Black holes are intriguing indeed. Who wouldn't like to marvel at these space bodies that do not even let light escape? Ranks of scientists from Albert Einstein to Stephen Hawking have studied black holes but they remain to be completely understood. Scientists continue to study black holes.

Many have wondered whether an astronaut can enter a black hole. Now it appears he can, but it will be the loneliest journey ever undertaken.

Leo and Shanshan Rodriquez, both assistant professors of physics at Grinnell College compared two types of black holes, stellar-sized and supermassive.

Stellar-sized black holes are roughly the size of the Sun while supermassive black holes can have a mass equal to four million Suns.

Both these black holes have event horizon. It is the boundary line, the point of no return. When anyone crosses the event horizon, the massive gravitational pull of the black hole takes over.

It's not a good idea to try to enter stellar sized black hole as its event horizon is just a few kilometres long and closer to the centre of the black hole. If an astronaut enters such a black hole he will undergo what's known as Spaghettification. All the atoms of his body will be torn apart.

Contrast this with a supermassive black hole like the one at the centre of the milky way galaxy. Such black holes have event horizon stretching to millions of kilometres.

The gravitational pull in this part in case of supermassive black holes is not as extreme as that in stellar-sized black holes. The researchers said that the black hole needs to be isolated from the space around it in order for an astronaut to 'safely' enter it.

But even if that is the case, imagine the lonely journey that astronaut would undertake while trying to cross millions of kilometres of event horizon. It would be the loneliest journey in human history indeed.

Black holes are intriguing indeed. Who wouldn't like to marvel at these space bodies that do not even let light escape? Ranks of scientists from Albert Einstein to Stephen Hawking have studied black holes but they remain to be completely understood.

Black holes are intriguing indeed. Who wouldn't like to marvel at these space bodies that do not even let light escape? Ranks of scientists from Albert Einstein to Stephen Hawking have studied black holes but they remain to be completely understood. Scientists continue to study black holes. Many have wondered whether an astronaut can enter a black hole. Now it appears he can, but it will be the loneliest journey ever undertaken. Leo and Shanshan Rodriquez, both assistant professors of physics at Grinnell College compared two types of black holes, stellar-sized and supermassive. Stellar-sized black holes are roughly the size of the Sun while supermassive black holes can have a mass equal to four million Suns. Both these black holes have event horizon. It is the boundary line, the point of no return. When anyone crosses the event horizon, the massive gravitational pull of the black hole takes over. It's not a good idea to try to enter stellar sized black hole as its event horizon is just a few kilometres long and closer to the centre of the black hole. If an astronaut enters such a black hole he will undergo what's known as Spaghettification. All the atoms of his body will be torn apart. Contrast this with a supermassive black hole like the one at the centre of the milky way galaxy. Such black holes have event horizon stretching to millions of kilometres. The gravitational pull in this part in case of supermassive black holes is not as extreme as that in stellar-sized black holes. The researchers said that the black hole needs to be isolated from the space around it in order for an astronaut to 'safely' enter it. But even if that is the case, imagine the lonely journey that astronaut would undertake while trying to cross millions of kilometres of event horizon. It would be the loneliest journey in human history indeed.

We can enter a black hole, but it will be a lonely journey

Canada has designated US far-right group 'Proud Boys' as a banned terrorist group. The authorities described the group a "serious and growing threat". Meanwhile, Myanmar military has blocked Facebook. UN chief has said that he will do everything possible to ensure that Myanmar coup fails. Read this and more in our morning news brief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-military-clamps-down-on-internet-services-blocks-facebook-361183">Myanmar military clamps down on internet services, blocks Facebook</a>

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Facebook acknowledged the disruption while urging authorities to restore internet connectivity in Myanmar.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-sends-top-envoy-to-russia-amid-alexei-navalny-controversy-361186">EU sends top envoy to Russia amid Alexei Navalny controversy</a>

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European Union foreign policy chief insists that he will deliver "clear messages" to the Kremlin

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-do-everything-possible-to-make-sure-myanmar-coup-fails-un-chief-361184">Will do everything possible to make sure Myanmar coup fails: UN chief</a>

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Myanmar again went back to military rule on Monday after soldiers detained de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders in several raids

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-designates-proud-boys-as-terrorist-group-cites-active-security-threat-361189">Canada designates 'Proud Boys' as terrorist group, cites active security threat</a>

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During the US presidential campaign, Trump and Biden had clashed over the conduct of Proud Boys after Trump said "Proud Boys -- stand back and stand by"

Why is Jeff Bezos stepping down?

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Canada has designated US far-right group 'Proud Boys' as a banned terrorist group. The authorities described the group a "serious and growing threat". Meanwhile, Myanmar military has blocked Facebook.

