India and the US can "creatively collaborate" on a 2030 agenda for clean and green technologies in the service of the planet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday after US Special Presidential Envoy for climate John Kerry called on him.

An official statement said Modi noted that India is committed to meeting its nationally determined contributions under the Paris agreement and that it was among the few countries on track to meet these commitments.

"Had an excellent discussion with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate @JohnKerry. His passion and commitment to expedite climate action are commendable," Modi tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Had an excellent discussion with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnKerry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JohnKerry</a>. His passion and commitment to expedite climate action are commendable. <a href="https://t.co/HzCbigUfKt">pic.twitter.com/HzCbigUfKt</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1379821385816629249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"With our complementary strengths, India and the US can creatively collaborate on a 2030 agenda for clean and green technologies in the service of the planet. @JohnKerry," he said in another tweet.

The statement said Kerry noted that the US would support India's climate plans by facilitating affordable access to green technologies and requisite finance.

"The prime minister agreed that cooperation between India and the United States particularly on financing innovation and faster deployment of green technologies would have a positive demonstration effect on other countries," it said.

It also said Kerry conveyed greetings of President Joe Biden to the prime minister.

"The prime minister fondly recalled his recent interactions with President Biden, including during the Quad leaders' summit, and requested Kerry to convey his best wishes to President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris," it said.

It said Kerry briefed Modi on his fruitful and productive discussions over the last two days in India.

"He positively noted India's Climate Actions including its ambitious renewable energy plans. He briefed the prime minister about the upcoming leaders' summit on climate scheduled for April 22-23," according to the statement.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the discussions focused on the climate leaders' summit as well as issues in the context of the upcoming UN climate change conference (COP26) and UN framework convention on climate change (UNFCC). Climate change has been a major area of focus for President Biden.

After taking charge as the US president, Biden on January 20 announced the return of the US to the Paris climate accord.

President Biden has invited 40 world leaders including Modi to the virtual summit on the climate crisis.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were among the key leaders invited to the two-day conference.

India and the US can "creatively collaborate" on a 2030 agenda for clean and green technologies in the service of the planet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday after US Special Presidential Envoy for climate John Kerry called on him.

India and the US can "creatively collaborate" on a 2030 agenda for clean and green technologies in the service of the planet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday after US Special Presidential Envoy for climate John Kerry called on him. An official statement said Modi noted that India is committed to meeting its nationally determined contributions under the Paris agreement and that it was among the few countries on track to meet these commitments. "Had an excellent discussion with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate @JohnKerry. His passion and commitment to expedite climate action are commendable," Modi tweeted. Had an excellent discussion with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate @JohnKerry. His passion and commitment to expedite climate action are commendable. pic.twitter.com/HzCbigUfKt — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 7, 2021 × "With our complementary strengths, India and the US can creatively collaborate on a 2030 agenda for clean and green technologies in the service of the planet. @JohnKerry," he said in another tweet. The statement said Kerry noted that the US would support India's climate plans by facilitating affordable access to green technologies and requisite finance. "The prime minister agreed that cooperation between India and the United States particularly on financing innovation and faster deployment of green technologies would have a positive demonstration effect on other countries," it said. It also said Kerry conveyed greetings of President Joe Biden to the prime minister. "The prime minister fondly recalled his recent interactions with President Biden, including during the Quad leaders' summit, and requested Kerry to convey his best wishes to President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris," it said. It said Kerry briefed Modi on his fruitful and productive discussions over the last two days in India. "He positively noted India's Climate Actions including its ambitious renewable energy plans. He briefed the prime minister about the upcoming leaders' summit on climate scheduled for April 22-23," according to the statement. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the discussions focused on the climate leaders' summit as well as issues in the context of the upcoming UN climate change conference (COP26) and UN framework convention on climate change (UNFCC). Climate change has been a major area of focus for President Biden. After taking charge as the US president, Biden on January 20 announced the return of the US to the Paris climate accord. President Biden has invited 40 world leaders including Modi to the virtual summit on the climate crisis. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were among the key leaders invited to the two-day conference.

India, US can 'creatively collaborate' on agenda for clean and green technologies: PM Modi

Jordan's King Abdullah II broke his silence on Wednesday to tell his nation that the worst political crisis in decades sparked by an alleged plot involving his half-brother Prince Hamzah was over.

The monarch appeared to be doubling down on the allegations against Hamzah, a former crown prince, while at the same time trying to reassure Jordanians that the nation was returning to business as usual.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-royal-rift-between-two-half-brothers-goes-public-in-jordan-375564/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But even if the current crisis is eventually defused, major challenges loom for the Western-allied monarchy as it confronts growing internal dissent.

"I speak to you today, my family and my tribe... to assure you that the sedition has been nipped in the bud, and that our proud Jordan is safe and stable," Abdullah said in an address read out in his name on state television, a day after an official news blackout on the affair.

"The challenge over the past few days was not the most difficult or dangerous to the stability of our nation, but to me, it was the most painful," he said, according to an official English translation released after the broadcast.

"Sedition came from within and without our one house," he added.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jordan-bans-media-coverage-of-royal-rift-labels-it-a-family-affair-375699">Jordan bans media coverage of royal rift, labels it a family affair</a>

In using the words "from within", it was not clear whether the king was referring to actors in the royal family or the wider kingdom.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Sunday charged that the plotters had linked up with foreign parties, but had declined to identify them.

'Shock, pain and anger'&nbsp;

Reacting to the events, Abdullah said he felt "shock, pain, and anger, as a brother and as the head of the Hashemite family, and as a leader of this proud people".

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-game-of-thrones-in-jordan-375567/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hamzah was appointed crown prince in 1999 in line with his father's wishes, but Abdullah stripped him of the title in 2004 and named his eldest son in Hamzah's place.

After claiming he was put under house arrest Saturday, Hamzah had made extensive use of traditional and social media to lash out against his situation.

He accused Jordan's rulers of corruption and ineptitude in a video message published by the BBC on Saturday.

But after a statement voicing his loyalty to the king on Monday, Abdullah said Wednesday that Hamzah had offered his support for the monarchy.

"Hamzah today is with his family, at his palace, in my care," Abdullah said in his address.

"Prince Hamzah pledged before the family to follow in the steps of the ancestors, remain loyal to their mission, and to put Jordan's interest, constitution, and laws above all considerations."

A probe into the events continues, the king said.

"As for the other aspects, they are under investigation, in accordance with the law... in a manner that guarantees justice and transparency," he added.

The crisis had laid bare divisions in a pro-Western country usually seen as a bulwark of stability in the Middle East.

Jordan borders Israel and the occupied West Bank, Syria, Iraq&nbsp;and Saudi Arabia. It hosts US troops and is home to millions of exiled Palestinians and more than half a million Syrian refugees.

The ruling monarchy had said it was settling the matter "within the framework of the Hashemite family".

