Pakistan PM Imran Khan has won confidence vote in Pakistan parliament. He secured 178 votes.&nbsp;The special session of Pakistan's National Assembly was a show of strength for Imran Khan who on Thursday had said that he would seek vote of confidence for his government.&nbsp;Khan declared his intention to seek vote of confidence in parliament after Pakistan Finance Minister Abdul Hafiz Sheikh lost his bid for Senate seat.&nbsp;

It's worth noting that when he was elected as PM in the year 2018, he had secured 176 votes in the assembly, two less than what he got on Saturday. In order to win the confidence vote, Imran Khan needed 172 votes in 342-member house.

The floor test took place without the Opposition as, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the alliance of opposition parties boycotted the confidence vote.

Scuffle outside parliament

Scuffle broke out outside the parliament as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers clashed with those of opposition parties. This took place as confidence vote proceedings went on inside the parliament.

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Shameful. Shoe thrown at PMLN leader Ahsan Iqbal, as opposition leaders are heckled by goons. <a href="https://t.co/l3yPwbRQLh">pic.twitter.com/l3yPwbRQLh</a>
— Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) <a href="https://twitter.com/nailainayat/status/1368110937723592707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Even former Pakistan PM Shahid Khaqaan Abbasi was heckled.

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This is the tabdeeli that was promised in Naya Pakistan. Supporters of PM Imran Khan attack former prime minister Shahid Khaqqan Abbasi. <a href="https://t.co/iDs0hk4K0m">pic.twitter.com/iDs0hk4K0m</a>
— Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) <a href="https://twitter.com/nailainayat/status/1368106861128544256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Both sides held&nbsp; each other responsible for starting scuffles

The ruling coalition had 181 members but after the resignation of one of its lawmakers, Faisal Vowda, its strength was reduced to 180. The Opposition coalition has 160 members in the House. One seat was vacant.

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had 157 members in the NA but following the resignation of Vowda, it now has 156 members in the National Assembly.

(With agency inputs)

Pakistan PM Imran Khan has won confidence vote in Pakistan parliament. He secured 178 votes. The special session of Pakistan's National Assembly was a show of strength for Imran Khan who on Thursday had said that he would seek vote of confidence for his government.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan has won confidence vote in Pakistan parliament. He secured 178 votes. The special session of Pakistan's National Assembly was a show of strength for Imran Khan who on Thursday had said that he would seek vote of confidence for his government. Khan declared his intention to seek vote of confidence in parliament after Pakistan Finance Minister Abdul Hafiz Sheikh lost his bid for Senate seat. It's worth noting that when he was elected as PM in the year 2018, he had secured 176 votes in the assembly, two less than what he got on Saturday. In order to win the confidence vote, Imran Khan needed 172 votes in 342-member house. The floor test took place without the Opposition as, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the alliance of opposition parties boycotted the confidence vote. Scuffle outside parliament Scuffle broke out outside the parliament as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers clashed with those of opposition parties. This took place as confidence vote proceedings went on inside the parliament. Shameful. Shoe thrown at PMLN leader Ahsan Iqbal, as opposition leaders are heckled by goons. pic.twitter.com/l3yPwbRQLh — Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) March 6, 2021 × Even former Pakistan PM Shahid Khaqaan Abbasi was heckled. This is the tabdeeli that was promised in Naya Pakistan. Supporters of PM Imran Khan attack former prime minister Shahid Khaqqan Abbasi. pic.twitter.com/iDs0hk4K0m — Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) March 6, 2021 × Both sides held each other responsible for starting scuffles The ruling coalition had 181 members but after the resignation of one of its lawmakers, Faisal Vowda, its strength was reduced to 180. The Opposition coalition has 160 members in the House. One seat was vacant. The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had 157 members in the NA but following the resignation of Vowda, it now has 156 members in the National Assembly. (With agency inputs)

Pakistan PM Imran Khan wins confidence vote in parliament

NASA said on Friday that it took Mars rover Perseverance 'out for a spin' for a test drive on the red planet. This was the rover's first test drive and it was successful. The six-wheeled rover travelled about 6.5 meters (21.3 feet) in 33 minutes on Thursday, NASA said.

It drove four meters forward, turned in place 150 degrees to the left, and then backed up 2.5 meters, leaving tire tracks in the Martian dust.

"This was our first chance to 'kick the tires' and take Perseverance out for a spin," said Anais Zarifian, Perseverance mobility test bed engineer&nbsp;at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

Zarifian said the test drive went "incredibly well" and represented a "huge milestone for the mission and the mobility team."

"We're going to do some longer drives," she added. "This is just the beginning."

NASA engineers said they were studying possible routes for rover for longer voyages on Mars.&nbsp;

The rover can cover 200 meters per Martian day, which is slightly longer than a day on Earth.

And it goes five times faster than Curiosity, its predecessor, which is still functioning eight years after landing on Mars.

Perseverance deputy mission manager Robert Hogg said engineers were also preparing for the first flight of a helicopter drone carried by the rover.

Hogg said the rover team was working out flight zones and hoped to conduct the first flight in late spring or early summer.

