The field of Astronomy has made progress&nbsp;by leaps and bounds. We not only peer deep into space but also theorise to find answers to questions such as how the universe came to be and what lies in future.

With the tremendous knowledge and technology we have today, it is hard to believe that there are things that are still unknown to us.

We think we know it all, but the universe always has something up its sleeve to surprise us every time.

A new analysis of Gaia satellite data has revealed that the closest star cluster to our Solar System is being torn apart due to some reason. Scientists believe that gravitational pull from something massive is causing this.

We do not know what this is.

Scientists think that dark matter is causing the star cluster to fall apart.

What is dark matter?

'Normal' matter is the one we can see, feel and so on. But dark matter is a tricky thing as is not possible to see or feel it. This becomes its detection very hard.

Scientists and researchers can only predict presence of dark matter by looking for effects of its gravitational pull on nearby 'visible' matter.

It has been said that dark matter makes up 80 per cent of all matter in the universe. Dark matter is considered to be important for the formation of galaxies.

It is possible, as per the scientists that dark matter may be the reason why the closest star structure to our solar system is being torn apart.

The field of Astronomy has made progress by leaps and bounds. We not only peer deep into space but also theorise to find answers to questions such as how the universe came to be and what lies in future.

The field of Astronomy has made progress by leaps and bounds. We not only peer deep into space but also theorise to find answers to questions such as how the universe came to be and what lies in future. With the tremendous knowledge and technology we have today, it is hard to believe that there are things that are still unknown to us. We think we know it all, but the universe always has something up its sleeve to surprise us every time. A new analysis of Gaia satellite data has revealed that the closest star cluster to our Solar System is being torn apart due to some reason. Scientists believe that gravitational pull from something massive is causing this. We do not know what this is. Scientists think that dark matter is causing the star cluster to fall apart. What is dark matter? 'Normal' matter is the one we can see, feel and so on. But dark matter is a tricky thing as is not possible to see or feel it. This becomes its detection very hard. Scientists and researchers can only predict presence of dark matter by looking for effects of its gravitational pull on nearby 'visible' matter. It has been said that dark matter makes up 80 per cent of all matter in the universe. Dark matter is considered to be important for the formation of galaxies. It is possible, as per the scientists that dark matter may be the reason why the closest star structure to our solar system is being torn apart.

Something is tearing apart star cluster closest to Solar System

China imposed sanctions on British lawmakers and lobby groups on Friday in a move that is likely widen the divide between China and Western powers. The West has been critical of China's alleged human rights violations in Xinjiang. The EU, UK, Canada and US imposed sanctions on number of members of Xinjiang's political and economic hierarchy earlier this week. This was co-ordinated action against alleged widespread abuse in China's northwestern region.

Sanctions imposed on Friday were against nine UK individuals and four entities. China said that they had "maliciously spread lies and disinformation" over Beijing's treatment of Uyghurs.

Those sanctioned included Iain Duncan Smith, former leader of Britain's Conservative party, as well as other lawmakers and four groups which have been vocal in driving rights in Xinjiang and Hong Kong onto Westminster's agenda.

Also on the list was a law firm that has taken up Uyghur rights causes.

All of the sanctioned parties will be barred from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, while their property in the country will be frozen, and Chinese citizens and institutions will be banned from dealings with them.

"The United Kingdom (UK) imposed unilateral sanctions on relevant Chinese individuals and entity, citing the so-called human rights issues in Xinjiang," China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The move "severely undermines China-UK relations", it added, warning Britain "not go further down the wrong path".

Rights groups say that at least one million Uyghurs and people from other Muslim groups have been held in camps in Xinjiang. There are accusations of forcible sterilisation of women and forced labour.

Beijing insists Xinjiang is an "internal affair" and has gone into attack mode as Western opprobrium mounts, putting sanctions on individuals from the European Union and Britain who have taken up the Uyghur cause.

China has also started a PR war against several Western brands that operate inside China.

(With AFP inputs)

China imposed sanctions on British lawmakers and lobby groups on Friday in a move that is likely widen the divide between China and Western powers. The West has been critical of China's alleged human rights violations in Xinjiang.

