Researchers in Australia have discovered a&nbsp;kangaroo painting created over 17,000 years ago by Aboriginal artists has been identified with a little help from some ancient wasps&nbsp;as Australia's oldest intact rock art.

The two-metre-long (six-feet) artwork on the sloped ceiling of a rock shelter in Western Australia's Kimberley region was painted in an early naturalistic style, which often features life-sized renderings of animals, according to research published Monday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/archaeologists-discover-worlds-oldest-known-cave-painting-in-indonesia-356575">Archaeologists discover world's oldest known cave painting in Indonesia</a>

Scientists worked with the local Aboriginal community, who can trace their heritage in the region back tens of thousands of years, to establish the age of original rock artworks, many of them worked and reworked over millennia. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

"The main challenge, globally, in dating ancient paintings, is that they very rarely employed a pigment that can be dated with any of the current, quantitative dating techniques," said lead author Damien Finch, a geochronologist at the University of Melbourne.

To get around this the researchers identified a way to work out the age of the painting using ancient mud wasp nests.&nbsp;

Finch and his colleagues found that some of the rock paintings had the remains of these nests, which can be radiocarbon dated,&nbsp;above and below the images.

They estimated that the kangaroo painting was between 17,500 and 17,100 years old, the oldest discovered to date.

"It's important that Indigenous knowledge and stories are not lost and continue to be shared for generations to come," said Cissy Gore-Birch, head of the Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation, in a statement from the University of Western Australia.

600 generations ago

She said partnerships could weave together traditional knowledge with western science, adding that the dating of the oldest known rock shelter painting "holds a great deal of significance for Aboriginal people and Australians and is an important part of Australia's history."

In total, the team dated 27 mud wasp nests around 16 different paintings from eight rock shelters and found that the artworks in this same naturalistic style were produced between around 17,000 and 13,000 years ago.

The images were mostly depictions of animals, including a snake, a lizard-like figure, and three macropods -- marsupials including kangaroos, wallabies and quokkas.&nbsp;

"This is a significant find as through these initial estimates, we can understand something of the world these ancient artists lived in," said Finch in a statement, adding that the environment would have been cooler and drier than today.&nbsp;

"We can never know what was in the mind of the artist when he/she painted this piece of work more than 600 generations ago, but we do know that the Naturalistic period extended back into the Last Ice Age."

The research, part of Australia's largest rock art dating project, was published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Researchers in Australia have discovered a kangaroo painting created over 17,000 years ago by Aboriginal artists has been identified with a little help from some ancient wasps as Australia's oldest intact rock art.

Researchers in Australia have discovered a kangaroo painting created over 17,000 years ago by Aboriginal artists has been identified with a little help from some ancient wasps as Australia's oldest intact rock art. The two-metre-long (six-feet) artwork on the sloped ceiling of a rock shelter in Western Australia's Kimberley region was painted in an early naturalistic style, which often features life-sized renderings of animals, according to research published Monday. Also read: Archaeologists discover world's oldest known cave painting in Indonesia Scientists worked with the local Aboriginal community, who can trace their heritage in the region back tens of thousands of years, to establish the age of original rock artworks, many of them worked and reworked over millennia. "The main challenge, globally, in dating ancient paintings, is that they very rarely employed a pigment that can be dated with any of the current, quantitative dating techniques," said lead author Damien Finch, a geochronologist at the University of Melbourne. To get around this the researchers identified a way to work out the age of the painting using ancient mud wasp nests. Finch and his colleagues found that some of the rock paintings had the remains of these nests, which can be radiocarbon dated, above and below the images. They estimated that the kangaroo painting was between 17,500 and 17,100 years old, the oldest discovered to date. "It's important that Indigenous knowledge and stories are not lost and continue to be shared for generations to come," said Cissy Gore-Birch, head of the Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation, in a statement from the University of Western Australia. 600 generations ago She said partnerships could weave together traditional knowledge with western science, adding that the dating of the oldest known rock shelter painting "holds a great deal of significance for Aboriginal people and Australians and is an important part of Australia's history." In total, the team dated 27 mud wasp nests around 16 different paintings from eight rock shelters and found that the artworks in this same naturalistic style were produced between around 17,000 and 13,000 years ago. The images were mostly depictions of animals, including a snake, a lizard-like figure, and three macropods -- marsupials including kangaroos, wallabies and quokkas. "This is a significant find as through these initial estimates, we can understand something of the world these ancient artists lived in," said Finch in a statement, adding that the environment would have been cooler and drier than today. "We can never know what was in the mind of the artist when he/she painted this piece of work more than 600 generations ago, but we do know that the Naturalistic period extended back into the Last Ice Age." The research, part of Australia's largest rock art dating project, was published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.

Researchers discover Australia's oldest intact rock art

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai the most high-profile person charged under a new national security law was denied bail due to the risk of his committing further offences.

Hong Kong High Court Judge&nbsp;Anthea Pang rejected Lai's latest application last week but only made public the reasons for her decision on Tuesday.

The case is being closely watched as it shows how&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's independent judiciary resolves any conflicts between the security law drafted in Beijing, where courts come under the Communist Party&nbsp;and the city's common law traditions.

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Apple Daily, which is owned by&nbsp;Lai, reported that the 73-year-old was arrested inside Stanley Prison on Tuesday.

Lai&nbsp;is already in custody, having been charged in December under a national security law Beijing imposed on the city last year.&nbsp;

The new law puts the onus on the defendant to prove they would not be a national security threat if released on bail. Under&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's common law-based legal system, the onus has traditionally been on the prosecution to prove its case.

Beijing imposed the national security law on the former British colony last June after months of pro-democracy protests. The law punishes anything China considers subversion, secession, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

Critics say it is aimed at crushing dissent and it erodes freedoms in the semi-autonomous financial hub. Its supporters say it restores stability after months of unrest.

Prosecutors have accused Lai of breaching the law over statements he made on July 30 and Aug. 18, in which they allege he requested foreign interference in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's affairs.

Lai has been a frequent visitor to Washington, meeting with officials, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to rally support for&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;democracy, prompting Beijing to label him a "traitor".

