<p>Pope Francis urged people to fight organised crime such as the "mafias" on Sunday. He warned that criminals were using coronavirus pandemic for their own benefit.</p>

<p>"Mafias are present in various part of the world and, taking advantage of the pandemic, they are enriching themselves through corruption," Francis said, speaking at his Sunday noon address on the day Italy remembers victims of organised crime.</p>

<p>"These structures of sin, mafia structures, are against the gospel and mistake idolatry for faith," the pope added.</p>

<p>Italian police say that crime clans are using coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity to win favour with people. Mafias are offering loans and food to poor families facing financial ruin. Mob loan demanding exorbitant interest rates are bailing out businesses hit by the pandemic, police say.</p>

<p>In December, the Paris-based Interpol police co-ordination issued a global alert warning that organised criminal networks were targeting COVID-19 vaccines. In March, South African police seized hundreds of fake vaccines and arrested four suspects.</p>

<p>In Italy, many members of organised crime see themselves as part of a religious, cult-like group, invoking the help of saints and using religious figurines or statues in initiation rites.</p>

<p>The southern town of Oppido Mamertina made headlines in 2014 when locals carrying a statue of the Madonna diverted the route of a procession to pause at the home of a mob boss and tilted the statue slightly as if to kneel in a sign of respect.</p>

<p>"Today, let us remember all the victims and renew our commitment against mafias," Francis said.</p>

<p><strong>(With Reuters inputs)</strong></p>


Pope Francis urged people to fight organised crime such as the "mafias" on Sunday. He warned that criminals were using coronavirus pandemic for their own benefit.

Pope Francis urged people to fight organised crime such as the "mafias" on Sunday. He warned that criminals were using coronavirus pandemic for their own benefit. "Mafias are present in various part of the world and, taking advantage of the pandemic, they are enriching themselves through corruption," Francis said, speaking at his Sunday noon address on the day Italy remembers victims of organised crime. "These structures of sin, mafia structures, are against the gospel and mistake idolatry for faith," the pope added. Italian police say that crime clans are using coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity to win favour with people. Mafias are offering loans and food to poor families facing financial ruin. Mob loan demanding exorbitant interest rates are bailing out businesses hit by the pandemic, police say. In December, the Paris-based Interpol police co-ordination issued a global alert warning that organised criminal networks were targeting COVID-19 vaccines. In March, South African police seized hundreds of fake vaccines and arrested four suspects. In Italy, many members of organised crime see themselves as part of a religious, cult-like group, invoking the help of saints and using religious figurines or statues in initiation rites. The southern town of Oppido Mamertina made headlines in 2014 when locals carrying a statue of the Madonna diverted the route of a procession to pause at the home of a mob boss and tilted the statue slightly as if to kneel in a sign of respect. "Today, let us remember all the victims and renew our commitment against mafias," Francis said. (With Reuters inputs)

Pope Francis vs Mafia? Holy Father urges people to fight organised crime

<p>US President Joe Biden stumbled on the steps of Air Force one while boarding the presidential aircraft on Thursday. He was on Joint base Andrews and was on his way to Georgia. In Georgia, he was due to meet members of Asian-American community after a deadly shooting rampage in the state.</p>

<p>Biden tripped on the steps, bounced back and fell again before walking up the last steps, turning to salute and boarding the plane.</p>

<p>Biden recently recovered from a fractured foot, an injury he sustained while playing with his dog, Major.</p>

<p>In Georgia, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will meet community leaders and state lawmakers from the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community to hear concerns about the killings and discuss a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said on Thursday.</p>

<p>A 21-year-old man has been charged with murdering eight people, including six women of Asian descent, at three spas in and around Atlanta on Tuesday, rattling Asian Americans already grappling with a rise in hate crimes directed at them since the COVID-19 pandemic began.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters as he left the White House South Lawn, Biden, who said earlier this week he thought Vladimir Putin was a killer, said he will talk with the Russian leader "at some point."</p>

<p>On Thursday, Putin said he and Biden should hold live online talks in coming days.</p>

<p><strong>(With Reuters inputs)</strong></p>


US President Joe Biden stumbled on the steps of Air Force one while boarding the presidential aircraft on Thursday. He was on Joint base Andrews and was on his way to Georgia.