China imposed sanctions on British lawmakers and lobby groups on Friday in a move that is likely widen the divide between China and Western powers. The West has been critical of China's alleged human rights violations in Xinjiang. The EU, UK, Canada and US imposed sanctions on number of members of Xinjiang's political and economic hierarchy earlier this week. This was co-ordinated action against alleged widespread abuse in China's northwestern region. Sanctions imposed on Friday were against nine UK individuals and four entities. China said that they had "maliciously spread lies and disinformation" over Beijing's treatment of Uyghurs. Those sanctioned included Iain Duncan Smith, former leader of Britain's Conservative party, as well as other lawmakers and four groups which have been vocal in driving rights in Xinjiang and Hong Kong onto Westminster's agenda. Also on the list was a law firm that has taken up Uyghur rights causes. All of the sanctioned parties will be barred from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, while their property in the country will be frozen, and Chinese citizens and institutions will be banned from dealings with them. "The United Kingdom (UK) imposed unilateral sanctions on relevant Chinese individuals and entity, citing the so-called human rights issues in Xinjiang," China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. The move "severely undermines China-UK relations", it added, warning Britain "not go further down the wrong path". Rights groups say that at least one million Uyghurs and people from other Muslim groups have been held in camps in Xinjiang. There are accusations of forcible sterilisation of women and forced labour. Beijing insists Xinjiang is an "internal affair" and has gone into attack mode as Western opprobrium mounts, putting sanctions on individuals from the European Union and Britain who have taken up the Uyghur cause. China has also started a PR war against several Western brands that operate inside China. (With AFP inputs)

China imposes sanctions on UK individuals over Xinjiang

A Molotov cocktail (firebomb) was hurled at Aung San Suu Kyi's party headquarters. The firebomb started a fire early Friday, according to a party official.

At about 4 am Friday, an attacker hurled a Molotov cocktail at its Yangon HQ, causing a brief fire.

"When the residents nearby knew about the fire, they called the fire service department to put it out... it was under control by around 5 am," Soe Win, an NLD member in charge of the headquarters, told AFP.

"It seems that someone lit a Molotov cocktail and threw it at the headquarters."&nbsp;

Only the entrance of the office was scorched, and party members were already inside assessing the damage, he said.

"We have to file a complaint to the police... We do not know who did this, but it is not good at all," Soe Win said, declining to speculate the reason for the attack.

The incident comes on the eve of Armed Forces Day, when the military will put on a show of strength with its annual parade.

Aung San Suu Kyi, the former civilian leader of Myanmar was deposed in February 1 military coup. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) has been in a disarray since the coup. Some of its elected MPs are in hiding.

(With AFP inputs)

A Molotov cocktail (firebomb) was hurled at Aung San Suu Kyi's party headquarters. The firebomb started a fire early Friday, according to a party official. At about 4 am Friday, an attacker hurled a Molotov cocktail at its Yangon HQ, causing a brief fire.

A Molotov cocktail (firebomb) was hurled at Aung San Suu Kyi's party headquarters. The firebomb started a fire early Friday, according to a party official. At about 4 am Friday, an attacker hurled a Molotov cocktail at its Yangon HQ, causing a brief fire. "When the residents nearby knew about the fire, they called the fire service department to put it out... it was under control by around 5 am," Soe Win, an NLD member in charge of the headquarters, told AFP. "It seems that someone lit a Molotov cocktail and threw it at the headquarters." Only the entrance of the office was scorched, and party members were already inside assessing the damage, he said. "We have to file a complaint to the police... We do not know who did this, but it is not good at all," Soe Win said, declining to speculate the reason for the attack. The incident comes on the eve of Armed Forces Day, when the military will put on a show of strength with its annual parade. Aung San Suu Kyi, the former civilian leader of Myanmar was deposed in February 1 military coup. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) has been in a disarray since the coup. Some of its elected MPs are in hiding. (With AFP inputs)

Myanmar: Firebomb hurled at Aung San Suu Kyi's party headquarters

European Union Chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday that AstraZeneca needed to "catch up" on its COVID vaccine deliveries and could not export the vaccines out of the EU until the commitments are fulfilled.

"I think it is clear that first of all the company has to catch up, has to honour the contract it has with the European member states, before it can engage again in exporting vaccines," she told a news conference after an EU summit dominated by the bloc's struggling vaccination rollout.

These blunt words also threaten to deepen row with Britain as it is trying to secure AstraZeneca shipments from EU. This is being done to fill an abrupt hole in the supplies.

Brussels and London have both laid claim to vaccine stocks in an AstraZeneca factory in the Netherlands.

European Commission's stance of toughening rules on vaccine exports has not been received well in the UK but a joint statement by Britain and the EU said that both sides are looking to find a "win-win" solution.

