People in parts of the country woke up to a foggy morning on Saturday, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted "very dense fog" in the national capital and dense fog to very dense fog in several parts of India. Various places in north-India including Delhi witnessed low visibility due to the fog today.&nbsp;

India Gate in the national capital disappeared into a layer of dense fog after the weather department predicted `very dense fog` for today. People were seen driving through a dense layer of fog at Delhi`s Akshardham area.

A layer of dense fog also seen at Rashtrapati Bhavan and South block here in the national capital."Dense to very dense fog over many parts of Punjab and Delhi and over isolated pockets of Haryana and northwest Rajasthan. Moderate fog over some parts of Haryana and isolated pockets of west Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam," said the IMD.

"There was less than 1000 meter visibility recorded in various parts of the country till 8.30 am today. Amritsar, Ludhiana Patiala, Karnal and Delhi (Safdarjung) - 25 meter each. Ambala, Ganganagar and Delhi (Palam) - 50 meter each. Hissar - 200 meter; Rohtak, Meerut, Gaya and Haflong - 500 meter each recorded," the department said.

The minimum temperature of 10.4 degree Celsius at the Safdarjung area and the 12 degree Celsius minimum temperature was recorded at Palam. The departure of -0.6 degree Celsius at Safdarjung and 1.0 degree Celsius at Palam recorded, while 24-hour tendency recorded at Safdarjung 0.5 degree Celsius and Palam recorded -0.4 degree Celsius.

People in parts of the country woke up to a foggy morning on Saturday, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted "very dense fog" in the national capital and dense fog to very dense fog in several parts of India.

People in parts of the country woke up to a foggy morning on Saturday, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted "very dense fog" in the national capital and dense fog to very dense fog in several parts of India. Various places in north-India including Delhi witnessed low visibility due to the fog today. India Gate in the national capital disappeared into a layer of dense fog after the weather department predicted `very dense fog` for today. People were seen driving through a dense layer of fog at Delhi`s Akshardham area. A layer of dense fog also seen at Rashtrapati Bhavan and South block here in the national capital."Dense to very dense fog over many parts of Punjab and Delhi and over isolated pockets of Haryana and northwest Rajasthan. Moderate fog over some parts of Haryana and isolated pockets of west Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam," said the IMD. "There was less than 1000 meter visibility recorded in various parts of the country till 8.30 am today. Amritsar, Ludhiana Patiala, Karnal and Delhi (Safdarjung) - 25 meter each. Ambala, Ganganagar and Delhi (Palam) - 50 meter each. Hissar - 200 meter; Rohtak, Meerut, Gaya and Haflong - 500 meter each recorded," the department said. The minimum temperature of 10.4 degree Celsius at the Safdarjung area and the 12 degree Celsius minimum temperature was recorded at Palam. The departure of -0.6 degree Celsius at Safdarjung and 1.0 degree Celsius at Palam recorded, while 24-hour tendency recorded at Safdarjung 0.5 degree Celsius and Palam recorded -0.4 degree Celsius.

Dense fog, low visibility in many parts of country

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday jumped into freedom of speech debate on Saturday on Twitter. In her tweet, she described freedom of speech and right to peacful protest "non-negotiable human rights"

"Freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest and assembly are non-negotiable human rights. These must be a fundamental part of any democracy..." read her tweet.

Through her tweet, she apparently extended support to Disha Ravi.

Disha Ravi (22) was sent to three-day judicial custody on Friday following her arrest earlier this month. Disha faces charges of sharing and spreading incriminating 'toolkit' on farmer's protests. She was apprehended from her Bengaluru home earlier this month. Nikita Jacob and Shantanu Muluk are the co-accused who, Delhi Police said, contributed efforts to make the document aimed at 'tarnishing India's image'

Greta Thunberg received flak in India after she expressed support for farmer protests.&nbsp;

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday jumped into freedom of speech debate on Saturday on Twitter. In her tweet, she described freedom of speech and right to peacful protest "non-negotiable human rights" "Freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest and assembly are non-negotiable human rights.