Canada has designated US far-right group 'Proud Boys' as a banned terrorist group. The authorities described the group a "serious and growing threat". Meanwhile, Myanmar military has blocked Facebook. UN chief has said that he will do everything possible to ensure that Myanmar coup fails. Read this and more in our morning news brief. Myanmar military clamps down on internet services, blocks Facebook Facebook acknowledged the disruption while urging authorities to restore internet connectivity in Myanmar. EU sends top envoy to Russia amid Alexei Navalny controversy European Union foreign policy chief insists that he will deliver "clear messages" to the Kremlin Will do everything possible to make sure Myanmar coup fails: UN chief Myanmar again went back to military rule on Monday after soldiers detained de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders in several raids Canada designates 'Proud Boys' as terrorist group, cites active security threat During the US presidential campaign, Trump and Biden had clashed over the conduct of Proud Boys after Trump said "Proud Boys -- stand back and stand by" Why is Jeff Bezos stepping down? ×

Morning news brief: 'Proud Boys' declared terrorists, Myanmar coup, and more

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is set to fly to Moscow amid jailing of Alexei Navalny and crackdown against protests. This is the first visit of a top EU envoy to Russia. Although the likely aim of the visit is to put pressure on Moscow over Alexei Navalny, some European capitals worried that Borrell's visit may signal business as usual with Moscow.

But Borrell insists he will deliver "clear messages" to the Kremlin despite it blanking Western calls to release President Vladimir Putin's most prominent domestic opponent Navalny, who was on Tuesday given a jail term of almost three years.

"It is when things are not going well that you must engage," the former Spanish foreign minister said on Monday.

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Russia and EU have had strained relations ever since Russia captured Crimea and fuelled was in Ukraine in 2014.&nbsp;

Borrell is eager to sound out his veteran counterpart Sergei Lavrov on the chances of cooperation on issues including enlisting Russia's help in reviving the Iran nuclear deal and tackling climate change.&nbsp;

However, the issue of Navalny and subsequent protests looms large on the visit.

Moscow has already dismissed linking the meet with Navalny as 'nonsense'

"We hope that such nonsense as linking the prospects of Russia-EU relations with the resident of a detention centre will not happen," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-defends-crackdown-on-navalny-supporters-361095">Kremlin defends crackdown on Navalny supporters</a>

Moscow stands "ready to do everything" to develop ties with Brussels, but the Kremlin is "not ready to listen to advice" on the issue of Navalny, he said.&nbsp;

The authorities have poured cold water on attempts to set up a meeting with Putin's nemesis and Borrell will settle for talks with civil society representatives. &nbsp;

Back in Europe calls are growing from some nations for the EU to bulk up on sanctions it slapped on six Russian officials in October over the nerve agent poisoning that left Navalny fighting for his life in Germany.

EU foreign ministers last week agreed they would revisit the issue if he was not released.&nbsp;

"After this ruling, there will now also be talks among EU partners. Further sanctions cannot be ruled out," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert.

An EU statement said foreign ministers would discuss "possible further action" at a meeting on February 22.

(With AFP inputs)

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is set to fly to Moscow amid jailing of Alexei Navalny and crackdown against protests. This is the first visit of a top EU envoy to Russia.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is set to fly to Moscow amid jailing of Alexei Navalny and crackdown against protests. This is the first visit of a top EU envoy to Russia. Although the likely aim of the visit is to put pressure on Moscow over Alexei Navalny, some European capitals worried that Borrell's visit may signal business as usual with Moscow. But Borrell insists he will deliver "clear messages" to the Kremlin despite it blanking Western calls to release President Vladimir Putin's most prominent domestic opponent Navalny, who was on Tuesday given a jail term of almost three years. "It is when things are not going well that you must engage," the former Spanish foreign minister said on Monday. × Russia and EU have had strained relations ever since Russia captured Crimea and fuelled was in Ukraine in 2014. Borrell is eager to sound out his veteran counterpart Sergei Lavrov on the chances of cooperation on issues including enlisting Russia's help in reviving the Iran nuclear deal and tackling climate change. However, the issue of Navalny and subsequent protests looms large on the visit. Moscow has already dismissed linking the meet with Navalny as 'nonsense' "We hope that such nonsense as linking the prospects of Russia-EU relations with the resident of a detention centre will not happen," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Also Read | Kremlin defends crackdown on Navalny supporters Moscow stands "ready to do everything" to develop ties with Brussels, but the Kremlin is "not ready to listen to advice" on the issue of Navalny, he said. The authorities have poured cold water on attempts to set up a meeting with Putin's nemesis and Borrell will settle for talks with civil society representatives. Back in Europe calls are growing from some nations for the EU to bulk up on sanctions it slapped on six Russian officials in October over the nerve agent poisoning that left Navalny fighting for his life in Germany. EU foreign ministers last week agreed they would revisit the issue if he was not released. "After this ruling, there will now also be talks among EU partners. Further sanctions cannot be ruled out," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert. An EU statement said foreign ministers would discuss "possible further action" at a meeting on February 22. (With AFP inputs)

EU sends top envoy to Russia amid Alexei Navalny controversy

A Mexican law has stopped the United States from rapidly turning away migrant families at one of the busiest sections of the southwestern border, forcing agents to resume releasing families into the country, according to three Biden administration officials.

The Trump administration began turning back migrants entering the United States in March, citing the threat of the coronavirus, and the emergency rule effectively sealed the border from asylum-seekers. But because of a law Mexico passed in November that prohibits the detention of immigrant children and families, the country has stopped accepting such families from South Texas, an area typically susceptible to illegal crossings, officials said.