Even before the palace drama, Jordan was grappling with an economic crisis exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, with one in four people out of work. Longstanding complaints about corruption and misrule have fueled scattered protests in recent months.

At the same time, the region's strategic landscape is shifting as powerful Gulf states pursue closer ties with Israel, potentially undermining Jordan's role in the Middle East peace process.

Relief

US President Joe Biden called Abdullah Wednesday to express his "strong support" for the monarch, and "underscore the importance of King Abdullah II's leadership to the United States and the region," the White House said in a statement.

Major Gulf powers, Russia, Egypt, and the Arab League have all pledged support for Abdullah, and on Wednesday, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen visited Amman.

After meeting with Abdullah, she said the EU was "ready to continue its long-term partnership and contribute to prosperity and stability".

The king's address followed orders issued Tuesday by Amman prosecutor Hassan al-Abdallat that banned the publication of any information about the alleged plot in order to keep the security services' investigation secret.

Jordan's media was told to wait for official statements before publishing anything about those arrested.

Wednesday morning's newspapers were dominated by the visit the day before of Saudi Foreign Minister Faysal Bin Farhan with a message from King Salman, and by developments in the coronavirus outbreak ravaging the country.

Mustafa al-Riyalat, editor-in-chief of pro-government newspaper Addustour, said Jordanians "all feel reassured, because it's as if nothing happened."

In the streets, Jordanians voiced relief.

"When the crisis erupted on Saturday, there was no one in the streets. People were afraid," said Shady, 41, who owns a clothing store in the capital Amman.&nbsp;

"But thank God, it was resolved within the royal palace."

But Ahmed Awad, of the Phenix Center for Economics and Informatics Studies, warned that the crisis was not yet over.

"There was a solution within the royal family, but not a solution to the political crisis," he said.&nbsp;

"The real political crisis... will continue until there are more democratic reforms."

Abdullah and Hamzah are both sons of King Hussein, who ruled Jordan for nearly a half-century before his death in 1999. Abdullah had appointed Hamzah as crown prince upon his succession but stripped him of the title in 2004.

The government imposed the gag order on coverage of the dispute after an audio recording of the meeting between Hamzah and the chief of staff, Gen. Yousef Huneiti, raised questions about its allegations of a foreign conspiracy. Neither mentioned any such plot in the recording, which was recorded surreptitiously and circulated online.

Family members of those who were arrested in connection with the alleged plot, meanwhile, said they've had no communication with authorities or the detainees.

Those arrested include Yasser al-Majali, Hamzah's chief of staff, and Samir al-Majali, both prominent members of the Majali tribe.

(With inputs from agencies)

Jordan's King Abdullah II broke his silence on Wednesday to tell his nation that the worst political crisis in decades sparked by an alleged plot involving his half-brother Prince Hamzah was over.

Jordan's King Abdullah II broke his silence on Wednesday to tell his nation that the worst political crisis in decades sparked by an alleged plot involving his half-brother Prince Hamzah was over. The monarch appeared to be doubling down on the allegations against Hamzah, a former crown prince, while at the same time trying to reassure Jordanians that the nation was returning to business as usual. But even if the current crisis is eventually defused, major challenges loom for the Western-allied monarchy as it confronts growing internal dissent. "I speak to you today, my family and my tribe... to assure you that the sedition has been nipped in the bud, and that our proud Jordan is safe and stable," Abdullah said in an address read out in his name on state television, a day after an official news blackout on the affair. "The challenge over the past few days was not the most difficult or dangerous to the stability of our nation, but to me, it was the most painful," he said, according to an official English translation released after the broadcast. "Sedition came from within and without our one house," he added. Also read| Jordan bans media coverage of royal rift, labels it a family affair In using the words "from within", it was not clear whether the king was referring to actors in the royal family or the wider kingdom. Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Sunday charged that the plotters had linked up with foreign parties, but had declined to identify them. 'Shock, pain and anger' Reacting to the events, Abdullah said he felt "shock, pain, and anger, as a brother and as the head of the Hashemite family, and as a leader of this proud people". Hamzah was appointed crown prince in 1999 in line with his father's wishes, but Abdullah stripped him of the title in 2004 and named his eldest son in Hamzah's place. After claiming he was put under house arrest Saturday, Hamzah had made extensive use of traditional and social media to lash out against his situation. He accused Jordan's rulers of corruption and ineptitude in a video message published by the BBC on Saturday. But after a statement voicing his loyalty to the king on Monday, Abdullah said Wednesday that Hamzah had offered his support for the monarchy. "Hamzah today is with his family, at his palace, in my care," Abdullah said in his address. "Prince Hamzah pledged before the family to follow in the steps of the ancestors, remain loyal to their mission, and to put Jordan's interest, constitution, and laws above all considerations." A probe into the events continues, the king said. "As for the other aspects, they are under investigation, in accordance with the law... in a manner that guarantees justice and transparency," he added. The crisis had laid bare divisions in a pro-Western country usually seen as a bulwark of stability in the Middle East. Jordan borders Israel and the occupied West Bank, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. It hosts US troops and is home to millions of exiled Palestinians and more than half a million Syrian refugees. The ruling monarchy had said it was settling the matter "within the framework of the Hashemite family". Even before the palace drama, Jordan was grappling with an economic crisis exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, with one in four people out of work. Longstanding complaints about corruption and misrule have fueled scattered protests in recent months. At the same time, the region's strategic landscape is shifting as powerful Gulf states pursue closer ties with Israel, potentially undermining Jordan's role in the Middle East peace process. Relief US President Joe Biden called Abdullah Wednesday to express his "strong support" for the monarch, and "underscore the importance of King Abdullah II's leadership to the United States and the region," the White House said in a statement. Major Gulf powers, Russia, Egypt, and the Arab League have all pledged support for Abdullah, and on Wednesday, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen visited Amman. After meeting with Abdullah, she said the EU was "ready to continue its long-term partnership and contribute to prosperity and stability". The king's address followed orders issued Tuesday by Amman prosecutor Hassan al-Abdallat that banned the publication of any information about the alleged plot in order to keep the security services' investigation secret. Jordan's media was told to wait for official statements before publishing anything about those arrested. Wednesday morning's newspapers were dominated by the visit the day before of Saudi Foreign Minister Faysal Bin Farhan with a message from King Salman, and by developments in the coronavirus outbreak ravaging the country. Mustafa al-Riyalat, editor-in-chief of pro-government newspaper Addustour, said Jordanians "all feel reassured, because it's as if nothing happened." In the streets, Jordanians voiced relief. "When the crisis erupted on Saturday, there was no one in the streets. People were afraid," said Shady, 41, who owns a clothing store in the capital Amman. "But thank God, it was resolved within the royal palace." But Ahmed Awad, of the Phenix Center for Economics and Informatics Studies, warned that the crisis was not yet over. "There was a solution within the royal family, but not a solution to the political crisis," he said. "The real political crisis... will continue until there are more democratic reforms." Abdullah and Hamzah are both sons of King Hussein, who ruled Jordan for nearly a half-century before his death in 1999. Abdullah had appointed Hamzah as crown prince upon his succession but stripped him of the title in 2004. The government imposed the gag order on coverage of the dispute after an audio recording of the meeting between Hamzah and the chief of staff, Gen. Yousef Huneiti, raised questions about its allegations of a foreign conspiracy. Neither mentioned any such plot in the recording, which was recorded surreptitiously and circulated online. Family members of those who were arrested in connection with the alleged plot, meanwhile, said they've had no communication with authorities or the detainees. Those arrested include Yasser al-Majali, Hamzah's chief of staff, and Samir al-Majali, both prominent members of the Majali tribe. (With inputs from agencies)

Jordan's King Abdullah II breaks silence, says worst political crisis in decades 'over'

The United States on Wednesday warned China against what the Philippines and Taiwan see as increasingly aggressive moves, reminding Beijing of Washington's obligations to its partners.