(With AFP inputs)

European Union Chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday that AstraZeneca needed to "catch up" on its COVID vaccine deliveries and could not export the vaccines out of the EU until the commitments are fulfilled.

European Union Chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday that AstraZeneca needed to "catch up" on its COVID vaccine deliveries and could not export the vaccines out of the EU until the commitments are fulfilled. "I think it is clear that first of all the company has to catch up, has to honour the contract it has with the European member states, before it can engage again in exporting vaccines," she told a news conference after an EU summit dominated by the bloc's struggling vaccination rollout. These blunt words also threaten to deepen row with Britain as it is trying to secure AstraZeneca shipments from EU. This is being done to fill an abrupt hole in the supplies. Brussels and London have both laid claim to vaccine stocks in an AstraZeneca factory in the Netherlands. European Commission's stance of toughening rules on vaccine exports has not been received well in the UK but a joint statement by Britain and the EU said that both sides are looking to find a "win-win" solution. (With AFP inputs)

EU asks AstraZeneca to 'catch up' on COVID vaccine deliveries

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for&nbsp;Dhaka for a two-day visit to Bangladesh on Friday morning. After his expected arrival in Dhaka at 10 am, he will attend an event at the National Martyr`s Memorial at 10:50 am. Thereafter, Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen will call on Prime Minister Modi at 3:15 pm.

Meanwhile, President Ram Nath Kovind has extended wishes to Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid.

"On behalf of the people of India and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to Your Excellency, the Government and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of your National Day. India and Bangladesh are celebrating 50 years of our exemplary and unique bilateral ties," Kovind said.

Later in the day, PM Narendra Modi&nbsp;will attend the National Day Programme at 3:45 pm. Prime Minister Modi will then inaugurate Bapu Bangabandhu Digital Video Exhibition at 7:45 pm.Prior to his departure, Prime Minister Modi said that he looks forward to having "substantive discussions" with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.&nbsp;

He will also call on Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid during the visit."I look forward to my participation at the National Day celebrations tomorrow, which will also commemorate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/delighted-that-pm-of-biggest-democracy-is-joining-our-independence-celebration-bangladesh-fm-373221">Delighted that PM of biggest democracy is joining our independence celebration: Bangladesh FM</a>

Bangabandhu was one of the tallest leaders of the last century, whose life and ideals continue to inspire millions," he said in a tweet.The Prime Minister is also looking forward to visiting Bangabandhu`s Samadhi in Tungipara to pay his respects.&nbsp;

"I am particularly looking forward to my interaction with representatives of the Matua community at Orakandi, from where Sri Sri Harichandra Thakur ji disseminated his pious message. I will be having substantive discussions with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following our very productive virtual meeting in December last year. I also look forward to my meeting with His Excellency President Abdul Hamid, and to interactions with other Bangladeshi dignitaries," he said.

He added, "My visit will not only be an occasion to convey appreciation for Bangladesh`s remarkable economic and developmental strides under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina`s visionary leadership, but also to commit India`s abiding support for these achievements. I will also express India`s support and solidarity for Bangladesh`s fight against COVID-19."

Bangladesh Foreign Minister on Thursday said the people of Bangladesh welcome the visit of Prime Minister Modi. During his visit, the Prime Minister will also interact with diverse groups of Bangladesh`s polity and society.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will also interact with diverse groups of Bangladesh`s polity and society.

(With ANI inputs)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Dhaka for a two-day visit to Bangladesh on Friday morning. After his expected arrival in Dhaka at 10 am, he will attend an event at the National Martyr`s Memorial at 10:50 am.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Dhaka for a two-day visit to Bangladesh on Friday morning. After his expected arrival in Dhaka at 10 am, he will attend an event at the National Martyr`s Memorial at 10:50 am. Thereafter, Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen will call on Prime Minister Modi at 3:15 pm. Meanwhile, President Ram Nath Kovind has extended wishes to Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid. "On behalf of the people of India and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to Your Excellency, the Government and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of your National Day. India and Bangladesh are celebrating 50 years of our exemplary and unique bilateral ties," Kovind said. Later in the day, PM Narendra Modi will attend the National Day Programme at 3:45 pm. Prime Minister Modi will then inaugurate Bapu Bangabandhu Digital Video Exhibition at 7:45 pm.Prior to his departure, Prime Minister Modi said that he looks forward to having "substantive discussions" with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He will also call on Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid during the visit."I look forward to my participation at the National Day celebrations tomorrow, which will also commemorate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Also Read | Delighted that PM of biggest democracy is joining our independence celebration: Bangladesh FM Bangabandhu was one of the tallest leaders of the last century, whose life and ideals continue to inspire millions," he said in a tweet.The Prime Minister is also looking forward to visiting Bangabandhu`s Samadhi in Tungipara to pay his respects. "I am particularly looking forward to my interaction with representatives of the Matua community at Orakandi, from where Sri Sri Harichandra Thakur ji disseminated his pious message. I will be having substantive discussions with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following our very productive virtual meeting in December last year. I also look forward to my meeting with His Excellency President Abdul Hamid, and to interactions with other Bangladeshi dignitaries," he said. He added, "My visit will not only be an occasion to convey appreciation for Bangladesh`s remarkable economic and developmental strides under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina`s visionary leadership, but also to commit India`s abiding support for these achievements. I will also express India`s support and solidarity for Bangladesh`s fight against COVID-19." Bangladesh Foreign Minister on Thursday said the people of Bangladesh welcome the visit of Prime Minister Modi. During his visit, the Prime Minister will also interact with diverse groups of Bangladesh`s polity and society. During his visit, the Prime Minister will also interact with diverse groups of Bangladesh`s polity and society. (With ANI inputs)

