joe Biden expelled 10 Russian diplomats from the country and also slapped economic sanctions on Russia. The US said that this action was taken as a retaliation for Kremlin's interference in US elections and other hostile activities including a massive cyber attack. The White House on Thursday had said that US President Joe Biden's executive order on sanctions "sends a signal that the United States will impose costs in a strategic and economically impactful manner on Russia if it continues or escalates its destabilising international action". Russia under pressure Russia saw itself under increasing international pressure as France, Germany and Ukraine called on it to pull back troops from the Ukrainian border to reduce tension. Also Read | US slaps sanctions on Russia, expels 10 diplomats over poll meddlling, cyber attack Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky "shared concerns about the build-up of Russian troops on the border with Ukraine and in the illegally annexed Crimea. They called for the reduction of these troop reinforcements in order to bring about a deescalation of the situation," said the German leader's spokesman in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

'Tit-for-tat': Russia bans FBI chief, threatens to expel US diplomats

US is talking with China and its regional adversaries at the same time. US President Joe Biden's special envoy for climate John Kerry is in Shanghai to talk to Chinese officials. Biden's top emissaries are in Taiwan to discuss military situation vis-a-vis China. And tomorrow, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga will be at the White House. On the agenda, once again, is China.

US appears to be doing a balancing act. Will this approach work or is&nbsp;confrontation inevitable?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-joe-bidens-new-rules-of-engagement-for-china-377834/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Timing of John Kerry's Shanghai visit is crucial. Biden is due to hold a climate summit of 40 countries next week. Kerry's mission is hence very important. The US Wants China to control its emissions, give-up coal-fired power stations and stop financing coal ventures abroad.

It's ironic, because the US and China are the world's worst polluters. A global summit would not be needed if these two nations cut their emissions.

America, quite hypocritically, will pollute and also preach. So Kerry is in China to convince it to cut emissions. It won't be easy and the reasons are as much political as financial.

Financial because switching to green energy will need investments. Political, because why should China listen to America, when America doesn't listen to China on Taiwan?

Moreover, Kerry's visit is coinciding with another American mission. A delegation has touched down in Taipei.

This is Joe Biden's first unofficial delegation to Taiwan. A former lawmaker and two former senior state department officials are part of it.

Over the next three days, they will meet senior Taiwanese officials. Reports say, Taiwan will brief the American side about China's recent provocations. They will also demand more support from Washington.

On Thursday, Biden's emissaries met with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen.

Tsai told the delegation that China's military activities are threatening regional peace and stability.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Biden administration for reiterating on numerous occasions the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan strait. Recently we have seen that China has frequently dispatched military vessels and aircraft to carry out manoeuvres in the sea and airspace surrounding Taiwan. These actions alter the status quo in the indo-pacific and threaten regional peace and stability," said Tsai Ing-wen.

This couldn't go unnoticed in Beijing. Earlier today, the Chinese foreign ministry issued a response.

It told the US to 'Take caution' and adhere to the One China principle.

The same old line. But accompanied by new provocations.

This month, &nbsp;25 Chinese warplanes breached Taiwan's air defence zone. This was the largest incursion in months. And it wasn't the only provocation. The Chinese Navy conducted drills in the Taiwan strait.

The threat is serious. The US Intelligence community has come up with a report. It decodes China's military assertiveness in several regional disputes. The American assessment says there could be two reasons behind China's aggression.

One, Beijing wants to use military actions to demonstrate strength. Two, Beijing wants to compel neighbours to accept its claims over disputed territory.

"China is employing a comprehensive approach to demonstrate its growing strength and compel regional neighbors to acquiesce to beijing's preferences, including its claims over disputed territory and assertions of sovereignty over Taiwan," said Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence.

These aggressive actions against Taiwan are expected to come up on Friday as well.&nbsp;

That's when the third big meeting will take place. Joe Biden will sit down with Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga in Washington. Reports say China is expected to dominate the talks. The US wants Japan to back Taiwan.