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday jumped into freedom of speech debate on Saturday on Twitter. In her tweet, she described freedom of speech and right to peacful protest "non-negotiable human rights" "Freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest and assembly are non-negotiable human rights. These must be a fundamental part of any democracy..." read her tweet. Through her tweet, she apparently extended support to Disha Ravi. Disha Ravi (22) was sent to three-day judicial custody on Friday following her arrest earlier this month. Disha faces charges of sharing and spreading incriminating 'toolkit' on farmer's protests. She was apprehended from her Bengaluru home earlier this month. Nikita Jacob and Shantanu Muluk are the co-accused who, Delhi Police said, contributed efforts to make the document aimed at 'tarnishing India's image' Greta Thunberg received flak in India after she expressed support for farmer protests.

Greta Thunberg jumps into freedom of speech debate

NASA on Friday released spectacular new images from its Mars mission, which saw the successful landing of the rover Perseverance. New images are coloured as opposed to black and white ones sent by the rover earlier. New images also include the one taken when the rover was being lowered on the surface of Mars. Such an image has been captured for the first time.

The high-resolution still was extracted from a video taken by the descent stage of the spacecraft that had transported the rover from Earth.

At that moment, the descent stage was using its six-engined jetpack to slow to a speed of about 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) per hour as part of the "skycrane maneuver," the final phase of landing.

"You can see the dust kicked up by the rover's engines," said Adam Steltzner, Perseverance's chief engineer, who estimated the shot was taken about two meters (six feet) or so above the ground.

The three straight lines are mechanical bridles holding the rover underneath the descent stage, while the curly cable was used to transmit the data from the cameras to Perseverance.

As the rover touched down on the surface, it cut the 21-foot-long cables tugs allowing the descent stage to fly away for its own landing.

<img alt="NASA Mars perseverance" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dceb0ac2-1a64-426f-867c-f7af3fa2f02e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_93D9UC.jpg" />

Another new image, taken by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, captures Perseverance as it was parachuting down through the atmosphere at hundreds of miles an hour.

Jezero crator where Perseverance has landed has a river and deep lake existed billions of years ago.

A second colour image shows one of the rover's six wheels, with several honeycombed rocks thought to be more than 3.6 billion years old lying next to it.

<img alt="NASA Mars perseverance" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6db402ac-e9e8-471f-8ece-e7c4a33d78da" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_93E28D.jpg" />

"One of the questions we'll ask first is whether these rocks represent a volcanic or sedimentary origin," said NASA deputy project scientist Katie Stack Morgan.

Volcanic rocks in particular can be dated with very high precision once the samples are brought back to Earth on a future return mission -- an exciting development from a planetary science perspective.

As the first images came in, "it was exhilarating, the team went wild," said mission operations system manager Pauline Hwang.

Check out | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/nasas-perseverance-rover-beams-first-pictures-from-martian-surface-364748">NASA's Perseverance rover beams first pictures from Martian surface</a>

"The science team immediately started looking at all those rocks and zooming in and going, 'What is that!' -- it couldn't have been better."

The first two images were released on Thursday shortly after the rover landed, but they were lower resolution and in black-and-white because of the limited data rate available.

NASA hopes to have more high resolution photos and videos in the coming days, but doesn't know yet if it has successfully recorded sound on Mars for the first time using microphones.

That might be known later this weekend or early next week, said Steltzner.

NASA on Friday released spectacular new images from its Mars mission, which saw the successful landing of the rover Perseverance. New images are coloured as opposed to black and white ones sent by the rover earlier.