US President Joe Biden stumbled on the steps of Air Force one while boarding the presidential aircraft on Thursday. He was on Joint base Andrews and was on his way to Georgia. In Georgia, he was due to meet members of Asian-American community after a deadly shooting rampage in the state. Biden tripped on the steps, bounced back and fell again before walking up the last steps, turning to salute and boarding the plane. Biden recently recovered from a fractured foot, an injury he sustained while playing with his dog, Major. In Georgia, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will meet community leaders and state lawmakers from the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community to hear concerns about the killings and discuss a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said on Thursday. A 21-year-old man has been charged with murdering eight people, including six women of Asian descent, at three spas in and around Atlanta on Tuesday, rattling Asian Americans already grappling with a rise in hate crimes directed at them since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Speaking to reporters as he left the White House South Lawn, Biden, who said earlier this week he thought Vladimir Putin was a killer, said he will talk with the Russian leader "at some point." On Thursday, Putin said he and Biden should hold live online talks in coming days. (With Reuters inputs)

Joe Biden stumbles on the steps of Air Force One

<p>Pro-democracy protesters in Thailand clashed with police outside Bangkok's Grand Palace on Saturday. Thai police used water cannons and rubber bullets after demonstrators broke through a barricade of shipping containers to demand reforms to the kingdom's unassailable monarchy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was the latest night of unrest since Thailand's pro-democracy movement kicked off in July, calling for an overhaul of Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha's administration and a rewrite of a military-scripted constitution.</p>

<p>But reforms to monarchy has been the most controversial demand. The protesters are also demanding the abolition of draconian royal defamation laws</p>

<p>A wall of cargo containers, two containers tall, had been erected in Sanam Luang, a historic field in front of the palace, to keep protesters away but, just an hour into the rally, they used ropes to yank some of the top-row boxes down, allowing a small opening.</p>

<p>"You're breaking the law!" said the police over an announcer as protesters used ropes to pull the lower containers out of place.</p>

<p>Once protesters were able to get through, they threw Molotov cocktails at dozens of police who stood by with water cannon trucks about 100 metres (300 feet) away, using the jets to prevent protesters from coming closer.</p>

<p>"Release our friends!" protesters shouted, referring to prominent leaders who have been detained since earlier this year.</p>

<p>Police chased demonstrators away from the area, firing rubber bullets continuously directly at them, according to AFP reporters on the ground.</p>

<p>Most protesters had dispersed by 8:30 pm (1330 GMT) but hard-core activists lingered on.</p>

<p><strong>(With AFP inputs)</strong></p>


Pro-democracy protesters in Thailand clashed with police outside Bangkok's Grand Palace on Saturday. Thai police used water cannons and rubber bullets after demonstrators broke through a barricade of shipping containers to demand reforms to the kingdom's unassailable monarchy.

Pro-democracy protesters in Thailand clashed with police outside Bangkok's Grand Palace on Saturday. Thai police used water cannons and rubber bullets after demonstrators broke through a barricade of shipping containers to demand reforms to the kingdom's unassailable monarchy. It was the latest night of unrest since Thailand's pro-democracy movement kicked off in July, calling for an overhaul of Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha's administration and a rewrite of a military-scripted constitution. But reforms to monarchy has been the most controversial demand. The protesters are also demanding the abolition of draconian royal defamation laws A wall of cargo containers, two containers tall, had been erected in Sanam Luang, a historic field in front of the palace, to keep protesters away but, just an hour into the rally, they used ropes to yank some of the top-row boxes down, allowing a small opening. "You're breaking the law!" said the police over an announcer as protesters used ropes to pull the lower containers out of place. Once protesters were able to get through, they threw Molotov cocktails at dozens of police who stood by with water cannon trucks about 100 metres (300 feet) away, using the jets to prevent protesters from coming closer. "Release our friends!" protesters shouted, referring to prominent leaders who have been detained since earlier this year. Police chased demonstrators away from the area, firing rubber bullets continuously directly at them, according to AFP reporters on the ground. Most protesters had dispersed by 8:30 pm (1330 GMT) but hard-core activists lingered on. (With AFP inputs)