Biden wants Suga to issue a joint statement of support to Taiwan.

This is tricky, because Japan has its own territorial dispute with China over Senkaku Islands. And a joint statement on Taiwan will only further aggravate the situation with China.

So three meetings, one agenda. Getting china to come to heel. This could prove to be biden's biggest test so far.

US is talking with China and its regional adversaries at the same time. US President Joe Biden's special envoy for climate John Kerry is in Shanghai to talk to Chinese officials.

US is talking with China and its regional adversaries at the same time. US President Joe Biden's special envoy for climate John Kerry is in Shanghai to talk to Chinese officials. Biden's top emissaries are in Taiwan to discuss military situation vis-a-vis China. And tomorrow, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga will be at the White House. On the agenda, once again, is China. US appears to be doing a balancing act. Will this approach work or is confrontation inevitable? Timing of John Kerry's Shanghai visit is crucial. Biden is due to hold a climate summit of 40 countries next week. Kerry's mission is hence very important. The US Wants China to control its emissions, give-up coal-fired power stations and stop financing coal ventures abroad. It's ironic, because the US and China are the world's worst polluters. A global summit would not be needed if these two nations cut their emissions. America, quite hypocritically, will pollute and also preach. So Kerry is in China to convince it to cut emissions. It won't be easy and the reasons are as much political as financial. Financial because switching to green energy will need investments. Political, because why should China listen to America, when America doesn't listen to China on Taiwan? Moreover, Kerry's visit is coinciding with another American mission. A delegation has touched down in Taipei. This is Joe Biden's first unofficial delegation to Taiwan. A former lawmaker and two former senior state department officials are part of it. Over the next three days, they will meet senior Taiwanese officials. Reports say, Taiwan will brief the American side about China's recent provocations. They will also demand more support from Washington. On Thursday, Biden's emissaries met with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen. Tsai told the delegation that China's military activities are threatening regional peace and stability. "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Biden administration for reiterating on numerous occasions the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan strait. Recently we have seen that China has frequently dispatched military vessels and aircraft to carry out manoeuvres in the sea and airspace surrounding Taiwan. These actions alter the status quo in the indo-pacific and threaten regional peace and stability," said Tsai Ing-wen. This couldn't go unnoticed in Beijing. Earlier today, the Chinese foreign ministry issued a response. It told the US to 'Take caution' and adhere to the One China principle. The same old line. But accompanied by new provocations. This month, 25 Chinese warplanes breached Taiwan's air defence zone. This was the largest incursion in months. And it wasn't the only provocation. The Chinese Navy conducted drills in the Taiwan strait. The threat is serious. The US Intelligence community has come up with a report. It decodes China's military assertiveness in several regional disputes. The American assessment says there could be two reasons behind China's aggression. One, Beijing wants to use military actions to demonstrate strength. Two, Beijing wants to compel neighbours to accept its claims over disputed territory. "China is employing a comprehensive approach to demonstrate its growing strength and compel regional neighbors to acquiesce to beijing's preferences, including its claims over disputed territory and assertions of sovereignty over Taiwan," said Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence. These aggressive actions against Taiwan are expected to come up on Friday as well. That's when the third big meeting will take place. Joe Biden will sit down with Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga in Washington. Reports say China is expected to dominate the talks. The US wants Japan to back Taiwan. Biden wants Suga to issue a joint statement of support to Taiwan. This is tricky, because Japan has its own territorial dispute with China over Senkaku Islands. And a joint statement on Taiwan will only further aggravate the situation with China. So three meetings, one agenda. Getting china to come to heel. This could prove to be biden's biggest test so far.

US tries a balancing act vis-a-vis China

US President Joe Biden on Friday ordered flags to be lowered to half-mast at White House and all US givernment building as a sign of mourning for Indianapolis mass shootout that claimed 8 lives.

