An ultraconservative Iranian newspaper said on Sunday that the "resistance axis" of Iran and its regional allies may have been behind an explosion that hit an Israeli-owned "spy" vessel four days ago

The vessel, MV Helios Ray, was travelling from Dammam in Saudi Arabia to Singapore when the blast took place on Thursday, &nbsp;according to the London-based Dryad Global maritime security group.

Citing unnamed "military experts," Kayhan, Iran's leading ultraconservative daily, wrote in a front-page report that "the targeted ship in the Gulf of Oman is a military ship belonging to the Israeli army".

It was "gathering information about the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman" when it was targeted, the newspaper said.

"This spy ship, although it was sailing secretly, may have fallen into the ambush of one of the branches of the resistance axis," it added, without offering further details.

The term "resistance axis" usually refers to the Islamic republic and its allied forces in the region.

Israel's defence minister Benny Gantz said on Saturday that the Jewish state's "initial assessment" is that Iran is responsible for the explosion aboard the vessel.

"This... takes into account the proximity (with Iran) and the context" in which the blast occurred, he added.

"This is what I believe."

Rami Ungar, an Israeli businessman who owns the Helios Ray, told Israeli state television Kan on Friday that the explosion caused "two holes about a metre and a half (five feet) in diameter". It was "not yet clear" if the damage was caused by missiles or mines attached to the ship, Ungar added.

He said that the explosion did not cause any casualties among the crew or damage to the engine.

Israel has always accused Iran of trying to acquire nuclear weapons, a charge that Iran denies.

Iran blames the November 27 assassination outside Tehran of its top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh on the Jewish state.

(With AFP inputs)

An ultraconservative Iranian newspaper said on Sunday that the "resistance axis" of Iran and its regional allies may have been behind an explosion that hit an Israeli-owned "spy" vessel four days ago The vessel, MV Helios Ray, was travelling from Dammam in Saudi Arabia to Singapore when the blast took place on Thursday, according to the London-based Dryad Global maritime security group.

An ultraconservative Iranian newspaper said on Sunday that the "resistance axis" of Iran and its regional allies may have been behind an explosion that hit an Israeli-owned "spy" vessel four days ago The vessel, MV Helios Ray, was travelling from Dammam in Saudi Arabia to Singapore when the blast took place on Thursday, according to the London-based Dryad Global maritime security group. Citing unnamed "military experts," Kayhan, Iran's leading ultraconservative daily, wrote in a front-page report that "the targeted ship in the Gulf of Oman is a military ship belonging to the Israeli army". It was "gathering information about the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman" when it was targeted, the newspaper said. "This spy ship, although it was sailing secretly, may have fallen into the ambush of one of the branches of the resistance axis," it added, without offering further details. The term "resistance axis" usually refers to the Islamic republic and its allied forces in the region. Israel's defence minister Benny Gantz said on Saturday that the Jewish state's "initial assessment" is that Iran is responsible for the explosion aboard the vessel. "This... takes into account the proximity (with Iran) and the context" in which the blast occurred, he added. "This is what I believe." Rami Ungar, an Israeli businessman who owns the Helios Ray, told Israeli state television Kan on Friday that the explosion caused "two holes about a metre and a half (five feet) in diameter". It was "not yet clear" if the damage was caused by missiles or mines attached to the ship, Ungar added. He said that the explosion did not cause any casualties among the crew or damage to the engine. Israel has always accused Iran of trying to acquire nuclear weapons, a charge that Iran denies. Iran blames the November 27 assassination outside Tehran of its top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh on the Jewish state. (With AFP inputs)

Iran and its allies may be behind Israeli ship blast, says newspaper

On the occasion of National Science Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday gave a clarion call for `Lab to Land` to move science forward, noting its power in the `Aatmanirbhar Bharat` campaign.

When we talk of science, the Prime Minister said, many a time people restrict it to physics-chemistry or labs, but the spread of science is much more than that.

"And there is a lot of contribution of the power of science in the `Aatmanirbhar Bharat` campaign. We have to move science forward with the mantra of `Lab to Land`," the Prime Minister said while addressing his monthly radio programme `Mann Ki Baat`.

Reminding that Sunday happens to be the National Science Day` too, Modi said the day is dedicated to the discovery of `Raman Effect` by the great scientist Dr C.V. Raman.

The Prime Minister said the way we know of other scientists of the world, in the same way we should also know about the scientists of India.