Thai protesters clash with police at Grand Palace

Record rains cause flash floods in Sydney

<p>Anti-lockdown protesters scuffled with police in London on Saturday (March 20). Hundreds of protesters were stopped by police as they marched in streets. Demostrators descended in central London despite a police warning. There were no face masks, social distancing rules were flouted.</p>

<p>Under England's coronavirus rules, it is unlawful for groups to gather for protests and police warned people on Saturday not to head to central London for planned demonstrations.</p>

<p>Police said that a significant operation will be in place in London to engage with people breaching COVID-19 regulations, adding that any protesters will be encouraged to return home or could face fines or arrest.</p>

<p>More than 60 British lawmakers have written to Priti Patel, the interior minister, and have called for the protests to be allowed in England during the lockdown. This came after police used heavy-handed tactics on March 13 to break a vigil for Sarah Everard. A police officer has been charged with her kidnap and murder.</p>

<p>Further protests followed, fuelled by anger over government plans to tighten the law on demonstrations.</p>

<p><strong>(With Reuters inputs)</strong></p>


Anti-lockdown protesters scuffled with police in London on Saturday (March 20). Hundreds of protesters were stopped by police as they marched in streets. Demostrators descended in central London despite a police warning.

Anti-lockdown protesters scuffled with police in London on Saturday (March 20). Hundreds of protesters were stopped by police as they marched in streets. Demostrators descended in central London despite a police warning. There were no face masks, social distancing rules were flouted. Under England's coronavirus rules, it is unlawful for groups to gather for protests and police warned people on Saturday not to head to central London for planned demonstrations. Police said that a significant operation will be in place in London to engage with people breaching COVID-19 regulations, adding that any protesters will be encouraged to return home or could face fines or arrest. More than 60 British lawmakers have written to Priti Patel, the interior minister, and have called for the protests to be allowed in England during the lockdown. This came after police used heavy-handed tactics on March 13 to break a vigil for Sarah Everard. A police officer has been charged with her kidnap and murder. Further protests followed, fuelled by anger over government plans to tighten the law on demonstrations. (With Reuters inputs)

Anti-lockdown protesters scuffle with police in London

<p>For those who remember, a comet striking&nbsp;Jupiter in the year 1994 was a huge headline. This was a never before seen event witnessed by mankind in our immediate neighbourhood in solar system. The comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 took a death plunge as it struck Jupiter, but not before putting up stellar fireworks.</p>

<p><img alt="Shoemaker Levy-9" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0f19506b-4bcf-4d3d-b6a1-1d8ff72edee8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9644EK.jpg" /></p>

<p>Even after more than two decades later, this space event is helping us reveal more secret of the cosmos. The collision made some changes in Jupiter's atmosphere using which researchers are finding new things about the planet.</p>

<p>The collision caused new molecules in Jupiter's atmosphere, those of Hydrogen Cyanide. These have been travelling through Jupiter's atmosphere. By tracking their movement, researchers have now been able to find that Jupiter's Stratosphere or the middle atmosphere have winds that travel at astonishing speeds of 1450 km per hour.</p>

<p>These scientists are associated with European Southern Observatory's facility in Chile. There findings were published in journal Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics.</p>

<p>The finding may appear run of the mill. But here's the best part.</p>

<p>It was previously not possible previously to track winds in Jupiter's middle atmosphere. This was even when scientists had been able to track winds in Jupiter's lower and upper atmosphere.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-posts-beautiful-photo-of-fifth-brightest-galaxy-in-the-sky-371947">NASA posts beautiful photo of fifth brightest galaxy in the sky</a></strong></p>

<p>But the spectacular space event that took place in 1994 paved way for us to gain new knowledge even after all these years.</p>

<p>Isn't this beautiful?</p>


For those who remember, a comet striking Jupiter in the year 1994 was a huge headline. This was a never before seen event witnessed by mankind in our immediate neighbourhood in solar system.