He said the mission had not experienced any major problems so far.&nbsp;

"It's all just minor stuff," he said. "Everything we've tried has worked beautifully."

Perseverance was launched on July 30, 2020 and landed on the surface of Mars on February 18 on a mission to search for signs of past life on the Red Planet.

The rover's primary mission will last just over two years but it is likely to remain operational well beyond that.

(With AFP inputs)

NASA said on Friday that it took Mars rover Perseverance 'out for a spin' for a test drive on the red planet. This was the rover's first test drive and it was successful.

NASA said on Friday that it took Mars rover Perseverance 'out for a spin' for a test drive on the red planet. This was the rover's first test drive and it was successful. The six-wheeled rover travelled about 6.5 meters (21.3 feet) in 33 minutes on Thursday, NASA said. It drove four meters forward, turned in place 150 degrees to the left, and then backed up 2.5 meters, leaving tire tracks in the Martian dust. "This was our first chance to 'kick the tires' and take Perseverance out for a spin," said Anais Zarifian, Perseverance mobility test bed engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. Zarifian said the test drive went "incredibly well" and represented a "huge milestone for the mission and the mobility team." "We're going to do some longer drives," she added. "This is just the beginning." NASA engineers said they were studying possible routes for rover for longer voyages on Mars. The rover can cover 200 meters per Martian day, which is slightly longer than a day on Earth. And it goes five times faster than Curiosity, its predecessor, which is still functioning eight years after landing on Mars. Perseverance deputy mission manager Robert Hogg said engineers were also preparing for the first flight of a helicopter drone carried by the rover. Hogg said the rover team was working out flight zones and hoped to conduct the first flight in late spring or early summer. He said the mission had not experienced any major problems so far. "It's all just minor stuff," he said. "Everything we've tried has worked beautifully." Perseverance was launched on July 30, 2020 and landed on the surface of Mars on February 18 on a mission to search for signs of past life on the Red Planet. The rover's primary mission will last just over two years but it is likely to remain operational well beyond that. (With AFP inputs)

Mars rover Perseverance takes a test drive on the red planet

Earthquakes continued to rock New Zealand's North Island on Saturday with the US Geological Survey recording a magnitude 6.4 shock the day after a Pacific-wide tsunami alert sparked by a monster quake.

There have been no reports of serious damage or injury from the quakes, nor from a host of smaller tremors, which were centred offshore from the eastern city of Gisborne.&nbsp;

A swarm of quakes up to 8.1 on Friday near the remote Kermadec Islands, 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) northeast of New Zealand, triggered tsunami warnings for several South Pacific islands although the waves did not reach the predicted three metres (11 feet).

Earthquakes continued to rock New Zealand's North Island on Saturday with the US Geological Survey recording a magnitude 6.4 shock the day after a Pacific-wide tsunami alert sparked by a monster quake.

Earthquakes continued to rock New Zealand's North Island on Saturday with the US Geological Survey recording a magnitude 6.4 shock the day after a Pacific-wide tsunami alert sparked by a monster quake. There have been no reports of serious damage or injury from the quakes, nor from a host of smaller tremors, which were centred offshore from the eastern city of Gisborne. A swarm of quakes up to 8.1 on Friday near the remote Kermadec Islands, 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) northeast of New Zealand, triggered tsunami warnings for several South Pacific islands although the waves did not reach the predicted three metres (11 feet).

Strong aftershocks rock New Zealand's North Island

March 4 in history: UN Constitution enacted, first internet election, more

International criticism against Myanmar military junta got fiercer on a day that was the bloodiest so far amid pro-democracy protests in the country. United Nations said that at least 38 deaths occurred on Wednesday ( March 3). This has brought the death toll to 50. Myanmar has been on the boil ever since military junta toppled civilian government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1. The daily protests have seen a brutal response from the military lately who is violently cracking down against nationwide protests.

"Only today, 38 people died," UN envoy to Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener told reporters on Wednesday. She added that many more have been wounded.

The criticism is growing.

Western powers have repeatedly hit the generals with sanctions, Britain has called for a United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday, and after Wednesday's deaths, the United States said it was considering further action.

But the junta has so far ignored the global condemnation, responding to the uprising with escalating strength.

Myanmar violence left the US "appalled and revulsed".&nbsp;

"We call on all countries to speak with one voice to condemn the brutal violence by the Burmese military against its own people," said US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price.

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&nbsp;

France called for "the immediate end of the repression in Myanmar", and release of all those who are detained.

"We are by your side," Macron tweeted

Even Pope Francis expressed his displeasure over what was happening in Myanmar. He renewed his call for release of political prisoners and said that hopes of the people of Myanmar could not be 'suffocated by violence

Journalists charged

Wednesday's violence came on the heels of news that six Myanmar journalists would be charged under a law prohibiting "causing fear, spreading false news, or agitating directly or indirectly a government employee", according to their lawyer Tin Zar Oo.&nbsp;

Among them is Associated Press photographer Thein Zaw, who was arrested Saturday as he covered an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon. Video emerged on Wednesday of him being held in a chokehold by police as he was handcuffed.

