The Kremlin said on Monday that a proposal by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a> for Russian President Vladimir Putin to join social networking app Clubhouse was interesting, but that it needed to see more details first.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was commenting after Musk tweeted to the Kremlin on Sunday: “Would you like join me for a conversation on Clubhouse?”

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было бы большой честью поговорить с вами
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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call: "In general, this is of course a very interesting proposal, but we need to understand what is meant, what is being proposed... first we need to check, then we will react."

Putin, a former KGB officer who once described the Internet as a CIA project, has for years styled himself as suspicious of modern technology.

A surprise chat between tech billionaire&nbsp;Elon&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;and Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev on new audio-based social network Clubhouse&nbsp;propelled the app to the top of the startup charts and sparked a scramble for invitations to the exclusive service.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-asks-russian-president-vladimir-putin-to-join-clubhouse-app-363585">Tesla CEO Elon Musk asks Russian President Vladimir Putin to join Clubhouse app</a>

The app, available only on Apple, thrives on the concept of FOMO,&nbsp;fear of missing out. If you're not online when a conversation happens, you miss it.

Users can walk their dog or cook dinner while listening to talks on financing a start-up or the current state of American education&nbsp;or even tune in while playing trivia games.

Unlike podcasts, everything is live and users can participate&nbsp;as long as they are invited to do so by chat moderators.

Star-studded user base

A&nbsp;Clubhouse&nbsp;chat can be mundane but it can also be transformed into a must-hear event if someone famous shows up. In addition to Zuckerberg's and Musk's recent appearances, comedian Kevin Hart popped up in a chat last spring.

For Musk's appearance with the boss of trading app Robinhood, the maximum capacity of 5,000 people was quickly reached, so secondary overflow "rooms" were opened.

The&nbsp;audio app is reviewing its data protection practices, after a report by the Stanford Internet Observatory said it contained security flaws that left users' data vulnerable to access by the Chinese government.

The Kremlin said on Monday that a proposal by Elon Musk for Russian President Vladimir Putin to join social networking app Clubhouse was interesting, but that it needed to see more details first.

The Kremlin said on Monday that a proposal by Elon Musk for Russian President Vladimir Putin to join social networking app Clubhouse was interesting, but that it needed to see more details first. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was commenting after Musk tweeted to the Kremlin on Sunday: “Would you like join me for a conversation on Clubhouse?” было бы большой честью поговорить с вами — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 13, 2021 × Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call: "In general, this is of course a very interesting proposal, but we need to understand what is meant, what is being proposed... first we need to check, then we will react." Putin, a former KGB officer who once described the Internet as a CIA project, has for years styled himself as suspicious of modern technology. A surprise chat between tech billionaire Elon Musk and Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev on new audio-based social network Clubhouse propelled the app to the top of the startup charts and sparked a scramble for invitations to the exclusive service. Also read: Tesla CEO Elon Musk asks Russian President Vladimir Putin to join Clubhouse app The app, available only on Apple, thrives on the concept of FOMO, fear of missing out. If you're not online when a conversation happens, you miss it. Users can walk their dog or cook dinner while listening to talks on financing a start-up or the current state of American education or even tune in while playing trivia games. Unlike podcasts, everything is live and users can participate as long as they are invited to do so by chat moderators. Star-studded user base A Clubhouse chat can be mundane but it can also be transformed into a must-hear event if someone famous shows up. In addition to Zuckerberg's and Musk's recent appearances, comedian Kevin Hart popped up in a chat last spring. For Musk's appearance with the boss of trading app Robinhood, the maximum capacity of 5,000 people was quickly reached, so secondary overflow "rooms" were opened. The audio app is reviewing its data protection practices, after a report by the Stanford Internet Observatory said it contained security flaws that left users' data vulnerable to access by the Chinese government.

Kremlin says Musk's idea for Putin to join Clubhouse app interesting, seeks details

A former government staff member’s account of being raped in Australia’s Parliament building sent shock waves through the country’s halls of power Monday, with the governing conservative party coming under intense criticism for the way it had handled the case.

Women’s rights advocates called it an extreme example of what has long been described as a culture of misogyny that has pushed several women out of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s coalition government.

The former staff member, Brittany Higgins, now 26, said she was attacked nearly two years ago after a night out drinking with colleagues. Higgins, who came forward in an interview published on the news site news.com.au Monday, had been weeks into a new job as a media adviser for the defence minister, Linda Reynolds.

She said she had been offered a ride home by a male colleague widely regarded as a rising star within the Liberal Party. Instead, he redirected the taxi driver to Parliament House, where, she said, he assaulted her after she had fallen asleep on a couch in the defence minister’s office.

She has not publicly identified the man.

She said she had quickly informed Reynolds, along with more than a dozen others, including Parliament House staff members.

In response to a phone call from The New York Times, Higgins’ partner relayed comments from her by email. Higgins said that although she had initially pursued charges with the police, she later dropped them because of internal pressure from the party. She said she had been made to choose between going to the police and keeping her job.

The case remains open but is not under active investigation, given that there has been no formal complaint from Higgins, according to a statement from the police in the Australian Capital Territory.

The government, which called the allegations “deeply distressing,” said in a statement that it “regrets in any way if Ms. Higgins felt unsupported through this process.” But it maintained that she had been encouraged by Reynolds to speak with the police “in order to assess the options available to her.” The defense minister did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Higgins later quit her job.

A former government staff member’s account of being raped in Australia’s Parliament building sent shock waves through the country’s halls of power Monday, with the governing conservative party coming under intense criticism for the way it had handled the case.

A former government staff member’s account of being raped in Australia’s Parliament building sent shock waves through the country’s halls of power Monday, with the governing conservative party coming under intense criticism for the way it had handled the case. Women’s rights advocates called it an extreme example of what has long been described as a culture of misogyny that has pushed several women out of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s coalition government. The former staff member, Brittany Higgins, now 26, said she was attacked nearly two years ago after a night out drinking with colleagues. Higgins, who came forward in an interview published on the news site news.com.au Monday, had been weeks into a new job as a media adviser for the defence minister, Linda Reynolds. She said she had been offered a ride home by a male colleague widely regarded as a rising star within the Liberal Party. Instead, he redirected the taxi driver to Parliament House, where, she said, he assaulted her after she had fallen asleep on a couch in the defence minister’s office. She has not publicly identified the man. She said she had quickly informed Reynolds, along with more than a dozen others, including Parliament House staff members. In response to a phone call from The New York Times, Higgins’ partner relayed comments from her by email. Higgins said that although she had initially pursued charges with the police, she later dropped them because of internal pressure from the party. She said she had been made to choose between going to the police and keeping her job. The case remains open but is not under active investigation, given that there has been no formal complaint from Higgins, according to a statement from the police in the Australian Capital Territory. The government, which called the allegations “deeply distressing,” said in a statement that it “regrets in any way if Ms. Higgins felt unsupported through this process.” But it maintained that she had been encouraged by Reynolds to speak with the police “in order to assess the options available to her.” The defense minister did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Higgins later quit her job.