"Too many Americans are dying every single day from gun violence. It stains our character and pierces the very soul of our nation," Biden said in a statement, noting that he'd ordered flags at half-staff just weeks ago after another shooting.

Late on Thursday (local time) a gunman opened fire at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis. The gunman died apparently from a self-inflicted wound.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson Genae Cook said that when officers arrived at the FedEx facility, they found an "active shooter incident,"&nbsp;

Joe Biden said that he and US Vice President Kamala Harris had been briefed on the killings

"Today's briefing is just the latest in a string of tragedies, following closely after gunmen firing bullets in broad daylight at spas in and around Atlanta, Georgia, a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, a home in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and so many other shootings," Biden said.

The Democrat is pushing for tighter controls on people buying firearms and says he would like to see an end to availability of military style rifles. There is little chance so far of major legislation in Congress, with Republicans fiercely opposed to new laws.

US President Joe Biden on Friday ordered flags to be lowered to half-mast at White House and all US givernment building as a sign of mourning for Indianapolis mass shootout that claimed 8 lives.

US President Joe Biden on Friday ordered flags to be lowered to half-mast at White House and all US givernment building as a sign of mourning for Indianapolis mass shootout that claimed 8 lives. "Too many Americans are dying every single day from gun violence. It stains our character and pierces the very soul of our nation," Biden said in a statement, noting that he'd ordered flags at half-staff just weeks ago after another shooting. Late on Thursday (local time) a gunman opened fire at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis. The gunman died apparently from a self-inflicted wound. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson Genae Cook said that when officers arrived at the FedEx facility, they found an "active shooter incident," Joe Biden said that he and US Vice President Kamala Harris had been briefed on the killings "Today's briefing is just the latest in a string of tragedies, following closely after gunmen firing bullets in broad daylight at spas in and around Atlanta, Georgia, a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, a home in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and so many other shootings," Biden said. The Democrat is pushing for tighter controls on people buying firearms and says he would like to see an end to availability of military style rifles. There is little chance so far of major legislation in Congress, with Republicans fiercely opposed to new laws.

Indianapolis shooting: Biden orders flags to be lowered to half-mast

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has signed off on the order to extradite Nirav Modi who is facing fraud and money laundering charges in India. PTI reported the development quoting a diplomatic source in the UK. Meanwhile, Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 12 months in prison. In Europe, indications have been given that the EU may not renew contract for AstraZeneca COVID vaccines. Read this and more in our Top 10 World News of the hour! &nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-home-secretary-approves-fugitive-diamantaire-nirav-modis-extradition-to-india-377990">UK home secretary approves fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's extradition to India&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="Nirav Modi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8a7e178f-840d-4138-b53f-a242b0a1d0c1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Nirav%20modi.JPG" />

Modi, 50, who remains behind bars at Wandsworth Prison in south-west London, has 14 days to apply for permission to appeal against the Home Secretary's order in the High Court in London 
&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-may-not-renew-contract-for-astrazeneca-coronavirus-vaccine-french-minister-378003">EU may not renew contract for AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine: French minister</a>

<img alt="Astrazeneca" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f52a5719-7eac-4c24-9c71-84e85281cd5f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/astrazeneca_0.JPG" />

Johnson &amp; Johnson also announced a delay in its rollout of vaccine doses in Europe after reports of blood clots

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-court-sentences-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-to-12-months-prison-377963">Hong Kong court sentences media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 12 months prison</a>

<img alt="Jimmy Lai" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d78b2d77-0787-4377-9c29-a679ee4036f6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jimmy%20Lai.JPG" />

Lai was among nine of Hong Kong's most prominent democracy campaigners found guilty of organising and participating in a 2019 rally

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ease-ukraines-provocative-actions-russia-urges-macron-and-merkel-377977">Ease Ukraine's 'provocative actions', Russia urges Macron and Merkel</a>

<img alt="Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a50ed68-a909-4f95-8085-2fae0b7c395e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Putin_6.JPG" />