The other five are from Myanmar Now, Myanmar Photo Agency, 7Day News, Zee Kwet Online News and a freelancer. They face up to three years in jail.&nbsp;

The United States called for their release and was "forcefully making clear" that their detention was "unacceptable," Price said.

(With AFP inputs)

International criticism against Myanmar military junta got fiercer on a day that was the bloodiest so far amid pro-democracy protests in the country. United Nations said that at least 38 deaths occurred on Wednesday ( March 3).

International criticism against Myanmar military junta got fiercer on a day that was the bloodiest so far amid pro-democracy protests in the country. United Nations said that at least 38 deaths occurred on Wednesday ( March 3). This has brought the death toll to 50. Myanmar has been on the boil ever since military junta toppled civilian government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1. The daily protests have seen a brutal response from the military lately who is violently cracking down against nationwide protests. "Only today, 38 people died," UN envoy to Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener told reporters on Wednesday. She added that many more have been wounded. The criticism is growing. Western powers have repeatedly hit the generals with sanctions, Britain has called for a United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday, and after Wednesday's deaths, the United States said it was considering further action. But the junta has so far ignored the global condemnation, responding to the uprising with escalating strength. Myanmar violence left the US "appalled and revulsed". "We call on all countries to speak with one voice to condemn the brutal violence by the Burmese military against its own people," said US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price. × France called for "the immediate end of the repression in Myanmar", and release of all those who are detained. "We are by your side," Macron tweeted Even Pope Francis expressed his displeasure over what was happening in Myanmar. He renewed his call for release of political prisoners and said that hopes of the people of Myanmar could not be 'suffocated by violence Journalists charged Wednesday's violence came on the heels of news that six Myanmar journalists would be charged under a law prohibiting "causing fear, spreading false news, or agitating directly or indirectly a government employee", according to their lawyer Tin Zar Oo. Among them is Associated Press photographer Thein Zaw, who was arrested Saturday as he covered an anti-coup demonstration in Yangon. Video emerged on Wednesday of him being held in a chokehold by police as he was handcuffed. The other five are from Myanmar Now, Myanmar Photo Agency, 7Day News, Zee Kwet Online News and a freelancer. They face up to three years in jail. The United States called for their release and was "forcefully making clear" that their detention was "unacceptable," Price said. (With AFP inputs)

US condemns 'brutal violence' by Myanmar military after 38 deaths in clashes

Being a 90s baby or 90s kid and wearing this fact on the sleeve is all in vogue. Well yeah, the decade was unique. Although the majority of millennials can't get enough of 90s music, 90s life and whatnot, something that happened bang at the start of the decade may not always be remembered by the young crowd.

But one such song has come in news.&nbsp;You Can't Touch This by MC Hammer. You can hear the song in this story. Yeah, the beat is quite familiar. So not really a forgotten gem.

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But the song has hit headlines again after a DJ found that baby Zebrafish groove to this.

<img alt="Zebrafish" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="05539c99-23c0-49b8-9e9d-84351e1b21f5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Zebrafish.jpg" />

Enter DJ Rebecca Poulsen aka BeXta, Australia's first female dance music producer.&nbsp;

After hundreds of gigs around the globe, Poulsen continues to churn out funky scores and tracks. But she is even studying Neuroscience at University of Queensland. And guess what, she found that baby Zebrafish had a reaction to the MC Hammer hit song. Neurons in Zebrafish's brains fired up at a particular vocal by MC Hammer.

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Can <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/zebrafish?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#zebrafish</a> encode the unique properties of sound? Like pure tones vs white noise, or different shaped waveforms? Our new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/preprint?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#preprint</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/LabEthan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@labEthan</a> says yes! Check out our example with <a href="https://twitter.com/MCHammer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@McHammer</a>! Can you find the vocal neurons? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/auditory?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#auditory</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/phdLife?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#phdLife</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HammerTime?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HammerTime</a> 1/ <a href="https://t.co/8hYIUBDjBW">pic.twitter.com/8hYIUBDjBW</a>
— BeXta (@djBeXta) <a href="https://twitter.com/djBeXta/status/1308245018071588864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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What perhaps makes this unique is that Poulsen tried subjecting the Zebrafish to White Noise and as per her tweet, the fish had a different reaction to music than they exhibited only for White Noise.

"...These results suggest a more nuanced auditory system than has previously been described in larval fish and provide insights into how a young animal’s auditory system can both function acutely and serve as the scaffold for a more complex adult system," she says in her research paper published in Current Biology.

To put it strictly, Poulsen did not base her research on MC Hammer song. She studied how their brain reacted to simpler sounds with help of a laser scan

But then, she thought of You Can't Touch This and got special, small speakers so that noise from bigger speakers did not put the Zecrafish larvae in danger.

And voila! Their brains had a different reaction

Poulsen tagged MC Hammer himself in her tweet. The artist was amused and even replied back

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Sparking thoughts !!! 💥💥💥<a href="https://t.co/krs0zL1xWo">pic.twitter.com/krs0zL1xWo</a> <a href="https://t.co/0lPZ1YEg4U">https://t.co/0lPZ1YEg4U</a>
— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) <a href="https://twitter.com/MCHammer/status/1367267341063528451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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When does a sound become music? Can animals discern between different types of music?