Parliament House rape claim roils Australian government

Turkey's interior ministry on Monday said that the country's police has&nbsp;detained 718 people across 40 cities over alleged links to outlawed Kurdish militants&nbsp;it blames for executing 13 Turks in northern Iraq.

Forty-eight PKK militants were killed during the military operation, while three Turkish soldiers were killed and three wounded, Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said in a statement. Twelve of the kidnapped Turks had been shot in the head and one in the shoulder, he said.

Turkey&nbsp;launched the military operation against the PKK in northern Iraq's Gara region, some 35 km (22 miles) south of the Turkish border, on February&nbsp;10 to secure its frontier and find citizens who had been kidnapped previously, he said.

The governor of Malatya province in southeast&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;named six soldiers and two police officers, kidnapped in separate incidents in 2015 and 2016, as being among those killed in the cave. Three of the dead have yet to be identified in autopsies being carried out in Malatya.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-erdogan-accuses-us-of-backing-terrorists-in-iraq-363811">Turkish President Erdogan accuses US of backing 'terrorists' in Iraq</a>

Earlier,&nbsp;President Recep Tayyip Erdogan&nbsp;accused the United States of siding with "terrorists"&nbsp;who executed Turkish forces in Iraq.

The PKK has been waging an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 that is believed to have left tens of thousands dead.

The United States and Turkey's other Western allies recognise the PKK as a terror group. But Washington has supported another Kurdish militia in Syria that Turkey sees as an offshoot of the PKK.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-turkey-over-russian-s-400-missiles-350017">US imposes sanctions on Turkey over Russian S-400 missile</a>

"The statement made by the United States is a farce," Erdogan said in his first public comments on the incident.

"You said you did not support terrorists, when in fact you are on their side and behind them," Erdogan said in televised remarks.

The US State Department on Sunday it "deplores the death of Turkish citizens" but was waiting for further confirmation that Ankara's account of the 13 men's death was true.

The PKK said the 13 died when Turkish forces bombed the cave where the men were being kept.

"If reports of the death of Turkish civilians at the hands of the PKK, a designated terrorist organisation, are confirmed, we condemn this action in the strongest possible terms," the State Department said in a statement.

Erdogan said Turkey's NATO allies had to pick sides.

"After this, there are two options. Either act with Turkey with no ifs or buts, without questioning, or they will be a partner to every murder and bloodshed," he said.

"The terrorist organisation on our doorstep, on our borders, is killing innocents."

&nbsp;'Revenge'

The PKK, designated a terrorist group by&nbsp;Turkey, the United States and European Union, launched its armed insurgency in mainly Kurdish southeast&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;in 1984 and more than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict.

In the last two years&nbsp;Turkey's fight against the PKK has increasingly focused on northern Iraq, where the group has its stronghold in the Qandil mountains on the Iranian border.

The presidency's communications director Fahrettin Altun said on Twitter that as&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;mourns it dead it also reiterates its commitment to "chase down every last terrorist hiding in their caves and safe houses".

"Our revenge will be painful. Our justice will be swift," he said, slamming the West's "deafening silence" in the face of PKK attacks and pledging "steps against individuals and groups glorifying and encouraging terrorism at home and abroad".

In 2017,&nbsp;Turkey's foreign minister said Ankara was working to bring back citizens he said had been kidnapped by the PKK after Turkish media reported two Turkish intelligence officers had been captured by the PKK in Iraq.

Turkey's interior ministry on Monday said that the country's police has detained 718 people across 40 cities over alleged links to outlawed Kurdish militants it blames for executing 13 Turks in northern Iraq.

Turkey's interior ministry on Monday said that the country's police has detained 718 people across 40 cities over alleged links to outlawed Kurdish militants it blames for executing 13 Turks in northern Iraq. Forty-eight PKK militants were killed during the military operation, while three Turkish soldiers were killed and three wounded, Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said in a statement. Twelve of the kidnapped Turks had been shot in the head and one in the shoulder, he said. Turkey launched the military operation against the PKK in northern Iraq's Gara region, some 35 km (22 miles) south of the Turkish border, on February 10 to secure its frontier and find citizens who had been kidnapped previously, he said. The governor of Malatya province in southeast Turkey named six soldiers and two police officers, kidnapped in separate incidents in 2015 and 2016, as being among those killed in the cave. Three of the dead have yet to be identified in autopsies being carried out in Malatya. Also read: Turkish President Erdogan accuses US of backing 'terrorists' in Iraq Earlier, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the United States of siding with "terrorists" who executed Turkish forces in Iraq. The PKK has been waging an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 that is believed to have left tens of thousands dead. The United States and Turkey's other Western allies recognise the PKK as a terror group. But Washington has supported another Kurdish militia in Syria that Turkey sees as an offshoot of the PKK. Also read: US imposes sanctions on Turkey over Russian S-400 missile "The statement made by the United States is a farce," Erdogan said in his first public comments on the incident. "You said you did not support terrorists, when in fact you are on their side and behind them," Erdogan said in televised remarks. The US State Department on Sunday it "deplores the death of Turkish citizens" but was waiting for further confirmation that Ankara's account of the 13 men's death was true. The PKK said the 13 died when Turkish forces bombed the cave where the men were being kept. "If reports of the death of Turkish civilians at the hands of the PKK, a designated terrorist organisation, are confirmed, we condemn this action in the strongest possible terms," the State Department said in a statement. Erdogan said Turkey's NATO allies had to pick sides. "After this, there are two options. Either act with Turkey with no ifs or buts, without questioning, or they will be a partner to every murder and bloodshed," he said. "The terrorist organisation on our doorstep, on our borders, is killing innocents." 'Revenge' The PKK, designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and European Union, launched its armed insurgency in mainly Kurdish southeast Turkey in 1984 and more than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict. In the last two years Turkey's fight against the PKK has increasingly focused on northern Iraq, where the group has its stronghold in the Qandil mountains on the Iranian border. The presidency's communications director Fahrettin Altun said on Twitter that as Turkey mourns it dead it also reiterates its commitment to "chase down every last terrorist hiding in their caves and safe houses". "Our revenge will be painful. Our justice will be swift," he said, slamming the West's "deafening silence" in the face of PKK attacks and pledging "steps against individuals and groups glorifying and encouraging terrorism at home and abroad". In 2017, Turkey's foreign minister said Ankara was working to bring back citizens he said had been kidnapped by the PKK after Turkish media reported two Turkish intelligence officers had been captured by the PKK in Iraq.