State Department spokesman Ned Price reiterated at a regular briefing that the US&nbsp;commitment to Taiwan was "rock solid."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-south-china-sea-china-and-us-send-warships-into-disputed-waters-375776/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"An armed attack against the Philippines' armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea, will trigger our obligations under the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty," Price told reporters.

"We share the concerns of our Philippine allies regarding the continued reported massing of PRC maritime militia near the Whitsun Reef," Price said, referring to the People's Republic of China.

China sent more fighter jets into Taiwan's air defense zone on Wednesday in a stepped-up show of force around the island Beijing claims as its own, and Taiwan's foreign minister said it would fight to the end if China attacks.

China, which claims almost the entirety of the resource-rich sea, has refused weeks of appeals by the Philippines to withdraw the vessels, which Manila says unlawfully entered its exclusive economic zone.

Price voiced "concern" about the Chinese moves, saying: "The United States maintains the capacity to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security or the social or economic system of the people on Taiwan."

He was using language from the Taiwan Relations Act, under which the United States is obliged to provide the island with the means to defend itself against Beijing.

President Joe Biden has vowed a robust defense of allies and, in a rare point of continuity with his predecessor Donald Trump, has supported strong pushback against Chinese assertiveness.

The democratic self-governed island has complained of repeated military activities by Beijing in recent months, with China's air force making almost daily forays in Taiwan's air defense identification zone. On Monday, China said an aircraft carrier group was exercising close to the island.

Taiwan's Defence Ministry said 15 Chinese aircraft, including 12 fighters, entered its air defense identification zone, with an anti-submarine aircraft flying to the south through the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines.

Taiwan's air force sent up aircraft to intercept and warn the Chinese away, the ministry added.

Adding to the stepped-up military activity, the US&nbsp;Navy said its John S. McCain guided-missile destroyer conducted a "routine" transit of the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday.

The United States on Wednesday warned China against what the Philippines and Taiwan see as increasingly aggressive moves, reminding Beijing of Washington's obligations to its partners.

The United States on Wednesday warned China against what the Philippines and Taiwan see as increasingly aggressive moves, reminding Beijing of Washington's obligations to its partners. State Department spokesman Ned Price reiterated at a regular briefing that the US commitment to Taiwan was "rock solid." "An armed attack against the Philippines' armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea, will trigger our obligations under the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty," Price told reporters. "We share the concerns of our Philippine allies regarding the continued reported massing of PRC maritime militia near the Whitsun Reef," Price said, referring to the People's Republic of China. China sent more fighter jets into Taiwan's air defense zone on Wednesday in a stepped-up show of force around the island Beijing claims as its own, and Taiwan's foreign minister said it would fight to the end if China attacks. China, which claims almost the entirety of the resource-rich sea, has refused weeks of appeals by the Philippines to withdraw the vessels, which Manila says unlawfully entered its exclusive economic zone. Price voiced "concern" about the Chinese moves, saying: "The United States maintains the capacity to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security or the social or economic system of the people on Taiwan." He was using language from the Taiwan Relations Act, under which the United States is obliged to provide the island with the means to defend itself against Beijing. President Joe Biden has vowed a robust defense of allies and, in a rare point of continuity with his predecessor Donald Trump, has supported strong pushback against Chinese assertiveness. The democratic self-governed island has complained of repeated military activities by Beijing in recent months, with China's air force making almost daily forays in Taiwan's air defense identification zone. On Monday, China said an aircraft carrier group was exercising close to the island. Taiwan's Defence Ministry said 15 Chinese aircraft, including 12 fighters, entered its air defense identification zone, with an anti-submarine aircraft flying to the south through the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines. Taiwan's air force sent up aircraft to intercept and warn the Chinese away, the ministry added. Adding to the stepped-up military activity, the US Navy said its John S. McCain guided-missile destroyer conducted a "routine" transit of the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday.

US warns China over increasingly aggressive moves against Taiwan, Philippines

Australia's Trade Minister Dan&nbsp;Tehan&nbsp;said Wednesday that the country's&nbsp;sovereignty is non-negotiable&nbsp;in response to a warning from China’s ambassador that it will “respond in kind” if Canberra joins sanctions on officials accused of human rights abuses.

Activists and U.N. experts say that more than 1 million Muslim Uighurs and other Turkic Muslims are being held against their will in harsh camps in the remote western region.&nbsp;China denies all accusations of abuse.

Over the past week, H&amp;M, Burberry, Nike, Adidas and other Western brands have been hit by consumer boycotts in China after raising concerns about forced labour in&nbsp;Xinjiang.

The wave of boycotts coincided with sanctions imposed by Britain, Canada, the European Union, and the United States over what they say are human rights abuses taking place in&nbsp;Xinjiang.

Earlier,&nbsp;Australia’s Foreign Minister Marise Payne on March 23 had raised ''grave concerns'' over&nbsp;reports of human rights abuses against Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang.

Ambassador to Australia Cheng Jingye said Wednesday that people should not be under the illusion “that China would swallow the bitter pill” of meddling in its internal affairs, nor attempts to mount a “pressure” campaign.

Australia’s ties with top trade partner China soured in 2018 when it became the first country to publicly ban China’s Huawei from its 5G network, and worsened after Canberra called for an enquiry into the origins of the coronavirus.

Tit-for-tat diplomatic reprisals have since followed, including raids on the homes of Chinese journalists in Australia, evacuation of some Australian journalists from China and a raft of trade measures imposed by China on Australian exports.

Late last year, Australia also called for the WTO to investigate Chinese tariffs on barley imports, following a series of economic sanctions or disruptions to Australian products to China's vast market.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries have reached their lowest since the deadly 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, speaking in Sydney, accused Beijing of using the tariffs as "retaliation".

Morrison also said Australia stood with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson after China imposed sanctions on several people in the UK and EU over their vocal support for the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang, where Beijing is accused of abuses.

Australia's Trade Minister Dan Tehan said Wednesday that the country's sovereignty is non-negotiable in response to a warning from China’s ambassador that it will “respond in kind” if Canberra joins sanctions on officials accused of human rights abuses.