Speaking about self-reliance, Modi said the first condition for the goal is to have pride in the things of one`s own country, to take pride in the things made by people of one`s own country.

"When every countryman takes pride, every countryman connects. Self-reliant India doesn`t remain just an economic campaign but becomes a national spirit when we see fighter plane `Tejas` made in our own country doing acrobatics in the sky, when Made-in-India tanks, Made-in-India missiles swell our pride, when we see Made-in-India coaches in Metro trains in wealthy and advanced nations, when we see Made-in-India Covid vaccines reaching dozens of countries, then our heads rise higher. And it is not that only bigger things will make India self-reliant."

"Textiles made in India, handicraft goods made by talented artisans of India, electronic appliances of India, mobiles of India, in every field we have to increase this pride. When we move forward with this thought, only then will we become self-reliant in the truest sense. I am happy that this mantra of self-reliant India is reaching the villages of the country. This very thing happened in Bettiah, about which I got to read in the media."

On the occasion of National Science Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday gave a clarion call for `Lab to Land` to move science forward, noting its power in the `Aatmanirbhar Bharat` campaign.

On the occasion of National Science Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday gave a clarion call for `Lab to Land` to move science forward, noting its power in the `Aatmanirbhar Bharat` campaign. When we talk of science, the Prime Minister said, many a time people restrict it to physics-chemistry or labs, but the spread of science is much more than that. "And there is a lot of contribution of the power of science in the `Aatmanirbhar Bharat` campaign. We have to move science forward with the mantra of `Lab to Land`," the Prime Minister said while addressing his monthly radio programme `Mann Ki Baat`. Reminding that Sunday happens to be the National Science Day` too, Modi said the day is dedicated to the discovery of `Raman Effect` by the great scientist Dr C.V. Raman. The Prime Minister said the way we know of other scientists of the world, in the same way we should also know about the scientists of India. Speaking about self-reliance, Modi said the first condition for the goal is to have pride in the things of one`s own country, to take pride in the things made by people of one`s own country. "When every countryman takes pride, every countryman connects. Self-reliant India doesn`t remain just an economic campaign but becomes a national spirit when we see fighter plane `Tejas` made in our own country doing acrobatics in the sky, when Made-in-India tanks, Made-in-India missiles swell our pride, when we see Made-in-India coaches in Metro trains in wealthy and advanced nations, when we see Made-in-India Covid vaccines reaching dozens of countries, then our heads rise higher. And it is not that only bigger things will make India self-reliant." "Textiles made in India, handicraft goods made by talented artisans of India, electronic appliances of India, mobiles of India, in every field we have to increase this pride. When we move forward with this thought, only then will we become self-reliant in the truest sense. I am happy that this mantra of self-reliant India is reaching the villages of the country. This very thing happened in Bettiah, about which I got to read in the media."

Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi calls for 'Lab to Land' to take science ahead

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took on US President Donald Trump as he delivered speech at Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). He was among the prominent Trump loyalists to speak at the conference being held in Orlando, Florida.

"I hear President Biden saying 'America's back'. Back to what?" Pompeo said to an enthusiastic audience. "Back to President Biden killing a pipeline?" he asked.

Pompeo is considered to be one of the staunchest allies of President Donald Trump. During his presidency, Trump appointed and fired many of his colleagues in the government, but Pompeo was seen to be a stable presence.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy also appeared on Saturday and told the gathering that the Republicans will surely win back the House in the 2022 mid-term elections.

"I would bet my house," he said during a short panel.

Trump is expected to talk on Sunday about the future of the party and lay out policy differences within a group riven by differences in the wake of his chaotic four years in office.

Many other senior Republicans did not attend this year's event. They included former Vice President Mike Pence and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Some advisers say they want Trump not to use his speech to re-litigate the 2020 election at length but instead offer a road map to Republicans' regaining control of the House of Representatives and the Senate in the 2022 congressional elections.

CPAC is an event organized by the American Conservative Union, whose chairman, Matt Schlapp, is close to Trump. It is a prime venue for speakers who want to gauge interest in whether they should run for president based on the enthusiasm they generate.