Turkey detains 718 over alleged Kurdish militant links in Iraq execution

A new study published on Monday has shed light on the&nbsp;irreversible link between air pollution and vision loss.

Air pollution can cloud people's vision and in later life lead to macular degeneration, an age-related eye ailment that can lead to&nbsp;irreversible blindness.

Researchers believe that pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur&nbsp;dioxide are the biggest causes of health concerns.

The study reveals that&nbsp;people who were exposed to higher fine ambient particulate matter with an aerodynamic diametre of 2.5 micrometres&nbsp;had higher odds of self-reported age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The United Kingdom Biobank conducted this cross-sectional study on&nbsp;participants aged 40–69 years.

According to the authors of the study,&nbsp;"Our findings add to the growing evidence of the damaging effects of ambient air pollution, even in the setting of relatively low exposure of ambient air pollution."

Over 90 per cent of the global population lives in places where air quality levels exceed the limits set for pollutants that pose health risks, as per estimates published by the&nbsp;&nbsp;World Health Organization.

Previous research based on satellite data and ground observations had struggled to distinguish&nbsp;pollution&nbsp;caused by burning fossil fuels from other sources of harmful particulates, such as wildfires or dust.

The team from three British universities and Harvard University sought to overcome this problem by using a high-resolution model to give a clearer indication of which kinds of pollutants people were breathing in a particular area.

Research in 2017 had put the annual number of deaths from all outdoor&nbsp;airborne particulate matter — including dust and smoke from agricultural burns and wildfires — at 4.2 million.

A new study published on Monday has shed light on the irreversible link between air pollution and vision loss. Air pollution can cloud people's vision and in later life lead to macular degeneration, an age-related eye ailment that can lead to irreversible blindness.

A new study published on Monday has shed light on the irreversible link between air pollution and vision loss. Air pollution can cloud people's vision and in later life lead to macular degeneration, an age-related eye ailment that can lead to irreversible blindness. Researchers believe that pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide are the biggest causes of health concerns. The study reveals that people who were exposed to higher fine ambient particulate matter with an aerodynamic diametre of 2.5 micrometres had higher odds of self-reported age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The United Kingdom Biobank conducted this cross-sectional study on participants aged 40–69 years. According to the authors of the study, "Our findings add to the growing evidence of the damaging effects of ambient air pollution, even in the setting of relatively low exposure of ambient air pollution." Over 90 per cent of the global population lives in places where air quality levels exceed the limits set for pollutants that pose health risks, as per estimates published by the World Health Organization. Previous research based on satellite data and ground observations had struggled to distinguish pollution caused by burning fossil fuels from other sources of harmful particulates, such as wildfires or dust. The team from three British universities and Harvard University sought to overcome this problem by using a high-resolution model to give a clearer indication of which kinds of pollutants people were breathing in a particular area. Research in 2017 had put the annual number of deaths from all outdoor airborne particulate matter — including dust and smoke from agricultural burns and wildfires — at 4.2 million.

Study reveals irreversible link between air pollution and vision loss

The Polish agriculture ministry said on Saturday that a strain&nbsp;of the coronavirus discovered in mink on a farm in northern parts of the country can be transmitted to humans and vice versa.

COVID-19 was found in mink in Kartuzy county late last month, in what agriculture officials said was the first such case in Poland, raising fears of costly culls in an industry that counts over 350 farms in the country.

“Data obtained from the chief sanitary inspectorate and last year’s experiences in Denmark and the Netherlands clearly indicate that also in Poland, this virus can spread from mink to humans and vice versa,” the ministry said in a statement.

Denmark’s entire herd of some 17 million mink, one of the world’s biggest, was ordered to be culled in early November after hundreds of farms suffered outbreaks of coronavirus and authorities found mutated strains of the virus among people.

In August, the Netherlands decided to order the closure of more than 100 mink farms after several employees contracted COVID-19.

Following the discovery of COVID-19 at the farm in Kartuzy county, Polish authorities said all mink there would be culled.

The Polish agriculture ministry said on Saturday that a strain of the coronavirus discovered in mink on a farm in northern parts of the country can be transmitted to humans and vice versa.

The Polish agriculture ministry said on Saturday that a strain of the coronavirus discovered in mink on a farm in northern parts of the country can be transmitted to humans and vice versa. COVID-19 was found in mink in Kartuzy county late last month, in what agriculture officials said was the first such case in Poland, raising fears of costly culls in an industry that counts over 350 farms in the country. “Data obtained from the chief sanitary inspectorate and last year’s experiences in Denmark and the Netherlands clearly indicate that also in Poland, this virus can spread from mink to humans and vice versa,” the ministry said in a statement. Denmark’s entire herd of some 17 million mink, one of the world’s biggest, was ordered to be culled in early November after hundreds of farms suffered outbreaks of coronavirus and authorities found mutated strains of the virus among people. In August, the Netherlands decided to order the closure of more than 100 mink farms after several employees contracted COVID-19. Following the discovery of COVID-19 at the farm in Kartuzy county, Polish authorities said all mink there would be culled.

Polish government says coronavirus strain found in mink can pass to humans

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday accused the United States of siding with "terrorists" after Ankara said outlawed Kurdish militants had executed 13 Turks in Iraq.

"The statement made by the United States is a farce. You said you did not support terrorists, when in fact you are on their side and behind them," Erdogan said in his first public comments on the incident.

Militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) have executed 13 kidnapped Turks, including military and police personnel, in a cave in northern Iraq, Turkish officials said on Sunday, amid a military operation against the group.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-turkey-over-russian-s-400-missiles-350017">US imposes sanctions on Turkey over Russian S-400 missiles</a>

Forty-eight PKK militants were killed during the military operation, while three Turkish soldiers were killed and three wounded, Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said in a statement. Twelve of the kidnapped Turks had been shot in the head and one in the shoulder, he said.

Turkey&nbsp;launched the military operation against the PKK in northern Iraq's Gara region, some 35 km (22 miles) south of the Turkish border, on Feb. 10 to secure its frontier and find citizens who had been kidnapped previously, he said.

The governor of Malatya province in southeast&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;named six soldiers and two police officers, kidnapped in separate incidents in 2015 and 2016, as being among those killed in the cave. Three of the dead have yet to be identified in autopsies being carried out in Malatya.

"According to initial information given by two terrorists captured alive, our citizens were martyred at the start of the operation by the terrorist responsible for the cave," Akar said at the operation's control centre near the Iraq border.

A statement on a PKK website said some prisoners it was holding, including Turkish intelligence, police and military personnel, had died during clashes in the area. The group denied it had ever hurt prisoners.

'Revenge'

The PKK designated a terrorist group by&nbsp;Turkey, the United States and European Union, launched its armed insurgency in mainly Kurdish southeast&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;in 1984 and more than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict.

However,&nbsp;Washington has supported another Kurdish militia in Syria that Turkey sees as an offshoot of the PKK.

In the last two years, Turkey's fight against the PKK has increasingly focused on northern Iraq, where the group has its stronghold in the Qandil mountains on the Iranian border.

The presidency's communications director Fahrettin Altun said on Twitter that as&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;mourns it dead it also reiterates its commitment to "chase down every last terrorist hiding in their caves and safe houses".

"Our revenge will be painful. Our justice will be swift," he said, slamming the West's "deafening silence" in the face of PKK attacks and pledging "steps against individuals and groups glorifying and encouraging terrorism at home and abroad".

In 2017,&nbsp;Turkey's foreign minister said Ankara was working to bring back citizens he said had been kidnapped by the PKK after Turkish media reported two Turkish intelligence officers had been captured by the PKK in Iraq.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday accused the United States of siding with "terrorists" after Ankara said outlawed Kurdish militants had executed 13 Turks in Iraq.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday accused the United States of siding with "terrorists" after Ankara said outlawed Kurdish militants had executed 13 Turks in Iraq. "The statement made by the United States is a farce. You said you did not support terrorists, when in fact you are on their side and behind them," Erdogan said in his first public comments on the incident. Militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) have executed 13 kidnapped Turks, including military and police personnel, in a cave in northern Iraq, Turkish officials said on Sunday, amid a military operation against the group. Also read: US imposes sanctions on Turkey over Russian S-400 missiles Forty-eight PKK militants were killed during the military operation, while three Turkish soldiers were killed and three wounded, Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said in a statement. Twelve of the kidnapped Turks had been shot in the head and one in the shoulder, he said. Turkey launched the military operation against the PKK in northern Iraq's Gara region, some 35 km (22 miles) south of the Turkish border, on Feb. 10 to secure its frontier and find citizens who had been kidnapped previously, he said. The governor of Malatya province in southeast Turkey named six soldiers and two police officers, kidnapped in separate incidents in 2015 and 2016, as being among those killed in the cave. Three of the dead have yet to be identified in autopsies being carried out in Malatya. "According to initial information given by two terrorists captured alive, our citizens were martyred at the start of the operation by the terrorist responsible for the cave," Akar said at the operation's control centre near the Iraq border. A statement on a PKK website said some prisoners it was holding, including Turkish intelligence, police and military personnel, had died during clashes in the area. The group denied it had ever hurt prisoners. 'Revenge' The PKK designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and European Union, launched its armed insurgency in mainly Kurdish southeast Turkey in 1984 and more than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict. However, Washington has supported another Kurdish militia in Syria that Turkey sees as an offshoot of the PKK. In the last two years, Turkey's fight against the PKK has increasingly focused on northern Iraq, where the group has its stronghold in the Qandil mountains on the Iranian border. The presidency's communications director Fahrettin Altun said on Twitter that as Turkey mourns it dead it also reiterates its commitment to "chase down every last terrorist hiding in their caves and safe houses". "Our revenge will be painful. Our justice will be swift," he said, slamming the West's "deafening silence" in the face of PKK attacks and pledging "steps against individuals and groups glorifying and encouraging terrorism at home and abroad". In 2017, Turkey's foreign minister said Ankara was working to bring back citizens he said had been kidnapped by the PKK after Turkish media reported two Turkish intelligence officers had been captured by the PKK in Iraq.

Turkish President Erdogan accuses US of backing 'terrorists' in Iraq

Silicon Valley billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX satellite internet venture Starlink has started accepting pre-orders for its beta programme.

Users are required to pay $99 as advance amount to book the Starlink satellite internet services which will be shipped ''on a first-come, first-served basis''.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on&nbsp;February 4&nbsp;carrying the 19th batch of 60 broadband satellites for SpaceX's&nbsp;Starlink&nbsp;Network, a planned constellation capable of beaming signals for high-speed internet service from space to paying customers around the globe.

Within eight minutes of liftoff, Falcon 9's main-stage reusable booster rocket flew back to Earth for a successful landing on a barge floating in the Atlantic, completing its fifth trip to space and back.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musks-spacex-starlink-internet-surprises-users-with-174-mbps-download-speed-340020">Elon Musk's SpaceX Starlink internet surprises users with 174 Mbps download speed</a>

SpaceX launched a beta version of its&nbsp;Starlink satellite internet on October 26, and people have been surprised with the current download speed as beta users observed download speed between 160-174 megabits per second.

Beta users were asked to pay a fee of&nbsp;$600 upfront to get the internet which Musk announced as "Better Than Nothing Beta". However, Musk had tried to downplay his hand and said the internet would provide&nbsp;download speeds between 50 to 150 Mbps.

Starlink will be using nearly 900 satellites to beam the internet down to earth. After the users started sharing screenshots of the download speed, SpaceX said they deliberately wanted to "lower your initial expectations" to make sure no disappointment came their way when the users started beta testing.