He is also among a group of nine leading dissidents currently on trial for organising one of the huge pro-democracy rallies that swept Hong Kong in 2019.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai the most high-profile person charged under a new national security law was denied bail due to the risk of his committing further offences.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai the most high-profile person charged under a new national security law was denied bail due to the risk of his committing further offences. Hong Kong High Court Judge Anthea Pang rejected Lai's latest application last week but only made public the reasons for her decision on Tuesday. The case is being closely watched as it shows how Hong Kong's independent judiciary resolves any conflicts between the security law drafted in Beijing, where courts come under the Communist Party and the city's common law traditions. Apple Daily, which is owned by Lai, reported that the 73-year-old was arrested inside Stanley Prison on Tuesday. Lai is already in custody, having been charged in December under a national security law Beijing imposed on the city last year. The new law puts the onus on the defendant to prove they would not be a national security threat if released on bail. Under Hong Kong's common law-based legal system, the onus has traditionally been on the prosecution to prove its case. Beijing imposed the national security law on the former British colony last June after months of pro-democracy protests. The law punishes anything China considers subversion, secession, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. Critics say it is aimed at crushing dissent and it erodes freedoms in the semi-autonomous financial hub. Its supporters say it restores stability after months of unrest. Prosecutors have accused Lai of breaching the law over statements he made on July 30 and Aug. 18, in which they allege he requested foreign interference in Hong Kong's affairs. Lai has been a frequent visitor to Washington, meeting with officials, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to rally support for Hong Kong democracy, prompting Beijing to label him a "traitor". He is also among a group of nine leading dissidents currently on trial for organising one of the huge pro-democracy rallies that swept Hong Kong in 2019.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai denied bail due to risk of 'committing further offences'

A volley of rockets on Monday targeted the high-security zone in the Iraqi capital that is home to the US embassy, the military and security sources said.

The attack is the third in a week to target Western diplomatic, military or commercial installations across Iraq after months of relative calm.&nbsp;

At least two rockets hit within the perimeter of the Green Zone, where the American and other foreign embassies are based, according to a statement by Iraq's security services.

A security source told AFP at least one rocket hit the headquarters of Iraq's National Security Service near the US diplomatic mission.

Others crashed into nearby residential districts, including a multi-storey parking complex in the neighbourhood of Harithiya, a witness told AFP.&nbsp;

The attack comes one week after more than a dozen rockets targeted a military complex at the Arbil airport in northern Iraq, which hosts foreign troops from a US-led coalition helping Iraq fight jihadists since 2014.

Two people were killed, including one foreign contractor based at the airport, who died immediately, and a civilian, who died of his wounds on Monday.

On Saturday, another wave of rockets hit the Al-Balad airbase north of Baghdad, where Iraq keeps most of the F-16s it has purchased from the US in recent years.

Security sources said at least one local contractor for Sallyport, the US company that maintains the planes, was wounded.

A volley of rockets on Monday targeted the high-security zone in the Iraqi capital that is home to the US embassy, the military and security sources said. The attack is the third in a week to target Western diplomatic, military or commercial installations across Iraq after months of relative calm.

A volley of rockets on Monday targeted the high-security zone in the Iraqi capital that is home to the US embassy, the military and security sources said. The attack is the third in a week to target Western diplomatic, military or commercial installations across Iraq after months of relative calm. At least two rockets hit within the perimeter of the Green Zone, where the American and other foreign embassies are based, according to a statement by Iraq's security services. A security source told AFP at least one rocket hit the headquarters of Iraq's National Security Service near the US diplomatic mission. Others crashed into nearby residential districts, including a multi-storey parking complex in the neighbourhood of Harithiya, a witness told AFP. The attack comes one week after more than a dozen rockets targeted a military complex at the Arbil airport in northern Iraq, which hosts foreign troops from a US-led coalition helping Iraq fight jihadists since 2014. Two people were killed, including one foreign contractor based at the airport, who died immediately, and a civilian, who died of his wounds on Monday. On Saturday, another wave of rockets hit the Al-Balad airbase north of Baghdad, where Iraq keeps most of the F-16s it has purchased from the US in recent years. Security sources said at least one local contractor for Sallyport, the US company that maintains the planes, was wounded.

Rockets target US embassy in Iraqi capital: Military

British Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;on Monday outlined a "gradual and cautious" approach to lifting curbs in England, starting with the return of students to schools from March 8, and non-essential retail from April 12.

In a statement to parliament, he said&nbsp;"the threat remains substantial, with numbers in hospital only now beginning to fall below the peak of the first wave in April.''

"From this point, 29th March, people will no longer be legally required to stay at home, but many lockdown restrictions will remain,'' he added.

The announcement is the first big step towards restoring normal life, nearly a year after Johnson imposed the first of three stay-at-home orders that have devastated the country and its economy.

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Johnson told MPs that with a mass vaccination programme across the country easing pressure on overstretched hospitals, "the end really is in sight".

"A wretched year will give way to a spring and summer that will be very different and incomparably better than the picture we see around us today," he added.

The Conservative prime minister, who was accused of acting too late and relaxing curbs too early last year, called the plan "cautious but irreversible" to ensure no more lockdowns.

Britain is one of the countries hardest-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, with more than 120,000 deaths.

It was the first nation to begin a mass vaccination campaign in December, but surging case numbers forced a return to lockdown and shut schools in early January after an easing of curbs over Christmas.

More than 17 million people have now received at least a first vaccine dose -- one-third of the UK's adult population.

Case numbers falling

Over the weekend, the government said it would seek to offer a dose to everyone aged over 50 by mid-April, and to every other adult by the end of July, accelerating the latter timetable from September previously.

Case numbers are falling again and early evidence suggests the vaccinations are reducing serious illness, after some intensive-care units were overrun last month and queues of ambulances formed outside hospitals, unable to transfer their patients.

Johnson said the planned relaxations would be uniform across England, after regionalised tiers were put in place last year, but stressed that further progress would hinge on factors such as any new Covid variants.

That, and proof that the National Health Service is not facing any more "unsustainable pressure", offer Johnson some flexibility against pressure from Conservative backbenchers who are pressing for a cast-iron timeline to normality by the summer.

Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi confirmed earlier on Monday that pupils would go back to schools en masse on March 8 rather than in a staggered return, insisting widespread testing would make it safe. &nbsp;

"We are being deliberately careful and of course allowing teachers the notice to be able to prepare," he told BBC radio.&nbsp;

"It's ambitious but it's also careful and it's data-driven."