(With Reuters inputs)

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took on US President Donald Trump as he delivered speech at Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). He was among the prominent Trump loyalists to speak at the conference being held in Orlando, Florida.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took on US President Donald Trump as he delivered speech at Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). He was among the prominent Trump loyalists to speak at the conference being held in Orlando, Florida. "I hear President Biden saying 'America's back'. Back to what?" Pompeo said to an enthusiastic audience. "Back to President Biden killing a pipeline?" he asked. Pompeo is considered to be one of the staunchest allies of President Donald Trump. During his presidency, Trump appointed and fired many of his colleagues in the government, but Pompeo was seen to be a stable presence. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy also appeared on Saturday and told the gathering that the Republicans will surely win back the House in the 2022 mid-term elections. "I would bet my house," he said during a short panel. Trump is expected to talk on Sunday about the future of the party and lay out policy differences within a group riven by differences in the wake of his chaotic four years in office. Many other senior Republicans did not attend this year's event. They included former Vice President Mike Pence and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Some advisers say they want Trump not to use his speech to re-litigate the 2020 election at length but instead offer a road map to Republicans' regaining control of the House of Representatives and the Senate in the 2022 congressional elections. CPAC is an event organized by the American Conservative Union, whose chairman, Matt Schlapp, is close to Trump. It is a prime venue for speakers who want to gauge interest in whether they should run for president based on the enthusiasm they generate. (With Reuters inputs)

Mike Pompeo takes on Biden in his CPAC speech

Donald Trump is no longer in office of the US President. He is even banned from popular social media platforms like Twitter. He is making a lot less buzz than before. But he still commands political clout within the Republican Party and his gold-coloured statue at the Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) conference is being talked about as a symbol of the same. US conservatives praised Donald Trump at the annual gathering on Friday (February 26)

Prominent congressional conservatives - including Senators Ted Cruz, Tom Cotton and Josh Hawley and Representatives Steve Scalise and Matt Gaetz - were among the Trump loyalists speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida, which the former president will address on Sunday (February 28).

The gold-coloured statue of Donald Trump is dressed in a jacket, red tie and boxer shorts with Stars-and-Stripes. The statue was on display at the conference site.&nbsp;

Two participants wheeled the larger-than-life statue through the conference center lobby, according to a video on social media. It was initially unclear why the statue, showing a cartoonish version of Trump with an oversize head, was there.

The statue drew instant derision online, with commentators comparing it to the golden calf that enraged the prophet Moses in the Old Testament.

Later in the day, Tommy Zegan told Reuters he was the artist behind the statue and that he came up with the idea three years ago as a "more tasteful" antidote to some unflattering effigies of Trump at the time, such as the 'Baby Trump' balloons and the Trump 'golden toilet'.

Zegan said the statue contains several symbolic elements that convey the spirit of Trump: the suit is for Trump's status as a businessman, the red tie represents the Republican party, the sandals are because Zegan thinks this is the time for Trump to be vacationing "in the lap of luxury" and the magic wand?

"The magic wand basically represents what Obama had said. You know, 'how is he going to bring back all these jobs? What does he have, some sort of magic wand?' " Zegan told Reuters.

It is expected that Trump will talk at CPAC on Sunday. He will likely speak on future of Republican Party and lay out policy differences within a group riven by differences in the wake of his chaotic four years in office.

(With Reuters inputs)

Donald Trump is no longer in office of the US President. He is even banned from popular social media platforms like Twitter. He is making a lot less buzz than before.

Donald Trump is no longer in office of the US President. He is even banned from popular social media platforms like Twitter. He is making a lot less buzz than before. But he still commands political clout within the Republican Party and his gold-coloured statue at the Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) conference is being talked about as a symbol of the same. US conservatives praised Donald Trump at the annual gathering on Friday (February 26) Prominent congressional conservatives - including Senators Ted Cruz, Tom Cotton and Josh Hawley and Representatives Steve Scalise and Matt Gaetz - were among the Trump loyalists speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida, which the former president will address on Sunday (February 28). The gold-coloured statue of Donald Trump is dressed in a jacket, red tie and boxer shorts with Stars-and-Stripes. The statue was on display at the conference site. Two participants wheeled the larger-than-life statue through the conference center lobby, according to a video on social media. It was initially unclear why the statue, showing a cartoonish version of Trump with an oversize head, was there. The statue drew instant derision online, with commentators comparing it to the golden calf that enraged the prophet Moses in the Old Testament. Later in the day, Tommy Zegan told Reuters he was the artist behind the statue and that he came up with the idea three years ago as a "more tasteful" antidote to some unflattering effigies of Trump at the time, such as the 'Baby Trump' balloons and the Trump 'golden toilet'. Zegan said the statue contains several symbolic elements that convey the spirit of Trump: the suit is for Trump's status as a businessman, the red tie represents the Republican party, the sandals are because Zegan thinks this is the time for Trump to be vacationing "in the lap of luxury" and the magic wand? "The magic wand basically represents what Obama had said. You know, 'how is he going to bring back all these jobs? What does he have, some sort of magic wand?' " Zegan told Reuters. It is expected that Trump will talk at CPAC on Sunday. He will likely speak on future of Republican Party and lay out policy differences within a group riven by differences in the wake of his chaotic four years in office. (With Reuters inputs)