Relations between Ukraine and Russia have increasingly come under strain due to Russian troop buildup on the Ukraine-Russia border and situation in Donbass region of Ukraine

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indianapolis-shooting-8-people-killed-at-fedex-facility-suspect-also-dead-377933">Indianapolis shooting: 8 people killed at FedEx facility, suspect also dead</a>

<img alt="Indiapolis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="017a3b9c-f672-450b-b548-aeb7504a90fd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Indianapolis.JPG" />

Police believe the shooter has died by suicide. Cook said officials do not believe there is an active threat to the community

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-in-grip-of-third-wave-angela-merkel-warns-amid-coronavirus-surge-377998">Germany in grip of third wave: Angela Merkel warns amid coronavirus surge</a>

<img alt="Germany" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8edfb602-f630-46d3-8781-2212265b55b4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Germany_3.JPG" />

This came as Germany recorded 25,831 new cases of coronavirus and 247 deaths within 24 hours

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippine-president-duterte-asked-to-confront-china-in-south-china-sea-378001">Philippine President Duterte asked to confront China in South China Sea</a>

<img alt="Philippines" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="387893fb-2eb6-4168-acf0-4a4411ce13d6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Duterte_1.JPG" />

Earlier his spokesperson said that the Filipino president is pursuing 'diplomatic initiatives' in 'private'&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/drug-resistant-malaria-making-inroads-in-africa-study-377979">Drug-resistant malaria making inroads in Africa: Study</a>

<img alt="Drug" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e741496e-a3c1-498e-9efc-e1d238b77d0d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Maleria.JPG" />

There have been concerns for long about the emergence of such mutations across the continent which makes up for over 90 per cent of malaria deaths worldwide in 2019

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/176-year-old-time-capsule-found-in-a-cross-atop-a-cathedral-in-hungary-378000">176-year-old 'time capsule' found in a cross atop a cathedral in Hungary</a>

<img alt="Cathedral" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3f21797b-8069-4b1f-bd13-8592ad3c91af" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cathedral.JPG" />

Check out what was inside!

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-posts-video-on-what-happens-when-two-black-holes-cross-paths-in-space-377967">NASA posts video on what happens when two black holes cross paths in space</a>

<img alt="NASA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d10cf30e-a34d-418b-aa07-70bae79120eb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NASA.JPG" />

When a black hole tears a nearby star apart, there are ways to detect this celestial event. But what happens when two black holes (two celestial bodies that can't be seen) cross paths?

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has signed off on the order to extradite Nirav Modi who is facing fraud and money laundering charges in India. PTI reported the development quoting a diplomatic source in the UK.

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has signed off on the order to extradite Nirav Modi who is facing fraud and money laundering charges in India. PTI reported the development quoting a diplomatic source in the UK. Meanwhile, Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 12 months in prison. In Europe, indications have been given that the EU may not renew contract for AstraZeneca COVID vaccines. Read this and more in our Top 10 World News of the hour! UK home secretary approves fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's extradition to India Modi, 50, who remains behind bars at Wandsworth Prison in south-west London, has 14 days to apply for permission to appeal against the Home Secretary's order in the High Court in London EU may not renew contract for AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine: French minister Johnson & Johnson also announced a delay in its rollout of vaccine doses in Europe after reports of blood clots Hong Kong court sentences media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 12 months prison Lai was among nine of Hong Kong's most prominent democracy campaigners found guilty of organising and participating in a 2019 rally Ease Ukraine's 'provocative actions', Russia urges Macron and Merkel Relations between Ukraine and Russia have increasingly come under strain due to Russian troop buildup on the Ukraine-Russia border and situation in Donbass region of Ukraine Indianapolis shooting: 8 people killed at FedEx facility, suspect also dead Police believe the shooter has died by suicide. Cook said officials do not believe there is an active threat to the community Germany in grip of third wave: Angela Merkel warns amid coronavirus surge This came as Germany recorded 25,831 new cases of coronavirus and 247 deaths within 24 hours Philippine President Duterte asked to confront China in South China Sea Earlier his spokesperson said that the Filipino president is pursuing 'diplomatic initiatives' in 'private' Drug-resistant malaria making inroads in Africa: Study There have been concerns for long about the emergence of such mutations across the continent which makes up for over 90 per cent of malaria deaths worldwide in 2019 176-year-old 'time capsule' found in a cross atop a cathedral in Hungary Check out what was inside! NASA posts video on what happens when two black holes cross paths in space When a black hole tears a nearby star apart, there are ways to detect this celestial event. But what happens when two black holes (two celestial bodies that can't be seen) cross paths?