PM Modi leaves for Bangladesh for a two-day visit

Extreme kayaker explores Iceland's stunning waterscape

Humans are closely related to other primates like Chimpanzees, Gorillas and so on. But what sets humans apart is intelligence. It is this alone that puts man at the top of global food chain&nbsp;and elevates the species&nbsp;to global dominance. We may lack the power, agility and speed of primates but with our intelligence, we have been able to overcome all these impediments.

Human brain is also larger than great apes. A healthy human brain reaches volume of 1500 cm3 in adulthood. Compare this with Gorillas (500cm3) and Chimpanzees (400 cm3) and we come to know the edge human intelligence has.

Scientists have now found the molecular reason behind why human brain is so big. Researchers at Medical Research Council’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge and others published their finding in the journal Cell.

To understand and compare brain development process, the researchers took cells from human, Gorilla and Chimpanzee brains. They were reprogrammed into stem cells. Then they were grown in a way that they formed respective brain organoids, that is, little lumps of brain.

After several weeks, human brain organoids showed the biggest growth. The neural progenitor cells in human brains divided more quickly than it did in Gorilla and Chimpanzee samples. Scientists found that a gene by the name of Zeb2 was responsible for quick growth of human brain.

This gene functions as a molecular switch, which when turned on, results in an increased division of cells and thereby more growth of human brains compared to great apes.

Humans are closely related to other primates like Chimpanzees, Gorillas and so on. But what sets humans apart is intelligence. It is this alone that puts man at the top of global food chain and elevates the species to global dominance.

Humans are closely related to other primates like Chimpanzees, Gorillas and so on. But what sets humans apart is intelligence. It is this alone that puts man at the top of global food chain and elevates the species to global dominance. We may lack the power, agility and speed of primates but with our intelligence, we have been able to overcome all these impediments. Human brain is also larger than great apes. A healthy human brain reaches volume of 1500 cm3 in adulthood. Compare this with Gorillas (500cm3) and Chimpanzees (400 cm3) and we come to know the edge human intelligence has. Scientists have now found the molecular reason behind why human brain is so big. Researchers at Medical Research Council’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge and others published their finding in the journal Cell. To understand and compare brain development process, the researchers took cells from human, Gorilla and Chimpanzee brains. They were reprogrammed into stem cells. Then they were grown in a way that they formed respective brain organoids, that is, little lumps of brain. After several weeks, human brain organoids showed the biggest growth. The neural progenitor cells in human brains divided more quickly than it did in Gorilla and Chimpanzee samples. Scientists found that a gene by the name of Zeb2 was responsible for quick growth of human brain. This gene functions as a molecular switch, which when turned on, results in an increased division of cells and thereby more growth of human brains compared to great apes.

Why is human brain big? Scientists discover the molecular reason

If you are movie fan and have watched Avengers: Endgame, you must have seen how a tiny mouse brings back Ant-Man just by coincidence. This leads to events that change everything. Butterfly effect? Maybe.

A similar thing has happened and though this does not involve stopping a galactic mass-murderer, it has indeed been a helpful development indeed.

The place? Skokholm Island off the Welsh coast in the UK. In this case, rabbits have been the helpful animal

Richard Brown and Giselle Eagle, two wardens who are in lockdown on the island chanced upon interesting objects in the dirt. One was a pebble and the other was a piece of pottery. Both these things were dug up by rabbits as they burrowed in the dirt.