Donald Trump's golden statue at CPAC reflects his hold on Republican Party

Internet investor SoftBank Group said Saturday it reached a settlement with WeWork co-founder Adam Neumann and other investors in the office sharing giant, amid reports that the deal would give the ex-CEO an extra $50 million.

SoftBank Group did not release details of the agreement that puts to rest a bitter dispute emerging from the Japan-based firm's 2019 decision to bail out WeWork, once regarded as a soaring unicorn but which quickly spiralled into deep troubles as it lost cash and cancelled its eagerly waited share offering.

Under the deal, the Wall Street Journal reported, SoftBank Group would buy about $1.5 billion of stock from other investors, including nearly $500 million from Neumann, roughly a half of what it originally planned to buy.

But the deal would give the controversial founder a $50 million windfall, another $50 million to cover his legal fees and extend by five years a $430 million SoftBank Group loan, according to reports.

Neumann and WeWork investors had sued SoftBank claiming the investment firm breached its obligations by backing out of a $3 billion rescue plan.

"This agreement is the result of all parties coming to the table for the sake of doing what is best for the future of WeWork," Marcelo Claure, executive chairman of WeWork and chief operating officer of SoftBank Group.

"With this litigation behind us, we are fully focused on our mission to reimagine the workplace and continue to meet the growing demand for flexible space around the world." 
WeWork was a dazzling unicorn valued at $47 billion, and SoftBank's founder Masayoshi Son had openly hailed Neumann's vision.&nbsp;

But things began to unravel as the firm lost cash and cancelled its share offering, with the ex-CEO pushed out -- albeit with a generous package

Internet investor SoftBank Group said Saturday it reached a settlement with WeWork co-founder Adam Neumann and other investors in the office sharing giant, amid reports that the deal would give the ex-CEO an extra $50 million.

Internet investor SoftBank Group said Saturday it reached a settlement with WeWork co-founder Adam Neumann and other investors in the office sharing giant, amid reports that the deal would give the ex-CEO an extra $50 million. SoftBank Group did not release details of the agreement that puts to rest a bitter dispute emerging from the Japan-based firm's 2019 decision to bail out WeWork, once regarded as a soaring unicorn but which quickly spiralled into deep troubles as it lost cash and cancelled its eagerly waited share offering. Under the deal, the Wall Street Journal reported, SoftBank Group would buy about $1.5 billion of stock from other investors, including nearly $500 million from Neumann, roughly a half of what it originally planned to buy. But the deal would give the controversial founder a $50 million windfall, another $50 million to cover his legal fees and extend by five years a $430 million SoftBank Group loan, according to reports. Neumann and WeWork investors had sued SoftBank claiming the investment firm breached its obligations by backing out of a $3 billion rescue plan. "This agreement is the result of all parties coming to the table for the sake of doing what is best for the future of WeWork," Marcelo Claure, executive chairman of WeWork and chief operating officer of SoftBank Group. "With this litigation behind us, we are fully focused on our mission to reimagine the workplace and continue to meet the growing demand for flexible space around the world." WeWork was a dazzling unicorn valued at $47 billion, and SoftBank's founder Masayoshi Son had openly hailed Neumann's vision. But things began to unravel as the firm lost cash and cancelled its share offering, with the ex-CEO pushed out -- albeit with a generous package

SoftBank reaches deal with WeWork

February 27 in history: German parliament building fire, Chile earthquake, more

US space agency NASA released a brilliant panoramic view on Wednesday of the landing site of the Perseverance rover on Mars. The panorama shows the rim of the Jezero Crater. Perseverance landed at the crator last week. Cliff face of an ancient river delta is visible in the panorama as well.

The panorama was taken by the mast of the rover that is equipped with dual, zoomable cameras that can take high-def video and images.