However, teaching unions say all students returning on the same day is "reckless", but the March 8 target appears to be backed by the main opposition Labour party.

'Not through this yet'

Also from March 8, the government plans to allow elderly residents of care homes to receive indoor visits from one designated relative or friend, and limited social mixing by the public outdoors will be permitted.

The government laid out its plans in a 68-page document, which said the five-week intervals between the four stages were designed to allow for assessment of the relaxation measures.

Johnson stressed the lifting of curbs would be led by data, not dates. The four tests involve study of the progress of the vaccine rollout, pressure on hospitals, infection rates and the emergence of any new coronavirus variants.

The devolved governments of Scotland and Wales, which administer their own health policy, are letting some younger pupils return to school this week.

In Northern Ireland, the administration is resuming younger classes on March 8 but has extended its overall lockdown to April 1.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday outlined a "gradual and cautious" approach to lifting curbs in England, starting with the return of students to schools from March 8, and non-essential retail from April 12.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday outlined a "gradual and cautious" approach to lifting curbs in England, starting with the return of students to schools from March 8, and non-essential retail from April 12. In a statement to parliament, he said "the threat remains substantial, with numbers in hospital only now beginning to fall below the peak of the first wave in April.'' "From this point, 29th March, people will no longer be legally required to stay at home, but many lockdown restrictions will remain,'' he added. The announcement is the first big step towards restoring normal life, nearly a year after Johnson imposed the first of three stay-at-home orders that have devastated the country and its economy. Johnson told MPs that with a mass vaccination programme across the country easing pressure on overstretched hospitals, "the end really is in sight". "A wretched year will give way to a spring and summer that will be very different and incomparably better than the picture we see around us today," he added. The Conservative prime minister, who was accused of acting too late and relaxing curbs too early last year, called the plan "cautious but irreversible" to ensure no more lockdowns. Britain is one of the countries hardest-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, with more than 120,000 deaths. It was the first nation to begin a mass vaccination campaign in December, but surging case numbers forced a return to lockdown and shut schools in early January after an easing of curbs over Christmas. More than 17 million people have now received at least a first vaccine dose -- one-third of the UK's adult population. Case numbers falling Over the weekend, the government said it would seek to offer a dose to everyone aged over 50 by mid-April, and to every other adult by the end of July, accelerating the latter timetable from September previously. Case numbers are falling again and early evidence suggests the vaccinations are reducing serious illness, after some intensive-care units were overrun last month and queues of ambulances formed outside hospitals, unable to transfer their patients. Johnson said the planned relaxations would be uniform across England, after regionalised tiers were put in place last year, but stressed that further progress would hinge on factors such as any new Covid variants. That, and proof that the National Health Service is not facing any more "unsustainable pressure", offer Johnson some flexibility against pressure from Conservative backbenchers who are pressing for a cast-iron timeline to normality by the summer. Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi confirmed earlier on Monday that pupils would go back to schools en masse on March 8 rather than in a staggered return, insisting widespread testing would make it safe. "We are being deliberately careful and of course allowing teachers the notice to be able to prepare," he told BBC radio. "It's ambitious but it's also careful and it's data-driven." However, teaching unions say all students returning on the same day is "reckless", but the March 8 target appears to be backed by the main opposition Labour party. 'Not through this yet' Also from March 8, the government plans to allow elderly residents of care homes to receive indoor visits from one designated relative or friend, and limited social mixing by the public outdoors will be permitted. The government laid out its plans in a 68-page document, which said the five-week intervals between the four stages were designed to allow for assessment of the relaxation measures. Johnson stressed the lifting of curbs would be led by data, not dates. The four tests involve study of the progress of the vaccine rollout, pressure on hospitals, infection rates and the emergence of any new coronavirus variants. The devolved governments of Scotland and Wales, which administer their own health policy, are letting some younger pupils return to school this week. In Northern Ireland, the administration is resuming younger classes on March 8 but has extended its overall lockdown to April 1.

'Cautious but irreversible': Johnson sets out England's lockdown exit plan

The Australian government on Monday promised a&nbsp;'quick delivery' of an independent probe&nbsp;as pressure grows after a newspaper published a third accusation of rape.

Two female employees of Prime Minister Scott Morrison's Liberal party said last week they had been raped by the same man in 2019 and 2020.

Both have yet to make a formal police complaint, but Brittany Higgins, who has spoken publicly about her alleged rape, said last week that she would do so, though it is unclear if she has lodged one with police.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-allegation-made-against-man-accused-of-rape-in-australia-parliament-365316" hreflang="en">Another allegation made against man accused of rape in Australia Parliament</a>

Higgins had alleged that after a night out drinking with conservative Liberal Party colleagues, she was sexually assaulted by one of her male colleagues in in the office of then-defence industry minister Linda Reynolds' office.

Finance Minister Simon Birmingham, who is leading an internal inquiry into workplace culture, said he wanted an investigation that is to be set up next week to be impartial.

"I want complete independence," he told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio. "I want people to have full confidence that this enquiry is genuinely an independent (one)."

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The complaint process is expected to be a central element of the investigation, he said, adding, "This is not something that I expect to drag on for weeks."

Fuelling pressure on Morrison, the Australian newspaper published on Monday the account of a third woman, who said she had also been raped by the unnamed former Liberal party worker on the night of June 29 and the morning of June 30 in 2016.

"I believe his actions constitute sexual assault because he performed or tried to perform sexual acts on me while I was severely intoxicated and unable to provide valid and informed consent," the unidentified woman told the paper.

The incident happened outside parliament, she added.

Already dogged by accusations of improper behaviour towards women, Morrison's Liberals face a barrage of criticism about the way it handled Higgins' internal complaint to Linda Reynolds, who is now defence minister.

Higgins has said she felt pressure not to proceed with a formal complaint for fear of losing her job.

Reynolds last week apologised to Higgins but denied that she or her staff pressured her not to pursue a police complaint.

Morrison said he only learnt of the alleged complaints last week and has sought to placate public anger with an inquiry.

The Australian government on Monday promised a 'quick delivery' of an independent probe as pressure grows after a newspaper published a third accusation of rape.