The recent shift has alarmed officials at the Department of Homeland Security and presents an immediate challenge to the Biden administration. Homeland security officials have said the emergency rule was necessary to prevent the coronavirus from spreading in detention facilities along the border, even as it prevented vulnerable families from having their asylum claims heard. An increasing number of families have been held in recent weeks in such facilities in the Rio Grande Valley, as well as in Del Rio, Texas, officials said.

Stephanie Malin, a spokeswoman for Customs and Border Protection, said because of pandemic precautions and social distancing guidelines, some facilities had reached full “safe holding capacity.”

“CBP takes very seriously the safety and well-being of its workforce and those they encounter, and we are taking even more precautions due to COVID-19,” Malin said. “As they always have, the number of individuals crossing the border continues to fluctuate, and we continue to adapt accordingly.” She said the agency was working with organizations in the community when releasing migrants into the public.

The United States has sent more than 390,000 migrants back to Mexico or their home countries since March. The rule lowered the number of migrants detained on the U.S. side of the border, but it also sent Central American families scrambling at times when they learned that their children had been delivered to Mexico, a violation of international agreements. And while the policy was a crucial piece of the Trump administration’s attempts to close the border to migrants, the rule also had the unintended effect of giving migrants more chances to enter illegally.

Customs and Border Protection recorded more than 73,000 crossings in December, an increase from the more than 40,000 in July. Agents detained more than 40,000 migrants in December 2019.

The Mexican law, which took effect in January, does not apply to the entire border, officials said. U.S. border agents are still turning back single adults and, in places like Arizona, families, as well, officials said. It is unclear how the law will affect other parts of the border.

A spokesman for the Foreign Ministry in Mexico declined to comment on whether it had stopped accepting migrant families, saying only that the United States continued to have the pandemic emergency rule in place.

But the Biden administration has been unable to return migrant families to Reynosa, Mexico, a change that was first reported by The Washington Post. The shift has elicited concern at Customs and Border Protection of a potential rise of crossings by families to the neighboring Rio Grande Valley. Border crossings in recent years have been fueled mostly by Central American families fleeing persecution, violence and poverty.

The Department of Homeland Security is building a tent facility in Donna, Texas, to house migrants, but an administration official said that was unrelated to the law in Mexico. Customs and Border Protection said in November it would shut the main detention facility in McAllen for renovations.

President Joe Biden campaigned on restoring asylum at the southwestern border and signed an executive order this week directing the administration to review rolling back President Donald Trump’s restrictionist policies.

The new administration has not detailed publicly when the pandemic emergency rule will be lifted. After a federal judge in the District of Columbia lifted a block on the rule, which prevented the United States from turning away unaccompanied migrant children, the White House said it would use its discretion in deciding when to apply the policy.

Biden said in December that his administration would take a cautious approach to reversing Trump-era policies to avoid a surge at the border.

His immigration plan involved relying more on programs that track migrants after they are released into the United States to ensure they show up for immigration court and less on detaining them.

Mexico, for its part, drew praise for enacting restrictions on whom it detained.

“Mexico is making a decisive step to end immigration detention for children, and we are encouraged by this promising development,” said Gillian Triggs, the assistant high commissioner for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.

While top officials in the Trump administration argued its emergency rule was only an attempt to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Trump’s White House tried to use the policy to further his goals of curtailing illegal immigration.

A Mexican law has stopped the United States from rapidly turning away migrant families at one of the busiest sections of the southwestern border, forcing agents to resume releasing families into the country, according to three Biden administration officials.