NASA on Friday released spectacular new images from its Mars mission, which saw the successful landing of the rover Perseverance. New images are coloured as opposed to black and white ones sent by the rover earlier. New images also include the one taken when the rover was being lowered on the surface of Mars. Such an image has been captured for the first time. The high-resolution still was extracted from a video taken by the descent stage of the spacecraft that had transported the rover from Earth. At that moment, the descent stage was using its six-engined jetpack to slow to a speed of about 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) per hour as part of the "skycrane maneuver," the final phase of landing. "You can see the dust kicked up by the rover's engines," said Adam Steltzner, Perseverance's chief engineer, who estimated the shot was taken about two meters (six feet) or so above the ground. The three straight lines are mechanical bridles holding the rover underneath the descent stage, while the curly cable was used to transmit the data from the cameras to Perseverance. As the rover touched down on the surface, it cut the 21-foot-long cables tugs allowing the descent stage to fly away for its own landing. Another new image, taken by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, captures Perseverance as it was parachuting down through the atmosphere at hundreds of miles an hour. Jezero crator where Perseverance has landed has a river and deep lake existed billions of years ago. A second colour image shows one of the rover's six wheels, with several honeycombed rocks thought to be more than 3.6 billion years old lying next to it. "One of the questions we'll ask first is whether these rocks represent a volcanic or sedimentary origin," said NASA deputy project scientist Katie Stack Morgan. Volcanic rocks in particular can be dated with very high precision once the samples are brought back to Earth on a future return mission -- an exciting development from a planetary science perspective. As the first images came in, "it was exhilarating, the team went wild," said mission operations system manager Pauline Hwang. Check out | NASA's Perseverance rover beams first pictures from Martian surface "The science team immediately started looking at all those rocks and zooming in and going, 'What is that!' -- it couldn't have been better." The first two images were released on Thursday shortly after the rover landed, but they were lower resolution and in black-and-white because of the limited data rate available. NASA hopes to have more high resolution photos and videos in the coming days, but doesn't know yet if it has successfully recorded sound on Mars for the first time using microphones. That might be known later this weekend or early next week, said Steltzner.

Mars landing: NASA's Perseverance sends spectacular new colour images

Violent protests over rapper's jailing continued in Spanish cities continued for fourth night as clashes continued to break out between protesters and the police. Pablo Hasel, the anti-establishment rapper, has been served a nine-month sentence and his jailing has opened fierce debate over freedom of expression in the country. This has compelled the government to announce that it would make speech less restrictive.

Hasel faces charges that accuse him of glorifying terrorism and insulting Spanish royalty.

Protesters threw projectiles at police and at neighbours who condemned them for the disturbances. Two banks and businesses were attacked in Barcelona. Police charged protesters in the northern Catalan city of Girona

<img alt="Spain protests" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0f598151-01b8-497e-9285-1de2b1e2e66f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/spain%20protests%20%283%29.jpg" />

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the violence which has marked protests over the past three nights.

"Democracy protects freedom of speech, including the expression of the most awful, absurd thoughts, but democracy never ever protects violence," he told an event, promising to "widen and improve freedom of speech."

<img alt="Spain protests" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="95393d3c-b0bc-49a7-a5a9-f71142725714" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Spain%20protests%20%282%29.jpg" />

During last three night, police have had to fire tear gas and foam bullets at demonstrator who set fire to trash containers and motorcycles and looted stores. There were also clashes in the capital Madrid and other cities.

As per officials, three people were arrested in Barcelona on Friday. One woman lost an eye during clashes in Barcelona, triggering calls from politicians to investigate police tactics.

Rights group Amnesty International called for legal changes in Spain, saying that anti-terrorism and gagging laws also unfairly limited people's right to demonstrate their disapproval in the streets.

"Spain is a country with freedom of expression, of course, but there are threats to that freedom," Amnesty head for Spain, Esteban Beltran, told Reuters.

(With Reuters inputs)

Violent protests over rapper's jailing continued in Spanish cities continued for fourth night as clashes continued to break out between protesters and the police.

Violent protests over rapper's jailing continued in Spanish cities continued for fourth night as clashes continued to break out between protesters and the police. Pablo Hasel, the anti-establishment rapper, has been served a nine-month sentence and his jailing has opened fierce debate over freedom of expression in the country. This has compelled the government to announce that it would make speech less restrictive. Hasel faces charges that accuse him of glorifying terrorism and insulting Spanish royalty. Protesters threw projectiles at police and at neighbours who condemned them for the disturbances. Two banks and businesses were attacked in Barcelona. Police charged protesters in the northern Catalan city of Girona Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the violence which has marked protests over the past three nights. "Democracy protects freedom of speech, including the expression of the most awful, absurd thoughts, but democracy never ever protects violence," he told an event, promising to "widen and improve freedom of speech." During last three night, police have had to fire tear gas and foam bullets at demonstrator who set fire to trash containers and motorcycles and looted stores. There were also clashes in the capital Madrid and other cities. As per officials, three people were arrested in Barcelona on Friday. One woman lost an eye during clashes in Barcelona, triggering calls from politicians to investigate police tactics. Rights group Amnesty International called for legal changes in Spain, saying that anti-terrorism and gagging laws also unfairly limited people's right to demonstrate their disapproval in the streets. "Spain is a country with freedom of expression, of course, but there are threats to that freedom," Amnesty head for Spain, Esteban Beltran, told Reuters. (With Reuters inputs)