When the images of these objects were sent to the mainland it created quite a stir!

One of the objects reportedly turned out to be “bevelled pebble” that was used by hunter-gatherers 9,000 years ago! The pottery shard was from a burial urn more than 3000 years old!

Both of these objects were picked up from near a rabbit hole.

These are first such objects found on Skokholm Islands. This has led experts to believe that this island was indeed occupied during Mesolithic period.

If you are movie fan and have watched Avengers: Endgame, you must have seen how a tiny mouse brings back Ant-Man just by coincidence. This leads to events that change everything.

If you are movie fan and have watched Avengers: Endgame, you must have seen how a tiny mouse brings back Ant-Man just by coincidence. This leads to events that change everything. Butterfly effect? Maybe. A similar thing has happened and though this does not involve stopping a galactic mass-murderer, it has indeed been a helpful development indeed. The place? Skokholm Island off the Welsh coast in the UK. In this case, rabbits have been the helpful animal Richard Brown and Giselle Eagle, two wardens who are in lockdown on the island chanced upon interesting objects in the dirt. One was a pebble and the other was a piece of pottery. Both these things were dug up by rabbits as they burrowed in the dirt. When the images of these objects were sent to the mainland it created quite a stir! One of the objects reportedly turned out to be “bevelled pebble” that was used by hunter-gatherers 9,000 years ago! The pottery shard was from a burial urn more than 3000 years old! Both of these objects were picked up from near a rabbit hole. These are first such objects found on Skokholm Islands. This has led experts to believe that this island was indeed occupied during Mesolithic period.

Rabbits dig up tool used by humans 9000 years ago

France's Health Minister Olivier Veran on Thursday announced ban on outdoor gatherings of more than six people. He said that 45,000 new coronavirus cases were detected in previous 24 hours.

Meanwhile, 3 additional French regions including the Rhone department around Lyon will be put under tightened COVID-19 restrictions for four weeks from Friday (March 26). This follows after similar measure in Paris region a week earlier.&nbsp;

Veran said that pressure on the hospital system will continue to increase in coming days.

New restrictions come on top of nationwide curbs. A nightly curfew is in place and restaurants, bars, museums and cinemas are closed across the country.

(With Reuters inputs)

France's Health Minister Olivier Veran on Thursday announced ban on outdoor gatherings of more than six people. He said that 45,000 new coronavirus cases were detected in previous 24 hours.

France's Health Minister Olivier Veran on Thursday announced ban on outdoor gatherings of more than six people. He said that 45,000 new coronavirus cases were detected in previous 24 hours. Meanwhile, 3 additional French regions including the Rhone department around Lyon will be put under tightened COVID-19 restrictions for four weeks from Friday (March 26). This follows after similar measure in Paris region a week earlier. Veran said that pressure on the hospital system will continue to increase in coming days. New restrictions come on top of nationwide curbs. A nightly curfew is in place and restaurants, bars, museums and cinemas are closed across the country. (With Reuters inputs)

France bans outdoor gatherings of more than six people as COVID-19 cases rise

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that she will push for another referendum for Scottish independence if her party is voted back to power in upcoming elections.

"There will be another independence referendum if the people of Scotland vote for another independence referendum," she told the devolved parliament in Edinburgh.

This week, Nicola Sturgeon survived a no-confidence vote. She had been under pressure about her government's handling of harassment complaints against her predecessor.

But having being cleared of breaching the ministerial code, she will lead her Scottish National Party (SNP) at Scottish parliament elections on May 6.

Sturgeon, in power since 2014, said it would be a chance to put her record before the people, with predictions the SNP will win a majority, strengthening their push for another independence vote.

Scots voted against independence in 2014 but the SNP argues that the UK's Brexit departure from the European Union -- which most Scots opposed -- has dramatically changed the political calculus.

The SNP this week set out plans to hold a referendum by the end of 2023 but the party is expected to face strong resistance from the UK government in London, which has to grant powers for a vote.