"We're nestled right in a sweet spot, where you can see different features similar in many ways to features found by Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity at their landing sites," said Jim Bell of Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Exploration.

Spirit, Opportunity and Curiosity were previous missions to Mars.

NASA said the rover's cameras will help scientists assess the geologic history and atmospheric conditions of Jezero Crater and identify rocks and sediment worthy of a closer examination and collection for eventual return to Earth.

On Monday, the US space agency released the first audio from Mars, a faint crackling recording of a gust of wind captured by the rover's microphone.

NASA also released video of the landing of the rover, which is on a mission to search for signs of past life on the Red Planet.

(With AFP inputs)

US space agency NASA released a brilliant panoramic view on Wednesday of the landing site of the Perseverance rover on Mars. The panorama shows the rim of the Jezero Crater.

US space agency NASA released a brilliant panoramic view on Wednesday of the landing site of the Perseverance rover on Mars. The panorama shows the rim of the Jezero Crater. Perseverance landed at the crator last week. Cliff face of an ancient river delta is visible in the panorama as well. The panorama was taken by the mast of the rover that is equipped with dual, zoomable cameras that can take high-def video and images. "We're nestled right in a sweet spot, where you can see different features similar in many ways to features found by Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity at their landing sites," said Jim Bell of Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Exploration. Spirit, Opportunity and Curiosity were previous missions to Mars. NASA said the rover's cameras will help scientists assess the geologic history and atmospheric conditions of Jezero Crater and identify rocks and sediment worthy of a closer examination and collection for eventual return to Earth. On Monday, the US space agency released the first audio from Mars, a faint crackling recording of a gust of wind captured by the rover's microphone. NASA also released video of the landing of the rover, which is on a mission to search for signs of past life on the Red Planet. (With AFP inputs)

NASA releases 360-degree panorama of Mars

An advisory panel to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday (February 26) greenlit Johnson &amp; Johnson's &nbsp;COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine has gort nod for emergency use. This brings it one step closer to its rollout in the US. The FDA will now decide on emergency use of the vaccine on Saturday. This would be third vaccine available in the US &nbsp;and it is the only vaccine that requires a single shot.&nbsp;

The outside panel consisting of doctors, infectious disease experts and medical researchers voted unanimously that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh its risks in people age 18 and over.

Johnson &amp; Johnson said that it was prepared to supply the vaccine immediately if it received emergency use authorisation (EUA). The company said that it will be able to ship three to four million doses of vaccine next week.

The company expects to have enough supply to vaccinate 20 million people by the end of March.

More than 50 million vaccine shots have been administered nationwide, a milestone highlighted by President Joe Biden on Thursday.

But the emergence of highly contagious new virus variants has heightened the urgency to get hundreds of millions more people inoculated against the coronavirus. COVID-19 has claimed the lives of more than a half a million people in the United States.

The head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday expressed concern that a recent decline in U.S. COVID-19 cases may be stalling.

In a 44,000-person trial, the J&amp;J vaccine overall was 66% effective at preventing moderate-to-severe cases of COVID-19 compared with a placebo.

Two-dose vaccines made by Pfizer Inc with BioNTech SE and Moderna Inc were about 95% effective in their pivotal trials. Experts cautioned against drawing too much of a distinction between the vaccines because the trials had somewhat different goals, and importantly, the Pfizer/BioNtech and Moderna studies were conducted before the more transmissible virus variants had emerged in South Africa, Brazil and the UK.

J&amp;J's trial was underway when the new variants were circulating and even prevalent in some countries where it was tested.

Still, its vaccine was 100% effective at preventing hospitalizations 28 days after vaccination and there were no COVID-19 deaths among those who received the shot.

During the meeting, a J&amp;J vaccine executive said the company was developing a second-generation vaccine that would target the concerning South African variant and will be ready to start Phase I trials by this summer.

The J&amp;J vaccine can be stored in normal refrigerator temperatures, making distribution easier than for the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna shots that use messenger RNA technology and are shipped frozen.

J&amp;J's vaccine uses a common cold virus known as adenovirus type 26 to introduce coronavirus proteins into cells in the body and trigger an immune response.

(With Reuters inputs)

An advisory panel to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday (February 26) greenlit Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine has gort nod for emergency use.