Australia's Trade Minister Dan Tehan said Wednesday that the country's sovereignty is non-negotiable in response to a warning from China’s ambassador that it will “respond in kind” if Canberra joins sanctions on officials accused of human rights abuses. Activists and U.N. experts say that more than 1 million Muslim Uighurs and other Turkic Muslims are being held against their will in harsh camps in the remote western region. China denies all accusations of abuse. Over the past week, H&M, Burberry, Nike, Adidas and other Western brands have been hit by consumer boycotts in China after raising concerns about forced labour in Xinjiang. The wave of boycotts coincided with sanctions imposed by Britain, Canada, the European Union, and the United States over what they say are human rights abuses taking place in Xinjiang. Earlier, Australia’s Foreign Minister Marise Payne on March 23 had raised ''grave concerns'' over reports of human rights abuses against Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang. Ambassador to Australia Cheng Jingye said Wednesday that people should not be under the illusion “that China would swallow the bitter pill” of meddling in its internal affairs, nor attempts to mount a “pressure” campaign. Australia’s ties with top trade partner China soured in 2018 when it became the first country to publicly ban China’s Huawei from its 5G network, and worsened after Canberra called for an enquiry into the origins of the coronavirus. Tit-for-tat diplomatic reprisals have since followed, including raids on the homes of Chinese journalists in Australia, evacuation of some Australian journalists from China and a raft of trade measures imposed by China on Australian exports. Late last year, Australia also called for the WTO to investigate Chinese tariffs on barley imports, following a series of economic sanctions or disruptions to Australian products to China's vast market. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have reached their lowest since the deadly 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, speaking in Sydney, accused Beijing of using the tariffs as "retaliation". Morrison also said Australia stood with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson after China imposed sanctions on several people in the UK and EU over their vocal support for the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang, where Beijing is accused of abuses.

Australia says sovereignty non-negotiable after China's warning against Xinjiang

From Moon to Mars: Milestones in space exploration

Social media giant Twitter on Thursday launched an emoji for the Milk Tea Alliance, a global online pro-democracy movement that has united anti-Beijing campaigners in Hong Kong and Taiwan with protesters in Thailand, Myanmar and beyond.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🧵Today we are launching an emoji for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MilkTeaAlliance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilkTeaAlliance</a>, an online solidarity alliance first started in April 2020 as a Twitter meme which has grown into a global pro-democracy movement led by activists and concerned citizens in 🇭🇰🇹🇭🇹🇼🇲🇲 and around the world.
— Twitter Public Policy (@Policy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Policy/status/1379982365380911104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Activists welcomed the announcement of the emoji, a white cup set against a background of three colours representing different shades of milk tea in Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan, for the first anniversary of the movement.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/milkteaalliance-makes-anti-china-wave-in-thailand-hong-kong-and-taiwan-336367">#MilkTeaAlliance makes anti-China wave in Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan</a>

The campaign gained steam at a time when Hong Kong was emerging from months of pro-democracy protests and urban youth in Bangkok and other Thai cities were beginning their own street confrontations with authorities, demanding reform to the country's military-drafted constitution and other rights.

It has since spread to Myanmar -- where tea with condensed milk is a staple breakfast accompaniment -- after a coup ousted the country's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi in February, sparking a mass uprising.

"To celebrate the first anniversary of the #MilkTeaAlliance, we designed an emoji featuring 3 different types of milk tea colours from regions where the Alliance first formed online," Twitter said on Wednesday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
To celebrate the first anniversary of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MilkTeaAlliance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilkTeaAlliance</a>, we designed an emoji featuring 3 different types of milk tea colours from regions where the Alliance first formed online. It automatically appears when you Tweet any of the hashtags below👇 <a href="https://t.co/QiIBBbKfQc">pic.twitter.com/QiIBBbKfQc</a>
— Twitter Public Policy (@Policy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Policy/status/1379982377728974848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The image appears in any tweet featuring the hashtag in English, Thai, Korean, and several other Asian languages.

"Always in solidarity, no matter how hard the times," veteran Hong Kong pro-democracy Joshua Wong tweeted in response to the news, using the English and Chinese versions of the hashtag.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Always in solidarity, no matter how hard the times.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MilkTeaAlliance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilkTeaAlliance</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E5%A5%B6%E8%8C%B6%E8%81%AF%E7%9B%9F?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#奶茶聯盟</a>
— Joshua Wong 黃之鋒 😷 (@joshuawongcf) <a href="https://twitter.com/joshuawongcf/status/1379995523453698051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The term has been used on Twitter more than 11 million times since last April, the platform said, with usage again spiking after the Myanmar coup

The military regime there has imposed overnight internet shutdowns and blanket mobile data restrictions to try and bring weeks of unrest to heel.

It has also directed local telecom service providers to block access to social media sites, which protesters have skirted by using virtual private networks and foreign SIM cards.

"We strongly believe that having access to the free and #OpenInternet is an essential right and remain a staunch defender and advocate of free expression and condemn #InternetShutdowns," Twitter said in its announcement of the new emoji.

Thursday's move follows similar recognition by Twitter in recent years of the #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter social movements, after the respective global campaigns against sexual abuse and in support of racial justice.

.

Social media giant Twitter on Thursday launched an emoji for the Milk Tea Alliance, a global online pro-democracy movement that has united anti-Beijing campaigners in Hong Kong and Taiwan with protesters in Thailand, Myanmar and beyond.

Social media giant Twitter on Thursday launched an emoji for the Milk Tea Alliance, a global online pro-democracy movement that has united anti-Beijing campaigners in Hong Kong and Taiwan with protesters in Thailand, Myanmar and beyond. 🧵Today we are launching an emoji for the #MilkTeaAlliance, an online solidarity alliance first started in April 2020 as a Twitter meme which has grown into a global pro-democracy movement led by activists and concerned citizens in 🇭🇰🇹🇭🇹🇼🇲🇲 and around the world. — Twitter Public Policy (@Policy) April 8, 2021 × Activists welcomed the announcement of the emoji, a white cup set against a background of three colours representing different shades of milk tea in Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan, for the first anniversary of the movement. Also read| #MilkTeaAlliance makes anti-China wave in Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan The campaign gained steam at a time when Hong Kong was emerging from months of pro-democracy protests and urban youth in Bangkok and other Thai cities were beginning their own street confrontations with authorities, demanding reform to the country's military-drafted constitution and other rights. It has since spread to Myanmar -- where tea with condensed milk is a staple breakfast accompaniment -- after a coup ousted the country's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi in February, sparking a mass uprising. "To celebrate the first anniversary of the #MilkTeaAlliance, we designed an emoji featuring 3 different types of milk tea colours from regions where the Alliance first formed online," Twitter said on Wednesday. To celebrate the first anniversary of the #MilkTeaAlliance, we designed an emoji featuring 3 different types of milk tea colours from regions where the Alliance first formed online. It automatically appears when you Tweet any of the hashtags below👇 pic.twitter.com/QiIBBbKfQc — Twitter Public Policy (@Policy) April 8, 2021 × The image appears in any tweet featuring the hashtag in English, Thai, Korean, and several other Asian languages. "Always in solidarity, no matter how hard the times," veteran Hong Kong pro-democracy Joshua Wong tweeted in response to the news, using the English and Chinese versions of the hashtag. Always in solidarity, no matter how hard the times.#MilkTeaAlliance #奶茶聯盟 — Joshua Wong 黃之鋒 😷 (@joshuawongcf) April 8, 2021 × The term has been used on Twitter more than 11 million times since last April, the platform said, with usage again spiking after the Myanmar coup The military regime there has imposed overnight internet shutdowns and blanket mobile data restrictions to try and bring weeks of unrest to heel. It has also directed local telecom service providers to block access to social media sites, which protesters have skirted by using virtual private networks and foreign SIM cards. "We strongly believe that having access to the free and #OpenInternet is an essential right and remain a staunch defender and advocate of free expression and condemn #InternetShutdowns," Twitter said in its announcement of the new emoji. Thursday's move follows similar recognition by Twitter in recent years of the #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter social movements, after the respective global campaigns against sexual abuse and in support of racial justice. .