The answer may lie in this research, who knows?

Being a 90s baby or 90s kid and wearing this fact on the sleeve is all in vogue. Well yeah, the decade was unique. Although the majority of millennials can't get enough of 90s music, 90s life and whatnot, something that happened bang at the start of the decade may not always be remembered by the young crowd.

Being a 90s baby or 90s kid and wearing this fact on the sleeve is all in vogue. Well yeah, the decade was unique. Although the majority of millennials can't get enough of 90s music, 90s life and whatnot, something that happened bang at the start of the decade may not always be remembered by the young crowd. But one such song has come in news. You Can't Touch This by MC Hammer. You can hear the song in this story. Yeah, the beat is quite familiar. So not really a forgotten gem. × But the song has hit headlines again after a DJ found that baby Zebrafish groove to this. Enter DJ Rebecca Poulsen aka BeXta, Australia's first female dance music producer. After hundreds of gigs around the globe, Poulsen continues to churn out funky scores and tracks. But she is even studying Neuroscience at University of Queensland. And guess what, she found that baby Zebrafish had a reaction to the MC Hammer hit song. Neurons in Zebrafish's brains fired up at a particular vocal by MC Hammer. Can #zebrafish encode the unique properties of sound? Like pure tones vs white noise, or different shaped waveforms? Our new #preprint from @labEthan says yes! Check out our example with @McHammer! Can you find the vocal neurons? #auditory #phdLife #HammerTime 1/ pic.twitter.com/8hYIUBDjBW — BeXta (@djBeXta) September 22, 2020 × What perhaps makes this unique is that Poulsen tried subjecting the Zebrafish to White Noise and as per her tweet, the fish had a different reaction to music than they exhibited only for White Noise. "...These results suggest a more nuanced auditory system than has previously been described in larval fish and provide insights into how a young animal’s auditory system can both function acutely and serve as the scaffold for a more complex adult system," she says in her research paper published in Current Biology. To put it strictly, Poulsen did not base her research on MC Hammer song. She studied how their brain reacted to simpler sounds with help of a laser scan But then, she thought of You Can't Touch This and got special, small speakers so that noise from bigger speakers did not put the Zecrafish larvae in danger. And voila! Their brains had a different reaction Poulsen tagged MC Hammer himself in her tweet. The artist was amused and even replied back Sparking thoughts !!! 💥💥💥pic.twitter.com/krs0zL1xWo https://t.co/0lPZ1YEg4U — MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) March 4, 2021 × When does a sound become music? Can animals discern between different types of music? The answer may lie in this research, who knows?

DJ finds out baby Zebrafish 'groove' to MC Hammer hit song

Pentagon officials placed “unusual” restrictions on the D.C. National Guard before the Capitol riot, its commander told senators Wednesday, saying the military leaders’ fears of a repeat of aggressive tactics used during racial justice protests last year slowed decision-making and squandered time as the violence by a pro-Trump mob escalated.

Military and federal security officials detailed in a joint Senate committee hearing the additional security breakdowns that led to the failure to quell the mob attack on Jan. 6. Maj. Gen. William J. Walker, the D.C. National Guard commander, said he did not receive approval to mobilize troops until more than three hours after he had requested it.

The delay he outlined was longer than previously known and came to light in the latest hearing by lawmakers investigating the attack.

Days before the riot, the Pentagon had removed Walker’s authority to quickly deploy his troops, he testified. He said he was unable to move troops even from one traffic stop to another without permission from Ryan D. McCarthy, the Army secretary. Once Walker had approval for deployment, the guard arrived at the Capitol only minutes later, at 5:20 p.m., and helped reestablish the security perimeter on the east side of the building.

Walker said he could have had 150 troops to the complex hours earlier. The violent rampage that unfolded over nearly five hours caused injuries to nearly 140 police officers and left five people dead.

“That number could have made a difference,” Walker said of the possibility of deploying his troops earlier.

“Seconds mattered,” he added. “Minutes mattered.”

In response to questions from senators, Walker said he believed that a double standard existed in the military decision-making, pointing out differences between the quick and aggressive tactics he was authorized to use during protests last spring and summer of police killings of Black men and the slower response to the violence of Trump supporters. He said military officials had expressed concerns about the optics of sending troops into the Capitol to subdue Americans.

“The Army senior leaders did not think it looked good” and did not think “it would be a good optic,” Walker said. “The word I kept hearing was the ‘optics’ of it.”

When asked whether a similar debate had played out last year, Walker said no.

“It was never discussed the week of June,” he said. “It was never discussed July 4, when we were supporting the city. It was never discussed Aug. 28, when we supported the city.”

“Did you think that was unusual?” asked Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, the Democratic head of the Homeland Security Committee.

“I did,” Walker said.