A Mexican law has stopped the United States from rapidly turning away migrant families at one of the busiest sections of the southwestern border, forcing agents to resume releasing families into the country, according to three Biden administration officials. The Trump administration began turning back migrants entering the United States in March, citing the threat of the coronavirus, and the emergency rule effectively sealed the border from asylum-seekers. But because of a law Mexico passed in November that prohibits the detention of immigrant children and families, the country has stopped accepting such families from South Texas, an area typically susceptible to illegal crossings, officials said. The recent shift has alarmed officials at the Department of Homeland Security and presents an immediate challenge to the Biden administration. Homeland security officials have said the emergency rule was necessary to prevent the coronavirus from spreading in detention facilities along the border, even as it prevented vulnerable families from having their asylum claims heard. An increasing number of families have been held in recent weeks in such facilities in the Rio Grande Valley, as well as in Del Rio, Texas, officials said. Stephanie Malin, a spokeswoman for Customs and Border Protection, said because of pandemic precautions and social distancing guidelines, some facilities had reached full “safe holding capacity.” “CBP takes very seriously the safety and well-being of its workforce and those they encounter, and we are taking even more precautions due to COVID-19,” Malin said. “As they always have, the number of individuals crossing the border continues to fluctuate, and we continue to adapt accordingly.” She said the agency was working with organizations in the community when releasing migrants into the public. The United States has sent more than 390,000 migrants back to Mexico or their home countries since March. The rule lowered the number of migrants detained on the U.S. side of the border, but it also sent Central American families scrambling at times when they learned that their children had been delivered to Mexico, a violation of international agreements. And while the policy was a crucial piece of the Trump administration’s attempts to close the border to migrants, the rule also had the unintended effect of giving migrants more chances to enter illegally. Customs and Border Protection recorded more than 73,000 crossings in December, an increase from the more than 40,000 in July. Agents detained more than 40,000 migrants in December 2019. The Mexican law, which took effect in January, does not apply to the entire border, officials said. U.S. border agents are still turning back single adults and, in places like Arizona, families, as well, officials said. It is unclear how the law will affect other parts of the border. A spokesman for the Foreign Ministry in Mexico declined to comment on whether it had stopped accepting migrant families, saying only that the United States continued to have the pandemic emergency rule in place. But the Biden administration has been unable to return migrant families to Reynosa, Mexico, a change that was first reported by The Washington Post. The shift has elicited concern at Customs and Border Protection of a potential rise of crossings by families to the neighboring Rio Grande Valley. Border crossings in recent years have been fueled mostly by Central American families fleeing persecution, violence and poverty. The Department of Homeland Security is building a tent facility in Donna, Texas, to house migrants, but an administration official said that was unrelated to the law in Mexico. Customs and Border Protection said in November it would shut the main detention facility in McAllen for renovations. President Joe Biden campaigned on restoring asylum at the southwestern border and signed an executive order this week directing the administration to review rolling back President Donald Trump’s restrictionist policies. The new administration has not detailed publicly when the pandemic emergency rule will be lifted. After a federal judge in the District of Columbia lifted a block on the rule, which prevented the United States from turning away unaccompanied migrant children, the White House said it would use its discretion in deciding when to apply the policy. Biden said in December that his administration would take a cautious approach to reversing Trump-era policies to avoid a surge at the border. His immigration plan involved relying more on programs that track migrants after they are released into the United States to ensure they show up for immigration court and less on detaining them. Mexico, for its part, drew praise for enacting restrictions on whom it detained. “Mexico is making a decisive step to end immigration detention for children, and we are encouraged by this promising development,” said Gillian Triggs, the assistant high commissioner for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. While top officials in the Trump administration argued its emergency rule was only an attempt to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Trump’s White House tried to use the policy to further his goals of curtailing illegal immigration.

Mexican law halts US from turning back some migrant families

Turkey rejected USA's criticism over its mass detentions of students. Turkey has been witnessing student protests for about a month. It told Washington to not to interfere in its internal affairs.

Hundreds of students and their supporters were detained this week after police violently cracked down on protests against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's appointment last month of a loyalist as rector of Istanbul's elite Bogazici University.

On Wednesday, Erdogan criticised LGBT movement's role in student rallies and said that some of the student protesters were "terrorists".

The US State Department called Erdogan's "rhetoric" unacceptable, urging Turkey to embrace protests and "even speech that some may find uncomfortable".

The Turkish foreign ministry responded on Thursday by saying it would "advise those who dare to teach a lesson of democracy and law... to look in the mirror".

"No one should dare to interfere in Turkey's domestic affairs," it said in a statement.

But the statement responded only to Washington's criticism of the detentions, without referring to Erdogan's comments about the LGBT movement.

Erdogan on Wednesday said there was "no such thing" as LGBT, adding: "This country is... moral, and it will walk to the future with these values."

(With AFP inputs)

Turkey rejected USA's criticism over its mass detentions of students. Turkey has been witnessing student protests for about a month. It told Washington to not to interfere in its internal affairs.

Turkey rejected USA's criticism over its mass detentions of students. Turkey has been witnessing student protests for about a month. It told Washington to not to interfere in its internal affairs. Hundreds of students and their supporters were detained this week after police violently cracked down on protests against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's appointment last month of a loyalist as rector of Istanbul's elite Bogazici University. On Wednesday, Erdogan criticised LGBT movement's role in student rallies and said that some of the student protesters were "terrorists". The US State Department called Erdogan's "rhetoric" unacceptable, urging Turkey to embrace protests and "even speech that some may find uncomfortable". The Turkish foreign ministry responded on Thursday by saying it would "advise those who dare to teach a lesson of democracy and law... to look in the mirror". "No one should dare to interfere in Turkey's domestic affairs," it said in a statement. But the statement responded only to Washington's criticism of the detentions, without referring to Erdogan's comments about the LGBT movement. Erdogan on Wednesday said there was "no such thing" as LGBT, adding: "This country is... moral, and it will walk to the future with these values." (With AFP inputs)

Turkey tells US not to interfere in its internal matters

Royal Dutch Shell announced on Thursday that it had suffered a net loss of USD 21.7 billion in 2020. The coronavirus pandemic-hit year had seen a massive drop in demand for energy.

In 2019, the Anglo-Dutch company had registered a net profit of USD 1.8 billion. Shell's result is similar to British rival BP, which on Tuesday reported a 2020 &nbsp;net loss of $20.3 billion.

Both companies are cutting jobs to tackle the economic fallout from the pandemic.

After governments worldwide closed their doors and airlines grounded planes towards the end of last year's first quarter, oil prices dropped off a cliff, even briefly turning negative.

Prices then rebounded sharply however -- and they soared Tuesday to pre-pandemic levels on the brightening economic outlook as more progress was reported on vaccines.

(With AFP inputs)

Royal Dutch Shell announced on Thursday that it had suffered a net loss of USD 21.7 billion in 2020. The coronavirus pandemic-hit year had seen a massive drop in demand for energy.