Many users are now hailing the new internet system, while some have complained about the cost involved in the same. The beta version is available $99 a month but there are additional costs involved which totals to&nbsp;$499 for a kit with a tripod, a WiFi router, and a terminal to connect to Starlink satellites. While some are unhappy with the massive cost, some are saying they will be happy to pay even more if the speed remains either the same or increases, especially now as majority people are working from home.

SpaceX said on Thursday it had 10,000 users on its nascent satellite-based broadband service, dubbed&nbsp;Starlink, which Musk says will provide crucial funding to develop his Starship rocket for missions to the moon and, eventually, Mars.

Silicon Valley billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX satellite internet venture Starlink has started accepting pre-orders for its beta programme. Users are required to pay $99 as advance amount to book the Starlink satellite internet services which will be shipped ''on a first-come, first-served basis''.

Silicon Valley billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX satellite internet venture Starlink has started accepting pre-orders for its beta programme. Users are required to pay $99 as advance amount to book the Starlink satellite internet services which will be shipped ''on a first-come, first-served basis''. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on February 4 carrying the 19th batch of 60 broadband satellites for SpaceX's Starlink Network, a planned constellation capable of beaming signals for high-speed internet service from space to paying customers around the globe. Within eight minutes of liftoff, Falcon 9's main-stage reusable booster rocket flew back to Earth for a successful landing on a barge floating in the Atlantic, completing its fifth trip to space and back. Also read: Elon Musk's SpaceX Starlink internet surprises users with 174 Mbps download speed SpaceX launched a beta version of its Starlink satellite internet on October 26, and people have been surprised with the current download speed as beta users observed download speed between 160-174 megabits per second. Beta users were asked to pay a fee of $600 upfront to get the internet which Musk announced as "Better Than Nothing Beta". However, Musk had tried to downplay his hand and said the internet would provide download speeds between 50 to 150 Mbps. Starlink will be using nearly 900 satellites to beam the internet down to earth. After the users started sharing screenshots of the download speed, SpaceX said they deliberately wanted to "lower your initial expectations" to make sure no disappointment came their way when the users started beta testing. Many users are now hailing the new internet system, while some have complained about the cost involved in the same. The beta version is available $99 a month but there are additional costs involved which totals to $499 for a kit with a tripod, a WiFi router, and a terminal to connect to Starlink satellites. While some are unhappy with the massive cost, some are saying they will be happy to pay even more if the speed remains either the same or increases, especially now as majority people are working from home. SpaceX said on Thursday it had 10,000 users on its nascent satellite-based broadband service, dubbed Starlink, which Musk says will provide crucial funding to develop his Starship rocket for missions to the moon and, eventually, Mars.

Elon Musk's SpaceX starts accepting deposits for Starlink satellite internet service

Chinese couples are rushing to get divorced after a new law that requires a mandatory 30 days cooling-off period kicks in.

The Chinese provision requires couples filing for separation to wait for a month before their request can be processed,&nbsp;in a bid to reduce divorce rates.

The passage of this law met with outrage over state interference in private relationships.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/divorce-appointments-in-china-shoot-up-as-self-quarantining-becomes-a-way-of-life-to-battle-covid-19-286839">Divorce appointments in China shoot up as self-quarantining becomes a way of life to battle COVID-19</a>

After it was passed, the law became one of the top trending topics on China's Twitter-like platform Weibo,&nbsp;with over 25 million views of posts using the hashtag "oppose the divorce cool-off period".

The cooling-off period will not apply if one spouse is seeking divorce following domestic violence.

Ever since the marriage registration offices reopened on March 1 in most parts of China, the number of divorce cases have gone up.&nbsp;

Offices in Xi'an of Shaanxi Province in north-western China have also witnessed a sharp rise in divorce appointments.

"We cannot even divorce freely?" wrote one user. "There must still be a lot of people who marry impulsively, they should set a cooling-off period for getting married as well!"

"They passed the divorce cooling-off period despite everyone's opposition online, which means their respect for public opinion is just for show," added another commentator.

China's divorce rate has increased steadily since 2003 when marriage laws were liberalised and as more women become financially independent.

Last year some 4.15 million Chinese couples untied the knot -- up from 1.3 million in 2003 when couples were first allowed to divorce by mutual consent without going to court.

Before then, divorce had to be obtained by one spouse suing another in court.

The new civil code will come into effect on January 1, 2021.

Other new laws include expanding the definition of sexual harassment, new protections against land grabs, and measures to allow people to donate the organs of dead relatives.

Chinese couples are rushing to get divorced after a new law that requires a mandatory 30 days cooling-off period kicks in. The Chinese provision requires couples filing for separation to wait for a month before their request can be processed, in a bid to reduce divorce rates.

Chinese couples are rushing to get divorced after a new law that requires a mandatory 30 days cooling-off period kicks in. The Chinese provision requires couples filing for separation to wait for a month before their request can be processed, in a bid to reduce divorce rates. The passage of this law met with outrage over state interference in private relationships. Also read: Divorce appointments in China shoot up as self-quarantining becomes a way of life to battle COVID-19 After it was passed, the law became one of the top trending topics on China's Twitter-like platform Weibo, with over 25 million views of posts using the hashtag "oppose the divorce cool-off period". The cooling-off period will not apply if one spouse is seeking divorce following domestic violence. Ever since the marriage registration offices reopened on March 1 in most parts of China, the number of divorce cases have gone up. Offices in Xi'an of Shaanxi Province in north-western China have also witnessed a sharp rise in divorce appointments. "We cannot even divorce freely?" wrote one user. "There must still be a lot of people who marry impulsively, they should set a cooling-off period for getting married as well!" "They passed the divorce cooling-off period despite everyone's opposition online, which means their respect for public opinion is just for show," added another commentator. China's divorce rate has increased steadily since 2003 when marriage laws were liberalised and as more women become financially independent. Last year some 4.15 million Chinese couples untied the knot -- up from 1.3 million in 2003 when couples were first allowed to divorce by mutual consent without going to court. Before then, divorce had to be obtained by one spouse suing another in court. The new civil code will come into effect on January 1, 2021. Other new laws include expanding the definition of sexual harassment, new protections against land grabs, and measures to allow people to donate the organs of dead relatives.

China: Couples rush for getting divorce after new law requiring 'cooling-off' period kicks in

The Serum Institute of India will ship the Oxford University/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to Canada in less than one month, Serum's chief executive said on Monday.