An advisory panel to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday (February 26) greenlit Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine has gort nod for emergency use. This brings it one step closer to its rollout in the US. The FDA will now decide on emergency use of the vaccine on Saturday. This would be third vaccine available in the US and it is the only vaccine that requires a single shot. The outside panel consisting of doctors, infectious disease experts and medical researchers voted unanimously that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh its risks in people age 18 and over. Johnson & Johnson said that it was prepared to supply the vaccine immediately if it received emergency use authorisation (EUA). The company said that it will be able to ship three to four million doses of vaccine next week. The company expects to have enough supply to vaccinate 20 million people by the end of March. More than 50 million vaccine shots have been administered nationwide, a milestone highlighted by President Joe Biden on Thursday. But the emergence of highly contagious new virus variants has heightened the urgency to get hundreds of millions more people inoculated against the coronavirus. COVID-19 has claimed the lives of more than a half a million people in the United States. The head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday expressed concern that a recent decline in U.S. COVID-19 cases may be stalling. In a 44,000-person trial, the J&J vaccine overall was 66% effective at preventing moderate-to-severe cases of COVID-19 compared with a placebo. Two-dose vaccines made by Pfizer Inc with BioNTech SE and Moderna Inc were about 95% effective in their pivotal trials. Experts cautioned against drawing too much of a distinction between the vaccines because the trials had somewhat different goals, and importantly, the Pfizer/BioNtech and Moderna studies were conducted before the more transmissible virus variants had emerged in South Africa, Brazil and the UK. J&J's trial was underway when the new variants were circulating and even prevalent in some countries where it was tested. Still, its vaccine was 100% effective at preventing hospitalizations 28 days after vaccination and there were no COVID-19 deaths among those who received the shot. During the meeting, a J&J vaccine executive said the company was developing a second-generation vaccine that would target the concerning South African variant and will be ready to start Phase I trials by this summer. The J&J vaccine can be stored in normal refrigerator temperatures, making distribution easier than for the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna shots that use messenger RNA technology and are shipped frozen. J&J's vaccine uses a common cold virus known as adenovirus type 26 to introduce coronavirus proteins into cells in the body and trigger an immune response. (With Reuters inputs)

USFDA advisory panel clears Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine

A terrorist commander of Pakistan Taliban was killed in an operation in South Waziristan by security forces, the military said on Friday.Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan`s (TTP) Nooristan alias Hasan Baba, a "high-value target", was killed in an exchange of fire during an operation at a terrorist hideout on Sharwangi, Tiarza in South Waziristan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

According to the statement, he was involved in the killing of more than 50 security forces` personnel since 2007, Dawn reported"The most sought and wanted terrorist was [an] IED expert and master trainer," the press release said further.

Nooristan joined the TTP Baitullah Mehsud group in 2007 and has been involved in several terrorist attacks.He, along with other militants, carried out an attack on a check post in Manra Shawal Dargai in 2008, which resulted in the killing of three Frontier Corps personnel.

South Waziristan and North Waziristan, which are two of the seven former semi-autonomous tribal regions in Pakistan also known as FATA, served as headquarters for local and foreign terrorists until 2017.The army claimed it has cleared the mountainous region of terrorists following several operations to eliminate the TTP, according to Al Jazeera.

Successive operations have pushed the TTP towards neighbouring Afghanistan.Islamabad claims the group has now set up bases across the border to attack Pakistani security forces and civilians.&nbsp;

A terrorist commander of Pakistan Taliban was killed in an operation in South Waziristan by security forces, the military said on Friday.Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan`s (TTP) Nooristan alias Hasan Baba, a "high-value target", was killed in an exchange of fire during an operation at a terrorist hideout on Sharwangi, Tiarza in South Waziristan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

A terrorist commander of Pakistan Taliban was killed in an operation in South Waziristan by security forces, the military said on Friday.Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan`s (TTP) Nooristan alias Hasan Baba, a "high-value target", was killed in an exchange of fire during an operation at a terrorist hideout on Sharwangi, Tiarza in South Waziristan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. According to the statement, he was involved in the killing of more than 50 security forces` personnel since 2007, Dawn reported"The most sought and wanted terrorist was [an] IED expert and master trainer," the press release said further. Nooristan joined the TTP Baitullah Mehsud group in 2007 and has been involved in several terrorist attacks.He, along with other militants, carried out an attack on a check post in Manra Shawal Dargai in 2008, which resulted in the killing of three Frontier Corps personnel. South Waziristan and North Waziristan, which are two of the seven former semi-autonomous tribal regions in Pakistan also known as FATA, served as headquarters for local and foreign terrorists until 2017.The army claimed it has cleared the mountainous region of terrorists following several operations to eliminate the TTP, according to Al Jazeera. Successive operations have pushed the TTP towards neighbouring Afghanistan.Islamabad claims the group has now set up bases across the border to attack Pakistani security forces and civilians.