The Australian government on Monday promised a 'quick delivery' of an independent probe as pressure grows after a newspaper published a third accusation of rape. Two female employees of Prime Minister Scott Morrison's Liberal party said last week they had been raped by the same man in 2019 and 2020. Both have yet to make a formal police complaint, but Brittany Higgins, who has spoken publicly about her alleged rape, said last week that she would do so, though it is unclear if she has lodged one with police. Also read: Another allegation made against man accused of rape in Australia Parliament Higgins had alleged that after a night out drinking with conservative Liberal Party colleagues, she was sexually assaulted by one of her male colleagues in in the office of then-defence industry minister Linda Reynolds' office. Finance Minister Simon Birmingham, who is leading an internal inquiry into workplace culture, said he wanted an investigation that is to be set up next week to be impartial. "I want complete independence," he told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio. "I want people to have full confidence that this enquiry is genuinely an independent (one)." The complaint process is expected to be a central element of the investigation, he said, adding, "This is not something that I expect to drag on for weeks." Fuelling pressure on Morrison, the Australian newspaper published on Monday the account of a third woman, who said she had also been raped by the unnamed former Liberal party worker on the night of June 29 and the morning of June 30 in 2016. "I believe his actions constitute sexual assault because he performed or tried to perform sexual acts on me while I was severely intoxicated and unable to provide valid and informed consent," the unidentified woman told the paper. The incident happened outside parliament, she added. Already dogged by accusations of improper behaviour towards women, Morrison's Liberals face a barrage of criticism about the way it handled Higgins' internal complaint to Linda Reynolds, who is now defence minister. Higgins has said she felt pressure not to proceed with a formal complaint for fear of losing her job. Reynolds last week apologised to Higgins but denied that she or her staff pressured her not to pursue a police complaint. Morrison said he only learnt of the alleged complaints last week and has sought to placate public anger with an inquiry.

Australian government vows 'quick delivery' of independent probe for rape accusation

India is working hard to enhance its capabilities and capacities in the defence-manufacturing sector at a fast pace, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday as he urged the private sector to come forward for designing and manufacturing of defence equipment.

The prime minister also noted that there were hundreds of ordnance factories before independence with large-scale weapons export from the country in both world wars but this system was not strengthened thereafter.

Addressing a webinar on effective implementation of the Union Budget's provisions in the defence sector, the prime minister listed a series of measures taken by his government to boost self-reliance in the defence sector and rued the fact that the country is amongst the biggest defence importers in the world.

He said an India that has the capacity to reach Mars could have made modern weapons also, but it became an easy way to import weapons from abroad.

"But now, the country is working hard to change the situation and also to enhance its capacities and capabilities at a fast pace," the prime minister asserted.

"The condition is such that even for small arms, we have to look at other nations. India is amongst the biggest defence importers and this is not a matter of pride," Modi stressed.

On the defence budget, the prime minister said a part has been reserved for domestic procurement even in the capital budget of defence.

A total amount of Rs 4.78 lakh crore has been earmarked for the defence ministry in the 2021-22 budget, with a nearly-19-per cent increase in capital outlay.

Modi also urged the private sector to come forward and take up both designing and manufacturing of defence equipment.

He said it is not that the people of India do not have the talent or capability, and pointed out that the country did not make ventilators before the coronavirus pandemic but now manufactures thousands of those.

Modi also cited the example of the indigenously-developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas.

He said his government has relied on the capabilities of the country's engineers and scientists in developing Tejas and today, it is "flying gracefully in the skies".

A few weeks ago, an order worth Rs 48,000 crore was placed for Tejas, he noted.

Modi said with initiatives like de-licensing, de-regulation, export promotion, foreign investment liberalisation, the government has taken several measures to give the defence-manufacturing sector a boost.

He said with the establishment of the chief of defence staff post, bringing uniformity in the procurement process and induction of equipment has become easy.

The prime minister said India has made a list of 100 important items related to defence that can be manufactured indigenously with the help of local industries.

He said it is called a negative list in the official language, but it is a positive list in the language of self-reliance.

This is the positive list on which the country's manufacturing capacity is going to increase, Modi asserted.

This is the positive list that is going to reduce India's dependence on foreign countries for defence needs and it guarantees the sale of indigenous products in India, he observed.

Describing the medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) as the backbone of the entire manufacturing sector, Modi said reforms that are taking place today are giving more freedom to the MSME sector and encouragement for expanding.

The prime minister said the defence corridors that are being built in the country will also help local entrepreneurs and local manufacturing.

"Self-sufficiency in our defence sector has to be seen as the empowerment of these two fronts -- jawan as well as youth," he said.&nbsp;

India is working hard to enhance its capabilities and capacities in the defence-manufacturing sector at a fast pace, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday as he urged the private sector to come forward for designing and manufacturing of defence equipment.

India is working hard to enhance its capabilities and capacities in the defence-manufacturing sector at a fast pace, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday as he urged the private sector to come forward for designing and manufacturing of defence equipment. The prime minister also noted that there were hundreds of ordnance factories before independence with large-scale weapons export from the country in both world wars but this system was not strengthened thereafter. Addressing a webinar on effective implementation of the Union Budget's provisions in the defence sector, the prime minister listed a series of measures taken by his government to boost self-reliance in the defence sector and rued the fact that the country is amongst the biggest defence importers in the world. He said an India that has the capacity to reach Mars could have made modern weapons also, but it became an easy way to import weapons from abroad. "But now, the country is working hard to change the situation and also to enhance its capacities and capabilities at a fast pace," the prime minister asserted. "The condition is such that even for small arms, we have to look at other nations. India is amongst the biggest defence importers and this is not a matter of pride," Modi stressed. On the defence budget, the prime minister said a part has been reserved for domestic procurement even in the capital budget of defence. A total amount of Rs 4.78 lakh crore has been earmarked for the defence ministry in the 2021-22 budget, with a nearly-19-per cent increase in capital outlay. Modi also urged the private sector to come forward and take up both designing and manufacturing of defence equipment. He said it is not that the people of India do not have the talent or capability, and pointed out that the country did not make ventilators before the coronavirus pandemic but now manufactures thousands of those. Modi also cited the example of the indigenously-developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas. He said his government has relied on the capabilities of the country's engineers and scientists in developing Tejas and today, it is "flying gracefully in the skies". A few weeks ago, an order worth Rs 48,000 crore was placed for Tejas, he noted. Modi said with initiatives like de-licensing, de-regulation, export promotion, foreign investment liberalisation, the government has taken several measures to give the defence-manufacturing sector a boost. He said with the establishment of the chief of defence staff post, bringing uniformity in the procurement process and induction of equipment has become easy. The prime minister said India has made a list of 100 important items related to defence that can be manufactured indigenously with the help of local industries. He said it is called a negative list in the official language, but it is a positive list in the language of self-reliance. This is the positive list on which the country's manufacturing capacity is going to increase, Modi asserted. This is the positive list that is going to reduce India's dependence on foreign countries for defence needs and it guarantees the sale of indigenous products in India, he observed. Describing the medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) as the backbone of the entire manufacturing sector, Modi said reforms that are taking place today are giving more freedom to the MSME sector and encouragement for expanding. The prime minister said the defence corridors that are being built in the country will also help local entrepreneurs and local manufacturing. "Self-sufficiency in our defence sector has to be seen as the empowerment of these two fronts -- jawan as well as youth," he said.