Royal Dutch Shell announced on Thursday that it had suffered a net loss of USD 21.7 billion in 2020. The coronavirus pandemic-hit year had seen a massive drop in demand for energy. In 2019, the Anglo-Dutch company had registered a net profit of USD 1.8 billion. Shell's result is similar to British rival BP, which on Tuesday reported a 2020 net loss of $20.3 billion. Both companies are cutting jobs to tackle the economic fallout from the pandemic. After governments worldwide closed their doors and airlines grounded planes towards the end of last year's first quarter, oil prices dropped off a cliff, even briefly turning negative. Prices then rebounded sharply however -- and they soared Tuesday to pre-pandemic levels on the brightening economic outlook as more progress was reported on vaccines. (With AFP inputs)

Oil giant Shell suffered loss of $21 billion in 2020

In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on brown over white bread. It is quite a common understanding that brown bread gives us more nutritional benefits. This has got a seal of approval as a study has found that white bread is not only less nutritious, but its excessive consumption along with other refined grain products can also increase the likelihood of heart disease. Even pasta made from refined material is extremely bad for health.

All this has got a seal of approval in a study published in British Medical Journal. The study was carried out by Canada's McMaster University. In this study, the health of about 137,000 individuals was carefully observed.&nbsp;

These individuals were classed in groups of those having a very high intake of refined grains daily (350 g) and those having low intake (50 g)

As per observations taken over 9 years, it was found that higher intake of refined grains was associated with 33 per cent more risk of death from cardiovascular disease such as heart attack, stroke and heart failure.

High intake of refined grains was also found to be connected with high blood pressure.

Rice is also considered a refined grain, but the study did not find a correlation between rice intake and increased risk of heart disease.

In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on brown over white bread. It is quite a common understanding that brown bread gives us more nutritional benefits.

In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on brown over white bread. It is quite a common understanding that brown bread gives us more nutritional benefits. This has got a seal of approval as a study has found that white bread is not only less nutritious, but its excessive consumption along with other refined grain products can also increase the likelihood of heart disease. Even pasta made from refined material is extremely bad for health. All this has got a seal of approval in a study published in British Medical Journal. The study was carried out by Canada's McMaster University. In this study, the health of about 137,000 individuals was carefully observed. These individuals were classed in groups of those having a very high intake of refined grains daily (350 g) and those having low intake (50 g) As per observations taken over 9 years, it was found that higher intake of refined grains was associated with 33 per cent more risk of death from cardiovascular disease such as heart attack, stroke and heart failure. High intake of refined grains was also found to be connected with high blood pressure. Rice is also considered a refined grain, but the study did not find a correlation between rice intake and increased risk of heart disease.

Overeating white bread, pasta may invite heart disease: Study

US State Department on Thursday said that it welcomed steps that would improve the efficiency of India's markets and attract greater private sector investment. It indicated that the US government was supportive of India's move to reform the agricultural sector.

"We encourage that any differences between the parties be resolved through dialogue,"&nbsp;US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said.

Farmers have been protesting on the borders of Delhi since November 26 against the three newly enacted farm laws: Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and farm Services Act 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

On January 26, violence broke out during the farmer tractor rally on the occasion of Republic Day.

On Wednesday, Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that no foreign government had supported the farmer protests.

In response to a question in the lower house of the Indian Parliament, Lok Sabha, minister of state in the MEA, V Muraleedharan said, "No foreign government has given support to the agitation of Indian farmers against three bills passed by Indian Parliament", pointing out, "In Canada, UK, USA, and in few European countries, protests by a few motivated PIO’s (Persons of Indian origin) on issues related to the Indian Farm Bill have been reported."

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau was the only world leader to make a statement on the protests.

MEA MoS highlighted the Canadian PM's comments were taken up&nbsp;with the "Canadian authorities both in Ottawa and New Delhi and conveyed that such comments pertaining to the internal affairs of India are unwarranted, unacceptable" and "would damage India-Canada bilateral relations."

(With agency inputs)

US State Department on Thursday said that it welcomed steps that would improve the efficiency of India's markets and attract greater private sector investment. It indicated that the US government was supportive of India's move to reform the agricultural sector.

US State Department on Thursday said that it welcomed steps that would improve the efficiency of India's markets and attract greater private sector investment. It indicated that the US government was supportive of India's move to reform the agricultural sector. "We encourage that any differences between the parties be resolved through dialogue," US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said. Farmers have been protesting on the borders of Delhi since November 26 against the three newly enacted farm laws: Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and farm Services Act 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. On January 26, violence broke out during the farmer tractor rally on the occasion of Republic Day. On Wednesday, Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that no foreign government had supported the farmer protests. In response to a question in the lower house of the Indian Parliament, Lok Sabha, minister of state in the MEA, V Muraleedharan said, "No foreign government has given support to the agitation of Indian farmers against three bills passed by Indian Parliament", pointing out, "In Canada, UK, USA, and in few European countries, protests by a few motivated PIO’s (Persons of Indian origin) on issues related to the Indian Farm Bill have been reported." Canadian PM Justin Trudeau was the only world leader to make a statement on the protests. MEA MoS highlighted the Canadian PM's comments were taken up with the "Canadian authorities both in Ottawa and New Delhi and conveyed that such comments pertaining to the internal affairs of India are unwarranted, unacceptable" and "would damage India-Canada bilateral relations." (With agency inputs)

Farm laws will improve efficiency of Indian markets, says US

A massive effort by firefighters in Australia's Perth brought large bushfire near Perth under control. However, strong winds are still a challenge.