"As we await regulatory approvals from Canada, I assure you, @SerumInstIndia will fly out #COVISHIELD to Canada in less than a month; I'm on it!" CEO Adar Poonawalla said on Twitter, referring to a brand name for AstraZeneca's vaccine.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Dear Hon’ble PM <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JustinTrudeau</a>, I thank you for your warm words towards India and it’s vaccine industry. As we await regulatory approvals from Canada, I assure you, <a href="https://twitter.com/SerumInstIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SerumInstIndia</a> will fly out <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVISHIELD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVISHIELD</a> to Canada in less than a month; I’m on it!
— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) <a href="https://twitter.com/adarpoonawalla/status/1361214744510615553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India boasts of several vaccine manufacturing facilities and is fast emerging as a key supplier to the world.

Canada, which has recorded more than 825,000 coronavirus cases and 21,000 deaths so far, does not yet have a vaccine manufacturing facility of its own and is reliant on foreign suppliers.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week assured Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau that India would do its best to supply Canada with the vaccines, potentially easing shortages faced in the country.

Canada has so far ordered vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna.

The Serum Institute of India will ship the Oxford University/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to Canada in less than one month, Serum's chief executive said on Monday.

The Serum Institute of India will ship the Oxford University/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to Canada in less than one month, Serum's chief executive said on Monday. "As we await regulatory approvals from Canada, I assure you, @SerumInstIndia will fly out #COVISHIELD to Canada in less than a month; I'm on it!" CEO Adar Poonawalla said on Twitter, referring to a brand name for AstraZeneca's vaccine. Dear Hon’ble PM @JustinTrudeau, I thank you for your warm words towards India and it’s vaccine industry. As we await regulatory approvals from Canada, I assure you, @SerumInstIndia will fly out #COVISHIELD to Canada in less than a month; I’m on it! — Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) February 15, 2021 × India boasts of several vaccine manufacturing facilities and is fast emerging as a key supplier to the world. Canada, which has recorded more than 825,000 coronavirus cases and 21,000 deaths so far, does not yet have a vaccine manufacturing facility of its own and is reliant on foreign suppliers. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week assured Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau that India would do its best to supply Canada with the vaccines, potentially easing shortages faced in the country. Canada has so far ordered vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna.

India's Serum says will ship AstraZeneca vaccine to Canada in 'less than a month'

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) that lost 40 troopers in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack said on Sunday that the country "did not forgive" and "will not forget" the supreme sacrifice made by the personnel.

A wreath-laying ceremony was held at CRPF camp in Lethpora in Jammu and Kashmir to mark the second anniversary of the deadly attack.

Senior officers of the paramilitary based at its headquarters in Delhi participated in the event in the virtual mode, CRPF spokesperson deputy inspector general (DIG) Moses Dhinakaran said.

"Did not Forgive, will not Forget: Salute to our brothers who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation in #PulwamaAttack.

"Indebted, we stand with the families of our valiant Bravehearts," the force said in a Twitter post.

Soon after the Pulwama attack, the Indian Air Force had carried out an airstrike in Pakistan's Balakot on February 26, 2019, targeting terrorist camps. 
CRPF Director General A P Maheshwari also unveiled a video book dedicated to the 40 personnel killed in the line of duty.

"We have inherited bravery which flows like blood in our veins," he was quoted as saying by the spokesperson.

"The video book has a content of 80 episodes and 300 minutes. A copy of the book will also be sent to the families of each of the personnel killed in the Pulwama suicide bombing attack," Dhinakaran said.

A CRPF bus in the fifth position of a 78-vehicle convoy was targeted by a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber who detonated his explosives-laden SUV near it on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in Pulwama on February 14, 2019.

The convoy was ferrying over 2,500 personnel and all 39 in the ill-fated bus and a sub-officer stationed on the ground, as part of a road sanitisation party, were killed in the blast.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) that lost 40 troopers in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack said on Sunday that the country "did not forgive" and "will not forget" the supreme sacrifice made by the personnel.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) that lost 40 troopers in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack said on Sunday that the country "did not forgive" and "will not forget" the supreme sacrifice made by the personnel. A wreath-laying ceremony was held at CRPF camp in Lethpora in Jammu and Kashmir to mark the second anniversary of the deadly attack. Senior officers of the paramilitary based at its headquarters in Delhi participated in the event in the virtual mode, CRPF spokesperson deputy inspector general (DIG) Moses Dhinakaran said. "Did not Forgive, will not Forget: Salute to our brothers who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation in #PulwamaAttack. "Indebted, we stand with the families of our valiant Bravehearts," the force said in a Twitter post. Soon after the Pulwama attack, the Indian Air Force had carried out an airstrike in Pakistan's Balakot on February 26, 2019, targeting terrorist camps. CRPF Director General A P Maheshwari also unveiled a video book dedicated to the 40 personnel killed in the line of duty. "We have inherited bravery which flows like blood in our veins," he was quoted as saying by the spokesperson. "The video book has a content of 80 episodes and 300 minutes. A copy of the book will also be sent to the families of each of the personnel killed in the Pulwama suicide bombing attack," Dhinakaran said. A CRPF bus in the fifth position of a 78-vehicle convoy was targeted by a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber who detonated his explosives-laden SUV near it on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in Pulwama on February 14, 2019. The convoy was ferrying over 2,500 personnel and all 39 in the ill-fated bus and a sub-officer stationed on the ground, as part of a road sanitisation party, were killed in the blast.

Did not forgive, will not forget: CRPF on Pulwama terror attack anniversary

The posters that appeared on campus were chilling. They warned that the University of the Philippines had become a breeding ground for communist sympathizers and that students and professors needed to be on high alert for anti-government insurgents. Some students were even named as possible offenders.

No one knew where the posters had come from, but they were found on many of the university’s campuses across the country over the past few weeks, according to students and university activists. Late last month, the government decided to get involved.

To weed out possible communists at the elite institution, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced a decision to end a 32-year agreement that barred security forces from entering the campus and arresting individuals without first coordinating with university officials. Professors and students can now be held on mere suspicion.

About 200 students gathered at the university in Manila’s northern suburb of Quezon City to protest the announcement. By allowing security forces back on campus, they said, the government had targeted one of the few places in the Philippines where criticism of President Rodrigo Duterte was still tolerated. For them, the purpose of the new rule was clear: another crackdown on political freedom in a country where dissidents are often tagged and dispatched at a moment’s notice.