For those who remember, a comet striking Jupiter in the year 1994 was a huge headline. This was a never before seen event witnessed by mankind in our immediate neighbourhood in solar system. The comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 took a death plunge as it struck Jupiter, but not before putting up stellar fireworks. Even after more than two decades later, this space event is helping us reveal more secret of the cosmos. The collision made some changes in Jupiter's atmosphere using which researchers are finding new things about the planet. The collision caused new molecules in Jupiter's atmosphere, those of Hydrogen Cyanide. These have been travelling through Jupiter's atmosphere. By tracking their movement, researchers have now been able to find that Jupiter's Stratosphere or the middle atmosphere have winds that travel at astonishing speeds of 1450 km per hour. These scientists are associated with European Southern Observatory's facility in Chile. There findings were published in journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. The finding may appear run of the mill. But here's the best part. It was previously not possible previously to track winds in Jupiter's middle atmosphere. This was even when scientists had been able to track winds in Jupiter's lower and upper atmosphere. Also Read | NASA posts beautiful photo of fifth brightest galaxy in the sky But the spectacular space event that took place in 1994 paved way for us to gain new knowledge even after all these years. Isn't this beautiful?

A comet struck Jupiter in 1994, now it is revealing the planet's secrets

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday wished for Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recovery from COVID-19.</p>

<p>"Best wishes to Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI for a speedy recovery from COVID-19." &nbsp;tweeted PM Modi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Best wishes to Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> for a speedy recovery from COVID-19.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1373277949462466560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Imran Khan tested positive just two days after he received dose of Chinese Sinopharm COVID vaccine. Khan received the vaccine of Thursday.</p>

<p>He was tested positive on Saturday and is now self-isolating at home.</p>

<p>In Pakistan, the COVID-19 vaccine is being provided to people 60 years of age and above and to front-line health workers.</p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday wished for Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recovery from COVID-19. "Best wishes to Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI for a speedy recovery from COVID-19.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday wished for Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recovery from COVID-19. "Best wishes to Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI for a speedy recovery from COVID-19." tweeted PM Modi. Best wishes to Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI for a speedy recovery from COVID-19. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 20, 2021 × Imran Khan tested positive just two days after he received dose of Chinese Sinopharm COVID vaccine. Khan received the vaccine of Thursday. He was tested positive on Saturday and is now self-isolating at home. In Pakistan, the COVID-19 vaccine is being provided to people 60 years of age and above and to front-line health workers.

PM Modi sends wishes for Imran Khan's speedy recovery from COVID-19

<p>The line of actual control standoff involving Chinese aggressive actions in Eastern Ladakh was discussed during the meeting of India's defense minister Rajnath Singh and visiting US Defense secretary Lloyd Austin in Delhi on Saturday. In other news, two cases of blood clotting were detected in Denmark after administration of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine. A strong earthquake struck off the coast of Japan</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-actions-at-lac-discussed-during-austin-rajnath-singh-meeting-371938"><strong>Chinese actions at LAC discussed during Austin-Rajnath Singh meeting</strong></a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-actions-at-lac-discussed-during-austin-rajnath-singh-meeting-371938"><strong><img alt="Austin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="406b56b2-759d-483e-ac69-86d188bfc519" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Austin_0.JPG" /></strong></a><br />
<br />
During the press statements after the over one-hour-long meeting both sides spoke on "free and open Indo Pacific", a term increasingly in usage amid the Chinese aggressive actions in the region</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-criticised-after-withdrawing-from-treaty-preventing-violence-against-women-371929"><strong>Turkey criticised after withdrawing from treaty preventing violence against women</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="Turkey" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77d50311-f51f-42b7-86d0-4f3cedb9eb0c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Turkey_6.JPG" /></p>

<p>Council of Europe, a top rights body, denounced Turkey's decision to withdraw from a treaty it sponsored</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-371904"><strong>Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan tests positive for coronavirus</strong></a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-371904"><strong><img alt="Imran Khan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e8b696ab-0539-44cb-9786-056338cc3b5e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Imran%20khan_2.JPG" /></strong></a><br />
<br />
Khan received the first shot of vaccination against COVID-19 on Friday. He reportedly had shown symptoms of Covid-19 on the same day he was administered the first dose of the vaccine.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-60-lawmakers-call-for-protests-to-be-allowed-in-england-during-lockdown-371923"><strong>Over 60 lawmakers call for protests to be allowed in England during lockdown</strong></a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-60-lawmakers-call-for-protests-to-be-allowed-in-england-during-lockdown-371923"><strong><img alt="England" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a6bfcad-0637-4506-aa94-5bd136e337c9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/England.JPG" /></strong></a><br />
<br />
Under England's coronavirus rules, it is unlawful for groups to gather for protests and police warned people on Saturday not to head to central London for planned demonstrations, including by anti-lockdown campaigners</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-cases-of-blood-clots-reported-after-astrazeneca-shot-in-denmark-371914"><strong>Two cases of blood clots reported after AstraZeneca shot in Denmark</strong>&nbsp;</a></p>