India committed to enhancing capabilities in defence manufacturing: PM Modi

&nbsp;Some microbes found on Earth may temporarily survive on the surface of Mars, according to a study that could be vital for the success of future missions to the Red Planet.

It comes after&nbsp;the Perseverance rover of&nbsp;the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) touched down on Mars last week.

Scientists at the US space agency and German Aerospace Centre&nbsp;tested the endurance of microorganisms to Martian conditions by launching them into the stratosphere, the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere which closely represents key conditions on Mars.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-eyes-set-on-nasas-perseverance-world-races-to-find-mars-mysteries-364447" hreflang="en">As eyes set on NASA's Perseverance, world races to find Mars mysteries</a>

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology, paves the way for understanding not only the threat of microbes to space missions but also the opportunities for resource independence from Earth.

"We successfully tested a new way of exposing bacteria and fungi to Mars-like conditions by using a scientific balloon to fly our experimental equipment up to Earth`s stratosphere," said Marta Filipa Cortesao, joint first author of this study from the German Aerospace Centre in Cologne, Germany. 
 
"Some microbes, in particular spores from the black mold fungus, were able to survive the trip, even when exposed to very high UV (ultraviolet) radiation." 
 
Understanding the endurance of microbes to space travel is vital for the success of future missions.

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When searching for extra-terrestrial life, we need to be sure that anything we discover has not just travelled with us from Earth. 
 
"With crewed long-term missions to Mars, we need to know how human-associated micro-organisms would survive on the Red Planet, as some may pose a health risk to astronauts," said joint first author Katharina Siems, also based at the German Aerospace Centre. 
 
"In addition, some microbes could be invaluable for space exploration. They could help us produce food and material supplies independently from Earth, which will be crucial when far away from home." 
 
Many key characteristics of the environment at the Martian surface cannot be found or easily replicated at the surface of our planet. However, above the ozone layer in Earth's middle stratosphere, the conditions are remarkably similar. 
 
"We launched the microbes into the stratosphere inside the MARSBOx (Microbes in Atmosphere for Radiation, Survival and Biological Outcomes experiment) payload, which was kept at Martian pressure and filled with artificial Martian atmosphere throughout the mission," explained Cortesao. 
 
"While not all the microbes survived the trip, one previously detected on the International Space Station, the black mold Aspergillus niger, could be revived after it returned home," explains Siems, who highlights the importance of this ongoing research.

Some microbes found on Earth may temporarily survive on the surface of Mars, according to a study that could be vital for the success of future missions to the Red Planet.

Some microbes found on Earth may temporarily survive on the surface of Mars, according to a study that could be vital for the success of future missions to the Red Planet. It comes after the Perseverance rover of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) touched down on Mars last week. Scientists at the US space agency and German Aerospace Centre tested the endurance of microorganisms to Martian conditions by launching them into the stratosphere, the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere which closely represents key conditions on Mars. Also read: As eyes set on NASA's Perseverance, world races to find Mars mysteries The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology, paves the way for understanding not only the threat of microbes to space missions but also the opportunities for resource independence from Earth. "We successfully tested a new way of exposing bacteria and fungi to Mars-like conditions by using a scientific balloon to fly our experimental equipment up to Earth`s stratosphere," said Marta Filipa Cortesao, joint first author of this study from the German Aerospace Centre in Cologne, Germany. "Some microbes, in particular spores from the black mold fungus, were able to survive the trip, even when exposed to very high UV (ultraviolet) radiation." Understanding the endurance of microbes to space travel is vital for the success of future missions. When searching for extra-terrestrial life, we need to be sure that anything we discover has not just travelled with us from Earth. "With crewed long-term missions to Mars, we need to know how human-associated micro-organisms would survive on the Red Planet, as some may pose a health risk to astronauts," said joint first author Katharina Siems, also based at the German Aerospace Centre. "In addition, some microbes could be invaluable for space exploration. They could help us produce food and material supplies independently from Earth, which will be crucial when far away from home." Many key characteristics of the environment at the Martian surface cannot be found or easily replicated at the surface of our planet. However, above the ozone layer in Earth's middle stratosphere, the conditions are remarkably similar. "We launched the microbes into the stratosphere inside the MARSBOx (Microbes in Atmosphere for Radiation, Survival and Biological Outcomes experiment) payload, which was kept at Martian pressure and filled with artificial Martian atmosphere throughout the mission," explained Cortesao. "While not all the microbes survived the trip, one previously detected on the International Space Station, the black mold Aspergillus niger, could be revived after it returned home," explains Siems, who highlights the importance of this ongoing research.

Study reveals microbes from Earth could temporarily survive on Mars

Bone cancer survivor&nbsp;Hayley Arceneaux will join&nbsp;billionaire Jared Isaacman on SpaceX's&nbsp;first all-civilian mission into Earth's orbit.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital announced Monday that the 29-year-old physician assistant,&nbsp;a former patient hired last spring,&nbsp;will launch later this year alongside a billionaire who's using his purchased spaceflight as a charitable fundraiser.

Arceneaux will become the youngest American in space&nbsp;beating NASA record-holder Sally Ride by over two years&nbsp;when she blasts off this fall with entrepreneur Jared Isaacman and two yet-to-be-chosen contest winners. She'll also be the first to launch with a prosthesis.