Pakistan Taliban commander killed in security forces operation in South Waziristan: Report

Myanmar police fired rubber bullets in order to disperse protesters in capital Yangon on Saturday, reported AFP. This has come just hours after Myanmar's ambassador to the United Nations made an emotional plea to the international community for action against the military junta. It was unclear if any live rounds were used. Police chased protesters and journalists from the Myaynigone junction.

There had been an hours-long standoff on Friday at the same spot.

Hundreds of ethnic Mon protesters gathered there on Saturday to commemorate Mon National Day, joined by other ethnic minority groups to protest against the coup.

The police arrived to clear the intersection, chasing protesters and journalists who ran to hide in nearby buildings.

Three journalists were among those detained on Saturday.

"What are the police doing? They are protecting a crazy dictator," the protesters chanted.

They scattered into smaller residential streets and started building makeshift barricades out of barbed wire and tables to stop the police.

Local reporters broadcast the chaotic scenes live on Facebook, including the moments when the shots rang out.

Three domestic media outlets in Myanmar reported that a woman was shot and killed in central town of Monwya

The developments on Saturday assume importance as they took place just hours after Myanmar's envoy at UN <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/take-strongest-action-to-end-coup-myanmar-envoy-makes-emotional-plea-in-un-366580">broke rank to urge the international community</a> to do something about the situation in Myanmar.

"We need... the strongest possible action from the international community to immediately end the military coup, to stop oppressing the innocent people, to return the state power to the people, and to restore the democracy," Kyaw Moe Tun, the envoy, said.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/take-strongest-action-to-end-coup-myanmar-envoy-makes-emotional-plea-in-un-366580">'Take strongest action to end coup': Myanmar envoy makes emotional plea in UN</a>

His speech was impassioned and his voice trembled as he made his point.

(With agency&nbsp;inputs)

Myanmar police fired rubber bullets in order to disperse protesters in capital Yangon on Saturday, reported AFP. This has come just hours after Myanmar's ambassador to the United Nations made an emotional plea to the international community for action against the military junta.

Myanmar police fired rubber bullets in order to disperse protesters in capital Yangon on Saturday, reported AFP. This has come just hours after Myanmar's ambassador to the United Nations made an emotional plea to the international community for action against the military junta. It was unclear if any live rounds were used. Police chased protesters and journalists from the Myaynigone junction. There had been an hours-long standoff on Friday at the same spot. Hundreds of ethnic Mon protesters gathered there on Saturday to commemorate Mon National Day, joined by other ethnic minority groups to protest against the coup. The police arrived to clear the intersection, chasing protesters and journalists who ran to hide in nearby buildings. Three journalists were among those detained on Saturday. "What are the police doing? They are protecting a crazy dictator," the protesters chanted. They scattered into smaller residential streets and started building makeshift barricades out of barbed wire and tables to stop the police. Local reporters broadcast the chaotic scenes live on Facebook, including the moments when the shots rang out. Three domestic media outlets in Myanmar reported that a woman was shot and killed in central town of Monwya The developments on Saturday assume importance as they took place just hours after Myanmar's envoy at UN broke rank to urge the international community to do something about the situation in Myanmar. "We need... the strongest possible action from the international community to immediately end the military coup, to stop oppressing the innocent people, to return the state power to the people, and to restore the democracy," Kyaw Moe Tun, the envoy, said. Also Read | 'Take strongest action to end coup': Myanmar envoy makes emotional plea in UN His speech was impassioned and his voice trembled as he made his point. (With agency inputs)

Hours after Myanmar envoy's UN speech, police fire rubber bullets at protesters

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Saturday that Auckland will be put into a seven-day lockdown from Sunday. Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand. This decision has been taken after a COVID community case of unknown origin was recorded.

Rest of New Zealand will be put into Level 2 restrictions. These restrictions will limit public gatherings, said Arden at a news conference.

New Zealand, and particularly Jacinda Ardern has been praised for effective handling of coronavirus pandemic in the country. However, cases have been found in recent months prompting lockdowns and other restrictions.