<p><img alt="Astrazenca" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fe165d08-13be-466b-9009-f46fd8543680" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Astrazeneca_0.JPG" /><br />
<br />
The Capital Region of Denmark, the authority that runs public hospitals in Copenhagen, said one of the hospital staff had died and both had received the AstraZeneca vaccine less than 14 days before getting ill</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/berlin-braces-for-far-right-protests-counter-demonstrations-371941"><strong>Berlin braces for far-right protests, counter-demonstrations</strong>&nbsp;</a></p>

<p><img alt="Berlin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34556d90-d0c2-4fb3-9d9e-569206b3db72" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Berlin.JPG" /><br />
<br />
Protests are planned by right-wing groups, including Reich Citizens, or Reichsbuerger, who do not recognise the authority of the modern German state, reports Xinhua news agency</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-hits-milestone-as-half-of-all-adults-get-first-vaccine-dose-371931"><strong>Britain hits milestone as half of all adults get first vaccine dose</strong></a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-hits-milestone-as-half-of-all-adults-get-first-vaccine-dose-371931"><strong><img alt="Britain" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b083884b-e5bd-474f-8bc1-cc04d15d5719" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BRITAIN.JPG" /></strong></a><br />
<br />
Health minister Matt Hancock said on Twitter, the figure had been reached after a record 660,276 shots were administered on Friday</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tsunami-advisory-issued-in-japan-after-72-magnitude-earthquake-371907"><strong>7.2 magnitude earthquake hits off Japan coast</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="Earthquake" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a959b73b-903d-4b63-8403-824a88c00d7d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Japan_0.JPG" /></p>

<p>Inspection of region's nuclear plants was carried out. Train services including shinkansen bullet trains were suspended</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-becomes-first-region-to-surpass-1-million-covid-deaths-371889"><strong>Europe becomes first region to surpass 1 million Covid deaths</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="Europe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f1bb1582-0627-4d98-8e05-1c575d563e2f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Europe.JPG" /><br />
<br />
The European region has administered about 12 vaccine shots for every 100 people, behind the United States which has administered about 34 doses per 100 people, according to figures from Our World in Data.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-posts-beautiful-photo-of-fifth-brightest-galaxy-in-the-sky-371947"><strong>NASA posts beautiful photo of fifth brightest galaxy in the sky</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="NASA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c2b1fbb0-1fd4-4a73-bfb0-892d39f47e7f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/nasa.JPG" /></p>

<p>NASA has clicked the beautiful galaxy with the help of its James Webb Space telescope</p>


The line of actual control standoff involving Chinese aggressive actions in Eastern Ladakh was discussed during the meeting of India's defense minister Rajnath Singh and visiting US Defense secretary Lloyd Austin in Delhi on Saturday.