Top 10 world news: Go-ahead for Nirav Modi extradition, EU on AstraZeneca, and more

The word 'time capsule' has largely come to be associated with science fiction. But the discovery of a 'time capsule' at a magnificent Hungarian cathedral has generated renewed interest. It has come to light that the cross atop Esztergom Cathedral hid a 176-year-old 'time capsule'.

The discovery was made during renovation work. The 'time capsule' is a sealed copper container inside the cross on the 100-metre dome. This dome, which is the highest in the country, survived even the bombing that took place during Second World War.

The copper container was damaged by shrapnel but when historians opened it, they discovered documents in near-perfect condition relating to the cathedral's construction.&nbsp;

The church was built from 1822 onwards and Csaba Torok, director of the Cathedral's Treasury, said the papers gave a rare glimpse of the time when the church was built from 1822 onwards.

The cylindrical capsule was placed in the cross in 1845 by Archbishop Jozsef Kopacsy and chief architect Jozsef Hild, who took over after his predecessor was murdered.

"Archbishop Kopacsy knew he would not be able to complete the construction in his lifetime, so when the cross was finished he wanted to leave inside an imprint of the memory of the builders and of that era," Torok said.

The best moment was when they found the documents: one depicting milestones in the construction and a book containing names of clergymen and parishes.

"These were last touched by human hands when they were placed there 176 years ago, so somehow we felt a sudden connection in time," he said.

"Unfortunately, we did not find any coins from the period in the capsule so there was nothing to help pay for the renovation," he added, smiling.

The cathedral was built on Castle Hill, where a church was first founded over 1000 years ago. &nbsp;Its iron dome was built in Vienna and carried in sections down the Danube on barges.

For its consecration in 1856, Hungarian composer and pianist Franz Liszt composed a mass. But the cathedral was still not finished, with the main portico and interior only completed later in the 19th century.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The word 'time capsule' has largely come to be associated with science fiction. But the discovery of a 'time capsule' at a magnificent Hungarian cathedral has generated renewed interest.

The word 'time capsule' has largely come to be associated with science fiction. But the discovery of a 'time capsule' at a magnificent Hungarian cathedral has generated renewed interest. It has come to light that the cross atop Esztergom Cathedral hid a 176-year-old 'time capsule'. The discovery was made during renovation work. The 'time capsule' is a sealed copper container inside the cross on the 100-metre dome. This dome, which is the highest in the country, survived even the bombing that took place during Second World War. The copper container was damaged by shrapnel but when historians opened it, they discovered documents in near-perfect condition relating to the cathedral's construction. The church was built from 1822 onwards and Csaba Torok, director of the Cathedral's Treasury, said the papers gave a rare glimpse of the time when the church was built from 1822 onwards. The cylindrical capsule was placed in the cross in 1845 by Archbishop Jozsef Kopacsy and chief architect Jozsef Hild, who took over after his predecessor was murdered. "Archbishop Kopacsy knew he would not be able to complete the construction in his lifetime, so when the cross was finished he wanted to leave inside an imprint of the memory of the builders and of that era," Torok said. The best moment was when they found the documents: one depicting milestones in the construction and a book containing names of clergymen and parishes. "These were last touched by human hands when they were placed there 176 years ago, so somehow we felt a sudden connection in time," he said. "Unfortunately, we did not find any coins from the period in the capsule so there was nothing to help pay for the renovation," he added, smiling. The cathedral was built on Castle Hill, where a church was first founded over 1000 years ago. Its iron dome was built in Vienna and carried in sections down the Danube on barges. For its consecration in 1856, Hungarian composer and pianist Franz Liszt composed a mass. But the cathedral was still not finished, with the main portico and interior only completed later in the 19th century. (With inputs from agencies)