The second seat will&nbsp;be drawn from those who enter the raffle and are encouraged to donate to the hospital.

A third will be picked by a panel of judges from entrepreneurs who use an e-commerce tool from&nbsp;Isaacman's company, Shift4 Payments.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacex-announces-first-commercial-astronaut-mission-to-orbit-earth-360776">SpaceX announces first commercial astronaut mission to orbit Earth</a>

Isaacman announced his space mission on February 1, pledging to raise $200 million for St. Jude, half of that his own contribution.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime adventure: a journey into outer space on the first all-civilian space flight," according to a website dedicated to the mission.

All three crewmembers "will receive commercial astronaut training by SpaceX on the Falcon 9 launch vehicle and Dragon spacecraft," as well as orbital mechanics and stress testing, including operating in micro- or zero gravity, the statement said.

SpaceX says that during the multi-day mission, the astronauts will orbit Earth every 90 minutes.

After the mission, the spacecraft will reenter the atmosphere for a water landing off the Florida coast.

In mid-November 2020, four astronauts were successfully carried into orbit by a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule and boarded the International Space Station.

The Dragon capsule had just a week prior become the first spacecraft to be certified by NASA since the Space Shuttle nearly 40 years ago. Its launch vehicle is the reusable SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.&nbsp;

At the end of its missions, the Crew Dragon deploys parachutes and then splashes down in the water, just as in the Apollo era.

NASA turned to SpaceX and Boeing after shuttering the checkered Space Shuttle program in 2011, which failed in its main objectives of making space travel affordable and safe.

The agency will have spent more than $8 billion on the Commercial Crew program by 2024, with the hope that the private sector can take care of NASA's needs in "low Earth orbit" so it is freed up to focus on return missions to the Moon and then on to Mars.

In addition to the first commercial mission, SpaceX is scheduled to launch two more crewed flights for NASA in 2021, including one in the spring, and four cargo refueling missions over the next 15 months.

Bone cancer survivor Hayley Arceneaux will join billionaire Jared Isaacman on SpaceX's first all-civilian mission into Earth's orbit. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital announced Monday that the 29-year-old physician assistant, a former patient hired last spring, will launch later this year alongside a billionaire who's using his purchased spaceflight as a charitable fundraiser.

Bone cancer survivor Hayley Arceneaux will join billionaire Jared Isaacman on SpaceX's first all-civilian mission into Earth's orbit. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital announced Monday that the 29-year-old physician assistant, a former patient hired last spring, will launch later this year alongside a billionaire who's using his purchased spaceflight as a charitable fundraiser. Arceneaux will become the youngest American in space beating NASA record-holder Sally Ride by over two years when she blasts off this fall with entrepreneur Jared Isaacman and two yet-to-be-chosen contest winners. She'll also be the first to launch with a prosthesis. The second seat will be drawn from those who enter the raffle and are encouraged to donate to the hospital. A third will be picked by a panel of judges from entrepreneurs who use an e-commerce tool from Isaacman's company, Shift4 Payments. Also read: SpaceX announces first commercial astronaut mission to orbit Earth Isaacman announced his space mission on February 1, pledging to raise $200 million for St. Jude, half of that his own contribution. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime adventure: a journey into outer space on the first all-civilian space flight," according to a website dedicated to the mission. All three crewmembers "will receive commercial astronaut training by SpaceX on the Falcon 9 launch vehicle and Dragon spacecraft," as well as orbital mechanics and stress testing, including operating in micro- or zero gravity, the statement said. SpaceX says that during the multi-day mission, the astronauts will orbit Earth every 90 minutes. After the mission, the spacecraft will reenter the atmosphere for a water landing off the Florida coast. In mid-November 2020, four astronauts were successfully carried into orbit by a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule and boarded the International Space Station. The Dragon capsule had just a week prior become the first spacecraft to be certified by NASA since the Space Shuttle nearly 40 years ago. Its launch vehicle is the reusable SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. At the end of its missions, the Crew Dragon deploys parachutes and then splashes down in the water, just as in the Apollo era. NASA turned to SpaceX and Boeing after shuttering the checkered Space Shuttle program in 2011, which failed in its main objectives of making space travel affordable and safe. The agency will have spent more than $8 billion on the Commercial Crew program by 2024, with the hope that the private sector can take care of NASA's needs in "low Earth orbit" so it is freed up to focus on return missions to the Moon and then on to Mars. In addition to the first commercial mission, SpaceX is scheduled to launch two more crewed flights for NASA in 2021, including one in the spring, and four cargo refueling missions over the next 15 months.

Bone cancer survivor Hayley Arceneaux to join billionaire Jared Isaacman on SpaceX 'all-civilian' trip

Scientists in Australia have&nbsp;discovered the 'ingredients of life'&nbsp;in 3.5 billion-year-old rocks in Pilbara Craton.

It is the&nbsp;first detailed evidence of early chemical ingredients that could have underpinned Earth's primaeval microbial life-forms.

The findings published&nbsp;in Nature Communications demonstrate that early Archaean hydrothermal fluids contained essential primordial ingredients that provided fertile substrates for the earliest life on our planet.

Detailed field mapping, petrographic observations, and mineralogical analyses revealed that the Dresser Formation was formed in a hydrothermal setting, most likely a volcanic caldera.

Fluid inclusions in the Dresser barites are excellent candidates in the search for organic molecules that once supported microbial life.&nbsp; The data from the study&nbsp;strongly supports the idea that hydrothermal fluids supplied a fertile substrate for early microbial life on Earth.

According to geobiologist Helge Mißbach from the University of Cologne in Germany,&nbsp;"In the field, the barites are directly associated with fossilised microbial mats, and they smell like rotten eggs when freshly scratched.''

"Thus, we suspected that they contained organic material that might have served as nutrients for early microbial life."

It is widely hypothesised that primaeval life utilised small organic molecules as sources of carbon and energy. However, the presence of such primordial ingredients in early Earth habitats has not yet been demonstrated.&nbsp;

Primaeval microbes likely required small organic molecules to act as building blocks for biomass.&nbsp;A potential source of such compounds includes recycled and redistributed organic matter from pre-existing biomass.