The line of actual control standoff involving Chinese aggressive actions in Eastern Ladakh was discussed during the meeting of India's defense minister Rajnath Singh and visiting US Defense secretary Lloyd Austin in Delhi on Saturday. In other news, two cases of blood clotting were detected in Denmark after administration of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine. A strong earthquake struck off the coast of Japan Chinese actions at LAC discussed during Austin-Rajnath Singh meeting During the press statements after the over one-hour-long meeting both sides spoke on "free and open Indo Pacific", a term increasingly in usage amid the Chinese aggressive actions in the region Turkey criticised after withdrawing from treaty preventing violence against women Council of Europe, a top rights body, denounced Turkey's decision to withdraw from a treaty it sponsored Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan tests positive for coronavirus Khan received the first shot of vaccination against COVID-19 on Friday. He reportedly had shown symptoms of Covid-19 on the same day he was administered the first dose of the vaccine. Over 60 lawmakers call for protests to be allowed in England during lockdown Under England's coronavirus rules, it is unlawful for groups to gather for protests and police warned people on Saturday not to head to central London for planned demonstrations, including by anti-lockdown campaigners Two cases of blood clots reported after AstraZeneca shot in Denmark The Capital Region of Denmark, the authority that runs public hospitals in Copenhagen, said one of the hospital staff had died and both had received the AstraZeneca vaccine less than 14 days before getting ill Berlin braces for far-right protests, counter-demonstrations Protests are planned by right-wing groups, including Reich Citizens, or Reichsbuerger, who do not recognise the authority of the modern German state, reports Xinhua news agency Britain hits milestone as half of all adults get first vaccine dose Health minister Matt Hancock said on Twitter, the figure had been reached after a record 660,276 shots were administered on Friday 7.2 magnitude earthquake hits off Japan coast Inspection of region's nuclear plants was carried out. Train services including shinkansen bullet trains were suspended Europe becomes first region to surpass 1 million Covid deaths The European region has administered about 12 vaccine shots for every 100 people, behind the United States which has administered about 34 doses per 100 people, according to figures from Our World in Data. NASA posts beautiful photo of fifth brightest galaxy in the sky NASA has clicked the beautiful galaxy with the help of its James Webb Space telescope

Top 10 World News: Rajnath-Austin discuss LAC, Japan earthquake, and more

<p>“If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I bet they’d live a lot differently”</p>

<p>Many of us know this iconic line from the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. But it's not always possible for us to look at the infinite beauty of the universe each night.</p>

<p>In smartphone era, we are busier looking down at our phones rather than up in the sky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But thanks to NASA, we can marvel at the beauty of stars and planets on our devices. NASA hasn't disappointed this time as well. It has posted yet another brilliant image of starscape far far away. It's a galaxy, and it's fifth brightest in the sky.</p>

<p>The name of the galaxy is Centaurus A. NASA has clicked the beautiful galaxy with the help of its James Webb Space telescope.</p>

<p>The galaxy is a beautiful splash of pink. But its colours tell a deeper story.</p>

<p>"...Each light wavelength tells us something different! Dark dust lanes and young blue star clusters, which crisscross its central region, can be seen in visible and near-infrared light. But by switching to X-ray and radio light views, a much more active scene unfolds: spectacular jets of material have erupted from its active supermassive black hole sending material into space well beyond the galaxy's limits," NASA has said in its Instagram post.<br />
⁣</p>

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<p>Centaurus-A galaxy is also known as NGC 5128. It is 10-16 million lightyears away from Earth. It is one of the closest radio galaxies to Earth. At the centre of the galaxy there is a supermassive black hole 55 million times the mass of the Sun.</p>


“If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I bet they’d live a lot differently” Many of us know this iconic line from the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes.

“If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I bet they’d live a lot differently” Many of us know this iconic line from the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. But it's not always possible for us to look at the infinite beauty of the universe each night. In smartphone era, we are busier looking down at our phones rather than up in the sky. But thanks to NASA, we can marvel at the beauty of stars and planets on our devices. NASA hasn't disappointed this time as well. It has posted yet another brilliant image of starscape far far away. It's a galaxy, and it's fifth brightest in the sky. The name of the galaxy is Centaurus A. NASA has clicked the beautiful galaxy with the help of its James Webb Space telescope. The galaxy is a beautiful splash of pink. But its colours tell a deeper story. "...Each light wavelength tells us something different! Dark dust lanes and young blue star clusters, which crisscross its central region, can be seen in visible and near-infrared light. But by switching to X-ray and radio light views, a much more active scene unfolds: spectacular jets of material have erupted from its active supermassive black hole sending material into space well beyond the galaxy's limits," NASA has said in its Instagram post. ⁣ View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × Centaurus-A galaxy is also known as NGC 5128. It is 10-16 million lightyears away from Earth. It is one of the closest radio galaxies to Earth. At the centre of the galaxy there is a supermassive black hole 55 million times the mass of the Sun.