176-year-old 'time capsule' found in a cross atop a cathedral in Hungary

Taliban on Thursday accused the US of breaching Doha peace agreement by skipping May 1 as the deadline for full withdrawal of American troops from the country, said Tolo News.

In a statement cited by Tolo News, Taliban warned the US of "consequences" and said that US would be "responsible" for all "countermeasures" taken by "Mujahideen of Islamic Emirate".

USA had earlier announced that all troops would be withdrawn by May 1 this year but high-level officials within the US government have been quoted to suggest that the withdrawal will be complete by September 11, the 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks this year.

The Taliban has reportedly used very strong words in their statement.&nbsp;

“As this agreement was signed in the presence of United Nations and representatives of numerous world countries and organisations, and is currently being breached by America, it is imperative that all countries and organisations that were witnesses to the signing of this agreement exert pressure on America to implement its commitments and withdraw all forces from Afghanistan by the specified date,” said Taliban.

“Now as the agreement is being breached by America, it in principle opens the way for the Mujahideen of Islamic Emirate to take every necessary countermeasure, hence the American side will be held responsible for all future consequences, and not the Islamic Emirate,” read Taliban's statement.

Blinken in Afghanistan

On Thursday, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan.

Blinken met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani as well as senior US officials in Kabul and brief them on President Joe Biden’s Wednesday announcement he was ending "the forever war", which began in response to the 2001 September 11 attacks.

"I wanted to demonstrate with my visit the ongoing commitment of the United States to the Islamic Republic and the people of Afghanistan," Blinken said after meeting Ghani.

"The partnership is changing, but the partnership is enduring."

(With inputs from agencies)

Taliban on Thursday accused the US of breaching Doha peace agreement by skipping May 1 as the deadline for full withdrawal of American troops from the country, said Tolo News.

Taliban on Thursday accused the US of breaching Doha peace agreement by skipping May 1 as the deadline for full withdrawal of American troops from the country, said Tolo News. In a statement cited by Tolo News, Taliban warned the US of "consequences" and said that US would be "responsible" for all "countermeasures" taken by "Mujahideen of Islamic Emirate". USA had earlier announced that all troops would be withdrawn by May 1 this year but high-level officials within the US government have been quoted to suggest that the withdrawal will be complete by September 11, the 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks this year. The Taliban has reportedly used very strong words in their statement. “As this agreement was signed in the presence of United Nations and representatives of numerous world countries and organisations, and is currently being breached by America, it is imperative that all countries and organisations that were witnesses to the signing of this agreement exert pressure on America to implement its commitments and withdraw all forces from Afghanistan by the specified date,” said Taliban. “Now as the agreement is being breached by America, it in principle opens the way for the Mujahideen of Islamic Emirate to take every necessary countermeasure, hence the American side will be held responsible for all future consequences, and not the Islamic Emirate,” read Taliban's statement. Blinken in Afghanistan On Thursday, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan. Blinken met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani as well as senior US officials in Kabul and brief them on President Joe Biden’s Wednesday announcement he was ending "the forever war", which began in response to the 2001 September 11 attacks. "I wanted to demonstrate with my visit the ongoing commitment of the United States to the Islamic Republic and the people of Afghanistan," Blinken said after meeting Ghani. "The partnership is changing, but the partnership is enduring." (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban warns US of 'countermeasures': Report

Kremlin on Friday urged French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel to ask Ukraine to adhere to ceasefire agreements in its conflicts with pro-Russian separatists. Both Macron and Merkel are due to hold talks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in a show of support.