The fire at Perth Hills destroyed at least 81 homes.

Western Australia state Premier Mark McGowan said the devastation caused was "almost too much to comprehend". 
But after "a bleak couple of days", he said, firefighters managed to keep the flames at bay overnight as the blaze threatened homes in more populous areas.

"This is a truly remarkable achievement given the ferocity of the fire. And that, as far as we know, no additional homes have been lost overnight thanks to the incredible work of our fireys," McGowan said.

Seven firefighters sustained minor injuries but there was no death.

The bushfires have 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) since they were sparked Monday.

It comes about a year after Australia was hit by unprecedented climate change-fuelled bushfires, devastating whole communities and wiping out billions of animals.

More than 3.5 million hectares were burned across Western Australia during 2019-2020 but the state was largely spared the loss of properties and lives seen in the country's more densely populated southeast.

Scientists say fires are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, with people living in urban-bushland areas like the Perth Hills especially vulnerable to the impact of blazes.

Hundreds of people have fled the area in recent days and emergency warnings remain in place.

More than 250 firefighters were operating in rough and hilly terrain, making their task "really difficult", said department of fire and emergency services commissioner Darren Klemm.

Winds of up to 70 kilometres an hour (43 mph) have left some water-bombing planes grounded and were continuing to fan the flames.

(With AFP inputs)

A massive effort by firefighters in Australia's Perth brought large bushfire near Perth under control. However, strong winds are still a challenge. The fire at Perth Hills destroyed at least 81 homes.

A massive effort by firefighters in Australia's Perth brought large bushfire near Perth under control. However, strong winds are still a challenge. The fire at Perth Hills destroyed at least 81 homes. Western Australia state Premier Mark McGowan said the devastation caused was "almost too much to comprehend". But after "a bleak couple of days", he said, firefighters managed to keep the flames at bay overnight as the blaze threatened homes in more populous areas. "This is a truly remarkable achievement given the ferocity of the fire. And that, as far as we know, no additional homes have been lost overnight thanks to the incredible work of our fireys," McGowan said. Seven firefighters sustained minor injuries but there was no death. The bushfires have 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) since they were sparked Monday. It comes about a year after Australia was hit by unprecedented climate change-fuelled bushfires, devastating whole communities and wiping out billions of animals. More than 3.5 million hectares were burned across Western Australia during 2019-2020 but the state was largely spared the loss of properties and lives seen in the country's more densely populated southeast. Scientists say fires are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, with people living in urban-bushland areas like the Perth Hills especially vulnerable to the impact of blazes. Hundreds of people have fled the area in recent days and emergency warnings remain in place. More than 250 firefighters were operating in rough and hilly terrain, making their task "really difficult", said department of fire and emergency services commissioner Darren Klemm. Winds of up to 70 kilometres an hour (43 mph) have left some water-bombing planes grounded and were continuing to fan the flames. (With AFP inputs)

Firefighters bring Perth bushfire under control, but danger remains

Union Budget 2021 was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Indian parliament on Monday (February 1). <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/budget">Budget 2021</a> was India's first budget since coronavirus pandemic had a severe impact on global economy. The main thrust of budget this year was health and infrastructure. Income Tax slabs remained unchanged. The budget may have all the complex numbers but for a common man, what matters is things getting cheaper or costlier. This impacts his pocket in one of the ways that are more direct.

<h2>What got cheaper in Union Budget 2021</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Insurance</li>
	<li>Steel utensils</li>
	<li>Items made of Copper</li>
	<li>Nylon clothes</li>
	<li>Silk and Cotton</li>
	<li>Gold and gold dore</li>
	<li>Silver and silver dore</li>
	<li>Iron</li>
	<li>Steel</li>
</ul>

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-budget-2021-key-highlights-and-takeaways-from-nirmala-sitharamans-budget-360606">Union Budget 2021: Key highlights and takeaways from Nirmala Sitharaman's budget</a>

<h2> 
What got costlier in Union Budget 2021</h2>

<ul>
	<li>LED lamps</li>
	<li>Compressors for refrigerators and air conditioners</li>
	<li>Printed circuit boards</li>
	<li>Mobile phone charger components such as input and raw materials for Lithium-ion battery</li>
	<li>Mobile phone parts like camera module, PCBA, back cover, connectors, side keys</li>
	<li>Finished leather products</li>
	<li>Plastic builder wares</li>
	<li>Ink spray nozzles</li>
	<li>Ink cartridges</li>
	<li>Nylon fibre</li>
	<li>Nylon yarn</li>
	<li>Cut, polished synthetic stones, cut polished cubic Zirconia</li>
	<li>Solar inverters</li>
	<li>Raw Silk</li>
	<li>Raw Cotton</li>
	<li>imported automobile parts such as toughened glass, windscreen wipers, signalling equipment</li>
</ul>

(With inputs from PTI)

Union Budget 2021 was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Indian parliament on Monday (February 1). Budget 2021 was India's first budget since coronavirus pandemic had a severe impact on global economy.