Twitter launches #MilkTeaAlliance emoji to mark first anniversary of movement

Greenland's left-wing Inuit Ataqatigiit party pledged its opposition to a large rare earth mining project on Wednesday after winning a parliamentary election for only the second time in more than four decades.

Its comfortable victory casts doubt on the mining complex at Kvanefjeld in the south of the Arctic island and sends a strong signal to international mining companies wanting to exploit&nbsp;Greenland's vast untapped mineral resources.

Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) won 37 per cent&nbsp;of votes in Tuesday's snap election, compared to 26&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;in the last election, overtaking the ruling social democratic Siumut party which secured 29&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of votes, according to official results.

The pro-mining Siumut party has been in power most of the time since&nbsp;Greenland&nbsp;gained home rule from Denmark in 1979.

Though not opposed outright to mining, IA has a strong environmental focus. It has campaigned to halt the Kvanefjeld project, which aside from rare earths including neodymium - which is used in wind turbines, electric vehicles and combat aircraft - also contains uranium.

"The people have spoken," IA leader Mute Egede, 34, told broadcaster DR when asked about Kvanefjeld. "It won't happen."

Mikaa Mered, lecturer on Arctic affairs at HEC business school in Paris, said of the outcome: "This will without doubt hamper mining development in&nbsp;Greenland."

While most&nbsp;Greenlanders see mining as an important path towards independence, the Kvanefjeld mine has been a contention point for years, sowing deep divisions in the government and population over environmental concerns.

"It's not that&nbsp;Greenlanders don't want mining, but they don't want dirty mining," Mered said, referring to uranium and rare earth projects. "Greenlanders are sending a strong message that for them it's not worth sacrificing the environment to achieve independence and economic development."

CHALLENGES AHEAD

The island of 56,000 people, which former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump offered to buy in 2019, is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but has broad autonomy.

Egede, who was minister for natural resources in a coalition government from 2016 to 2018, will be first to try to form a new government. A potential government ally could be Naleraq, an independence party that also opposes the Kvanefjeld project.

Support from Prime Minister Kim Kielsen and his governing Siumut party helped license-holder&nbsp;Greenland&nbsp;Minerals gain preliminary approval for the project last year, paving the way for a public hearing.

The Australian firm has already spent more than $100 million preparing the mine and has proven processing technology through its Chinese partner Shenghe Resources.

Greenland&nbsp;Minerals Chief Executive John Mair said the public hearing has "lacked the normal due process" due to the early election.

"This unfortunately created a void that was filled with a wave of misinformation," he told Reuters on Wednesday. He declined to comment on the election outcome until a new government had been formed.

"The challenge for IA will be to explain to the world that&nbsp;Greenland&nbsp;is still open for business and still an attractive mining jurisdiction," said Dwayne Menezes, head of London-based think-tank Polar Research and Policy Initiative.

Greenland's left-wing Inuit Ataqatigiit party pledged its opposition to a large rare earth mining project on Wednesday after winning a parliamentary election for only the second time in more than four decades.

Greenland's left-wing Inuit Ataqatigiit party pledged its opposition to a large rare earth mining project on Wednesday after winning a parliamentary election for only the second time in more than four decades. Its comfortable victory casts doubt on the mining complex at Kvanefjeld in the south of the Arctic island and sends a strong signal to international mining companies wanting to exploit Greenland's vast untapped mineral resources. Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) won 37 per cent of votes in Tuesday's snap election, compared to 26 per cent in the last election, overtaking the ruling social democratic Siumut party which secured 29 per cent of votes, according to official results. The pro-mining Siumut party has been in power most of the time since Greenland gained home rule from Denmark in 1979. Though not opposed outright to mining, IA has a strong environmental focus. It has campaigned to halt the Kvanefjeld project, which aside from rare earths including neodymium - which is used in wind turbines, electric vehicles and combat aircraft - also contains uranium. "The people have spoken," IA leader Mute Egede, 34, told broadcaster DR when asked about Kvanefjeld. "It won't happen." Mikaa Mered, lecturer on Arctic affairs at HEC business school in Paris, said of the outcome: "This will without doubt hamper mining development in Greenland." While most Greenlanders see mining as an important path towards independence, the Kvanefjeld mine has been a contention point for years, sowing deep divisions in the government and population over environmental concerns. "It's not that Greenlanders don't want mining, but they don't want dirty mining," Mered said, referring to uranium and rare earth projects. "Greenlanders are sending a strong message that for them it's not worth sacrificing the environment to achieve independence and economic development." CHALLENGES AHEAD The island of 56,000 people, which former US President Donald Trump offered to buy in 2019, is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but has broad autonomy. Egede, who was minister for natural resources in a coalition government from 2016 to 2018, will be first to try to form a new government. A potential government ally could be Naleraq, an independence party that also opposes the Kvanefjeld project. Support from Prime Minister Kim Kielsen and his governing Siumut party helped license-holder Greenland Minerals gain preliminary approval for the project last year, paving the way for a public hearing. The Australian firm has already spent more than $100 million preparing the mine and has proven processing technology through its Chinese partner Shenghe Resources. Greenland Minerals Chief Executive John Mair said the public hearing has "lacked the normal due process" due to the early election. "This unfortunately created a void that was filled with a wave of misinformation," he told Reuters on Wednesday. He declined to comment on the election outcome until a new government had been formed. "The challenge for IA will be to explain to the world that Greenland is still open for business and still an attractive mining jurisdiction," said Dwayne Menezes, head of London-based think-tank Polar Research and Policy Initiative.