(With AFP inputs)

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that she will push for another referendum for Scottish independence if her party is voted back to power in upcoming elections.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that she will push for another referendum for Scottish independence if her party is voted back to power in upcoming elections. "There will be another independence referendum if the people of Scotland vote for another independence referendum," she told the devolved parliament in Edinburgh. This week, Nicola Sturgeon survived a no-confidence vote. She had been under pressure about her government's handling of harassment complaints against her predecessor. But having being cleared of breaching the ministerial code, she will lead her Scottish National Party (SNP) at Scottish parliament elections on May 6. Sturgeon, in power since 2014, said it would be a chance to put her record before the people, with predictions the SNP will win a majority, strengthening their push for another independence vote. Scots voted against independence in 2014 but the SNP argues that the UK's Brexit departure from the European Union -- which most Scots opposed -- has dramatically changed the political calculus. The SNP this week set out plans to hold a referendum by the end of 2023 but the party is expected to face strong resistance from the UK government in London, which has to grant powers for a vote. (With AFP inputs)

Scottish First Minister promises referendum if voted back to power

Turkey condemned French President Emmanuel Macron's claims that it was meddling in France's next presidential elections.

The Turkish foreign ministry said it found Macron's words "unacceptable and contrary to the friendship and alliance between our countries".

This week, Macron told French television that Turkey was "playing on public opinion" and spreading "lies" in France through the use of state-controlled media.

"There will be attempts at interference in the next (French) presidential elections" in 2022, Macron said. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Macron and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan often criticise each other's countries that oppose each other in regional conflicts.&nbsp;

The barbs hit a low late last year at the time Erdogan told Macron to undergo "mental checks". He had urged France to "get rid of" their president

Months earlier, Macron had suggested that the Turkish people "deserve something else" than the policies of Erdogan.

The Turkish statement on Wednesday said Macron's "dangerous" comments threatened to alienate France's 800,000-strong Turkish community.

(With AFP inputs)

Turkey condemned French President Emmanuel Macron's claims that it was meddling in France's next presidential elections. The Turkish foreign ministry said it found Macron's words "unacceptable and contrary to the friendship and alliance between our countries".

Turkey condemned French President Emmanuel Macron's claims that it was meddling in France's next presidential elections. The Turkish foreign ministry said it found Macron's words "unacceptable and contrary to the friendship and alliance between our countries". This week, Macron told French television that Turkey was "playing on public opinion" and spreading "lies" in France through the use of state-controlled media. "There will be attempts at interference in the next (French) presidential elections" in 2022, Macron said. Macron and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan often criticise each other's countries that oppose each other in regional conflicts. The barbs hit a low late last year at the time Erdogan told Macron to undergo "mental checks". He had urged France to "get rid of" their president Months earlier, Macron had suggested that the Turkish people "deserve something else" than the policies of Erdogan. The Turkish statement on Wednesday said Macron's "dangerous" comments threatened to alienate France's 800,000-strong Turkish community. (With AFP inputs)

Turkey slams French claim of election 'interference'

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday urged US lawmakers to offer protection for liability for content to only those platforms that had the ability to remove the unlawful content.

The proposal outlined in testimony prepared for a congressional hearing detailed Facebook's idea for reforming a law known as Section 230 which shields internet services from liability for content posted by others

Zuckerberg maintained that Congress "should consider making platforms' intermediary liability protection for certain types of unlawful content conditional on companies' ability to meet best practices to combat the spread of this content."

Instead of being given blanket immunity, Zuckerberg said "platforms should be required to demonstrate that they have systems in place for identifying unlawful content and removing it."

Mark Zuckerberg also maintained that online services should not be held liable for "if a particular piece of content evades its detection,"&nbsp;

Facebook, Twitter, Alphabet also testify on Thursday. The platforms have been under fire from Democratic Party for misinformation about coronavirus pandemic and US Presidential elections held in 2016 and 2020.

(With agency inputs)

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday urged US lawmakers to offer protection for liability for content to only those platforms that had the ability to remove the unlawful content.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday urged US lawmakers to offer protection for liability for content to only those platforms that had the ability to remove the unlawful content. The proposal outlined in testimony prepared for a congressional hearing detailed Facebook's idea for reforming a law known as Section 230 which shields internet services from liability for content posted by others Zuckerberg maintained that Congress "should consider making platforms' intermediary liability protection for certain types of unlawful content conditional on companies' ability to meet best practices to combat the spread of this content." Instead of being given blanket immunity, Zuckerberg said "platforms should be required to demonstrate that they have systems in place for identifying unlawful content and removing it." Mark Zuckerberg also maintained that online services should not be held liable for "if a particular piece of content evades its detection," Facebook, Twitter, Alphabet also testify on Thursday. The platforms have been under fire from Democratic Party for misinformation about coronavirus pandemic and US Presidential elections held in 2016 and 2020. (With agency inputs)

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg proposes changes to internet rules

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