Spain: Violent protests over rapper's jailing continue for fourth night 

AstraZeneca is going to manufacture in Japan COVID vaccine doses enough for 40 million people, said executive director of the Japanese arm of the firm. The company told NHK that AstraZeneca had signed contract with Japan to provide it doses for 60 million people.

The doses for 40 million people will be produced at JCR Pharmaceuticals company in the prefecture of Hyogo.

The vaccination campaign in Japan started on February 17. Pfizer remains the only authorized vaccine against the coronavirus in Japan. AstraZeneca submitted documents for the registration in Japan on February 17.

The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11.&nbsp;

To date, more than 110.68 million people have been infected with the coronavirus worldwide, with over 2.45 million fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University. Japan has confirmed more than 422,000 COVID-19 cases so far, with over 7,300 fatalities.

(With ANI inputs)

AstraZeneca is going to manufacture in Japan COVID vaccine doses enough for 40 million people, said executive director of the Japanese arm of the firm. The company told NHK that AstraZeneca had signed contract with Japan to provide it doses for 60 million people.

AstraZeneca is going to manufacture in Japan COVID vaccine doses enough for 40 million people, said executive director of the Japanese arm of the firm. The company told NHK that AstraZeneca had signed contract with Japan to provide it doses for 60 million people. The doses for 40 million people will be produced at JCR Pharmaceuticals company in the prefecture of Hyogo. The vaccination campaign in Japan started on February 17. Pfizer remains the only authorized vaccine against the coronavirus in Japan. AstraZeneca submitted documents for the registration in Japan on February 17. The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11. To date, more than 110.68 million people have been infected with the coronavirus worldwide, with over 2.45 million fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University. Japan has confirmed more than 422,000 COVID-19 cases so far, with over 7,300 fatalities. (With ANI inputs)

AstraZeneca to manufacture COVID vaccine doses in Japan for 40 million people

A spokesperson for Iran government said on Saturday that the country believed US sanctions would soon be lifted in spite of “diplomatic wrangling” over nuclear deal. This signalled Tehran's desire to end the impasse while not offering a new position.&nbsp;

USA and Iran have been sparring with each other over who should take first step to revive nuclear deal that was struck in the year 2015. Obama administration struck the deal with Iran but Donald Trump withdrew US from the accord.

Now Iran insists that the United States must first lift former President Donald Trump’s sanctions while Washington says Tehran must first return to compliance with the deal.

The White House said on Friday that the United States plans to take no additional actions in response to pressure from Iran before potential talks with Tehran and major powers about returning to the deal.

However, government spokesman Ali Rabiei was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency on Saturday: &nbsp; 
“We predict with confidence that diplomatic initiatives will result in a favourable outcome despite the diplomatic wrangling, which are a natural prelude to the return of the parties to their commitments, including the lifting of all sanctions in the near future.”

Under the deal with major powers, Iran accepted curbs to its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of international sanctions. Washington reimposed sanctions after Trump quit the deal in 2018, and Iran responded by violating some of the deal’s nuclear limits.

Adding to pressure for a resolution to the impasse, a law passed by the hardline parliament obliges Tehran on Feb. 23 to limit the sweeping access given to U.N. inspectors under the deal.

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, is due in Tehran this weekend to discuss ways to work with Iran in light of the possibility of scaling back cooperation.

Rabiei said the law “does not go against our commitment” to the agreement, nor is it “an obstacle to our appropriate response to American actions”. 
&nbsp;

A spokesperson for Iran government said on Saturday that the country believed US sanctions would soon be lifted in spite of “diplomatic wrangling” over nuclear deal.