NASA posts beautiful photo of fifth brightest galaxy in the sky

<p>There was domestic and international outrage directed at Turkey after its President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took the country out of a treaty designed to prevent violence against women. The decision to withdraw from the treaty was announced on Saturday. This step is being considered to be a victory for conservatives in Erdogan's party who had argued the treated damaged family unity.</p>

<p>Council of Europe, a top rights body, denounced Turkey's decision to withdraw from a treaty it sponsored.</p>

<p>"This move is a huge setback to these efforts and all the more deplorable because it compromises the protection of women in Turkey, across Europe and beyond," Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buricshe said.</p>

<p>The treaty "is widely regarded as the gold standard in international efforts to protect women and girls from the violence that they face every day in our societies," she added.</p>

<p>The 2011 Istanbul Convention, signed by 45 countries and the European Union, requires governments to adopt legislation prosecuting domestic violence and similar abuse as well as marital rape and female genital mutilation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>'Evil'</strong></p>

<p>The publication of the decree in the official gazette early Saturday immediately sparked anger among Turkish rights groups and calls for protests in Istanbul.&nbsp;<br />
Gokce Gokcen, deputy chairperson of the main opposition CHP party, said abandoning the treaty meant "keeping women second-class citizens and letting them be killed."</p>

<p>"Despite you and your evil, we will stay alive and bring back the convention," she said on Twitter.</p>

<p>Turkey had been debating a possible departure after an official in Erdogan's party raised dropping the treaty last year.</p>

<p><strong>(With Reuters inputs)</strong></p>


There was domestic and international outrage directed at Turkey after its President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took the country out of a treaty designed to prevent violence against women.

There was domestic and international outrage directed at Turkey after its President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took the country out of a treaty designed to prevent violence against women. The decision to withdraw from the treaty was announced on Saturday. This step is being considered to be a victory for conservatives in Erdogan's party who had argued the treated damaged family unity. Council of Europe, a top rights body, denounced Turkey's decision to withdraw from a treaty it sponsored. "This move is a huge setback to these efforts and all the more deplorable because it compromises the protection of women in Turkey, across Europe and beyond," Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buricshe said. The treaty "is widely regarded as the gold standard in international efforts to protect women and girls from the violence that they face every day in our societies," she added. The 2011 Istanbul Convention, signed by 45 countries and the European Union, requires governments to adopt legislation prosecuting domestic violence and similar abuse as well as marital rape and female genital mutilation. 'Evil' The publication of the decree in the official gazette early Saturday immediately sparked anger among Turkish rights groups and calls for protests in Istanbul. Gokce Gokcen, deputy chairperson of the main opposition CHP party, said abandoning the treaty meant "keeping women second-class citizens and letting them be killed." "Despite you and your evil, we will stay alive and bring back the convention," she said on Twitter. Turkey had been debating a possible departure after an official in Erdogan's party raised dropping the treaty last year. (With Reuters inputs)

Turkey criticised after withdrawing from treaty preventing violence against women

<p>A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck off northeastern coast of Japan. A tsunami warning was issued initially but was withdrawn laterThere was no immediate report of damage or injuries.</p>

<p>The earthquake hit 0909 GMT (2:39 pm Indian time in waters of Pacific waters off Miyagi region. The quake struck at a depth of 60 kilometres.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Japanese meteorological agency had earlier issued advisory for tsunami waves of around one metre.</p>

<p>Inspection of region's nuclear plants was carried out. Train services including shinkansen bullet trains were suspended.</p>

<p>The US Geological Service put the strength of the quake at 7.0-magnitude.</p>

<p>The quake and tsunami advisory come not long after Japan marked 10 years since the catastrophic 9.0-magnitude earthquake of March 11, 2011, that triggered a killer tsunami and the Fukushima meltdown.</p>

<p>The so-called triple disaster-affected Japan's northeast, including Miyagi.</p>

<p>Some residents of coastal communities said they had fled to higher ground after the advisory was issued Saturday evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I recalled that day 10 years ago," a man in Ishinomaki city told national broadcaster NHK as he fled to a park on a hill.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Because of our experience of that day, I moved quickly. My heart is pounding hard," he said.</p>

<p>There were no immediate reports of damage, according to Takashi Yokota, an official of Miyagi prefecture's disaster management office.</p>

<p>The Nuclear Regulation Authority said there had been no reports of abnormality at the area's nuclear facilities, including the crippled Fukushima Daiichi plant, Onagawa nuclear plant and various smaller facilities and experimental nuclear reactors.</p>

<p><strong>(With AFP inputs)</strong></p>


A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck off northeastern coast of Japan. A tsunami warning was issued initially but was withdrawn laterThere was no immediate report of damage or injuries.