Left-wing party wins Greenland election, opposes Arctic mining project

The United States is prepared to remove sanctions on Iran to resume compliance with the Iran nuclear deal, including those that are inconsistent with the 2015 pact, the US&nbsp;State Department said on Wednesday, without providing details.

"We are prepared to take the steps necessary to return to compliance with the JCPOA, including by lifting sanctions that are inconsistent with the JCPOA," State Department spokesman&nbsp;Ned&nbsp;Price&nbsp;told reporters. He was referring to the pact formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Diplomats from major powers and the European Union met separately on Wednesday with Iran and the United States to discuss what sanctions Washington might remove and what nuclear curbs Tehran might observe in an effort to bring both back into compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, a US&nbsp;official said.

Longtime foes the United States and Iran have said they do not expect quick breakthroughs in the talks that began in Vienna on Tuesday, with European and other diplomats as intermediaries because Tehran rejects face-to-face talks for now.

Former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 deal, which lifted economic sanctions on Iran in return for curbs to its nuclear program, and he reimposed US&nbsp;sanctions, prompting Iran to violate the accord's atomic limitations.

The deal's remaining parties. Iran, Britain, China, France, Germany, and Russia,&nbsp;agreed on Tuesday to form two expert-level groups whose job is to marry lists of sanctions that the United States could lift with nuclear obligations Iran should meet.

Diplomats said the working groups, which are chaired by the European Union and exclude the United States, met on Wednesday. A US&nbsp;official said on condition of anonymity that the US&nbsp;delegation in Vienna had been briefed on the discussions.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The United States is prepared to remove sanctions on Iran to resume compliance with the Iran nuclear deal, including those that are inconsistent with the 2015 pact, the US State Department said on Wednesday, without providing details.

The United States is prepared to remove sanctions on Iran to resume compliance with the Iran nuclear deal, including those that are inconsistent with the 2015 pact, the US State Department said on Wednesday, without providing details. "We are prepared to take the steps necessary to return to compliance with the JCPOA, including by lifting sanctions that are inconsistent with the JCPOA," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters. He was referring to the pact formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Diplomats from major powers and the European Union met separately on Wednesday with Iran and the United States to discuss what sanctions Washington might remove and what nuclear curbs Tehran might observe in an effort to bring both back into compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, a US official said. Longtime foes the United States and Iran have said they do not expect quick breakthroughs in the talks that began in Vienna on Tuesday, with European and other diplomats as intermediaries because Tehran rejects face-to-face talks for now. Former US President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 deal, which lifted economic sanctions on Iran in return for curbs to its nuclear program, and he reimposed US sanctions, prompting Iran to violate the accord's atomic limitations. The deal's remaining parties. Iran, Britain, China, France, Germany, and Russia, agreed on Tuesday to form two expert-level groups whose job is to marry lists of sanctions that the United States could lift with nuclear obligations Iran should meet. Diplomats said the working groups, which are chaired by the European Union and exclude the United States, met on Wednesday. A US official said on condition of anonymity that the US delegation in Vienna had been briefed on the discussions. (With inputs from agencies)

US prepared to lift sanctions on Iran to resume compliance with nuclear deal

Genetic sequencing of human remains dating back 45,000 years has revealed a previously unknown migration into Europe and showed intermixing with Neanderthals in that period was more common than previously thought.

The research is based on the analysis of several ancient human remains,&nbsp;including a whole tooth and bone fragments, found in a cave in Bulgaria last year.

Genetic sequencing found the remains came from individuals who were more closely linked to present-day populations in East Asia and the Americas than populations in Europe.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/neanderthals-disappeared-earlier-than-previously-thought-369570/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"This indicates that they belonged to a modern human migration into Europe that was not previously known from the genetic record," the research, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, said.

It also "provides evidence that there was at least some continuity between the earliest modern humans in Europe and later people in Eurasia", the study added.

The findings "shifted our previous understanding of early human migrations into Europe", said Mateja Hajdinjak, an associate researcher at Germany's Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology who helped lead the research.

"It showed how even the earliest history of modern Europeans in Europe may have been tumultuous and involved population replacements," she said.

One possibility raised by the findings is "a dispersal of human groups that then get replaced (by other groups) later on in West Eurasia, but continue living and contribute ancestry to the people in East Eurasia", she added.

The remains were discovered last year in the Bacho Kiro cave in Bulgaria and were hailed at the time as evidence that humans lived alongside Neanderthals in Europe significantly earlier than once thought.

Genetic analysis also revealed that modern humans in Europe at that time mixed more with Neanderthals than was previously assumed.

All the "Bacho Kiro cave individuals have Neanderthal ancestors five-seven generations before they lived, suggesting that the admixture (mixing) between these first humans in Europe and Neanderthals was common," said Hajdinjak.

Previous evidence for early human-Neanderthal mixing in Europe came from a single individual called the Oase 1, dating back 40,000 years and found in Romania.

"Until now, we could not exclude it being a chance find," Hajdinjak said.

"Our study suggests... (it) must have been common."

Human history 'lost in time'

The findings were accompanied by separate research published Wednesday in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution involving genome sequencing of samples from a skull found in the Czech Republic.

The skull was found in the Zlaty kun area in 1950, but its age has been the subject of debate and contradictory findings in the decades since.

Initial analysis suggested it was older than 30,000 years old, but radiocarbon dating gave an age closer to 15,000 years.

Genetic analysis now appears to have resolved the matter, suggesting an age of at least 45,000 years old, said Kay Prufer of the Max Planck Institute's department of archaeogenetics, who led the research.

"We make use of the fact that everyone who traces their ancestry back to the individuals that left Africa more than 50,000 years ago carries a bit of Neanderthal ancestry in their genomes," he said.

These Neanderthal traces appear in short blocks in modern human genomes, and increasingly longer ones further back in human history.

"In older individuals, such as the 45,000-year-old Ust'-Ishim man from Siberia, these blocks are much longer," Prufer said.

"We find that the genome of the Zlaty kun woman has even longer blocks than those of the Ust'-Ishim man. This makes us confident that she lived at the same time, or even earlier."

Despite dating from around the same period as the Bacho Kiro remains, the Zlaty kun skull does not share genetic links to either modern Asian or European populations.

Prufer now hopes to study how the populations that produced the two sets of remains were related.

"We do not know who the first Europeans were that ventured into an unknown land," he said.

"By analysing their genomes, we are figuring out a part of our own history that has been lost in time."

(With inputs from agencies)

Genetic sequencing of human remains dating back 45,000 years has revealed a previously unknown migration into Europe and showed intermixing with Neanderthals in that period was more common than previously thought.