A spokesperson for Iran government said on Saturday that the country believed US sanctions would soon be lifted in spite of “diplomatic wrangling” over nuclear deal. This signalled Tehran's desire to end the impasse while not offering a new position. USA and Iran have been sparring with each other over who should take first step to revive nuclear deal that was struck in the year 2015. Obama administration struck the deal with Iran but Donald Trump withdrew US from the accord. Now Iran insists that the United States must first lift former President Donald Trump’s sanctions while Washington says Tehran must first return to compliance with the deal. The White House said on Friday that the United States plans to take no additional actions in response to pressure from Iran before potential talks with Tehran and major powers about returning to the deal. However, government spokesman Ali Rabiei was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency on Saturday: “We predict with confidence that diplomatic initiatives will result in a favourable outcome despite the diplomatic wrangling, which are a natural prelude to the return of the parties to their commitments, including the lifting of all sanctions in the near future.” Under the deal with major powers, Iran accepted curbs to its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of international sanctions. Washington reimposed sanctions after Trump quit the deal in 2018, and Iran responded by violating some of the deal’s nuclear limits. Adding to pressure for a resolution to the impasse, a law passed by the hardline parliament obliges Tehran on Feb. 23 to limit the sweeping access given to U.N. inspectors under the deal. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, is due in Tehran this weekend to discuss ways to work with Iran in light of the possibility of scaling back cooperation. Rabiei said the law “does not go against our commitment” to the agreement, nor is it “an obstacle to our appropriate response to American actions”.

Iran confident that US sanctions will be lifted: Govt spokesperson

Committee to Protect Journalists said on Saturday that sentencing of Iraqi Kurdish journalists Sherwan Sherwani and Guhdar Zebari to six years in jail "for jeopardising Kurdish national security" was "unfair and disproportionate".

The journalists were arrested in Kurdish region of Iraq last year after their coverage of anti-government protests in Duhok, a province controlled by ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party, reported Al-Jazeera. The freelance journalists were found guilty on February 16 by a court in Erbil that held them guilty for putting Kurdish national security at risk.

They cited social media exchanges wherein they had criticised the government. According to a report by Voice of America (VOA), Sherwani`s lawyer said journalistic materials were presented as evidence of spying, and others pointed out that the region`s prime minister had described the journalists as spies in a press conference a week before the trial.

"With this verdict, the Kurdish authorities are sending a clear message: the press freedom that they claim to defend and to uphold and to respect is not being respected," Ignacio Miguel Delgado, the CPJ Middle East and North Africa representative, told Al Jazeera.

"Iraqi Kurdistan keeps claiming that it`s the only democracy [in the region] and it takes pride in that...But what we have witnessed throughout 2020 and into this new year is the exact opposite, at least as far as press freedom goes," said Delgado.

Meanwhile, the VOA has reported Sherwani as saying that he was tortured both mentally and physically during the investigation."While I was under investigation, I was not allowed to see my lawyers, I got tortured physically and mentally, they threatened me of raping my wife," Sherwani told the court.

(With ANI inputs)

Committee to Protect Journalists said on Saturday that sentencing of Iraqi Kurdish journalists Sherwan Sherwani and Guhdar Zebari to six years in jail "for jeopardising Kurdish national security" was "unfair and disproportionate".

Committee to Protect Journalists said on Saturday that sentencing of Iraqi Kurdish journalists Sherwan Sherwani and Guhdar Zebari to six years in jail "for jeopardising Kurdish national security" was "unfair and disproportionate". The journalists were arrested in Kurdish region of Iraq last year after their coverage of anti-government protests in Duhok, a province controlled by ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party, reported Al-Jazeera. The freelance journalists were found guilty on February 16 by a court in Erbil that held them guilty for putting Kurdish national security at risk. They cited social media exchanges wherein they had criticised the government. According to a report by Voice of America (VOA), Sherwani`s lawyer said journalistic materials were presented as evidence of spying, and others pointed out that the region`s prime minister had described the journalists as spies in a press conference a week before the trial. "With this verdict, the Kurdish authorities are sending a clear message: the press freedom that they claim to defend and to uphold and to respect is not being respected," Ignacio Miguel Delgado, the CPJ Middle East and North Africa representative, told Al Jazeera. "Iraqi Kurdistan keeps claiming that it`s the only democracy [in the region] and it takes pride in that...But what we have witnessed throughout 2020 and into this new year is the exact opposite, at least as far as press freedom goes," said Delgado. Meanwhile, the VOA has reported Sherwani as saying that he was tortured both mentally and physically during the investigation."While I was under investigation, I was not allowed to see my lawyers, I got tortured physically and mentally, they threatened me of raping my wife," Sherwani told the court. (With ANI inputs)