“This is the people’s fight,” said Angelo Marfil, one of the students camped out in front of the building, Quezon Hall, for the protest. “An attack on academic institutions is an attack on all of us because they are trying to scare us,” he said.

Marfil, a 19-year-old political science major, sat cross-legged on the floor with a cup of coffee in his hands as he pointed to a new art installation being built by students at the university. The installation — made of bamboo, old furniture and desks — was designed to look like a barricade and to commemorate a 1971 student uprising at the school.

“That is symbolic of our protest,” he said. “The government of President Duterte has openly declared war against us.”

Like other students at the protest, a smattering of whom sported colourful hair and indigenous clothing, Marfil has joined many anti-government demonstrations in what he called the “parliament of the streets,” rallying against government corruption and in support of the International Criminal Court’s investigation into Duterte for the mass murder of people suspected of being drug dealers and addicts, which the court has called “crimes against humanity.”

The youngest of four brothers, he said his siblings had counselled him to tone down his rhetoric but that he had decided to ignore their advice.

Cristina Chi, another student at the sit-in protest, agreed that it was no time to remain silent and described the decision to overturn the accord as an act of intimidation. Chi, a 21-year-old communication major with plans to become a journalist, said she remembered listening to radio broadcasts of rallies and protests as a child and wishing she could join in. After studying at the university for two years, she has become even more passionate about the need for change.

The word “revolution” has become a part of her daily discourse, she said, but that did not mean she should be branded as a violent insurgent.

“If any of the military hears of this and accuses me, my professor or my classmates of harbouring communist ideas, the absence of an accord will allow them to drag me out of class and arrest me on trumped-up charges,” Chi said, adding that activists in progressive groups had already been targeted and that she feared such roundups would become the norm on campus.

(BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM.)

“It’s also insulting that they think we need protection from being brainwashed by communists as if someone can just decide to join the armed struggle overnight,” she said. “I think it’s dangerous and just factually incorrect to say that the university needs to force revolutionary ideas down students’ throats. If anything, it’s being exposed to the poor conditions of state education that open our eyes to become more radical, more critical.”

(END OPTIONAL TRIM.)

The University of the Philippines has long been an oasis of free speech, producing some of the country’s top minds. Its sprawling, verdant grounds, lined with huge acacia trees, have been the setting for important moments in modern Filipino history, including the student protests in 1986 that helped topple dictator Ferdinand Marcos, a graduate of the school.

In 1989, three years after the popular revolt that ended Marcos’ brutal regime, the government agreed to keep security forces off the campus. The decision was made after a university employee, Donato Continente, was arrested at the school on suspicion of murdering Col. James N. Rowe of the U.S. Army, who was a military adviser to the Philippine armed forces. Continente was eventually convicted, but he maintained his innocence and claimed he had been tortured into making a confession. He was freed in 2005 after 14 years in prison.

At least 18 other universities, including four private institutions considered to be among the best schools in Manila, have been labelled by the military in recent weeks as “recruitment havens” for communists. The Philippines is one of the few places in the world that has an active communist insurgency.

The military also recently published a list of 27 former students at the University of the Philippines, claiming they had become members of the New People’s Army, an insurgent group that aims to topple the government through armed conflict. The list, which included the names of prominent journalists and a former government official, was published on a government social media account before being taken down, forcing Lorenzana, the defence secretary, to issue an apology and fire an intelligence official.

Fidel Nemenzo, chancellor at the university’s main campus in Quezon City, did not want to speculate about why the government had suddenly cancelled the agreement keeping security forces off campus after it had served both the authorities and the university so well for three decades. But he did note that the move came a year after Duterte signed an anti-terrorism law that activists have said was designed to stifle political dissent.

That law, which gave the military the power to detain suspects without a warrant for nearly a month, was signed by Duterte amid large street protests organized by groups affiliated with the university.

“Part of this campaign is the ‘red-tagging’ of institutions and individuals critical of the government,” Nemenzo said. “Academic freedom — the freedom to think and speak out — requires the absence of fear,” he added. “How can one speak out freely if the military can enter the university unannounced?”

As Nemenzo sat in his office, the Duterte Youth, a right-wing group represented in Congress, attempted to hold its own rally on campus, a day before the planned sit-in. Nemenzo encouraged them to disperse. There had been reports of uniformed men in military vehicles on campus, he said.

After the group’s members held a short program expressing their support for Duterte and Lorenzana, they quietly left.

The posters that appeared on campus were chilling. They warned that the University of the Philippines had become a breeding ground for communist sympathizers and that students and professors needed to be on high alert for anti-government insurgents.