Genetic sequencing of human remains dating back 45,000 years has revealed a previously unknown migration into Europe and showed intermixing with Neanderthals in that period was more common than previously thought. The research is based on the analysis of several ancient human remains, including a whole tooth and bone fragments, found in a cave in Bulgaria last year. Genetic sequencing found the remains came from individuals who were more closely linked to present-day populations in East Asia and the Americas than populations in Europe. "This indicates that they belonged to a modern human migration into Europe that was not previously known from the genetic record," the research, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, said. It also "provides evidence that there was at least some continuity between the earliest modern humans in Europe and later people in Eurasia", the study added. The findings "shifted our previous understanding of early human migrations into Europe", said Mateja Hajdinjak, an associate researcher at Germany's Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology who helped lead the research. "It showed how even the earliest history of modern Europeans in Europe may have been tumultuous and involved population replacements," she said. One possibility raised by the findings is "a dispersal of human groups that then get replaced (by other groups) later on in West Eurasia, but continue living and contribute ancestry to the people in East Eurasia", she added. The remains were discovered last year in the Bacho Kiro cave in Bulgaria and were hailed at the time as evidence that humans lived alongside Neanderthals in Europe significantly earlier than once thought. Genetic analysis also revealed that modern humans in Europe at that time mixed more with Neanderthals than was previously assumed. All the "Bacho Kiro cave individuals have Neanderthal ancestors five-seven generations before they lived, suggesting that the admixture (mixing) between these first humans in Europe and Neanderthals was common," said Hajdinjak. Previous evidence for early human-Neanderthal mixing in Europe came from a single individual called the Oase 1, dating back 40,000 years and found in Romania. "Until now, we could not exclude it being a chance find," Hajdinjak said. "Our study suggests... (it) must have been common." Human history 'lost in time' The findings were accompanied by separate research published Wednesday in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution involving genome sequencing of samples from a skull found in the Czech Republic. The skull was found in the Zlaty kun area in 1950, but its age has been the subject of debate and contradictory findings in the decades since. Initial analysis suggested it was older than 30,000 years old, but radiocarbon dating gave an age closer to 15,000 years. Genetic analysis now appears to have resolved the matter, suggesting an age of at least 45,000 years old, said Kay Prufer of the Max Planck Institute's department of archaeogenetics, who led the research. "We make use of the fact that everyone who traces their ancestry back to the individuals that left Africa more than 50,000 years ago carries a bit of Neanderthal ancestry in their genomes," he said. These Neanderthal traces appear in short blocks in modern human genomes, and increasingly longer ones further back in human history. "In older individuals, such as the 45,000-year-old Ust'-Ishim man from Siberia, these blocks are much longer," Prufer said. "We find that the genome of the Zlaty kun woman has even longer blocks than those of the Ust'-Ishim man. This makes us confident that she lived at the same time, or even earlier." Despite dating from around the same period as the Bacho Kiro remains, the Zlaty kun skull does not share genetic links to either modern Asian or European populations. Prufer now hopes to study how the populations that produced the two sets of remains were related. "We do not know who the first Europeans were that ventured into an unknown land," he said. "By analysing their genomes, we are figuring out a part of our own history that has been lost in time." (With inputs from agencies)

Gene sequencing of human remains reveals ancient migration in Europe unknown till now

Deforestation in the&nbsp;Amazon, the world's largest rainforest, rose by 17 per cent&nbsp;last year, with wildfires, beef production and logging causing forested areas roughly the size of El Salvador to disappear, according to new data published on Wednesday.

The loss of primary forest, the clearing of old-growth, intact forest for the first time,&nbsp;hit its third-highest annual total on record since 2000, reaching 2.3 million hectares (5.6 million acres) in the nine countries spanned by the&nbsp;Amazon.

"2020, the year dominated by COVID-19, turned out to be quite dire for the&nbsp;Amazon," said Matt Finer, who leads an&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;satellite monitoring project called MAAP for US-based&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;Conservation, a nonprofit that issued a report containing the data.

Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru recorded historically high deforestation levels, while Brazil had "another bad year", losing over 1.5 million hectares of primary forest, said Finer.

After Brazil, the countries with the highest primary&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;forest loss in 2020 were Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia,&nbsp;which suffered its second-highest loss on record - followed by Venezuela and Ecuador, according to the report based on analysis of the data produced by the University of Maryland.

"The primary cause of deforestation across the&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;appears to be agriculture and cattle-related, ranging from larger-scale operations in Brazil to the accumulation of smaller-scale clearings throughout the western&nbsp;Amazon," Finer said.

In Brazil, deforestation was largely driven by forest being converted into pasture for cattle, the report said.

Earlier this month, Brazil's environment minister told local media he wanted $1 billion in foreign aid from countries including the United States to help curb&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;deforestation.

Cutting down forests has major implications for global goals to curb climate change, as trees absorb about a third of the planet-warming carbon emissions produced worldwide.

The report noted that the biggest deforestation hotspots in the&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;were found in southeast Bolivia where fires have raged through its drier Chiquitano and Chaco forests.

Many Bolivians use slash-and-burn tactics to clear land for cattle or soy production, and the fires they set can get out of control and escape into the forest in dry conditions.

In parts of the Peruvian&nbsp;Amazon, deforestation driven by illegal gold mining decreased in the past year "thanks to effective government action", the report said.

But Peru still had the highest primary forest loss on record in its share of the&nbsp;Amazon, surpassing 190,000 hectares.

That was largely fuelled by the expansion of small-scale farming and the cattle pasture frontier, including on indigenous lands, the report said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Deforestation in the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest, rose by 17 per cent last year, with wildfires, beef production and logging causing forested areas roughly the size of El Salvador to disappear, according to new data published on Wednesday.

Deforestation in the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest, rose by 17 per cent last year, with wildfires, beef production and logging causing forested areas roughly the size of El Salvador to disappear, according to new data published on Wednesday. The loss of primary forest, the clearing of old-growth, intact forest for the first time, hit its third-highest annual total on record since 2000, reaching 2.3 million hectares (5.6 million acres) in the nine countries spanned by the Amazon. "2020, the year dominated by COVID-19, turned out to be quite dire for the Amazon," said Matt Finer, who leads an Amazon satellite monitoring project called MAAP for US-based Amazon Conservation, a nonprofit that issued a report containing the data. Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru recorded historically high deforestation levels, while Brazil had "another bad year", losing over 1.5 million hectares of primary forest, said Finer. After Brazil, the countries with the highest primary Amazon forest loss in 2020 were Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia, which suffered its second-highest loss on record - followed by Venezuela and Ecuador, according to the report based on analysis of the data produced by the University of Maryland. "The primary cause of deforestation across the Amazon appears to be agriculture and cattle-related, ranging from larger-scale operations in Brazil to the accumulation of smaller-scale clearings throughout the western Amazon," Finer said. In Brazil, deforestation was largely driven by forest being converted into pasture for cattle, the report said. Earlier this month, Brazil's environment minister told local media he wanted $1 billion in foreign aid from countries including the United States to help curb Amazon deforestation. Cutting down forests has major implications for global goals to curb climate change, as trees absorb about a third of the planet-warming carbon emissions produced worldwide. The report noted that the biggest deforestation hotspots in the Amazon were found in southeast Bolivia where fires have raged through its drier Chiquitano and Chaco forests. Many Bolivians use slash-and-burn tactics to clear land for cattle or soy production, and the fires they set can get out of control and escape into the forest in dry conditions. In parts of the Peruvian Amazon, deforestation driven by illegal gold mining decreased in the past year "thanks to effective government action", the report said. But Peru still had the highest primary forest loss on record in its share of the Amazon, surpassing 190,000 hectares. That was largely fuelled by the expansion of small-scale farming and the cattle pasture frontier, including on indigenous lands, the report said. (With inputs from Agencies)

Deforestation in world's largest rainforest Amazon rose 17% in 'dire' 2020

Apple&nbsp;has agreed to pay Chilean consumers $3.4 million in a lawsuit over programmed obsolescence of iPhones, their lawyer said on Wednesday, the first such settlement in Latin America.