6-year jail for Iraqi Kurdish journalists unfair, says Committee to Protect Journalists

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday expressed concern about Chinese unilateral attempts to change status quo in East and South China seas in G7 talks, NHK World reported. He said Japan will say what needs to be said and demand action from Beijing. Leaders of G7 nations had teleconference on Friday just after 11 pm Japan time. This was the first G7 conference that included Suga, Joe Biden and Mario Draghi.

On the coronavirus pandemic, Suga said he has had an unwavering resolve to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people since assuming his post in September. He said that a lot had been learnt last year and his government had implemented what he believed to be the best measures.

Suga said vaccines will be the key to containing infections, adding that fair access in developing countries will be essential.&nbsp;

He called on the G7 to speed up the distribution of vaccines and oppose a protectionist approach to health issues. He also pledged to increase Japan`s contribution to a global framework for purchasing vaccines to 200 million dollars, reported NHK World.

Suga also expressed his determination to hold the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer. He said he will work with the International Olympic Committee to realize a safe Game. He called on the other countries for support. Suga said the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics can serve as proof that mankind has overcome the coronavirus.

(With ANI inputs)

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday expressed concern about Chinese unilateral attempts to change status quo in East and South China seas in G7 talks, NHK World reported.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday expressed concern about Chinese unilateral attempts to change status quo in East and South China seas in G7 talks, NHK World reported. He said Japan will say what needs to be said and demand action from Beijing. Leaders of G7 nations had teleconference on Friday just after 11 pm Japan time. This was the first G7 conference that included Suga, Joe Biden and Mario Draghi. On the coronavirus pandemic, Suga said he has had an unwavering resolve to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people since assuming his post in September. He said that a lot had been learnt last year and his government had implemented what he believed to be the best measures. Suga said vaccines will be the key to containing infections, adding that fair access in developing countries will be essential. He called on the G7 to speed up the distribution of vaccines and oppose a protectionist approach to health issues. He also pledged to increase Japan`s contribution to a global framework for purchasing vaccines to 200 million dollars, reported NHK World. Suga also expressed his determination to hold the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer. He said he will work with the International Olympic Committee to realize a safe Game. He called on the other countries for support. Suga said the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics can serve as proof that mankind has overcome the coronavirus. (With ANI inputs)

Japan expresses concern about Chinese attempts in East, South China Sea

Saudi-backed Yemen government on Saturday accused Houthi rebels of using civilians as human shields in their renewed offensive against the rebels' last major toehold in the north. Earlier this month, the Iran-backed rebels resumed a push to capture the city of Marib, 120 kilometres (75 miles) east of the rebel-held capital Sanaa.

Marib lies close to some of Yemen's richest oil fields. Capture of Marib will be major prize for the rebels. But fighting raised fears for hundreds of thousands of civilians who have sought shelter in camps in the surrounding desert.&nbsp;

Loyalist military officials told AFP the rebels had been using residents of Al-Zor camp in the province's Sirwah district as "human shields". The rebels captured the area last week

The officials said there had been no let-up in the fighting.

Over the past 24 hours, at least 12 loyalist and 20 rebel fighters had been killed in clashes north and west of Marib, they said.

There was no way to independently verify the death toll but it is clear that both sides have suffered heavy casualties in the renewed battle for the city.

Until early last year, Marib had been spared the worst of the civil war that erupted in 2014.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has said it is "extremely concerned" by the recent fighting.&nbsp;

"The ICRC urges all parties to the conflict to take every possible measure to protect the civilians, their properties and all civilian essential infrastructures," it said on Twitter.

The UN has warned of the potential for a humanitarian disaster.&nbsp;

"It puts millions of civilians at risk, especially with the fighting reaching camps for internally displaced persons," envoy Martin Griffiths told the UN Security Council.