The restrictions were put in place because of the widely criticized crackdown by the guard on mostly peaceful protesters in Washington in June, said Robert G. Salesses, a senior Defense Department official testifying at the hearing.

He said that McCarthy and other military officials, including Christopher Miller, the acting defense secretary, delayed deciding whether to deploy forces on Jan. 6 because they wanted to know more about what the troops would be doing. They had assumed deployment authority over the D.C. National Guard to avoid a repeat of last year, Salesses said.

“Secretary Miller wanted to make the decisions of how the National Guard was going to be employed on that day,” Salesses testified.

Walker recounted how the day had unfolded as Trump supporters protesting congressional certification of the election results devolved into violence. He said he had received a “frantic call” at 1:49 p.m. from Steven A. Sund, then the chief of the Capitol Police, about half an hour before rioters breached the Capitol.

“Chief Sund, his voice cracking with emotion, indicated that there was a dire emergency at the Capitol,” Walker testified. “He requested the immediate assistance of as many available National Guardsmen I could muster.”

He said he had immediately alerted Army leaders and even put troops on buses “ready to move to the Capitol.” But Miller did not approve the request until 3:04 p.m., after military officials had expressed their concerns about optics. Walker did not receive word that Pentagon officials had authorized his request until 5:08 p.m. — three hours and 19 minutes after he had received Sund’s plea.

“I keep thinking of the hours that went by, and the people who were injured and the officers whose lives were changed forever,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. and the chairwoman of the Senate Rules Committee. “We must get to the bottom of why, that very day, it took the Defense Department so long to deploy the guard.”

After hearing Walker’s testimony, Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri, the top Republican on the committee, told reporters he wanted to hear from higher-ranking military officials.

“Certainly we’ll have questions for Secretary McCarthy and for acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller,” Blunt said. “It’s definitely going to require an opportunity to ask them questions about their view from their perspective of why this decision-making process went so horribly wrong.”

The testimony came at the latest bipartisan investigative hearing of the Homeland Security and Rules Committees. At a hearing last week, Chief Robert J. Contee III of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington testified that he was “stunned” at the slow deployment of the National Guard on Jan. 6, noting that even as the violence escalated, the Army had expressed reluctance to send troops.

At that hearing, the first joint oversight meeting of the two committees, three former top Capitol security officials deflected responsibility for failures that contributed to the riot, blaming the other agencies, one another and at one point even a subordinate for the breakdowns that allowed hundreds of Trump supporters to storm the Capitol.

The officials testified that the FBI and the intelligence community had failed to provide adequate warnings that rioters planned to seize the Capitol and that the Pentagon was too slow to authorize guard troops to help overwhelmed police forces after the attack began.

In addition to Walker and Salesses, the officials who testified Wednesday were Melissa Smislova, a senior official from the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis, and Jill Sanborn, the FBI’s assistant director of its counterterrorism division.

After the attack, law enforcement officials have been focusing on rioters who are members of militias and extremist groups as part of their investigation. Sanborn testified that few of the 257 rioters arrested so far were being investigated by the FBI before the attack.

“I can only recall from my memory one of the individuals that was under investigation prior,” she said.

The testimony came as the Capitol Police said they were increasing security this week on Capitol Hill, warning of “potential threats toward members of Congress or toward the Capitol complex.”

Testifying at a House hearing, Yogananda D. Pittman, the acting Capitol Police chief, told lawmakers that her agency had received “concerning” intelligence about possible threats against the Capitol for Thursday. But she said the information was law-enforcement sensitive and she would share it only in a closed briefing. She assured committee members that the police force would be ready.

Pittman noted that threats against lawmakers were “through the roof,” rising almost 94% the first two months of this year over 2020.

After Jan. 6, the Capitol Police leadership is asking for almost $620 million in total spending, an increase of nearly 21% over current levels to pay for new equipment, training and an additional 212 officers for assignments such as a permanent backup force. Pittman also told the lawmakers that she would be working with the architect of the Capitol to design more “physical hardening” of the building after it was overrun by the rioters.

Pentagon officials placed “unusual” restrictions on the D.C. National Guard before the Capitol riot, its commander told senators Wednesday, saying the military leaders’ fears of a repeat of aggressive tactics used during racial justice protests last year slowed decision-making and squandered time as the violence by a pro-Trump mob escalated.