The researchers wrote in their study,&nbsp;"Indeed, many compounds discovered in the barite-hosted fluid inclusions … would have provided ideal substrates for the sulfur-based and methanogenic microbes previously proposed as players in the Dresser environment."

Scientists in Australia have discovered the 'ingredients of life' in 3.5 billion-year-old rocks in Pilbara Craton. It is the first detailed evidence of early chemical ingredients that could have underpinned Earth's primaeval microbial life-forms.

Scientists in Australia have discovered the 'ingredients of life' in 3.5 billion-year-old rocks in Pilbara Craton. It is the first detailed evidence of early chemical ingredients that could have underpinned Earth's primaeval microbial life-forms. The findings published in Nature Communications demonstrate that early Archaean hydrothermal fluids contained essential primordial ingredients that provided fertile substrates for the earliest life on our planet. Detailed field mapping, petrographic observations, and mineralogical analyses revealed that the Dresser Formation was formed in a hydrothermal setting, most likely a volcanic caldera. Fluid inclusions in the Dresser barites are excellent candidates in the search for organic molecules that once supported microbial life. The data from the study strongly supports the idea that hydrothermal fluids supplied a fertile substrate for early microbial life on Earth. According to geobiologist Helge Mißbach from the University of Cologne in Germany, "In the field, the barites are directly associated with fossilised microbial mats, and they smell like rotten eggs when freshly scratched.'' "Thus, we suspected that they contained organic material that might have served as nutrients for early microbial life." It is widely hypothesised that primaeval life utilised small organic molecules as sources of carbon and energy. However, the presence of such primordial ingredients in early Earth habitats has not yet been demonstrated. Primaeval microbes likely required small organic molecules to act as building blocks for biomass. A potential source of such compounds includes recycled and redistributed organic matter from pre-existing biomass. The researchers wrote in their study, "Indeed, many compounds discovered in the barite-hosted fluid inclusions … would have provided ideal substrates for the sulfur-based and methanogenic microbes previously proposed as players in the Dresser environment."

'Ingredients of life' discovered by scientists in 3.5 billion-year-old rocks

Israeli researchers said on Monday that&nbsp;Chinese spies used code first developed by the US&nbsp;National Security Agency to support their hacking operations, another indication of how malicious software developed by governments can boomerang against their creators.

Tel Aviv-based Check Point Software Technologies issued a report noting that some features in a piece of China-linked malware it dubs "Jian" were so similar they could only have been stolen from some of the National Security Agency break-in tools leaked to the internet in 2017.

Yaniv Balmas, Checkpoint's head of research, called Jian "kind of a copycat, a Chinese replica."

Also read-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-hackers-targeting-biden-and-trump-are-faking-mcafee-software-google-336251">Chinese hackers targeting Biden and Trump are faking McAfee software: Google</a>

The find comes as some experts argue that American spies should devote more energy to fixing the flaws they find in software instead of developing and deploying malicious software to exploit it.

Lockheed Martin Corp, which is credited as having identified the vulnerability exploited by Jian in 2017, discovered it on the network of an unidentified third party.

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In a statement, Lockheed said it "routinely evaluates third-party software and technologies to identify vulnerabilities."

Countries around the world develop malware that breaks into their rivals' devices by taking advantage of flaws in the software that runs them. Every time spies discover a new flaw they must decide whether to quietly exploit it or fix the issue to thwart rivals and rogues.

That dilemma came to public attention between 2016 and 2017, when a mysterious group calling itself the "Shadow Brokers" published some of the NSA's most dangerous code to the internet, allowing cybercriminals and rival nations to add American-made digital break-in tools to their own arsenals.

How the Jian malware analyzed by Checkpoint was used is not clear. In an advisory published in 2017, Microsoft Corp suggested it was linked to a Chinese entity it dubs "Zirconium," which last year was accused of targeting US&nbsp;election-related organizations and individuals, including people associated with President Joe Biden's campaign.

Checkpoint says Jian appears to have been crafted in 2014, at least two years before the Shadow Brokers made their public debut. That, in conjunction with research published in 2019 by Broadcom Inc-owned cybersecurity firm Symantec about a similar incident, suggests the NSA has repeatedly lost control of its own malware over the years.

Checkpoint's research is thorough and "looks legit," said Costin Raiu, a researcher with Moscow-based antivirus firm Kaspersky Lab, which has helped dissect some of the NSA's malware.

Balmas said a possible takeaway from his company's report was for spymasters weighing whether to keep software flaws secret to think twice about using a vulnerability for their own ends.

"Maybe it's more important to patch this thing and save the world," Balmas said. "It might be used against you."

Israeli researchers said on Monday that Chinese spies used code first developed by the US National Security Agency to support their hacking operations, another indication of how malicious software developed by governments can boomerang against their creators.

Israeli researchers said on Monday that Chinese spies used code first developed by the US National Security Agency to support their hacking operations, another indication of how malicious software developed by governments can boomerang against their creators. Tel Aviv-based Check Point Software Technologies issued a report noting that some features in a piece of China-linked malware it dubs "Jian" were so similar they could only have been stolen from some of the National Security Agency break-in tools leaked to the internet in 2017. Yaniv Balmas, Checkpoint's head of research, called Jian "kind of a copycat, a Chinese replica." Also read-Chinese hackers targeting Biden and Trump are faking McAfee software: Google The find comes as some experts argue that American spies should devote more energy to fixing the flaws they find in software instead of developing and deploying malicious software to exploit it. Lockheed Martin Corp, which is credited as having identified the vulnerability exploited by Jian in 2017, discovered it on the network of an unidentified third party. In a statement, Lockheed said it "routinely evaluates third-party software and technologies to identify vulnerabilities." Countries around the world develop malware that breaks into their rivals' devices by taking advantage of flaws in the software that runs them. Every time spies discover a new flaw they must decide whether to quietly exploit it or fix the issue to thwart rivals and rogues. That dilemma came to public attention between 2016 and 2017, when a mysterious group calling itself the "Shadow Brokers" published some of the NSA's most dangerous code to the internet, allowing cybercriminals and rival nations to add American-made digital break-in tools to their own arsenals. How the Jian malware analyzed by Checkpoint was used is not clear. In an advisory published in 2017, Microsoft Corp suggested it was linked to a Chinese entity it dubs "Zirconium," which last year was accused of targeting US election-related organizations and individuals, including people associated with President Joe Biden's campaign. Checkpoint says Jian appears to have been crafted in 2014, at least two years before the Shadow Brokers made their public debut. That, in conjunction with research published in 2019 by Broadcom Inc-owned cybersecurity firm Symantec about a similar incident, suggests the NSA has repeatedly lost control of its own malware over the years. Checkpoint's research is thorough and "looks legit," said Costin Raiu, a researcher with Moscow-based antivirus firm Kaspersky Lab, which has helped dissect some of the NSA's malware. Balmas said a possible takeaway from his company's report was for spymasters weighing whether to keep software flaws secret to think twice about using a vulnerability for their own ends. "Maybe it's more important to patch this thing and save the world," Balmas said. "It might be used against you."