\The Huthi offensive came as the new US administration removed the rebels from Washington's blacklist of terrorist organisations in a bid to facilitate aid deliveries to rebel-held areas and pave the way for renewed peace talks.

President Joe Biden has also announced an end to US backing for Saudi offensive operations in Yemen, which he said had created a "humanitarian and strategic catastrophe."&nbsp; 
Observers say the Huthis want to capture Marib to strengthen their hand in eventual peace negotiations.

(With AFP inputs)

Saudi-backed Yemen government on Saturday accused Houthi rebels of using civilians as human shields in their renewed offensive against the rebels' last major toehold in the north.

Saudi-backed Yemen government on Saturday accused Houthi rebels of using civilians as human shields in their renewed offensive against the rebels' last major toehold in the north. Earlier this month, the Iran-backed rebels resumed a push to capture the city of Marib, 120 kilometres (75 miles) east of the rebel-held capital Sanaa. Marib lies close to some of Yemen's richest oil fields. Capture of Marib will be major prize for the rebels. But fighting raised fears for hundreds of thousands of civilians who have sought shelter in camps in the surrounding desert. Loyalist military officials told AFP the rebels had been using residents of Al-Zor camp in the province's Sirwah district as "human shields". The rebels captured the area last week The officials said there had been no let-up in the fighting. Over the past 24 hours, at least 12 loyalist and 20 rebel fighters had been killed in clashes north and west of Marib, they said. There was no way to independently verify the death toll but it is clear that both sides have suffered heavy casualties in the renewed battle for the city. Until early last year, Marib had been spared the worst of the civil war that erupted in 2014. The International Committee of the Red Cross has said it is "extremely concerned" by the recent fighting. "The ICRC urges all parties to the conflict to take every possible measure to protect the civilians, their properties and all civilian essential infrastructures," it said on Twitter. The UN has warned of the potential for a humanitarian disaster. "It puts millions of civilians at risk, especially with the fighting reaching camps for internally displaced persons," envoy Martin Griffiths told the UN Security Council. \The Huthi offensive came as the new US administration removed the rebels from Washington's blacklist of terrorist organisations in a bid to facilitate aid deliveries to rebel-held areas and pave the way for renewed peace talks. President Joe Biden has also announced an end to US backing for Saudi offensive operations in Yemen, which he said had created a "humanitarian and strategic catastrophe." Observers say the Huthis want to capture Marib to strengthen their hand in eventual peace negotiations. (With AFP inputs)

Yemen accuses Houthi rebels of using human shields

A senior official in Moscow city transport said that the Russian capital plans to nearly quadruple the number of electric buses in the city in coming years and replace all buses running on petrol or diesel by 2030. Mosgortrans, which runs Moscow's vast bus and tram network, said its fleet of around 600 electric buses would be expanded by 400 vehicles by the year-end. Another 420 buses will be added in the following year and then 850. This will put number of electric buses in the fleet to more than 2000.

"Every year the plan will be to replace all wheeled public transport vehicles with electric buses," said Artyom Burlakov, deputy head of the innovative projects department at Mosgortrans.

Environmental activists have welcomed the initiative.

"They are also buying new, more power-efficient trams, which is a good thing," said Mikhail Babenko, head of the green economy program at World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Russia.

Babenko said that there was however long way to go when it came to Moscow residents changing their behaviour to incorporate greener initiatives in their lives.

The Russian capital remains infamous for its traffic jams.

(With Reuters inputs)

A senior official in Moscow city transport said that the Russian capital plans to nearly quadruple the number of electric buses in the city in coming years and replace all buses running on petrol or diesel by 2030.