Pentagon officials placed “unusual” restrictions on the D.C. National Guard before the Capitol riot, its commander told senators Wednesday, saying the military leaders’ fears of a repeat of aggressive tactics used during racial justice protests last year slowed decision-making and squandered time as the violence by a pro-Trump mob escalated. Military and federal security officials detailed in a joint Senate committee hearing the additional security breakdowns that led to the failure to quell the mob attack on Jan. 6. Maj. Gen. William J. Walker, the D.C. National Guard commander, said he did not receive approval to mobilize troops until more than three hours after he had requested it. The delay he outlined was longer than previously known and came to light in the latest hearing by lawmakers investigating the attack. Days before the riot, the Pentagon had removed Walker’s authority to quickly deploy his troops, he testified. He said he was unable to move troops even from one traffic stop to another without permission from Ryan D. McCarthy, the Army secretary. Once Walker had approval for deployment, the guard arrived at the Capitol only minutes later, at 5:20 p.m., and helped reestablish the security perimeter on the east side of the building. Walker said he could have had 150 troops to the complex hours earlier. The violent rampage that unfolded over nearly five hours caused injuries to nearly 140 police officers and left five people dead. “That number could have made a difference,” Walker said of the possibility of deploying his troops earlier. “Seconds mattered,” he added. “Minutes mattered.” In response to questions from senators, Walker said he believed that a double standard existed in the military decision-making, pointing out differences between the quick and aggressive tactics he was authorized to use during protests last spring and summer of police killings of Black men and the slower response to the violence of Trump supporters. He said military officials had expressed concerns about the optics of sending troops into the Capitol to subdue Americans. “The Army senior leaders did not think it looked good” and did not think “it would be a good optic,” Walker said. “The word I kept hearing was the ‘optics’ of it.” When asked whether a similar debate had played out last year, Walker said no. “It was never discussed the week of June,” he said. “It was never discussed July 4, when we were supporting the city. It was never discussed Aug. 28, when we supported the city.” “Did you think that was unusual?” asked Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, the Democratic head of the Homeland Security Committee. “I did,” Walker said. The restrictions were put in place because of the widely criticized crackdown by the guard on mostly peaceful protesters in Washington in June, said Robert G. Salesses, a senior Defense Department official testifying at the hearing. He said that McCarthy and other military officials, including Christopher Miller, the acting defense secretary, delayed deciding whether to deploy forces on Jan. 6 because they wanted to know more about what the troops would be doing. They had assumed deployment authority over the D.C. National Guard to avoid a repeat of last year, Salesses said. “Secretary Miller wanted to make the decisions of how the National Guard was going to be employed on that day,” Salesses testified. Walker recounted how the day had unfolded as Trump supporters protesting congressional certification of the election results devolved into violence. He said he had received a “frantic call” at 1:49 p.m. from Steven A. Sund, then the chief of the Capitol Police, about half an hour before rioters breached the Capitol. “Chief Sund, his voice cracking with emotion, indicated that there was a dire emergency at the Capitol,” Walker testified. “He requested the immediate assistance of as many available National Guardsmen I could muster.” He said he had immediately alerted Army leaders and even put troops on buses “ready to move to the Capitol.” But Miller did not approve the request until 3:04 p.m., after military officials had expressed their concerns about optics. Walker did not receive word that Pentagon officials had authorized his request until 5:08 p.m. — three hours and 19 minutes after he had received Sund’s plea. “I keep thinking of the hours that went by, and the people who were injured and the officers whose lives were changed forever,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. and the chairwoman of the Senate Rules Committee. “We must get to the bottom of why, that very day, it took the Defense Department so long to deploy the guard.” After hearing Walker’s testimony, Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri, the top Republican on the committee, told reporters he wanted to hear from higher-ranking military officials. “Certainly we’ll have questions for Secretary McCarthy and for acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller,” Blunt said. “It’s definitely going to require an opportunity to ask them questions about their view from their perspective of why this decision-making process went so horribly wrong.” The testimony came at the latest bipartisan investigative hearing of the Homeland Security and Rules Committees. At a hearing last week, Chief Robert J. Contee III of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington testified that he was “stunned” at the slow deployment of the National Guard on Jan. 6, noting that even as the violence escalated, the Army had expressed reluctance to send troops. At that hearing, the first joint oversight meeting of the two committees, three former top Capitol security officials deflected responsibility for failures that contributed to the riot, blaming the other agencies, one another and at one point even a subordinate for the breakdowns that allowed hundreds of Trump supporters to storm the Capitol. The officials testified that the FBI and the intelligence community had failed to provide adequate warnings that rioters planned to seize the Capitol and that the Pentagon was too slow to authorize guard troops to help overwhelmed police forces after the attack began. In addition to Walker and Salesses, the officials who testified Wednesday were Melissa Smislova, a senior official from the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis, and Jill Sanborn, the FBI’s assistant director of its counterterrorism division. After the attack, law enforcement officials have been focusing on rioters who are members of militias and extremist groups as part of their investigation. Sanborn testified that few of the 257 rioters arrested so far were being investigated by the FBI before the attack. “I can only recall from my memory one of the individuals that was under investigation prior,” she said. The testimony came as the Capitol Police said they were increasing security this week on Capitol Hill, warning of “potential threats toward members of Congress or toward the Capitol complex.” Testifying at a House hearing, Yogananda D. Pittman, the acting Capitol Police chief, told lawmakers that her agency had received “concerning” intelligence about possible threats against the Capitol for Thursday. But she said the information was law-enforcement sensitive and she would share it only in a closed briefing. She assured committee members that the police force would be ready. Pittman noted that threats against lawmakers were “through the roof,” rising almost 94% the first two months of this year over 2020. After Jan. 6, the Capitol Police leadership is asking for almost $620 million in total spending, an increase of nearly 21% over current levels to pay for new equipment, training and an additional 212 officers for assignments such as a permanent backup force. Pittman also told the lawmakers that she would be working with the architect of the Capitol to design more “physical hardening” of the building after it was overrun by the rioters.