Apple&nbsp;is accused of having programmed a limited lifespan into some products to force users to replace their phones sooner than necessary and has previously settled similar cases in the United States and Europe.

In Chile, some 150,000 users of the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus and SE sued the US company, claiming their smartphones started underperforming after software updates programmed by&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;before December 21, 2017.

The agreement provides for a registration period for affected clients, who will have to provide proof of their devices' reduced performance, a lawyer for the Odecu consumer body, Juan Sebastian Reyes, told a virtual press conference.

Each client stands to get maximum compensation of $50, which is to be shared if there are more than one claim per serial number, as in the case of second-hand phones.

In December 2017,&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;admitted iOS software was tweaked to slow performance of older iPhones whose battery life was deteriorating.

An outcry forced&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;to upgrade its software and offer steep discounts on battery replacements.

In March 2020,&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;agreed to pay up to $500 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over slowed iPhones in the United States, followed in November by another $113 million to settle litigation with more than 30 US states over the same issue.

The company has also settled a case with France's consumer watchdog for 25 million euros ($29.7 million) for failing to tell iPhone users that software updates could slow older devices.

Italy, for its part, has fined&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;and Samsung 10 and five million euros respectively for planned smartphone obsolescence.

Apple has agreed to pay Chilean consumers $3.4 million in a lawsuit over programmed obsolescence of iPhones, their lawyer said on Wednesday, the first such settlement in Latin America.

Apple has agreed to pay Chilean consumers $3.4 million in a lawsuit over programmed obsolescence of iPhones, their lawyer said on Wednesday, the first such settlement in Latin America. Apple is accused of having programmed a limited lifespan into some products to force users to replace their phones sooner than necessary and has previously settled similar cases in the United States and Europe. In Chile, some 150,000 users of the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus and SE sued the US company, claiming their smartphones started underperforming after software updates programmed by Apple before December 21, 2017. The agreement provides for a registration period for affected clients, who will have to provide proof of their devices' reduced performance, a lawyer for the Odecu consumer body, Juan Sebastian Reyes, told a virtual press conference. Each client stands to get maximum compensation of $50, which is to be shared if there are more than one claim per serial number, as in the case of second-hand phones. In December 2017, Apple admitted iOS software was tweaked to slow performance of older iPhones whose battery life was deteriorating. An outcry forced Apple to upgrade its software and offer steep discounts on battery replacements. In March 2020, Apple agreed to pay up to $500 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over slowed iPhones in the United States, followed in November by another $113 million to settle litigation with more than 30 US states over the same issue. The company has also settled a case with France's consumer watchdog for 25 million euros ($29.7 million) for failing to tell iPhone users that software updates could slow older devices. Italy, for its part, has fined Apple and Samsung 10 and five million euros respectively for planned smartphone obsolescence.

Apple agrees to pay Chilean consumers $3.4 million over iPhone obsolescence

WhatsApp has rolled out a new sticker pack named 'Vaccines for All'&nbsp;as part&nbsp;of the organisation's endeavours towards spreading mindfulness about the COVID-19 vaccine.

These stickers are a mode of allowing users to show their appreciation for healthcare workers around the world. The new sticker pack was created in a joint effort with the World Health Organisation (WHO).

To offer verified information on COVID-19, WhatsApp has also joined forces with more than 150 national, state and local governments, as well as organisations including the WHO and UNICEF.

The COVID-19 helplines created on WhatsApp have also started offering vaccine information and registration. The new `Vaccine for All` sticker pack carries 23 particular stickers to WhatsApp, planned in partnership with the WHO.

The stickers are accessible for download to both Android and iOS users and are pointed toward letting people "express the joy, relief, and hope they feel about the possibilities the COVID-19 vaccines offer".

As COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out across the world, the new sticker pack aims to encourage vaccine uptake and represents hope," said Andy Pattison, Team Lead for Digital Channels at WHO was quoted as saying in a statement.

Alongside the stickers, WhatsApp has also added COVID-19 helplines from different governments and organisations like the WHO, UNICEF, and more since the beginning of the pandemic.

WhatsApp also said that the administrations in nations including India, Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa have begun utilising these helplines to connect citizens to accurate COVID-19 vaccine information and registration.

In India, WhatsApp has cooperated with MyGov to give data related to COVID-19 through a chatbot. The chatbot, called MyGov Corona Helpdesk includes details on COVID-19 vaccines and has surpassed the mark of 30 million users.

WhatsApp has rolled out a new sticker pack named 'Vaccines for All' as part of the organisation's endeavours towards spreading mindfulness about the COVID-19 vaccine.

WhatsApp has rolled out a new sticker pack named 'Vaccines for All' as part of the organisation's endeavours towards spreading mindfulness about the COVID-19 vaccine. These stickers are a mode of allowing users to show their appreciation for healthcare workers around the world. The new sticker pack was created in a joint effort with the World Health Organisation (WHO). To offer verified information on COVID-19, WhatsApp has also joined forces with more than 150 national, state and local governments, as well as organisations including the WHO and UNICEF. The COVID-19 helplines created on WhatsApp have also started offering vaccine information and registration. The new `Vaccine for All` sticker pack carries 23 particular stickers to WhatsApp, planned in partnership with the WHO. The stickers are accessible for download to both Android and iOS users and are pointed toward letting people "express the joy, relief, and hope they feel about the possibilities the COVID-19 vaccines offer". As COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out across the world, the new sticker pack aims to encourage vaccine uptake and represents hope," said Andy Pattison, Team Lead for Digital Channels at WHO was quoted as saying in a statement. Alongside the stickers, WhatsApp has also added COVID-19 helplines from different governments and organisations like the WHO, UNICEF, and more since the beginning of the pandemic. WhatsApp also said that the administrations in nations including India, Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa have begun utilising these helplines to connect citizens to accurate COVID-19 vaccine information and registration. In India, WhatsApp has cooperated with MyGov to give data related to COVID-19 through a chatbot. The chatbot, called MyGov Corona Helpdesk includes details on COVID-19 vaccines and has surpassed the mark of 30 million users.

WhatsApp rolls out stickers to spread COVID-19 vaccine awareness: Check out details

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Vyomica Berry

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.