In mid-February, Auckland's nearly 2 million residents were plunged into a snap three-day lockdown after a family of three were diagnosed with the more transmissible UK variant of COVID-19.

(With Reuters inputs)

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Saturday that Auckland will be put into a seven-day lockdown from Sunday. Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Saturday that Auckland will be put into a seven-day lockdown from Sunday. Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand. This decision has been taken after a COVID community case of unknown origin was recorded. Rest of New Zealand will be put into Level 2 restrictions. These restrictions will limit public gatherings, said Arden at a news conference. New Zealand, and particularly Jacinda Ardern has been praised for effective handling of coronavirus pandemic in the country. However, cases have been found in recent months prompting lockdowns and other restrictions. In mid-February, Auckland's nearly 2 million residents were plunged into a snap three-day lockdown after a family of three were diagnosed with the more transmissible UK variant of COVID-19. (With Reuters inputs)

New Zealand: Auckland to be put into seven day COVID lockdown

US House of Representatives on Saturday passed a huge USD 1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. The relief measure has cleared the first hurdle four days after COVID-19 death toll in the US crossed 500,000 mark. The bill includes a provision to raise minimum wage to USD 15 an hour. Passage of the bill in the House of Representatives is being considered first major legislative victory for US President Joe Biden. Democratic Party has already hailed the bill as a critical step in funnelling new funding toward vaccinations, overburdened local governments, and millions of families devastated by the pandemic.

The bill was cleared in the House on a party-line vote of 219 to 212. It moves to Senate next where Democrats and Republican hold 50 votes each. Democratic Party holds a slight edge as Vice President Kamala Harris has a casting vote in case of a tie in the Senate

"The American people need to know that their government is there for them," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in debate on the House floor.

Republicans, who have broadly backed previous COVID-19 spending, said much of the current package was not necessary, highlighting elements like a subway near Pelosi's San Francisco district. Only 9% of the total would go directly toward fighting the virus, they said.

"It just throws out money without accountability," House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-report-says-saudi-prince-approved-murder-of-journalist-khashoggi-366550">US report says Saudi Prince approved murder of journalist Khashoggi</a>

The president has focused his first weeks in office on tackling the greatest U.S. public health crisis in a century, which has upended most aspects of American life.

Democrats aim to get the bill to him to sign into law before mid-March when enhanced unemployment benefits and some other types of aid are due to expire.

The bill's big-ticket items include $1,400 direct payments to individuals, a $400-per-week federal unemployment benefit through Aug. 29, and help for those in difficulty paying rents and home mortgages during the pandemic.

(With Reuters input)

US House of Representatives on Saturday passed a huge USD 1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. The relief measure has cleared the first hurdle four days after COVID-19 death toll in the US crossed 500,000 mark.

US House of Representatives on Saturday passed a huge USD 1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. The relief measure has cleared the first hurdle four days after COVID-19 death toll in the US crossed 500,000 mark. The bill includes a provision to raise minimum wage to USD 15 an hour. Passage of the bill in the House of Representatives is being considered first major legislative victory for US President Joe Biden. Democratic Party has already hailed the bill as a critical step in funnelling new funding toward vaccinations, overburdened local governments, and millions of families devastated by the pandemic. The bill was cleared in the House on a party-line vote of 219 to 212. It moves to Senate next where Democrats and Republican hold 50 votes each. Democratic Party holds a slight edge as Vice President Kamala Harris has a casting vote in case of a tie in the Senate "The American people need to know that their government is there for them," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in debate on the House floor. Republicans, who have broadly backed previous COVID-19 spending, said much of the current package was not necessary, highlighting elements like a subway near Pelosi's San Francisco district. Only 9% of the total would go directly toward fighting the virus, they said. "It just throws out money without accountability," House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy said. Also Read | US report says Saudi Prince approved murder of journalist Khashoggi The president has focused his first weeks in office on tackling the greatest U.S. public health crisis in a century, which has upended most aspects of American life. Democrats aim to get the bill to him to sign into law before mid-March when enhanced unemployment benefits and some other types of aid are due to expire. The bill's big-ticket items include $1,400 direct payments to individuals, a $400-per-week federal unemployment benefit through Aug. 29, and help for those in difficulty paying rents and home mortgages during the pandemic. (With Reuters input)

US House passes $1.9 trillion COVID relief package, minimum wage raised

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