Officials put ‘unusual’ limits on DC National Guard before riot, commander says

Joe Biden administration told a federal court in the US that it needs more time to decide whether it will release Donald Trump's tax records, said credible media reports. As per media reports that cited a court filing from the govt, the Justice Department and Treasury Department said that they needed time to weigh how to respond to a subpoena by House Democrats. These Democrats are asking for six years of tax records to be released.

Government lawyers told the court that as transition was still going on at Justice and Treasury departments, they needed more time to respond to House Democrats' demand for release of Trump's tax records.

The legal battle dates back to 2019.

Donald Trump has always kept his tax records a secret. This has given reason to his critics to allege that he was evading taxes and has avoided paying millions of dollars to the government.

Trump has for years claimed that his business was "under audit" and that he would release his tax returns once the audit was completed. However, the "audit" seems to have gone on for years and there have been no concrete signs of Trump wanting to make his tax record public.

His tax records had become an issue both in 2016, as well as 2020 US Presidential elections with Democratic Party upping the ante against him.

Joe Biden administration told a federal court in the US that it needs more time to decide whether it will release Donald Trump's tax records, said credible media reports.

Joe Biden administration told a federal court in the US that it needs more time to decide whether it will release Donald Trump's tax records, said credible media reports. As per media reports that cited a court filing from the govt, the Justice Department and Treasury Department said that they needed time to weigh how to respond to a subpoena by House Democrats. These Democrats are asking for six years of tax records to be released. Government lawyers told the court that as transition was still going on at Justice and Treasury departments, they needed more time to respond to House Democrats' demand for release of Trump's tax records. The legal battle dates back to 2019. Donald Trump has always kept his tax records a secret. This has given reason to his critics to allege that he was evading taxes and has avoided paying millions of dollars to the government. Trump has for years claimed that his business was "under audit" and that he would release his tax returns once the audit was completed. However, the "audit" seems to have gone on for years and there have been no concrete signs of Trump wanting to make his tax record public. His tax records had become an issue both in 2016, as well as 2020 US Presidential elections with Democratic Party upping the ante against him.

Trump tax returns: Biden administration seeks more time to decide on release, say reports

Residents in a city in USA's Mississippi state are without water for weeks, said media reports from number of credible outlets. Residents of Jackson, Mississippi have been facing this situation since a winter storm lashed the area in February. The storm interfered with the functioning of the city's water plant and broke water pipes that were frozen solid. The residents are even without drinking water.

As per reports, there are no sure signs of water supply getting restored in near future.

Since February 23, local authorities have issued advisories saying people should boil water before drinking it.

As citizens battled severe shortage of water, aging infrastructure is being blamed for failure to restore water supply. Public Works Director has been quoted by CNN as saying that the system "crashed like a computer". He added that the administration was working to bring the situation back to normal but that progress had been slow.

Angry residents are commenting on Jackson city's official Facebook page.

"Every year we have some type of issue with the water. This didn’t just start but every year you gotta PLAN and stop just trying to put a bandage on the problem WHEN it happens," writes Mary Evans Fox

People are understandably upset that the repair work is going on at Snail's pace

"The repairs are very slow. How many people are working on these breaks.? Have you contracted to get others on staff like the power company did?," wrote Charlotte Bryant

Marq McPherson voices concern about what is being reported in media about aging infrastructure in the city.

"Jackson has an incredibly old water infrastructure that has been ignored for the better part of 50 years..." says Marq

After February's winter storm, the weather has warmed and power is back, but citizens are still waiting for water supply to get restored.

Residents in a city in USA's Mississippi state are without water for weeks, said media reports from number of credible outlets. Residents of Jackson, Mississippi have been facing this situation since a winter storm lashed the area in February.

Residents in a city in USA's Mississippi state are without water for weeks, said media reports from number of credible outlets. Residents of Jackson, Mississippi have been facing this situation since a winter storm lashed the area in February. The storm interfered with the functioning of the city's water plant and broke water pipes that were frozen solid. The residents are even without drinking water. As per reports, there are no sure signs of water supply getting restored in near future. Since February 23, local authorities have issued advisories saying people should boil water before drinking it. As citizens battled severe shortage of water, aging infrastructure is being blamed for failure to restore water supply. Public Works Director has been quoted by CNN as saying that the system "crashed like a computer". He added that the administration was working to bring the situation back to normal but that progress had been slow. Angry residents are commenting on Jackson city's official Facebook page. "Every year we have some type of issue with the water. This didn’t just start but every year you gotta PLAN and stop just trying to put a bandage on the problem WHEN it happens," writes Mary Evans Fox People are understandably upset that the repair work is going on at Snail's pace "The repairs are very slow. How many people are working on these breaks.? Have you contracted to get others on staff like the power company did?," wrote Charlotte Bryant Marq McPherson voices concern about what is being reported in media about aging infrastructure in the city. "Jackson has an incredibly old water infrastructure that has been ignored for the better part of 50 years..." says Marq After February's winter storm, the weather has warmed and power is back, but citizens are still waiting for water supply to get restored.