Israeli researchers reveal China copied spyware code from America's NSA

Neurotoxins in sea snail contain curious compounds that appear to have powerful medicinal potential and could lead to new treatments for severe Malaria, as per a new study.

For something that is so fatal to human beings, the toxin laced venom of the snail is a wonderful contradiction of the natural world. Conus nux, a particular species of the&nbsp;sea snail worm in the Pacific coast of Costa Rica&nbsp;specifically target the surface of conotoxins.

This study is the first one of its kind suggesting the use of conotoxins for developing pharmacological tools for anti-adhesion adjunct therapy against malaria.

Similarly, mitigation of emerging diseases like AIDS and COVID-19 can also benefit from conotoxins as inhibitors of protein-protein interactions as treatment.

Biomedical scientist Andrew Oleinikov Florida Atlantic University (FAU) explains,&nbsp;"Conotoxins have been vigorously studied for decades as molecular probes and drug leads targeting the central nervous systems.''

According to&nbsp;biochemist Frank Marí from the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Maryland,&nbsp;"Among the more than 850 species of cone snails there are hundreds of thousands of diverse venom exopeptides that have been selected throughout several million years of evolution to capture their prey and deter predators."

"This immense biomolecular library of conopeptides can be explored for potential use as therapeutic leads against persistent and emerging diseases affecting non-excitable systems."

These results provide a lead for further investigations into conotoxins and other venom peptides as potential candidates for anti-adhesion or blockade-therapies.

Neurotoxins in sea snail contain curious compounds that appear to have powerful medicinal potential and could lead to new treatments for severe Malaria, as per a new study.

Neurotoxins in sea snail contain curious compounds that appear to have powerful medicinal potential and could lead to new treatments for severe Malaria, as per a new study. For something that is so fatal to human beings, the toxin laced venom of the snail is a wonderful contradiction of the natural world. Conus nux, a particular species of the sea snail worm in the Pacific coast of Costa Rica specifically target the surface of conotoxins. This study is the first one of its kind suggesting the use of conotoxins for developing pharmacological tools for anti-adhesion adjunct therapy against malaria. Similarly, mitigation of emerging diseases like AIDS and COVID-19 can also benefit from conotoxins as inhibitors of protein-protein interactions as treatment. Biomedical scientist Andrew Oleinikov Florida Atlantic University (FAU) explains, "Conotoxins have been vigorously studied for decades as molecular probes and drug leads targeting the central nervous systems.'' According to biochemist Frank Marí from the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Maryland, "Among the more than 850 species of cone snails there are hundreds of thousands of diverse venom exopeptides that have been selected throughout several million years of evolution to capture their prey and deter predators." "This immense biomolecular library of conopeptides can be explored for potential use as therapeutic leads against persistent and emerging diseases affecting non-excitable systems." These results provide a lead for further investigations into conotoxins and other venom peptides as potential candidates for anti-adhesion or blockade-therapies.

Sea snail venom could lead to new treatments for severe Malaria

A famous beverage chain in China has issued an apology after it was criticised for using&nbsp;sexist slogans on its merchandise.

The outlet, called 'Sexy Tea: Modern China tea&nbsp;shop'&nbsp;had called women a ''bargain'' on its range of mugs, adding that customers could pick up women while waiting for their orders.

It had sued the following slogan for promotion:&nbsp;"When I went to buy bubble tea, there were lots of pretty girls there. If you meet one like this, you can tell your friend - I picked up a bargain".

A picture of the 'Changsha dialect mugs' mug went viral and was slammed by several as ''vulgar marketing'' and was accused of ''disrespecting women''. The dialect is predominantly spoken in the Hunan province.&nbsp;

"It's not the phrase itself that is insulting - its the sentence example given by the company," another added. "Didn't anyone in the marketing team see anything wrong with this?"

Many even pointed out that the tadpoles used by the outlet on its teabags resembled&nbsp;sperms.

The chain, which has 270 outlets in the district, issued an apology saying ''it was ashamed'' and its intention was not to ''insult women''.

"We will immediately recall the batch of Changsha dialect themed mugs and seriously reflect on this incident," it added.

A famous beverage chain in China has issued an apology after it was criticised for using sexist slogans on its merchandise. The outlet, called 'Sexy Tea: Modern China tea shop' had called women a ''bargain'' on its range of mugs, adding that customers could pick up women while waiting for their orders.

A famous beverage chain in China has issued an apology after it was criticised for using sexist slogans on its merchandise. The outlet, called 'Sexy Tea: Modern China tea shop' had called women a ''bargain'' on its range of mugs, adding that customers could pick up women while waiting for their orders. It had sued the following slogan for promotion: "When I went to buy bubble tea, there were lots of pretty girls there. If you meet one like this, you can tell your friend - I picked up a bargain". A picture of the 'Changsha dialect mugs' mug went viral and was slammed by several as ''vulgar marketing'' and was accused of ''disrespecting women''. The dialect is predominantly spoken in the Hunan province. "It's not the phrase itself that is insulting - its the sentence example given by the company," another added. "Didn't anyone in the marketing team see anything wrong with this?" Many even pointed out that the tadpoles used by the outlet on its teabags resembled sperms. The chain, which has 270 outlets in the district, issued an apology saying ''it was ashamed'' and its intention was not to ''insult women''. "We will immediately recall the batch of Changsha dialect themed mugs and seriously reflect on this incident," it added.

Chinese tea shop issues apology after calling women 'bargains'

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