Relations between Ukraine and Russia have increasingly come under strain due to Russian troop buildup on the Ukraine-Russia border and situation in Donbass region of Ukraine.

The build-up on the northern and eastern borders, as well as on the Crimean peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014, comes amid a spike in violence along the front line between pro-Russia separatists and Ukrainian forces in the east of the country.

The German and French leaders should communicate to the Ukrainian leadership the "need to decisively stop any provocative actions on the contact line and emphasise the need for an unconditional observance of the ceasefire regime," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"There are fewer reports of ceasefire violations coming, and indeed the number of violations has decreased," Peskov noted.&nbsp;

But he added that it was necessary to continue "scrupulously monitoring the situation".

Ukraine's foreign minister said earlier this week that Russia was "openly threatening Ukraine with war" and vowed a coordinated military response with its allies to aggression orchestrated by Moscow.

The fresh bout of clashes in eastern Ukraine effectively ended a ceasefire agreed last July that ushered in a period of relative calm to the conflict.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Kremlin on Friday urged French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel to ask Ukraine to adhere to ceasefire agreements in its conflicts with pro-Russian separatists.

Kremlin on Friday urged French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel to ask Ukraine to adhere to ceasefire agreements in its conflicts with pro-Russian separatists. Both Macron and Merkel are due to hold talks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in a show of support. Relations between Ukraine and Russia have increasingly come under strain due to Russian troop buildup on the Ukraine-Russia border and situation in Donbass region of Ukraine. The build-up on the northern and eastern borders, as well as on the Crimean peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014, comes amid a spike in violence along the front line between pro-Russia separatists and Ukrainian forces in the east of the country. The German and French leaders should communicate to the Ukrainian leadership the "need to decisively stop any provocative actions on the contact line and emphasise the need for an unconditional observance of the ceasefire regime," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "There are fewer reports of ceasefire violations coming, and indeed the number of violations has decreased," Peskov noted. But he added that it was necessary to continue "scrupulously monitoring the situation". Ukraine's foreign minister said earlier this week that Russia was "openly threatening Ukraine with war" and vowed a coordinated military response with its allies to aggression orchestrated by Moscow. The fresh bout of clashes in eastern Ukraine effectively ended a ceasefire agreed last July that ushered in a period of relative calm to the conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

Ease Ukraine's 'provocative actions', Russia urges Macron and Merkel

Black holes are a thing of wonder for an astrophysicist as they are for common people. A celestial body with gravity capable of trapping even light is certain to cause amazement. NASA has posted a video that shows what happens when two black holes pass each other. It sure is a terrifying idea to imagine such a clash considering a single black hole is capable of tearing apart a star that passes by it in space

Black holes cannot be 'seen' as light is unable to escape from them. We have to detect their presence through the effects they cause.

When a black hole tears a nearby star apart, there are ways to detect this celestial event. But what happens when two black holes (two celestial bodies that can't be seen) cross paths?

The idea is mind-boggling but NASA has come to our help

"What happens when two black holes pass by each other? For #BlackHoleWeek, explore how the extreme gravity of two orbiting supermassive black holes distorts our view," NASA has tweeted with a video. The video has got thousands of likes in just a few hours.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
What happens when two black holes pass by each other? 
 
For <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlackHoleWeek?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlackHoleWeek</a>, explore how the extreme gravity of two orbiting supermassive black holes distorts our view: <a href="https://t.co/Vj9xDIQSer">https://t.co/Vj9xDIQSer</a> <a href="https://t.co/PPhFUBFalI">pic.twitter.com/PPhFUBFalI</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1382806746650005506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Watching the dance of the two massively powerful astronomical bodies is both, interesting and humbling. 
&nbsp;

Black holes are a thing of wonder for an astrophysicist as they are for common people. A celestial body with gravity capable of trapping even light is certain to cause amazement.