The posters that appeared on campus were chilling. They warned that the University of the Philippines had become a breeding ground for communist sympathizers and that students and professors needed to be on high alert for anti-government insurgents. Some students were even named as possible offenders. No one knew where the posters had come from, but they were found on many of the university’s campuses across the country over the past few weeks, according to students and university activists. Late last month, the government decided to get involved. To weed out possible communists at the elite institution, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced a decision to end a 32-year agreement that barred security forces from entering the campus and arresting individuals without first coordinating with university officials. Professors and students can now be held on mere suspicion. About 200 students gathered at the university in Manila’s northern suburb of Quezon City to protest the announcement. By allowing security forces back on campus, they said, the government had targeted one of the few places in the Philippines where criticism of President Rodrigo Duterte was still tolerated. For them, the purpose of the new rule was clear: another crackdown on political freedom in a country where dissidents are often tagged and dispatched at a moment’s notice. “This is the people’s fight,” said Angelo Marfil, one of the students camped out in front of the building, Quezon Hall, for the protest. “An attack on academic institutions is an attack on all of us because they are trying to scare us,” he said. Marfil, a 19-year-old political science major, sat cross-legged on the floor with a cup of coffee in his hands as he pointed to a new art installation being built by students at the university. The installation — made of bamboo, old furniture and desks — was designed to look like a barricade and to commemorate a 1971 student uprising at the school. “That is symbolic of our protest,” he said. “The government of President Duterte has openly declared war against us.” Like other students at the protest, a smattering of whom sported colourful hair and indigenous clothing, Marfil has joined many anti-government demonstrations in what he called the “parliament of the streets,” rallying against government corruption and in support of the International Criminal Court’s investigation into Duterte for the mass murder of people suspected of being drug dealers and addicts, which the court has called “crimes against humanity.” The youngest of four brothers, he said his siblings had counselled him to tone down his rhetoric but that he had decided to ignore their advice. Cristina Chi, another student at the sit-in protest, agreed that it was no time to remain silent and described the decision to overturn the accord as an act of intimidation. Chi, a 21-year-old communication major with plans to become a journalist, said she remembered listening to radio broadcasts of rallies and protests as a child and wishing she could join in. After studying at the university for two years, she has become even more passionate about the need for change. The word “revolution” has become a part of her daily discourse, she said, but that did not mean she should be branded as a violent insurgent. “If any of the military hears of this and accuses me, my professor or my classmates of harbouring communist ideas, the absence of an accord will allow them to drag me out of class and arrest me on trumped-up charges,” Chi said, adding that activists in progressive groups had already been targeted and that she feared such roundups would become the norm on campus. (BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM.) “It’s also insulting that they think we need protection from being brainwashed by communists as if someone can just decide to join the armed struggle overnight,” she said. “I think it’s dangerous and just factually incorrect to say that the university needs to force revolutionary ideas down students’ throats. If anything, it’s being exposed to the poor conditions of state education that open our eyes to become more radical, more critical.” (END OPTIONAL TRIM.) The University of the Philippines has long been an oasis of free speech, producing some of the country’s top minds. Its sprawling, verdant grounds, lined with huge acacia trees, have been the setting for important moments in modern Filipino history, including the student protests in 1986 that helped topple dictator Ferdinand Marcos, a graduate of the school. In 1989, three years after the popular revolt that ended Marcos’ brutal regime, the government agreed to keep security forces off the campus. The decision was made after a university employee, Donato Continente, was arrested at the school on suspicion of murdering Col. James N. Rowe of the U.S. Army, who was a military adviser to the Philippine armed forces. Continente was eventually convicted, but he maintained his innocence and claimed he had been tortured into making a confession. He was freed in 2005 after 14 years in prison. At least 18 other universities, including four private institutions considered to be among the best schools in Manila, have been labelled by the military in recent weeks as “recruitment havens” for communists. The Philippines is one of the few places in the world that has an active communist insurgency. The military also recently published a list of 27 former students at the University of the Philippines, claiming they had become members of the New People’s Army, an insurgent group that aims to topple the government through armed conflict. The list, which included the names of prominent journalists and a former government official, was published on a government social media account before being taken down, forcing Lorenzana, the defence secretary, to issue an apology and fire an intelligence official. Fidel Nemenzo, chancellor at the university’s main campus in Quezon City, did not want to speculate about why the government had suddenly cancelled the agreement keeping security forces off campus after it had served both the authorities and the university so well for three decades. But he did note that the move came a year after Duterte signed an anti-terrorism law that activists have said was designed to stifle political dissent. That law, which gave the military the power to detain suspects without a warrant for nearly a month, was signed by Duterte amid large street protests organized by groups affiliated with the university. “Part of this campaign is the ‘red-tagging’ of institutions and individuals critical of the government,” Nemenzo said. “Academic freedom — the freedom to think and speak out — requires the absence of fear,” he added. “How can one speak out freely if the military can enter the university unannounced?” As Nemenzo sat in his office, the Duterte Youth, a right-wing group represented in Congress, attempted to hold its own rally on campus, a day before the planned sit-in. Nemenzo encouraged them to disperse. There had been reports of uniformed men in military vehicles on campus, he said. After the group’s members held a short program expressing their support for Duterte and Lorenzana, they quietly left.

Duterte’s forces have a new target: University students

Peru swore in a new health minister Saturday after accusations became public this past week that the official previously in the role had used her position to get a former president a COVID-19 vaccine before it was publicly available.

The official, Pilar Mazzetti, who had been in that role since July and led the country’s health office during the previous president’s administration, resigned Friday. Her replacement, Óscar Ugarte, took office Saturday.

The news of the inoculation of the former president, Martin Vizcarra, was reported by a Peruvian newspaper, which said that he had jumped the line for the vaccine just weeks before he was impeached. Vizcarra claimed that he had received the shot because he was a volunteer in a trial for the Sinopharm vaccine.

Peru began its inoculation campaign Tuesday.

Before resigning, Mazzetti responded to criticism from lawmakers about the situation involving her former boss and said she did not know that he was being considered for the vaccine.

“At no point was I aware of or consulted on the possibility of the vaccination of Mr. Martin Vizcarra,” Mazzetti told lawmakers Thursday.

The director of the Sinopharm trial in Peru did not respond to requests for comment.

In recent months, Mazzetti, the country’s fourth health minister since the start of the pandemic, had come under increasing criticism for her handling of the health crisis. The country, with a population of about 32 million, has recorded about 1.2 million virus cases and more than 43,000 deaths. By contrast, Malaysia, with roughly the same population, has recorded 261,805 cases and 958 deaths.

Peru swore in a new health minister Saturday after accusations became public this past week that the official previously in the role had used her position to get a former president a COVID-19 vaccine before it was publicly available.

Peru swore in a new health minister Saturday after accusations became public this past week that the official previously in the role had used her position to get a former president a COVID-19 vaccine before it was publicly available. The official, Pilar Mazzetti, who had been in that role since July and led the country’s health office during the previous president’s administration, resigned Friday. Her replacement, Óscar Ugarte, took office Saturday. The news of the inoculation of the former president, Martin Vizcarra, was reported by a Peruvian newspaper, which said that he had jumped the line for the vaccine just weeks before he was impeached. Vizcarra claimed that he had received the shot because he was a volunteer in a trial for the Sinopharm vaccine. Peru began its inoculation campaign Tuesday. Before resigning, Mazzetti responded to criticism from lawmakers about the situation involving her former boss and said she did not know that he was being considered for the vaccine. “At no point was I aware of or consulted on the possibility of the vaccination of Mr. Martin Vizcarra,” Mazzetti told lawmakers Thursday. The director of the Sinopharm trial in Peru did not respond to requests for comment. In recent months, Mazzetti, the country’s fourth health minister since the start of the pandemic, had come under increasing criticism for her handling of the health crisis. The country, with a population of about 32 million, has recorded about 1.2 million virus cases and more than 43,000 deaths. By contrast, Malaysia, with roughly the same population, has recorded 261,805 cases and 958 deaths.

Peru has new health minister after vaccine scandal

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