Union Budget 2021 was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Indian parliament on Monday (February 1). Budget 2021 was India's first budget since coronavirus pandemic had a severe impact on global economy. The main thrust of budget this year was health and infrastructure. Income Tax slabs remained unchanged. The budget may have all the complex numbers but for a common man, what matters is things getting cheaper or costlier. This impacts his pocket in one of the ways that are more direct. What got cheaper in Union Budget 2021 Insurance Steel utensils Items made of Copper Nylon clothes Silk and Cotton Gold and gold dore Silver and silver dore Iron Steel Also Read | Union Budget 2021: Key highlights and takeaways from Nirmala Sitharaman's budget What got costlier in Union Budget 2021 LED lamps Compressors for refrigerators and air conditioners Printed circuit boards Mobile phone charger components such as input and raw materials for Lithium-ion battery Mobile phone parts like camera module, PCBA, back cover, connectors, side keys Finished leather products Plastic builder wares Ink spray nozzles Ink cartridges Nylon fibre Nylon yarn Cut, polished synthetic stones, cut polished cubic Zirconia Solar inverters Raw Silk Raw Cotton imported automobile parts such as toughened glass, windscreen wipers, signalling equipment (With inputs from PTI)

Union Budget 2021: What got cheaper, what is now costlier

Ten Republican senators are set to meet with President Joe Biden on Monday to push a much smaller alternative to his $1.9 trillion stimulus bill to address the toll of the pandemic, including scaling back another round of direct payments from the government.

The coalition of mostly centrist Republican senators, led by Susan Collins of Maine, on Monday outlined their $618 billion plan, which they are billing as a way for Biden to pass a pandemic aid bill with bipartisan support and make good on his inauguration pledge to unite the country.

With 10 Republicans on board joining the Senate’s 50 Democrats, a bipartisan bill could overcome the chamber’s 60-vote filibuster rule. But Democrats have shown little enthusiasm for a measure that amounts to less than one third of what the president says is needed to confront the public health and economic crisis.

Still, after receiving a letter from the senators Sunday requesting a meeting, Biden called Collins and invited her and the other signers to the White House, where they are scheduled to meet Monday evening. He also spoke with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, the majority leader.

The Republicans’ proposal is likely to be met with resistance from congressional Democrats, who are preparing this week to begin laying the groundwork for passing Biden’s plan through a process known as budget reconciliation, which would allow it to bypass a filibuster and pass solely with Democratic votes.

The Republican proposal would include $160 billion for vaccine distribution and development, coronavirus testing and the production of personal protective equipment; $20 billion toward helping schools reopen; more relief for small businesses; and additional aid to individuals.

The package would also extend enhanced unemployment benefits of $300 a week — currently slated to lapse in March — until June 30.

“We recognize your calls for unity and want to work in good faith with your administration to meet the health, economic and societal challenges of the COVID crisis,” wrote the Republican group, which includes Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Mitt Romney of Utah.

The measure omits a federal minimum wage increase Biden included in his plan. It would also whittle down his proposal to send $1,400 checks to many Americans, and limit it to lower-income earners.

The proposal calls for checks of up to $1,000 for individuals making $50,000 a year or less and families with a combined income of up to $100,000, with individuals earning less than $40,000 — and families earning less than $80,000 — receiving the full amount. Previous rounds of direct payments were targeted to Americans earning less than $99,000 annually, with those earning less than $75,000 receiving the full amount.

“Let’s focus on those who are struggling,” Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, a member of the group, said Sunday on the CNN program “State of the Union.”

Biden and Democrats have said they want to work with Republicans, but will press ahead without them if they cannot win agreement on a robust response.

“His first responsibility as president is to help take care of the families who need it,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said of Biden on Sunday, telling CNN that he should move ahead with his full plan if Republicans would not agree.

Congress approved more than $4 trillion through a series of bills last year to address the coronavirus crisis and its economic fallout. Most recently, in December, lawmakers passed a $900 billion stimulus plan that included $600 direct checks to many Americans.

That package sprang from a compromise forged by many of the same centrist Republicans who are to meet with Biden on Monday, who joined moderate Democrats to force their leaders to the negotiating table to find common ground.

Ten Republican senators are set to meet with President Joe Biden on Monday to push a much smaller alternative to his $1.9 trillion stimulus bill to address the toll of the pandemic, including scaling back another round of direct payments from the government.