Black holes are a thing of wonder for an astrophysicist as they are for common people. A celestial body with gravity capable of trapping even light is certain to cause amazement. NASA has posted a video that shows what happens when two black holes pass each other. It sure is a terrifying idea to imagine such a clash considering a single black hole is capable of tearing apart a star that passes by it in space Black holes cannot be 'seen' as light is unable to escape from them. We have to detect their presence through the effects they cause. When a black hole tears a nearby star apart, there are ways to detect this celestial event. But what happens when two black holes (two celestial bodies that can't be seen) cross paths? The idea is mind-boggling but NASA has come to our help "What happens when two black holes pass by each other? For #BlackHoleWeek, explore how the extreme gravity of two orbiting supermassive black holes distorts our view," NASA has tweeted with a video. The video has got thousands of likes in just a few hours. What happens when two black holes pass by each other? For #BlackHoleWeek, explore how the extreme gravity of two orbiting supermassive black holes distorts our view: https://t.co/Vj9xDIQSer pic.twitter.com/PPhFUBFalI — NASA (@NASA) April 15, 2021 × Watching the dance of the two massively powerful astronomical bodies is both, interesting and humbling.

NASA posts video on what happens when two black holes cross paths in space

The White House on Thursday said that the United States has the ability to keep an eye on any resurgence of al Qaeda in Afghanistan without keeping a military footprint there a day after US&nbsp;President Joe Biden said that he was pulling out U.S. forces after nearly 20 years of war.

"We believe we have the means to keep our eye on any terrorist threats or any sign of al Qaeda's resurgence without having a persistent footprint on the ground," White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters. 
&nbsp;

The White House on Thursday said that the United States has the ability to keep an eye on any resurgence of al Qaeda in Afghanistan without keeping a military footprint there a day after US President Joe Biden said that he was pulling out U.

The White House on Thursday said that the United States has the ability to keep an eye on any resurgence of al Qaeda in Afghanistan without keeping a military footprint there a day after US President Joe Biden said that he was pulling out U.S. forces after nearly 20 years of war. "We believe we have the means to keep our eye on any terrorist threats or any sign of al Qaeda's resurgence without having a persistent footprint on the ground," White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters.

US has ability to keep eye on any resurgence of al Qaeda in Afghanistan: White House

India will spend $200 million over the next five to seven years to promote the use of hydrogen, Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi, the top bureaucrat at India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, said at a virtual industry event on Thursday.

India has asked its state-run oil and gas companies to set up seven hydrogen pilot plants by the end of this financial year, India's oil secretary Tarun Kapoor also said at the Hydrogen Economy - New Delhi Dialogue event.

Governments and energy companies around the world are betting on clean hydrogen playing a leading role in efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions, though its future uses and costs remain uncertain.

Oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan said at the online conference the government planned to scale up use of hydrogen blended with compressed natural gas (H-CNG) as a transportation fuel.

"We are looking forward to introducing H-CNG as an intermittent technology in a big way for both automotive and domestic cooking applications," Pradhan said on Thursday.

India will spend $200 million over the next five to seven years to promote the use of hydrogen, Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi, the top bureaucrat at India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, said at a virtual industry event on Thursday.

India will spend $200 million over the next five to seven years to promote the use of hydrogen, Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi, the top bureaucrat at India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, said at a virtual industry event on Thursday. India has asked its state-run oil and gas companies to set up seven hydrogen pilot plants by the end of this financial year, India's oil secretary Tarun Kapoor also said at the Hydrogen Economy - New Delhi Dialogue event. Governments and energy companies around the world are betting on clean hydrogen playing a leading role in efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions, though its future uses and costs remain uncertain. Oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan said at the online conference the government planned to scale up use of hydrogen blended with compressed natural gas (H-CNG) as a transportation fuel. "We are looking forward to introducing H-CNG as an intermittent technology in a big way for both automotive and domestic cooking applications," Pradhan said on Thursday.

India to spend USD 200 million in next 5-7 years to promote hydrogen use

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Manas Joshi

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.