Residents in Mississippi in US without water for weeks

Global police organisation Interpol said on Wednesday that police in China and South Africa had seized thousands of fake COVID vaccines. Interpol warned that this may well be 'tip of the iceberg'.

The Lyon-based Interpol said 400 vials -- equivalent to around 2,400 doses -- containing the fake vaccine were found at a warehouse in Germiston outside Johannesburg in South Africa, where officers also recovered fake masks and arrested three Chinese and a Zambian national.

"Whilst we welcome this result, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Covid-19 vaccine-related crime," said Interpol Secretary General Juergen Stock.

In China, police identified a network selling fake vaccines. The investigation was supported by Interpol.

The police raided manufacturing premises, arrested around 80 suspects and seized more than 3000 fake vaccines

Interpol said that in addition to the arrests in South Africa and China it was also receiving additional reports of fake vaccine distribution and scam attempts targeting health bodies such as nursing homes.

It warned that no approved vaccines are currently available for sale online. &nbsp;

"Any vaccine being advertised on websites or the dark web will not be legitimate, will not have been tested and may be dangerous."&nbsp; 
Stock had warned in December in an interview with German weekly WirtschaftsWoche of a sharp rise in crime due to the vaccine rollout, with thefts and warehouse break-ins and attacks on vaccine shipments.

(With AFP inputs)

Global police organisation Interpol said on Wednesday that police in China and South Africa had seized thousands of fake COVID vaccines. Interpol warned that this may well be 'tip of the iceberg'.

Global police organisation Interpol said on Wednesday that police in China and South Africa had seized thousands of fake COVID vaccines. Interpol warned that this may well be 'tip of the iceberg'. The Lyon-based Interpol said 400 vials -- equivalent to around 2,400 doses -- containing the fake vaccine were found at a warehouse in Germiston outside Johannesburg in South Africa, where officers also recovered fake masks and arrested three Chinese and a Zambian national. "Whilst we welcome this result, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Covid-19 vaccine-related crime," said Interpol Secretary General Juergen Stock. In China, police identified a network selling fake vaccines. The investigation was supported by Interpol. The police raided manufacturing premises, arrested around 80 suspects and seized more than 3000 fake vaccines Interpol said that in addition to the arrests in South Africa and China it was also receiving additional reports of fake vaccine distribution and scam attempts targeting health bodies such as nursing homes. It warned that no approved vaccines are currently available for sale online. "Any vaccine being advertised on websites or the dark web will not be legitimate, will not have been tested and may be dangerous." Stock had warned in December in an interview with German weekly WirtschaftsWoche of a sharp rise in crime due to the vaccine rollout, with thefts and warehouse break-ins and attacks on vaccine shipments. (With AFP inputs)

Fake coronavirus vaccines seized in China and South Africa, says Interpol

Protests rage in Myanmar on a day 38 die

US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said on Wednesday that major defence sales by US to India demonstrated USA's "commitment to India's security and sovereignty". &nbsp;He said that authorisation for defence sales of US 20 billion has already been made.

"As of this year, the united states has authorized over USD 20 billion in defence sales to India. It's these offers of advanced us defence platforms that demonstrate our commitment to India's security and sovereignty," state department spokesperson ned price told reporters at his daily news conference.

"It demonstrates our commitment to that global, comprehensive, strategic partnership," he said.

The US also spoke about 5G network being a priority but also expressed concern about the dangers of installing networks with equipment that can be manipulated or even controlled by China.

The State Department expressed satisfaction at the return of economic and political normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.

"We welcome steps to return the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to full economic and political normalcy consistent with India`s democratic values," said US State Department spokesperson Ned Price.

"We continue to follow developments in Jammu and Kashmir closely," he added. He said that the United States policy towards Jammu and Kashmir has not changed," he said.

(With ANI inputs)

US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said on Wednesday that major defence sales by US to India demonstrated USA's "commitment to India's security and sovereignty".

US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said on Wednesday that major defence sales by US to India demonstrated USA's "commitment to India's security and sovereignty". He said that authorisation for defence sales of US 20 billion has already been made. "As of this year, the united states has authorized over USD 20 billion in defence sales to India. It's these offers of advanced us defence platforms that demonstrate our commitment to India's security and sovereignty," state department spokesperson ned price told reporters at his daily news conference. "It demonstrates our commitment to that global, comprehensive, strategic partnership," he said. The US also spoke about 5G network being a priority but also expressed concern about the dangers of installing networks with equipment that can be manipulated or even controlled by China. The State Department expressed satisfaction at the return of economic and political normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir. "We welcome steps to return the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to full economic and political normalcy consistent with India`s democratic values," said US State Department spokesperson Ned Price. "We continue to follow developments in Jammu and Kashmir closely," he added. He said that the United States policy towards Jammu and Kashmir has not changed," he said. (With ANI inputs)

US talks of its 'commitment to India's security and sovereignty'

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Manas Joshi

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