Ten Republican senators are set to meet with President Joe Biden on Monday to push a much smaller alternative to his $1.9 trillion stimulus bill to address the toll of the pandemic, including scaling back another round of direct payments from the government. The coalition of mostly centrist Republican senators, led by Susan Collins of Maine, on Monday outlined their $618 billion plan, which they are billing as a way for Biden to pass a pandemic aid bill with bipartisan support and make good on his inauguration pledge to unite the country. With 10 Republicans on board joining the Senate’s 50 Democrats, a bipartisan bill could overcome the chamber’s 60-vote filibuster rule. But Democrats have shown little enthusiasm for a measure that amounts to less than one third of what the president says is needed to confront the public health and economic crisis. Still, after receiving a letter from the senators Sunday requesting a meeting, Biden called Collins and invited her and the other signers to the White House, where they are scheduled to meet Monday evening. He also spoke with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, the majority leader. The Republicans’ proposal is likely to be met with resistance from congressional Democrats, who are preparing this week to begin laying the groundwork for passing Biden’s plan through a process known as budget reconciliation, which would allow it to bypass a filibuster and pass solely with Democratic votes. The Republican proposal would include $160 billion for vaccine distribution and development, coronavirus testing and the production of personal protective equipment; $20 billion toward helping schools reopen; more relief for small businesses; and additional aid to individuals. The package would also extend enhanced unemployment benefits of $300 a week — currently slated to lapse in March — until June 30. “We recognize your calls for unity and want to work in good faith with your administration to meet the health, economic and societal challenges of the COVID crisis,” wrote the Republican group, which includes Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Mitt Romney of Utah. The measure omits a federal minimum wage increase Biden included in his plan. It would also whittle down his proposal to send $1,400 checks to many Americans, and limit it to lower-income earners. The proposal calls for checks of up to $1,000 for individuals making $50,000 a year or less and families with a combined income of up to $100,000, with individuals earning less than $40,000 — and families earning less than $80,000 — receiving the full amount. Previous rounds of direct payments were targeted to Americans earning less than $99,000 annually, with those earning less than $75,000 receiving the full amount. “Let’s focus on those who are struggling,” Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, a member of the group, said Sunday on the CNN program “State of the Union.” Biden and Democrats have said they want to work with Republicans, but will press ahead without them if they cannot win agreement on a robust response. “His first responsibility as president is to help take care of the families who need it,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said of Biden on Sunday, telling CNN that he should move ahead with his full plan if Republicans would not agree. Congress approved more than $4 trillion through a series of bills last year to address the coronavirus crisis and its economic fallout. Most recently, in December, lawmakers passed a $900 billion stimulus plan that included $600 direct checks to many Americans. That package sprang from a compromise forged by many of the same centrist Republicans who are to meet with Biden on Monday, who joined moderate Democrats to force their leaders to the negotiating table to find common ground.

Centrist Republicans outline relief package before meeting Biden

Turkish President&nbsp;Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at country's LGBT movement and accused it of "vandalism". He also said that the movement was distancing his party's youth from its cause. His comments came after Turkish police detained four people for depicting Islam's holy sites with pictures of LGBT flag amid student protests. Students organised more protests after Erdogan's remarks

"We will carry our young people to the future, not as the LGBT youth, but as the youth that existed in our nation's glorious past," Erdogan said during a televised video linkup with members of his ruling AK Party.

"You are not the LGBT youth, not the youth who commit acts of vandalism. On the contrary, you are the ones who repair broken hearts," he said.

Erdogan receives accusation of driving officially secular Turkish nation on a conservative path in last two decades.

Homosexuality has been legal throughout modern Turkey's history.

But gay people often face harassment, and LGBT events -- including Istanbul Pride -- have been blocked under Erdogan.

Turkey was hit by a wave of student protests last month after Erdogan appointed a loyalist as the head of Istanbul's prestigious Bogazici University.

They spread to some other universities before subsiding after the deployment of a heavy Turkish police presence around campuses and on the streets.

During one demonstration last Friday protestors hung an artwork opposite the new rector's office depicting the holy site in Mecca and images of the LGBT movement's rainbow flag.

Turkish police accused four people of "inciting hatred in the population". Two of them have been remanded in custody and the other two placed under house arrest. 
Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu branded the suspects "four LGBT freaks".

(With AFP inputs)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at country's LGBT movement and accused it of "vandalism". He also said that the movement was distancing his party's youth from its cause.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at country's LGBT movement and accused it of "vandalism". He also said that the movement was distancing his party's youth from its cause. His comments came after Turkish police detained four people for depicting Islam's holy sites with pictures of LGBT flag amid student protests. Students organised more protests after Erdogan's remarks "We will carry our young people to the future, not as the LGBT youth, but as the youth that existed in our nation's glorious past," Erdogan said during a televised video linkup with members of his ruling AK Party. "You are not the LGBT youth, not the youth who commit acts of vandalism. On the contrary, you are the ones who repair broken hearts," he said. Erdogan receives accusation of driving officially secular Turkish nation on a conservative path in last two decades. Homosexuality has been legal throughout modern Turkey's history. But gay people often face harassment, and LGBT events -- including Istanbul Pride -- have been blocked under Erdogan. Turkey was hit by a wave of student protests last month after Erdogan appointed a loyalist as the head of Istanbul's prestigious Bogazici University. They spread to some other universities before subsiding after the deployment of a heavy Turkish police presence around campuses and on the streets. During one demonstration last Friday protestors hung an artwork opposite the new rector's office depicting the holy site in Mecca and images of the LGBT movement's rainbow flag. Turkish police accused four people of "inciting hatred in the population". Two of them have been remanded in custody and the other two placed under house arrest. Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu branded the suspects "four LGBT freaks". (With AFP inputs)

Turkish President Erdogan criticises country's 'LGBT youth'

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