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck off northeastern coast of Japan. A tsunami warning was issued initially but was withdrawn laterThere was no immediate report of damage or injuries. The earthquake hit 0909 GMT (2:39 pm Indian time in waters of Pacific waters off Miyagi region. The quake struck at a depth of 60 kilometres. The Japanese meteorological agency had earlier issued advisory for tsunami waves of around one metre. Inspection of region's nuclear plants was carried out. Train services including shinkansen bullet trains were suspended. The US Geological Service put the strength of the quake at 7.0-magnitude. The quake and tsunami advisory come not long after Japan marked 10 years since the catastrophic 9.0-magnitude earthquake of March 11, 2011, that triggered a killer tsunami and the Fukushima meltdown. The so-called triple disaster-affected Japan's northeast, including Miyagi. Some residents of coastal communities said they had fled to higher ground after the advisory was issued Saturday evening. "I recalled that day 10 years ago," a man in Ishinomaki city told national broadcaster NHK as he fled to a park on a hill. "Because of our experience of that day, I moved quickly. My heart is pounding hard," he said. There were no immediate reports of damage, according to Takashi Yokota, an official of Miyagi prefecture's disaster management office. The Nuclear Regulation Authority said there had been no reports of abnormality at the area's nuclear facilities, including the crippled Fukushima Daiichi plant, Onagawa nuclear plant and various smaller facilities and experimental nuclear reactors. (With AFP inputs)

7.2 magnitude earthquake hits off Japan coast

<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has taken the country out of an international treaty that was designed to protect women. The move has come in spite of the calls from campaigners against it. The treaty is seen as a key to combating rising cases of domestic violence in the country.</p>

<p>The Council of Europe accord, forged in Istanbul, pledged to prevent, prosecute and eliminate domestic violence and promote equality. Turkey, which signed the accord in 2011, saw a rise in femicides last year.</p>

<p>No reason has been provided for the withdrawal.</p>

<p>Conservatives in Turkey have been claiming that the pact undermines family structure, encouraging violence. They are also hostile to the principle of gender equality in the Istanbul Convention and see it as promoting homosexuality, given its principle of non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation.</p>

<p>Turkey is not the first country to move towards ditching the accord. Poland's highest court scrutinized the pact after a cabinet member said Warsaw should quit the treaty which the nationalist government considers too liberal.</p>

<p>Turkey does not keep official statistics on femicide. World Health Organization data has shown 38% of women in Turkey are subject to violence from a partner in their lifetime, compared to about 25% in Europe.</p>

<p><strong>(With Reuters inputs)</strong></p>


Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has taken the country out of an international treaty that was designed to protect women. The move has come in spite of the calls from campaigners against it.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has taken the country out of an international treaty that was designed to protect women. The move has come in spite of the calls from campaigners against it. The treaty is seen as a key to combating rising cases of domestic violence in the country. The Council of Europe accord, forged in Istanbul, pledged to prevent, prosecute and eliminate domestic violence and promote equality. Turkey, which signed the accord in 2011, saw a rise in femicides last year. No reason has been provided for the withdrawal. Conservatives in Turkey have been claiming that the pact undermines family structure, encouraging violence. They are also hostile to the principle of gender equality in the Istanbul Convention and see it as promoting homosexuality, given its principle of non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation. Turkey is not the first country to move towards ditching the accord. Poland's highest court scrutinized the pact after a cabinet member said Warsaw should quit the treaty which the nationalist government considers too liberal. Turkey does not keep official statistics on femicide. World Health Organization data has shown 38% of women in Turkey are subject to violence from a partner in their lifetime, compared to about 25% in Europe. (With Reuters inputs)

Erdogan takes Turkey out of treaty designed to protect women

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