A senior official in Moscow city transport said that the Russian capital plans to nearly quadruple the number of electric buses in the city in coming years and replace all buses running on petrol or diesel by 2030. Mosgortrans, which runs Moscow's vast bus and tram network, said its fleet of around 600 electric buses would be expanded by 400 vehicles by the year-end. Another 420 buses will be added in the following year and then 850. This will put number of electric buses in the fleet to more than 2000. "Every year the plan will be to replace all wheeled public transport vehicles with electric buses," said Artyom Burlakov, deputy head of the innovative projects department at Mosgortrans. Environmental activists have welcomed the initiative. "They are also buying new, more power-efficient trams, which is a good thing," said Mikhail Babenko, head of the green economy program at World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Russia. Babenko said that there was however long way to go when it came to Moscow residents changing their behaviour to incorporate greener initiatives in their lives. The Russian capital remains infamous for its traffic jams. (With Reuters inputs)

Green Moscow: Russian capital eyes a full electric bus fleet by 2030

Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg on Friday held talks with Australian government over law that will force the social media giant to pay for content. Australian PM Scott Morrison has taken a tuff stand and has said that the country will not yield to 'threats' from big tech.

From Thursday, Australians could no longer post links to news articles or view the Facebook pages of Australian outlets, which are also barred from sharing their content.&nbsp; 
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said he had spoken with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Friday, and that negotiations would continue over the weekend.

"We talked through their remaining issues and agreed our respective teams would work through them immediately," Frydenberg said on Twitter.

Australian PM Scott Morrison told media in Sydney that Facebook's ban constituted 'threat'

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&nbsp;

"I thought that was not a good move on their part, and they should move quickly past that, come back to the table," he said.

Facebook's news ban has come in response to a planned Australian law which will force tech giants like Facebok and Google to to pay major Australian outlets for carrying snippets or links to their content on the platforms

Morrison said the legislation -- due to be debated by Australia's Senate on Monday in the next step towards it becoming law -- was garnering interest from other world leaders.

The law was raised in a Thursday call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said.

"There's a lot of interest in it," he told media. "People are looking at what Australia is doing."

Facebook has defended its response, saying the proposed legislation was unworkable and insisting it was forced to introduce the news blackout.

Since the ban came into effect, experts report visitors to Australian news sites dropped both at home and abroad, with overseas traffic down by over 20 percent per day, according to data analytics company Chartbeat.

The data also suggested users were not yet leaving Facebook in response to the ban, however, with no apparent rise in Google search traffic recorded.

Facebook's sweeping ban drew widespread criticism for inadvertently blocking access to several critical government pages, including emergency services, health departments and the national weather service -- with most restored in the hours after it came into effect.

(With AFP inputs)

Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg on Friday held talks with Australian government over law that will force the social media giant to pay for content. Australian PM Scott Morrison has taken a tuff stand and has said that the country will not yield to 'threats' from big tech.

Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg on Friday held talks with Australian government over law that will force the social media giant to pay for content. Australian PM Scott Morrison has taken a tuff stand and has said that the country will not yield to 'threats' from big tech. From Thursday, Australians could no longer post links to news articles or view the Facebook pages of Australian outlets, which are also barred from sharing their content. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said he had spoken with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Friday, and that negotiations would continue over the weekend. "We talked through their remaining issues and agreed our respective teams would work through them immediately," Frydenberg said on Twitter. Australian PM Scott Morrison told media in Sydney that Facebook's ban constituted 'threat' × "I thought that was not a good move on their part, and they should move quickly past that, come back to the table," he said. Facebook's news ban has come in response to a planned Australian law which will force tech giants like Facebok and Google to to pay major Australian outlets for carrying snippets or links to their content on the platforms Morrison said the legislation -- due to be debated by Australia's Senate on Monday in the next step towards it becoming law -- was garnering interest from other world leaders. The law was raised in a Thursday call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said. "There's a lot of interest in it," he told media. "People are looking at what Australia is doing." Facebook has defended its response, saying the proposed legislation was unworkable and insisting it was forced to introduce the news blackout. Since the ban came into effect, experts report visitors to Australian news sites dropped both at home and abroad, with overseas traffic down by over 20 percent per day, according to data analytics company Chartbeat. The data also suggested users were not yet leaving Facebook in response to the ban, however, with no apparent rise in Google search traffic recorded. Facebook's sweeping ban drew widespread criticism for inadvertently blocking access to several critical government pages, including emergency services, health departments and the national weather service -- with most restored in the hours after it came into effect. (With AFP inputs)

After banning news in Australia, Facebook enters into talks with government

In pictures: Jerusalem experiences rare snowfall

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